
From the U.S. Code Online via GPO Access
[wais.access.gpo.gov]
[Laws in effect as of January 2, 2001]
[Document affected by Public Law 107-107 Section 1064]
[CITE: 23USC127]

 
                           TITLE 23--HIGHWAYS
 
                     CHAPTER 1--FEDERAL-AID HIGHWAYS
 
                    SUBCHAPTER I--GENERAL PROVISIONS
 
Sec. 127. Vehicle weight limitations--Interstate System

    (a) In General.--No funds shall be apportioned in any fiscal year 
under section 104(b)(1) of this title to any State which does not permit 
the use of The Dwight D. Eisenhower System of Interstate and Defense 
Highways within its boundaries by vehicles with a weight of twenty 
thousand pounds carried on any one axle, including enforcement 
tolerances, or with a tandem axle weight of thirty-four thousand pounds, 
including enforcement tolerances, or a gross weight of at least eighty 
thousand pounds for vehicle combinations of five axles or more. However, 
the maximum gross weight to be allowed by any State for vehicles using 
The Dwight D. Eisenhower System of Interstate and Defense Highways shall 
be twenty thousand pounds carried on one axle, including enforcement 
tolerances, and a tandem axle weight of thirty-four thousand pounds, 
including enforcement tolerances and with an overall maximum gross 
weight, including enforcement tolerances, on a group of two or more 
consecutive axles produced by application of the following formula:

                                                       LN

                                                     W=500  
                                        <3-ln (>__________+12N+36<3-ln )>


