SUBCHAPTER II—LENGTH AND WIDTH LIMITATIONS
§31111. Length limitations
(a)
(1)
(2)
(3)
(A) a non-property-carrying power unit that operates in combination with a semitrailer or trailer; or
(B) a power unit that carries as property motor vehicles when operating in combination with a semitrailer in transporting motor vehicles or any other commodity, including cargo or general freight on a backhaul.
(4)
(5)
(6)
(7)
(A) with a total weight that does not exceed 26,000 pounds; and
(B) in which the trailers or semitrailers carry no property and constitute inventory property of a manufacturer, distributor, or dealer of such trailers or semitrailers.
(b)
(A) imposes a vehicle length limitation of less than 45 feet on a bus, of less than 48 feet on a semitrailer operating in a truck tractor-semitrailer combination, or of less than 28 feet on a semitrailer or trailer operating in a truck tractor-semitrailer-trailer combination, on any segment of the Dwight D. Eisenhower System of Interstate and Defense Highways (except a segment exempted under subsection (f) of this section) and those classes of qualifying Federal-aid Primary System highways designated by the Secretary of Transportation under subsection (e) of this section;
(B) imposes an overall length limitation on a commercial motor vehicle operating in a truck tractor-semitrailer or truck tractor-semitrailer-trailer combination;
(C) has the effect of prohibiting the use of a semitrailer or trailer of the same dimensions as those that were in actual and lawful use in that State on December 1, 1982;
(D) imposes a vehicle length limitation of not less than or more than 97 feet on all driveaway saddlemount vehicle transporter combinations;
(E) has the effect of prohibiting the use of an existing semitrailer or trailer, of not more than 28.5 feet in length, in a truck tractor-semitrailer-trailer combination if the semitrailer or trailer was operating lawfully on December 1, 1982, within a 65-foot overall length limit in any State;
(F) imposes a limitation of less than 46 feet on the distance from the kingpin to the center of the rear axle on trailers used exclusively or primarily in connection with motorsports competition events;
(G) imposes a vehicle length limitation of less than 80 feet on a stinger-steered automobile transporter with a front overhang of less than 4 feet and a rear overhang of less than 6 feet; or
(H) has the effect of imposing an overall length limitation of less than 82 feet on a towaway trailer transporter combination.
(2) A length limitation prescribed or enforced by a State under paragraph (1)(A) of this subsection applies only to a semitrailer or trailer and not to a truck tractor.
(c)
(d)
(e)
(f)
(2) Before making a decision under paragraph (1) of this subsection, the chief executive officer shall consult with units of local government in the State in which the segment of the Dwight D. Eisenhower System of Interstate and Defense Highways is located and with the chief executive officer of any adjacent State that may be directly affected by the exemption. As part of the consultations, consideration shall be given to any potential alternative route that serves the area in which the segment is located and can safely accommodate a commercial motor vehicle having a length described in subsection (b)(1)(A) of this section or the motor vehicle combination described in subsection (c) of this section.
(3) A chief executive officer's notification under this subsection must include specific evidence of safety problems supporting the officer's decision and the results of consultations about alternative routes.
(4)(A) If the Secretary decides, on request of a chief executive officer or on the Secretary's own initiative, a segment of the Dwight D. Eisenhower System of Interstate and Defense Highways is not capable of safely accommodating a commercial motor vehicle having a length described in subsection (b)(1)(A) of this section or the motor vehicle combination described in subsection (c) of this section, the Secretary shall exempt the segment from either or both of those provisions. Before making a decision under this paragraph, the Secretary shall consider any possible alternative route that serves the area in which the segment is located.
(B) The Secretary shall make a decision about a specific segment not later than 120 days after the date of receipt of notification from a chief executive officer under paragraph (1) of this subsection or the date on which the Secretary initiates action under subparagraph (A) of this paragraph, whichever is applicable. If the Secretary finds the decision will not be made in time, the Secretary immediately shall notify Congress, giving the reasons for the delay, information about the resources assigned, and the projected date for the decision.
