h_tra_2016a_2016-03-16t13:33:58z1 Hearing Summary

Date: 03/16/2016

02:09 PM -- HB 16-1298



Representative Melton introduced House Bill 16-1298. The bill modifies the statutes related to vehicle height, length, and weight.



Height. Under current law, the maximum legal height of vehicles is 13 feet, with the exception that vehicles 14 feet 6 inches can be operated on certain highways as designated by the Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT). The bill changes the maximum legal height of vehicles to 14 feet and 6 inches without exception. CDOT must designate highways with overhead highway structures that have less than 14 feet and 6 inches of vertical clearance, and a driver must not drive a vehicle under a structure if the vehicle's height exceeds CDOT's designated vertical clearance.



Length. The bill prohibits a driver from operating the following vehicle combinations:



• saddle mount vehicle combinations that exceed 97 feet in overall length;

• laden truck tractor-semitrailer combinations exceeding 75 feet in overall length;

• stinger-steered vehicle combinations for transporting automobiles or boats that exceed 80 feet in overall length; and

• towaway trailer transporter combinations that exceed 82 feet in overall length, carry property, exceed an overall weight of 26,000 pounds, consist of more than a single towing unit and two trailers or semitrailers, or do not constitute inventory property of a manufacturer, distributor, or dealer of the trailer or semitrailer.



Weight. The bill increases the gross weight maximum for vehicles or combinations of vehicles that contain an alternative fuel system from 1,000 to 2,000 pounds.



02:11 PM -- R.J. Hicks, Colorado Motor Carriers Association, testified in support of the bill. He responded to questions from the committee.



02:18 PM -- Andy Karsian, Colorado Department of Transportation, testified in support of the bill. He responded to questions from the committee.



02:25 PM -- R.J. Hicks, Colorado Motor Carriers Association, returned to the table to respond to questions from the committee regarding the bill's provisions on alternative fuel vehicles. Mr. Karsian responded to additional questions from the committee.