                                                       N-1

where W equals overall gross weight on any group of two or more 
consecutive axles to the nearest five hundred pounds, L equals distance 
in feet between the extreme of any group of two or more consecutive 
axles, and N equals number of axles in group under consideration, except 
that two consecutive sets of tandem axles may carry a gross load of 
thirty-four thousand pounds each providing the overall distance between 
the first and last axles of such consecutive sets of tandem axles (1) is 
thirty-six feet or more, or (2) in the case of a motor vehicle hauling 
any tank trailer, dump trailer, or ocean transport container before 
September 1, 1989, is 30 feet or more: Provided, That such overall gross 
weight may not exceed eighty thousand pounds, including all enforcement 
tolerances, except for vehicles using Interstate Route 29 between Sioux 
City, Iowa, and the border between Iowa and South Dakota or vehicles 
using Interstate Route 129 between Sioux City, Iowa, and the border 
between Iowa and Nebraska, and except for those vehicles and loads which 
cannot be easily dismantled or divided and which have been issued 
special permits in accordance with applicable State laws, or the 
corresponding maximum weights permitted for vehicles using the public 
highways of such State under laws or regulations established by 
appropriate State authority in effect on July 1, 1956, except in the 
case of the overall gross weight of any group of two or more consecutive 
axles on any vehicle (other than a vehicle comprised of a motor vehicle 
hauling any tank trailer, dump trailer, or ocean transport container on 
or after September 1, 1989), on the date of enactment of the Federal-Aid 
Highway Amendments of 1974, whichever is the greater. Any amount which 
is withheld from apportionment to any State pursuant to the foregoing 
provisions shall lapse if not released and obligated within the 
availability period specified in section 118(b)(1) \1\ of this title. 
This section shall not be construed to deny apportionment to any State 
allowing the operation within such State of any vehicles or combinations 
thereof, other than vehicles or combinations subject to subsection (d) 
of this section, which the State determines could be lawfully operated 
within such State on July 1, 1956, except in the case of the overall 
gross weight of any group of two or more consecutive axles, on the date 
of enactment of the Federal-Aid Highway Amendments of 1974. With respect 
to the State of Hawaii, laws or regulations in effect on February 1, 
1960, shall be applicable for the purposes of this section in lieu of 
those in effect on July 1, 1956. With respect to the State of Colorado, 
vehicles designed to carry 2 or more precast concrete panels shall be 
considered a nondivisible load. With respect to the State of Michigan, 
laws or regulations in effect on May 1, 1982, shall be applicable for 
the purposes of this subsection. With respect to the State of Maryland, 
laws and regulations in effect on June 1, 1993, shall be applicable for 
the purposes of this subsection. The State of Louisiana may allow, by 
special permit, the operation of vehicles with a gross vehicle weight of 
up to 100,000 pounds for the hauling of sugarcane during the harvest 
season, not to exceed 100 days annually. With respect to Interstate 
Route 95 in the State of New Hampshire, State laws (including 
regulations) concerning vehicle weight limitations that were in effect 
on January 1, 1987, and are applicable to State highways other than the 
Interstate System, shall be applicable in lieu of the requirements of 
this subsection. With respect to that portion of the Maine Turnpike 
designated Interstate Route 95 and 495, and that portion of Interstate 
Route 95 from the southern terminus of the Maine Turnpike to the New 
Hampshire State line, laws (including regulations) of the State of Maine 
concerning vehicle weight limitations that were in effect on October 1, 
1995, and are applicable to State highways other than the Interstate 
System, shall be applicable in lieu of the requirements of this 
subsection.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
    \1\ See References in Text note below.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
    (b) Reasonable Access.--No State may enact or enforce any law 
denying reasonable access to motor vehicles subject to this title to and 
from the Interstate Highway System to terminals and facilities for food, 
fuel, repairs, and rest.
    (c) Ocean Transport Container Defined.--For purposes of this 
section, the term ``ocean transport container'' has the meaning given 
the term ``freight container'' by the International Standards 
Organization in Series 1, Freight Containers, 3rd Edition (reference 
number IS0668-1979(E)) as in effect on the date of the enactment of this 
subsection.
    (d) Longer Combination Vehicles.--
        (1) Prohibition.--
            (A) General continuation rule.--A longer combination vehicle 
        may continue to operate only if the longer combination vehicle 
        configuration type was authorized by State officials pursuant to 
        State statute or regulation conforming to this section and in 
        actual lawful operation on a regular or periodic basis 
        (including seasonal operations) on or before June 1, 1991, or 
        pursuant to section 335 of the Department of Transportation and 
        Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 1991 (104 Stat. 2186).
            (B) Applicability of state laws and regulations.--All such 
        operations shall continue to be subject to, at the minimum, all 
        State statutes, regulations, limitations and conditions, 
        including, but not limited to, routing-specific and 
        configuration-specific designations and all other restrictions, 
        in force on June 1, 1991; except that subject to such 
        regulations as may be issued by the Secretary pursuant to 
        paragraph (5) of this subsection, the State may make minor 
        adjustments of a temporary and emergency nature to route 
        designations and vehicle operating restrictions in effect on 
        June 1, 1991, for specific safety purposes and road 
        construction.
            (C) Wyoming.--In addition to those vehicles allowed under 
        subparagraph (A), the State of 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 such vehicle configurations comply with the 
        single axle, tandem axle, and bridge formula limits set forth in 
        subsection (a) and do not exceed 117,000 pounds gross vehicle 
        weight.
            (D) Ohio.--In addition to vehicles which the State of Ohio 
        may continue to allow to be operated under subparagraph (A), 
        such State may allow longer combination vehicles with 3 cargo 
        carrying units of 28\1/2\ feet each (not including the truck 
        tractor) not in actual operation on June 1, 1991, to be operated 
        within its boundaries on the 1-mile segment of Ohio State Route 
        7 which begins at and is south of exit 16 of the Ohio Turnpike.
            (E) Alaska.--In addition to vehicles which the State of 
        Alaska may continue to allow to be operated under subparagraph 
        (A), such State may allow the operation of longer combination 
        vehicles which were not in actual operation on June 1, 1991, but 
        which were in actual operation prior to July 5, 1991.
            (F) Iowa.--In addition to vehicles that the State of Iowa 
        may continue to allow to be operated under subparagraph (A), the 
        State may allow longer combination vehicles that were not in 
        actual operation on June 1, 1991, to be operated on Interstate 
        Route 29 between Sioux City, Iowa, and the border between Iowa 
        and South Dakota or Interstate Route 129 between Sioux City, 
        Iowa, and the border between Iowa and Nebraska.