(C) Before making a decision, the Secretary shall give an interested person notice and an opportunity for comment. If the Secretary exempts a segment under this subsection before the final regulations under subsection (e) of this section are prescribed, the Secretary shall include the exemption as part of the final regulations. If the Secretary exempts the segment after the final regulations are prescribed, the Secretary shall publish the exemption as an amendment to the final regulations.
(g)
(
In this section, the words "Dwight D. Eisenhower System of Interstate and Defense Highways" are substituted for "National System of Interstate and Defense Highways" because of the Act of October 15, 1990 (
In subsection (a), the word "property" is substituted for "cargo" for consistency in the revised title.
Subsection (b)(1) is substituted for 49 App.:2311(a) and (b) (2d–last sentences) to eliminate unnecessary words and for consistency in the revised title and with other titles of the United States Code. Hyphens are used in describing the combinations "truck tractor-semitrailer" and "truck tractor-semitrailer-trailer" for consistency. In clause (D), the word "actually" is omitted as surplus.
Subsection (b)(2) is substituted for 49 App.:2311(b) (1st sentence) because of the restatement.
In subsection (d), the words "such as rear view mirrors, turn signal lamps, marker lamps, steps and handholds for entry and egress, flexible fender extensions, mudflaps and splash and spray suppressant devices, load-induced tire bulge, refrigeration units or air compressors and other devices" are omitted as unnecessary and because most items listed relate to width rather than length.
In subsection (e), the words "by regulation" are added for clarity. The words "subject to the provisions of subsections (a) and (c) of this section" are omitted as surplus. The text of 49 App.:2311(e)(2) and (3) is omitted as executed.
In subsection (f), the word "commercial" is added before "motor vehicle" for consistency.
In subsection (f)(4)(C), the reference to regulations prescribed under subsection (e) is substituted for the reference in the source to regulations issued under subsection (a) to be more precise. The word "amendment" is substituted for "revision" for consistency in the revised title.
Subsection (g) is substituted for 49 App.:2311(d) to eliminate unnecessary words. The Secretary's general authority to prescribe regulations is provided in 49:322(a). The word "vessel" is substituted for "boat" because of 1:3. The text of 49 App.:2311(g) is omitted as executed.
Editorial Notes
Amendments
2015—Subsec. (a)(1).
Subsec. (a)(3)(B).
Subsec. (a)(5).
Subsec. (a)(6), (7).
Subsec. (b)(1)(G).
Subsec. (b)(1)(H).
2008—Subsec. (a)(4).
Subsec. (b)(1)(D).
2005—Subsec. (a)(4).
Subsec. (b)(1)(D) to (F).
1998—Subsec. (a).
Subsec. (a)(1).
Subsec. (a)(2).
Subsec. (a)(3).
1995—Subsec. (b)(1)(E).
Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries
Effective Date of 2015 Amendment
Amendment by
Effective Date of 1995 Amendment
Amendment by
§31112. Property-carrying unit limitation
(a)
(1) "property-carrying unit" means any part of a commercial motor vehicle combination (except the truck tractor) used to carry property, including a trailer, a semitrailer, or the property-carrying section of a single unit truck, but not including a trailer or a semitrailer transported as part of a towaway trailer transporter combination (as defined in section 31111(a)).
(2) the length of the property-carrying units of a commercial motor vehicle combination is the length measured from the front of the first property-carrying unit to the rear of the last property-carrying unit.
(b)
(1) the maximum combination trailer, semitrailer, or other type of length limitation allowed by law or regulation of that State before June 2, 1991; or
(2) the length of the property-carrying units of those commercial motor vehicle combinations, by specific configuration, in actual, lawful operation on a regular or periodic basis (including continuing seasonal operation) in that State before June 2, 1991.
