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SB 501

Traffic control: traffic regulation; weight restrictions on electric trucks; modify. Amends sec. 722 of 1949 PA 300 (MCL 257.722).

2023-2024 Regular Session Introduced by Darrin Camilleri

The bill allows electric (and some natural gas) heavy trucks to exceed standard weight limits by up to 2,000 pounds across all axles, easing use of heavier battery-electric powertr

ASSIGNED PA 0106'24
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Bill Summary · SB 501

SB 501 — Electric Truck Axle Loading / Amend MCL 257.722 (Michigan Vehicle Code)

Status: Enacted as Public Act 106 of 2024 (amends section 722 of 1949 PA 300, MCL 257.722)
Subject: Traffic control/vehicle weight limits; electric and natural-gas powered trucks

Main purpose / intent

To allow heavier electric (and to a limited extent natural gas–powered) heavy trucks on Michigan roads by permitting a narrow increase to the axle-loading and gross weight allowances for vehicles powered in whole or in part by electric batteries—thereby reducing the cargo penalty carriers face when switching to heavier battery-electric trucks and aligning state law with recent federal allowances.

Key provisions

  • Adds an exception to MCL 257.722 permitting an electric vehicle (or combination) powered in whole or in part by electric batteries with a gross weight up to 82,000 pounds to exceed the usual axle-loading and weight maximums by up to 2,000 pounds in total for the power unit/truck tractor axles.
  • Increases from 80,000 to 82,000 pounds the gross weight threshold for natural gas–powered vehicles eligible to exceed axle-loading and weight maximums by up to 2,000 pounds (consistent with prior federal provisions). The 2,000-pound allowance for natural gas vehicles is limited to the difference between the natural gas equipment weight and comparable diesel equipment, capped at 2,000 pounds.
  • Does not change standard axle-loading formulas or most axle limits based on axle spacing (e.g., 18,000 lbs for axles spaced ≥9 ft, 13,000 lbs for axles 3.5–9 ft, etc.). The exception is an additive allowance for eligible electric/natural gas power units only.
  • The 2,000‑pound allowance applies to all axles of the truck/truck-tractor/power unit, not to semi‑trailers or trailers.
  • Mirrors federal guidance in 23 U.S.C. §127(s) that permits similar weight allowances for electric and natural gas vehicles.

Who is affected

  • Trucking companies and fleet operators considering or operating heavy battery-electric tractors (lower cargo loss when batteries add weight).
  • Manufacturers and buyers of electric heavy trucks and natural gas trucks.
  • State and local road agencies (MDOT, county road commissions) — enforcement and permitting practices unchanged but potential impacts to infrastructure wear.
  • Motor carriers operating near federal and state gross-weight thresholds (e.g., fleets that elect gross vehicle weight registrations).
  • Indirectly, taxpayers and users of roads/bridges (potential maintenance/repair costs).

Fiscal and policy impacts

  • Immediate fiscal impact: none identified.
  • Long-term: heavier loads accelerate pavement and bridge wear; may increase state/local road and bridge maintenance needs and costs over time.
  • Secondary fiscal consideration: broader EV/natural gas truck adoption could reduce fuel tax receipts (motor fuel excise revenue) as diesel usage falls, thereby affecting transportation funding streams unless alternative revenue mechanisms are used.
  • Supporters argue the change promotes electrification of freight (reducing GHG and tailpipe pollutants) and aligns Michigan with federal law, lowering barriers to EV truck adoption. Opponents cite infrastructure damage and loss of fuel tax revenue.

Implementation / procedural notes

  • Bill amends section 722 of the Michigan Vehicle Code (MCL 257.722).
  • Public Act 106 of 2024 enacted these changes; the amendment mirrors federal allowances enacted for electrified and natural-gas truck power units.
  • Enforcement and most permitting practices remain based on existing axle‑spacing formulas and gross‑weight registrations; the 2,000‑pound allowance is an explicit statutory exception applied to qualifying electric or natural-gas power units.

If you want, I can:
- Pull the exact statutory language added to MCL 257.722, or
- Prepare a short one‑page memo for local road agencies explaining enforcement and permitting implications.

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

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