Transportation (Freight)

SB 722 creates a permit system allowing trucks with 6 or more axles to transport grain, feed, or commercial fertilizer at weights exceeding standard limits, capped at 91,000 pounds total. It requires a $325 permit from the Department of Transportation for such transport on state trunk highways, with routes specified by the department and no approval for interstate highways without federal compliance. Permits are suspended during spring thaw periods and cannot cover non-trunk highways without additional route approval from other highway authorities. This directly affects agricultural haulers and trucking companies moving these specific commodities, adding a regulated pathway for heavier loads within defined limits.

SB 273 allows commercial motor vehicles to use federally approved camera monitor systems instead of traditional mirrors, as permitted under federal regulations. The bill directly affects commercial trucking operators and drivers by providing an alternative to standard mirror requirements (49 CFR 393.80(a)). It requires camera systems to be exempted by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration or approved under federal safety standards. This change modifies state law to align with federal approval processes for such technology.

AB 271 allows commercial motor vehicles operating in Wisconsin (intrastate commerce) to use camera monitor systems instead of traditional mirrors, provided the systems meet federal safety standards. The bill specifically permits systems exempted under federal regulations (49 CFR 393.80) or approved as mirror alternatives in federal safety standards. This change directly affects commercial truck and bus operators by removing a requirement for physical mirrors when using federally compliant camera systems. The law aligns Wisconsin statute with existing federal approvals, without creating new safety standards.

AB 679 creates a new permit system for trucks carrying grain, feed, or commercial fertilizer that exceed standard weight limits. It allows vehicles with 6 or more axles to operate at up to 91,000 pounds gross weight on state highways, provided they meet axle weight distribution rules and follow department-specified routes. The bill directly affects agricultural haulers and trucking companies transporting these materials, requiring a $325 permit for such operations. Permits are invalid on interstate highways (except as permitted by federal law) and may be suspended during spring thaw conditions. This bill does not change base weight limits but establishes a regulated pathway for heavier agricultural transport.