SB268 Alabama 2018 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Gerald H. AllenSenator

Republican

Session

Regular Session 2018

Title

Gas, natural gas, conversion of motor vehicles for operating on compressed natural or liquefied gas, extended weight allowances, Sec. 32-9-20 am'd.

Summary

SB 268 would allow certain vehicles to be longer and permit higher weights for vehicles converted to run on compressed natural gas or compressed liquefied gas.

What This Bill Does

The bill would amend Alabama's vehicle size and weight rules to provide longer length allowances for some vehicle configurations. It would also allow weight increases for vehicles equipped with conversion equipment that enables operation on compressed natural gas or compressed liquefied gas, up to a maximum of 82,000 pounds gross on interstate highways, calculated as the difference between the natural gas fueling system and a diesel fueling system. The bill retains and references existing provisions related to other size and weight limits, including allowances for idle-reduction technology and the standard weight tables and tolerances found in the current law.

Who It Affects

• Commercial trucking operators and fleet owners who convert their vehicles to run on compressed natural gas (CNG) or compressed liquefied gas (LNG); they could operate with longer vehicle lengths and higher weights when equipped with the appropriate conversion equipment.
• State and local transportation and law enforcement agencies that enforce vehicle size and weight limits; they would implement and verify compliance with the updated length and weight rules and check conversions.

Key Provisions

• Provision 1: Amends Section 32-9-20 to provide for longer length allowances for certain vehicles and configurations.
• Provision 2: Allows weight increases for vehicles with conversion equipment enabling operation on compressed natural gas or compressed liquefied gas, up to 82,000 pounds gross on Interstate highways, determined by the difference between the weight of the natural gas fuel system and a corresponding diesel system.
• Provision 3: Maintains existing allowances related to idle-reduction technology (auxiliary power units) up to an additional 400 pounds and the associated certification/verification requirements.

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

Subjects

Alternative Fuels