HB368 Alabama 2022 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Bob FincherRepresentative

Republican

Session

Regular Session 2022

Title

Motor vehicles, motor vehicles used to transport timber allowed a weight variance per axle, Sec. 32-9-20 am'd.

Summary

HB368 would let timber-hauling trucks exceed standard per-axle weight limits by up to 10% under certain conditions and add related weight allowances for idle-reduction technology and natural gas vehicles.

What This Bill Does

It amends Section 32-9-20 to authorize a 10% variance in the maximum gross weight per axle for motor vehicles used primarily to transport timber. It also adds a 400-pound allowance for vehicles using auxiliary power units or idle reduction technology, and allows natural gas‑fueled vehicles to exceed weight limits by up to 82,000 pounds, with the extra weight tied to the difference between natural gas and diesel fuel system weights. The timber-related allowance applies from the site of cutting to the first delivery, and the act becomes law on the first day of the third month after enactment.

Who It Affects

• Timber-hauling motor vehicle operators and carriers who transport timber products and would be allowed to carry up to 10% more weight per axle than the standard limits under specified conditions.
• Operators of vehicles using idle-reduction/auxiliary power units or natural gas engines, who gain additional weight allowances (APU: +400 pounds; natural gas: up to 82,000 pounds depending on fuel-system weight).

Key Provisions

• Amends Section 32-9-20(a)(4) to permit a 10% variance in the maximum gross weight per axle for timber transport vehicles.
• Adds a 400-pound total weight allowance for vehicles that use an auxiliary power unit or idle-reduction technology that is functioning properly.
• Allows natural gas-powered vehicles to exceed weight limits up to 82,000 pounds, with the increase equal to the difference between the natural gas tank/fueling system weight and a diesel tank/fuel system.
• Timber transportation weight allowance applies specifically to moving timber from the cutting site to the first delivery point.
• Effective date: becomes law on the first day of the third month after passage and governor approval.

AI-generated summary using openai/gpt-5-nano on Feb 22, 2026. May contain errors — refer to the official bill text for accuracy.

Subjects

Motor Vehicles