(c)
(1) Wyoming may allow the operation of additional vehicle configurations not in actual operation on June 1, 1991, but authorized by State law not later than November 3, 1992, if the vehicle configurations comply with the single axle, tandem axle, and bridge formula limits in
(2) Ohio may allow the operation of commercial motor vehicle combinations with 3 property-carrying units of 28.5 feet each (not including the truck tractor) not in actual operation on June 1, 1991, to be operated in Ohio on the 1-mile segment of Ohio State Route 7 that begins at and is south of exit 16 of the Ohio Turnpike;
(3) Alaska may allow the operation of commercial motor vehicle combinations that were not in actual operation on June 1, 1991, but were in actual operation before July 6, 1991;
(4) Iowa may allow the operation on Interstate Route 29 between Sioux City, Iowa, and the border between Iowa and South Dakota or on Interstate Route 129 between Sioux City, Iowa, and the border between Iowa and Nebraska of commercial motor vehicle combinations with trailer length, semitrailer length, and property-carrying unit length allowed by law or regulation and in actual lawful operation on a regular or periodic basis (including continued seasonal operation) in South Dakota or Nebraska, respectively, before June 2, 1991;
(5) Nebraska and Kansas may allow the operation of a truck tractor and 2 trailers or semitrailers not in actual lawful operation on a regular or periodic basis on June 1, 1991, if the length of the property-carrying units does not exceed 81 feet 6 inches and such combination is used only to transport equipment utilized by custom harvesters under contract to agricultural producers to harvest one or more of wheat, soybeans, and milo during the harvest months for such crops, as defined by the relevant state;1 and
(6) Oregon may allow the operation of a truck tractor and 2 property-carrying units not in actual lawful operation on a regular or periodic basis on June 1, 1991, if—
(A) the length of the property-carrying units does not exceed 82 feet 8 inches;
(B) the combination is used only to transport sugar beets; and
(C) the operation occurs on United States Route 20, United States Route 26, United States Route 30, or Oregon Route 201 in the vicinity, or between any, of—
(i) Vale, Oregon;
(ii) Ontario, Oregon; or
(iii) Nyssa, Oregon.
(d)
(2) This section does not prevent a State from further restricting in any way or prohibiting the operation of any commercial motor vehicle combination subject to this section, except that a restriction or prohibition shall be consistent with this section and sections 31113(a) and (b) and 31114 of this title.
(3) A State making a minor adjustment of a temporary and emergency nature as authorized by paragraph (1) of this subsection or further restricting or prohibiting the operation of a commercial motor vehicle combination as authorized by paragraph (2) of this subsection shall advise the Secretary not later than 30 days after the action. The Secretary shall publish a notice of the action in the Federal Register.
(4) 2 Nebraska may continue to allow to be operated under paragraphs (b)(1) and (b)(2) of this section,3 the State of Nebraska may allow longer combination vehicles that were not in actual operation on June 1, 1991 to be operated within its boundaries to transport sugar beets from the field where such sugar beets are harvested to storage, market, factory or stockpile or from stockpile to storage, market or factory. This provision shall expire on February 28, 1998.
(e)
(2) Not later than March 17, 1992, the Secretary shall publish an interim list in the Federal Register consisting of all information submitted under paragraph (1) of this subsection. The Secretary shall review for accuracy all information submitted by a State under paragraph (1) and shall solicit and consider public comment on the accuracy of the information.
(3) A law or regulation may not be included on the list submitted by a State or published by the Secretary merely because it authorized, or could have authorized, by permit or otherwise, the operation of commercial motor vehicle combinations not in actual operation on a regular or periodic basis before June 2, 1991.
(4) Except as revised under this paragraph or paragraph (5) of this subsection, the list shall be published as final in the Federal Register not later than June 15, 1992. In publishing the final list, the Secretary shall make any revisions necessary to correct inaccuracies identified under paragraph (2) of this subsection. After publication of the final list, commercial motor vehicle combinations prohibited under subsection (b) of this section may not operate on the Dwight D. Eisenhower System of Interstate and Defense Highways and other Federal-aid Primary System highways designated by the Secretary except as published on the list. The list may be combined by the Secretary with the list required under
(5) On the Secretary's own motion or on request by any person (including a State), the Secretary shall review the list published under paragraph (4) of this subsection. If the Secretary decides there is reason to believe a mistake was made in the accuracy of the list, the Secretary shall begin a proceeding to decide whether a mistake was made. If the Secretary decides there was a mistake, the Secretary shall publish the correction.
