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HB 7869

AN ACT RELATING TO MOTOR AND OTHER VEHICLES -- SIZE, WEIGHT, AND LOAD LIMITS

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Megan Cotter

Rhode Island HB 7869 updates size, weight, and permit rules for commercial and oversized vehicles to modernize limits, penalties, and enforcement.

06/23/2026 Signed by Governor
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WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · HB 7869

Overview

HB 7869 (Rhode Island, 2026) amends the state’s size, weight, and load limits for motor and other vehicles. Introduced by Rep. Megan L. Cotter, the bill updates exemptions, maximum dimensions, axle and bridge-weight formulas, penalties, and permit processes. It takes effect upon passage.

Main purpose and intent

  • Modernize and clarify Rhode Island’s size and weight regulations for commercial and specialized vehicles.
  • Streamline permitting for oversized/non-divisible loads while preserving safety through updated limits and enforcement provisions.
  • Align penalties and enforcement with the revised framework to deter violations and ensure accountability.

Key provisions and changes

  • Section 31-25-2 (Exemptions from limitations)

    • Maintains several exemptions, including:
    • Road machinery actively working in work zones.
    • Farm vehicles and temporarily moved machinery; farm machinery hauling non-divisible farm loads retain certain exemptions (width, length, and axle-related limits).
    • Public transit Authority (RIPTA) vehicles on designated routes with specific weight exemptions, subject to DOT route safety review.
    • Emergency vehicles with specified weight limits on various axles.
    • Natural gas vehicles with weight adjustments tied to the difference between gas and diesel tank/fueling system weights.
    • Adds general allowance for special permits and other standard exemptions (special permits, covered heavy-duty tow/recovery vehicles).

  • Section 31-25-5 (Maximum length)

    • No vehicle (except RIPTA articulated buses) may exceed 40 feet; maximums are 45 feet for other cases (including motor buses and campers/recreational vehicles).
    • Fines: $200 per foot over the length limit.

  • Section 31-25-13 (Axle load limit)

    • Maximum per-axle weight limit of 22,400 pounds or manufacturer’s axle weight rating.
    • Clear definition of axle load for enforcement.
    • Violations trigger fines per overweight provisions.

  • Section 31-25-14 (Maximum weight and tandem axles)

    • Tandem-axle group weight limit of 36,000 pounds when axle spacing ≤ 8 feet.
    • Bridge weight formula for multi-axle groups: W = 500[(LN/(N-1)) + 12N + 36], with a general cap of 80,000 pounds unless otherwise specified.
    • Lift axles must be down when carrying a load; fines for noncompliance.
    • Overweight penalties: $125 per 100 pounds overweight for both tandem and single-axle/overall limits; additional penalties apply for exceeding bridge formula.

  • Section 31-25-16 (Authorized weight shown in registration)

    • Vehicle registrations must list authorized gross weight; penalties and enforcement for overweight operation.
    • Overweight penalties scale by weight: ranges from $100 per 1,000 pounds under 10,000 lbs to higher rates above 10,000 lbs, plus escalating penalties beyond certain thresholds (104,800 lbs; 130,000 lbs).

  • Section 31-25-21 (Permits)

    • DOT may issue special permits for oversized/overweight vehicles, including non-divisible loads and billable single-trip permits ($40) and annual blanket permits ($400) for specified categories (e.g., non-divisible construction loads, boats, or marine assets under 130,000 lbs).
    • Blanket permits include specific dimensional and weight caps and require proper lighting, signage, and flags.
    • Restrictions on travel times for over-limit loads on freeways/arterials; holidays and certain time windows noted.
    • Certain bridges excluded from blanket permits; construction zones and lane-width reduction areas require careful planning.
    • Violations or overages may lead to revocation of permits for up to 30–90 days.

Who/what is affected

  • Commercial carriers, construction firms, trucking companies, and entities operating overweight/oversize loads.
  • Farm operations using agricultural vehicles and farm machinery.
  • RIPTA and transit routes subject to exemptions and safety reviews.
  • Fish, dairy, and milk-product haulers (in the context of non-divisible loads).
  • Vehicle owners/operators must ensure registration weight accuracy and comply with permit requirements.

Procedural/timeline aspects

  • Effective date: upon passage.
  • Referred to House State Government & Elections; hearing/consideration scheduled in early 2026.
  • Includes timelines for permit issuance (single-trip and blanket) and revocation procedures for permit violations.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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