HB644 Alabama 2015 Session

Updated Feb 24, 2026

Summary

Primary Sponsor: Kerry Rich
Republican
Session: Regular Session 2015
Title: Motor vehicles, truck weights, dump trucks not required to meet axle spacing requirements under certain conditions, Sec. 32-9-20 am'd.
Summary: HB644 would modify Alabama's truck weight rules to allow asphalt plant mix trucks (and other specified trucks) to avoid strict axle-spacing requirements under certain conditions, while keeping overall weight limits and adding an idle-reduction weight credit.
What This Bill Does
The bill amends Section 32-9-20 to let asphalt plant mix trucks and certain other trucks (like dump trucks and concrete mixing trucks) bypass axle-spacing requirements under specific conditions. For asphalt and concrete trucks within 50 miles of their home base, the maximum load can be 66,000 pounds on three axles or 82,500 pounds on four axles, with all axles brake-equipped and subject to standard per-axle weight limits; travel on bridges posted as incapable would still be prohibited. It adds a 400-pound idle-reduction/auxiliary power unit (APU) weight credit, requiring proof of APU weight and that the idle-reduction technology is functional, and making the weight credit available to law enforcement verification. Local governments can set lower limits, and the State Transportation Department may post road restrictions as needed. Two- and three-axle agricultural vehicles used for farming are exempt from the axle-spacing and gross weight requirements.

Who It Affects
Operators and owners of asphalt plant mix trucks, concrete mixing trucks, dump trucks, and other special-work vehicles who operate in Alabama (especially within 50 miles of their home base); they would be allowed to bypass axle-spacing rules under certain conditions but must meet specific weight and braking requirements.
Two- and three-axle agricultural vehicles used for farming and related transport; they would be exempt from the axle-spacing and gross weight requirements.

Key Provisions
Exemption from axle-spacing requirements for asphalt plant mix trucks and certain other designated trucks when specific conditions are met.
Within 50 miles of the home base, asphalt plant mix and concrete mixing trucks may operate with a maximum of 66,000 pounds on three axles or 82,500 pounds on four axles, with all axles brake-equipped and subject to per-axle and total weight limits; travel on bridges posted as incapable is prohibited.
Dump trucks, concrete mixing trucks, fuel trucks, and similar vehicles designated for special work may not be forced to conform to axle-spacing rules, but must adhere to a 20,000-pound per-axle limit plus tolerances and the maximum gross weight allowed by the tabulated limits.
Two- and three-axle agricultural vehicles are exempt from the axle spacing and gross weight requirements for non-agricultural use.
An idle reduction/auxiliary power unit (APU) credit adds up to 400 pounds to the gross, axle, tandem, or bridge weight limits for vehicles with a functioning APU, requiring proof of APU weight and certification that the system is functional at all times.
Local governments can authorize lower weight limits for county roads, and the State Transportation Department may post or limit roads or bridges to weights below those prescribed; enforcement remains strict with penalties for noncompliance.

AI-generated summary using openai/gpt-5-nano on Feb 24, 2026. May contain errors — refer to the official bill text for accuracy.
Subjects: Motor Vehicles