(f)
(1) to allow the operation on any segment of the Dwight D. Eisenhower System of Interstate and Defense Highways of a longer combination vehicle prohibited under
(2) to affect in any way the operation of a commercial motor vehicle having only one property-carrying unit; or
(3) to affect in any way the operation in a State of a commercial motor vehicle with more than one property-carrying unit if the vehicle was in actual operation on a regular or periodic basis (including seasonal operation) in that State before June 2, 1991, that was authorized under State law or regulation or lawful State permit.
(g)
(2) Not later than June 15, 1992, the Secretary shall prescribe regulations establishing criteria for a State to follow in making minor adjustments under subsection (d) of this section.
(
| Revised Section | Source (U.S. Code) | Source (Statutes at Large) |
|---|---|---|
| 31112(a)(1) | 49 App.:2311(j)(7). | Jan 6, 1983, |
| 31112(a)(2) | 49 App.:2311(j)(3). | |
| 31112(b) | 49 App.:2311(j)(1). | |
| 31112(c) | 49 App.:2311(j)(2). | |
| 31112(d) | 49 App.:2311(j)(4). | |
| 31112(e) | 49 App.:2311(j)(5). | |
| 31112(f) | 49 App.:2311(j)(6). | |
| 31112(g)(1) | 49 App.:2311(j)(9). | |
| 31112(g)(2) | 49 App.:2311(j)(8). |
In this section, the word "property" is substituted for "cargo", and the word "law" is substituted for "statute", for consistency in the revised title. The words "Dwight D. Eisenhower System of Interstate and Defense Highways" are substituted for "National System of Interstate and Defense Highways" because of the Act of October 15, 1990 (
In subsections (b), before clause (1), and (g)(1), the words "dismantled easily or divided easily" are substituted for "easily dismantled or divided" for clarity.
In subsection (e)(4), the words "Except as revised under this paragraph or paragraph (5) of this subsection" are substituted for "Except as modified pursuant to subparagraph (B) or (E) of this subsection" for clarity.
Editorial Notes
Amendments
2019—Subsec. (c).
2015—Subsec. (a)(1).
Subsec. (c).
Subsec. (c)(3).
Subsec. (c)(4).
Subsec. (c)(5).
2005—Subsec. (c).
Subsec. (c)(5).
1997—Subsec. (d)(4).
1996—Subsec. (d)(4).
1995—Subsec. (c).
Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries
Effective Date of 2015 Amendment
Amendment by
1 So in original. Probably should be "State."
2 See 1996 Amendment note below.
§31113. Width limitations
(a)
(A) a segment of the Dwight D. Eisenhower System of Interstate and Defense Highways (except a segment exempted under subsection (e) of this section);
(B) a qualifying Federal-aid highway designated by the Secretary of Transportation, with traffic lanes designed to be at least 12 feet wide; or
(C) a qualifying Federal-aid Primary System highway designated by the Secretary if the Secretary decides the designation is consistent with highway safety.
(2) Notwithstanding paragraph (1) of this subsection, a State may continue to enforce a regulation of commerce in effect on April 6, 1983, that applies to a commercial motor vehicle of more than 102 inches in width, until the date on which the State prescribes a regulation of commerce that complies with this subsection.
(3) A Federal-aid highway (except an interstate highway) not designated under this subsection on June 5, 1984, may be designated under this subsection only with the agreement of the chief executive officer of the State in which the highway is located.
(b)
(c)
(d)
(e)
(2) Before making a decision under paragraph (1) of this subsection, the chief executive officer shall consult with units of local government in the State in which the segment of the Dwight D. Eisenhower System of Interstate and Defense Highways is located and with the chief executive officer of any adjacent State that may be directly affected by the exemption. As part of the consultations, consideration shall be given to any potential alternative route that serves the area in which the segment is located and can safely accommodate a commercial motor vehicle having the width provided for in subsection (a) of this section.
(3) A chief executive officer's notification under this subsection must include specific evidence of safety problems supporting the officer's decision and the results of consultations about alternative routes.
