Culver signs bill change highway weight limits

DES MOINES – Gov. Chet Culver today signed legislation that will expand the types of trucks with six- and seven-axle configurations carrying commodities that can operate at heavier weights on non-interstate roadways in Iowa.

Currently, most vehicles or combinations of vehicles are subject to a gross weight limit of up to 80,000 pounds. However, the gross weight limit for a livestock or construction vehicle with six or seven axles ranges from 80,500 pounds to 90,000 pounds for six axles, and up to 96,000 pounds for seven axles.

House File 2512, which Culver signed into law today, extends the same weight limits that apply to livestock and construction vehicles to all commercial vehicles of similar size. The provisions of the bill do not apply to vehicles operated on interstate highways.

“This bill means trucks will be able to carry more freight in fewer trips, increasing economic efficiency for farmers and businesses,” Culver said. “Every driver will benefit from this law because it will mean fewer trucks and less wear and tear on our roads, plus increased safety.”

The governor said the measure was a bipartisan effort that will benefit Iowa's agricultural economy.

The measure was opposed by the Iowa Motor Truck Association, which argued the change would have limited benefits while jeopardizing safety on Iowa roadways.

However, Culver and proponents said spreading trucks' weight over more axles would reduce the stress on the roads traversed by trucks. Also, allowing for greater-sized shipments would mean that less fuel will be used due to fewer trucks on the road.

The bill requires that a commercial motor vehicle traveling under the relaxed weight restrictions must be operated by a person with a commercial driver's license valid for the vehicle operated, unless the operator is exempt from commercial driver licensing requirements under existing law.

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