        (2) Additional state restrictions.--
            (A) In general.--Nothing in this subsection shall prevent 
        any State from further restricting in any manner or prohibiting 
        the operation of longer combination vehicles otherwise 
        authorized under this subsection; except that such restrictions 
        or prohibitions shall be consistent with the requirements of 
        sections 31111-31114 of title 49.
            (B) Minor adjustments.--Any State further restricting or 
        prohibiting the operations of longer combination vehicles or 
        making minor adjustments of a temporary and emergency nature as 
        may be allowed pursuant to regulations issued by the Secretary 
        pursuant to paragraph (5) of this subsection, shall, within 30 
        days, advise the Secretary of such action, and the Secretary 
        shall publish a notice of such action in the Federal Register.

        (3) Publication of list.--
            (A) Submission to secretary.--Within 60 days of the date of 
        the enactment of this subsection, each State (i) shall submit to 
        the Secretary for publication in the Federal Register a complete 
        list of (I) all operations of longer combination vehicles being 
        conducted as of June 1, 1991, pursuant to State statutes and 
        regulations; (II) all limitations and conditions, including, but 
        not limited to, routing-specific and configuration-specific 
        designations and all other restrictions, governing the operation 
        of longer combination vehicles otherwise prohibited under this 
        subsection; and (III) such statutes, regulations, limitations, 
        and conditions; and (ii) shall submit to the Secretary copies of 
        such statutes, regulations, limitations, and conditions.
            (B) Interim list.--Not later than 90 days after the date of 
        the enactment of this subsection, the Secretary shall publish an 
        interim list in the Federal Register, consisting of all 
        information submitted pursuant to subparagraph (A). The 
        Secretary shall review for accuracy all information submitted by 
        the States pursuant to subparagraph (A) and shall solicit and 
        consider public comment on the accuracy of all such information.
            (C) Limitation.--No statute or regulation shall be included 
        on the list submitted by a State or published by the Secretary 
        merely on the grounds that it authorized, or could have 
        authorized, by permit or otherwise, the operation of longer 
        combination vehicles, not in actual operation on a regular or 
        periodic basis on or before June 1, 1991.
            (D) Final list.--Except as modified pursuant to paragraph 
        (1)(C) of this subsection, the list shall be published as final 
        in the Federal Register not later than 180 days after the date 
        of the enactment of this subsection. In publishing the final 
        list, the Secretary shall make any revisions necessary to 
        correct inaccuracies identified under subparagraph (B). After 
        publication of the final list, longer combination vehicles may 
        not operate on the Interstate System except as provided in the 
        list.
            (E) Review and correction procedure.--The Secretary, on his 
        or her own motion or upon a request by any person (including a 
        State), shall review the list issued by the Secretary pursuant 
        to subparagraph (D). If the Secretary determines there is cause 
        to believe that a mistake was made in the accuracy of the final 
        list, the Secretary shall commence a proceeding to determine 
        whether the list published pursuant to subparagraph (D) should 
        be corrected. If the Secretary determines that there is a 
        mistake in the accuracy of the list the Secretary shall correct 
        the publication under subparagraph (D) to reflect the 
        determination of the Secretary.

        (4) Longer combination vehicle defined.--For purposes of this 
    section, the term ``longer combination vehicle'' means any 
    combination of a truck tractor and 2 or more trailers or 
    semitrailers which operates on the Interstate System at a gross 
    vehicle weight greater than 80,000 pounds.
        (5) Regulations regarding minor adjustments.--Not later than 180 
    days after the date of the enactment of this subsection, the 
    Secretary shall issue regulations establishing criteria for the 
    States to follow in making minor adjustments under paragraph (1)(B).