(4)(A) If the Secretary decides, on request of a chief executive officer or on the Secretary's own initiative, a segment of the Dwight D. Eisenhower System of Interstate and Defense Highways is not capable of safely accommodating a commercial motor vehicle having a width provided in subsection (a) of this section, the Secretary shall exempt the segment from subsection (a) to allow the State to impose a width limitation of less than 102 inches for a vehicle (except a bus) on that segment. Before making a decision under this paragraph, the Secretary shall consider any possible alternative route that serves the area in which the segment is located.
(B) The Secretary shall make a decision about a specific segment not later than 120 days after the date of receipt of notification from a chief executive officer under paragraph (1) of this subsection or the date on which the Secretary initiates action under subparagraph (A) of this paragraph, whichever is applicable. If the Secretary finds the decision will not be made in time, the Secretary immediately shall notify Congress, giving the reasons for the delay, information about the resources assigned, and the projected date for the decision.
(C) Before making a decision, the Secretary shall give an interested person notice and an opportunity for comment. If the Secretary exempts a segment under this subsection before the final regulations under subsection (a) of this section are prescribed, the Secretary shall include the exemption as part of the final regulations. If the Secretary exempts the segment after the final regulations are prescribed, the Secretary shall publish the exemption as an amendment to the final regulations.
(
| Revised Section | Source (U.S. Code) | Source (Statutes at Large) |
|---|---|---|
| 31113(a) | 49 App.:2316(a), (f). | Jan. 6, 1983, |
| 31113(b) | 49 App.:2316(b). | Jan. 6, 1983, |
| 31113(c) | 49 App.:2316(c). | |
| 31113(d) | 49 App.:2316(d). | |
| 31113(e) | 49 App.:2316(e). | Jan. 6, 1983, |
In this section, the word "commercial" is added before "motor vehicle" for consistency. The words "Dwight D. Eisenhower System of Interstate and Defense Highways" are substituted for "National System of Interstate and Defense Highways" because of the Act of October 15, 1990 (
In subsection (a)(1), before clause (A), the text of 49 App.:2316(f) is omitted as obsolete. The word "prescribe" is substituted for "establish, maintain" for consistency in the revised title and with other titles of the United States Code. The words "a commercial motor vehicle operating on" are added for clarity.
In subsection (b), the words "or energy conservation" are added for consistency with section 31111(d) of the revised title and because of the reference to "efficient operation".
In subsection (e)(4)(C), the word "amendment" is substituted for "revision" for consistency in the revised title.
§31114. Access to the Interstate System
(a)
(1) the Dwight D. Eisenhower System of Interstate and Defense Highways (except a segment exempted under
(2) terminals, facilities for food, fuel, repairs, and rest, and points of loading and unloading for household goods carriers, motor carriers of passengers, any towaway trailer transporter combination (as defined in section 31111(a)), or any truck tractor-semitrailer combination in which the semitrailer has a length of not more than 28.5 feet and that generally operates as part of a vehicle combination described in
(b)
(
| Revised Section | Source (U.S. Code) | Source (Statutes at Large) |
|---|---|---|
| 31114(a) | 49 App.:2312(a). | Jan. 6, 1983, |
| 31114(b) | 49 App.:2312(b). |
In subsection (a), the words "Dwight D. Eisenhower System of Interstate and Defense Highways" are substituted for "Interstate and Defense Highway System" for consistency in the revised chapter.
Editorial Notes
Amendments
2015—Subsec. (a)(2).
Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries
Effective Date of 2015 Amendment
Amendment by
§31115. Enforcement
On the request of the Secretary of Transportation, the Attorney General shall bring a civil action for appropriate injunctive relief to ensure compliance with this subchapter or subchapter I of this chapter. The action may be brought in a district court of the United States in any State in which the relief is required. On a proper showing, the court shall issue a temporary restraining order or preliminary or permanent injunction. An injunction under this section may order a State or person to comply with this subchapter, subchapter I, or a regulation prescribed under this subchapter or subchapter I.
(
| Revised Section | Source (U.S. Code) | Source (Statutes at Large) |
|---|---|---|
| 31115 | 49 App.:2313. | Jan. 6, 1983, |
The words "to assure compliance with the terms of this chapter" and "In any action under this section" are omitted as surplus. The last sentence is substituted for 49 App.:2313 (last sentence) for clarity and to eliminate unnecessary words.