SB1003: Vehicle tire weight limitations; prohibits over-the-road operation of certain vehicles.


SENATE BILL NO. 1003
AMENDMENT IN THE NATURE OF A SUBSTITUTE
(Proposed by the Senate Committee on Transportation
on January 23, 2013)
(Patron Prior to Substitute--Senator Marsden)
A BILL to amend the Code of Virginia by adding a section numbered 46.2-1043.1, relating to operation of vehicle with tire weights in excess of certain tire load rating standards.

Be it enacted by the General Assembly of Virginia:

1. That the Code of Virginia is amended by adding a section numbered 46.2-1043.1 as follows:

§ 46.2-1043.1. Tire loading.

No person shall operate a truck, trailer, or semitrailer with tires on any highway in the Commonwealth if any officer authorized to enforce overweight vehicle laws determines upon weighing such truck, trailer, or semitrailer that any such tire carries a weight greater than that marked on the sidewall of the tire.

The provisions of this section shall not apply to:

1. Any vehicle that is being operated under the terms of a permit issued under Article 18 (§ 46.2-1139 et seq.) and is being operated at a reduced speed as required by the permit to compensate for the tire loading in excess of the manufacturer's rated capacity for the tire;

2. Any vehicle having a gross vehicle weight rating of 26,001 pounds or more;

3. Any manufactured home; or

4. Any vehicle not required to be registered.