    (e) Operation of Certain Specialized Hauling Vehicles on Interstate 
Route 68.--The single axle, tandem axle, and bridge formula limits set 
forth in subsection (a) shall not apply to the operation on Interstate 
Route 68 in Garrett and Allegany Counties, Maryland, of any specialized 
vehicle equipped with a steering axle and a tridem axle and used for 
hauling coal, logs, and pulpwood if such vehicle is of a type of vehicle 
as was operating in such counties on United States Route 40 or 48 for 
such purpose on August 1, 1991.
    (f) Operation of Certain Specialized Hauling Vehicles on Certain 
Wisconsin Highways.--If the 104-mile portion of Wisconsin State Route 78 
and United States Route 51 between Interstate Route 94 near Portage, 
Wisconsin, and Wisconsin State Route 29 south of Wausau, Wisconsin, is 
designated as part of the Interstate System under section 103(c)(4)(A), 
the single axle weight, tandem axle weight, gross vehicle weight, and 
bridge formula limits set forth in subsection (a) shall not apply to the 
104-mile portion with respect to the operation of any vehicle that could 
legally operate on the 104-mile portion before the date of the enactment 
of this subsection.
    (g) Operation of Certain Specialized Hauling Vehicles on Certain 
Pennsylvania Highways.--If the segment of United States Route 220 
between Bedford and Bald Eagle, Pennsylvania, is designated as part of 
the Interstate System, the single axle weight, tandem axle weight, gross 
vehicle weight, and bridge formula limits set forth in subsection (a) 
shall not apply to that segment with respect to the operation of any 
vehicle which could have legally operated on that segment before the 
date of the enactment of this subsection.

(Pub. L. 85-767, Aug. 27, 1958, 72 Stat. 902; Pub. L. 86-624, 
Sec. 17(e), July 12, 1960, 74 Stat. 416; Pub. L. 93-643, Sec. 106, Jan. 
4, 1975, 88 Stat. 2283; Pub. L. 94-280, title I, Sec. 120, May 5, 1976, 
90 Stat. 438; Pub. L. 97-424, title I, Sec. 133, formerly Sec. 133(a), 
Jan. 6, 1983, 96 Stat. 2123, renumbered Sec. 133, Pub. L. 100-17, title 
I, Sec. 133(a)(3), Apr. 2, 1987, 101 Stat. 170; Pub. L. 100-17, title I, 
Sec. 119, Apr. 2, 1987, 101 Stat. 157; Pub. L. 100-202, Sec. 101(l) 
[title III, Sec. 347(c)], Dec. 22, 1987, 101 Stat. 1329-358, 1329-388; 
Pub. L. 101-427, Oct. 15, 1990, 104 Stat. 927; Pub. L. 102-240, title I, 
Sec. 1023(a), (b), (d), Dec. 18, 1991, 105 Stat. 1951, 1952, 1954; Pub. 
L. 103-331, title III, Sec. 332, Sept. 30, 1994, 108 Stat. 2493; Pub. L. 
103-429, Sec. 3(3), Oct. 31, 1994, 108 Stat. 4377; Pub. L. 104-59, title 
III, Sec. 312(a)(1), (2), (b), Nov. 28, 1995, 109 Stat. 584; Pub. L. 
104-88, title IV, Secs. 404, 405(a)(1), Dec. 29, 1995, 109 Stat. 956; 
Pub. L. 105-178, title I, Secs. 1106(c)(2)(B), 1212(d)(1), June 9, 1998, 
112 Stat. 136, 194.)

                       References in Text

    The date of enactment of Federal-Aid Highway Amendments of 1974, 
referred to in subsec. (a), means Jan. 4, 1975, the date on which Pub. 
L. 93-643 was approved.
    Section 118(b) of this title, referred to in subsec. (a), was struck 
out and a new subsec. (b) was added by Pub. L. 102-240, title I, 
Sec. 1020(a), Dec. 18, 1991, 105 Stat. 1948. Provisions formerly 
contained in subsec. (b)(1) of section 118 appear in subsec. (b)(2).
    The date of the enactment of this subsection, referred to in subsec. 
(c), is the date of enactment of Pub. L. 100-17, which was approved Apr. 
2, 1987.
    Section 335 of the Department of Transportation and Related Agencies 
Appropriations Act, 1991, referred to in subsec. (d)(1)(A), is section 
335 of Pub. L. 101-516, which is not classified to the Code.
    The date of the enactment of this subsection, referred to in subsec. 
(d)(3)(A), (B), (D), (5), is the date of the enactment of Pub. L. 102-
240, which was approved Dec. 18, 1991.
    The date of the enactment of this subsection, referred to in subsec. 
(f), is the date of enactment of Pub. L. 104-59, which was approved Nov. 
28, 1995.
    The date of the enactment of this subsection, referred to in subsec. 
(g), is the date of enactment of Pub. L. 104-88, which was approved Dec. 
29, 1995.


