SB266 Alabama 2024 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Steve LivingstonSenator

Republican

Session

Regular Session 2024

Title

Motor vehicles, maximum weights on state roads further provided

Summary

SB266 updates Alabama’s vehicle size and weight rules on state roads, clarifies enforcement language, and adds allowances and exemptions for certain vehicles and fuel technologies.

What This Bill Does

It amends Section 32-9-20 to provide specific terms used in enforcing prohibitions on maximum vehicle sizes and weights, and to update the language for modern style. It sets precise limits for width (102 inches), height (13.5 feet), and length for various vehicle configurations, with some allowances for longer trailers on designated highways. It also strengthens weight rules by specifying axle weights (20,000 pounds per axle), tandem 34,000 pounds, and up to an 80,000-pound gross limit under a calculated formula, while allowing a 10% enforcement tolerance and special permits. It adds allowances for idle-reduction technology (APUs) that can increase the allowed weight by up to 400 pounds, and allows heavier weights for natural-gas vehicles on interstate highways (up to 82,000 pounds), with conditions; exemptions for farm vehicles and various enforcement and measurement options are included, and the act becomes effective October 1, 2024.

Who It Affects

• Commercial vehicle operators and trucking companies — must comply with new precise size and weight limits, use portable scales and permits, and face enforcement for violations.
• Farmers and agricultural transporters, local governments, and rural counties — farm vehicles have exemptions from certain axle/weight rules; counties can set lower limits; DOT can post roads; enforcement includes local authorities.

Key Provisions

• Amends Section 32-9-20 to provide specific enforcement terms and update language.
• Width limit: total outside width 102 inches; loads beyond fenders forbidden for passenger vehicles; forest products or culvert pipe loads capped at 102 inches.
• Height limit: maximum 13.5 feet including load.
• Length limits: general limit 40 feet; truck-tractor-semitrailer 57 feet; semitrailers and trailers 28.5 feet; motor homes up to 45 feet; longer semitrailers allowed on designated highways with conditions.
• Weight limits: 20,000 pounds per axle; tandem 34,000 pounds; overall gross weight limits by axle-group formula with a maximum of 80,000 pounds; two tandem sets 34,000 each allowed under spacing conditions.
• Special permits; posted roads; enforcement by DOT and law enforcement; portable scales and platform scales; farm exemptions for two- and three-axle vehicles.
• Allowable load tolerance: 10% tolerance; driver may shift loads to comply; evidence rules for enforcement.
• APU idle reduction: adds up to 400 pounds to weight limits; requires certification and functional proof available to law enforcement.
• Natural gas vehicles: up to 82,000 pounds on interstate highways with EVAP/differential weight adjustments for natural gas tanks and fueling systems; applies to EPA-certified natural gas engines or approved conversion units.
• Federal preemption: if federal limits differ, those limits apply on interstate highways; existing pre-1975 operations remain lawful.
• Effective date: October 1, 2024.

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

Subjects

Agriculture & Forestry; Motor Vehicles & Traffic