                               Amendments

    1998--Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 105-178, Sec. 1212(d)(1), inserted before 
penultimate sentence ``With respect to the State of Colorado, vehicles 
designed to carry 2 or more precast concrete panels shall be considered 
a nondivisible load.'' and inserted at end ``The State of Louisiana may 
allow, by special permit, the operation of vehicles with a gross vehicle 
weight of up to 100,000 pounds for the hauling of sugarcane during the 
harvest season, not to exceed 100 days annually. With respect to 
Interstate Route 95 in the State of New Hampshire, State laws (including 
regulations) concerning vehicle weight limitations that were in effect 
on January 1, 1987, and are applicable to State highways other than the 
Interstate System, shall be applicable in lieu of the requirements of 
this subsection. With respect to that portion of the Maine Turnpike 
designated Interstate Route 95 and 495, and that portion of Interstate 
Route 95 from the southern terminus of the Maine Turnpike to the New 
Hampshire State line, laws (including regulations) of the State of Maine 
concerning vehicle weight limitations that were in effect on October 1, 
1995, and are applicable to State highways other than the Interstate 
System, shall be applicable in lieu of the requirements of this 
subsection.''
    Subsec. (f). Pub. L. 105-178, Sec. 1106(c)(2)(B), substituted 
``section 103(c)(4)(A)'' for ``section 139(a)''.
    1995--Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 104-59, Sec. 312(a)(1), in proviso of 
second sentence substituted ``except for vehicles using Interstate Route 
29 between Sioux City, Iowa, and the border between Iowa and South 
Dakota or vehicles using Interstate Route 129 between Sioux City, Iowa, 
and the border between Iowa and Nebraska, and except for those'' for 
``except for those''.
    Subsec. (d)(1)(F). Pub. L. 104-59, Sec. 312(a)(2), added subpar. 
(F).
    Subsec. (f). Pub. L. 104-59, Sec. 312(b), as amended by Pub. L. 104-
88, Sec. 405(a)(1), added subsec. (f).
    Subsec. (g). Pub. L. 104-88, Sec. 404, added subsec. (g).
    1994--Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 103-331 inserted at end ``With respect to 
the State of Maryland, laws and regulations in effect on June 1, 1993, 
shall be applicable for the purposes of this subsection.''
    Subsec. (d)(2)(A). Pub. L. 103-429 substituted ``sections 31111-
31114 of title 49'' for ``sections 411, 412, and 416 of the Surface 
Transportation Assistance Act of 1982 (49 U.S.C. App. 2311, 2312, and 
2316)''.
    1991--Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 102-240, Sec. 1023(a), substituted 
``funds shall be apportioned in any fiscal year under section 104(b)(1) 
of this title'' for ``funds authorized to be appropriated for any fiscal 
year under provisions of the Federal-Aid Highway Act of 1956 shall be 
apportioned'' in first sentence and inserted ``, other than vehicles or 
combinations subject to subsection (d) of this section,'' after 
``thereof'' in fourth sentence.
    Subsecs. (d), (e). Pub. L. 102-240, Sec. 1023(b), (d), added 
subsecs. (d) and (e).
    1990--Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 101-427 substituted ``The Dwight D. 
Eisenhower System of Interstate and Defense Highways'' for ``the 
National System of Interstate and Defense Highways'' in two places.
    1987--Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 100-202 substituted ``September 1, 1989'' 
for ``September 1, 1988'' in two places.
    Pub. L. 100-17, Sec. 119(d)(1), inserted heading.
    Pub. L. 100-17, Sec. 119(a)(1), (2), which directed that second 
sentence be amended by inserting ``(1)'' before ``is 36 feet or more'' 
and by inserting cl. (2) after such phrase, was executed by making the 
insertions before and after ``is thirty-six feet or more'' to reflect 
the probable intent of Congress.
    Pub. L. 100-17, Sec. 119(a)(3), (b), inserted ``on any vehicle 
(other than a vehicle comprised of a motor vehicle hauling any tank 
trailer, dump trailer, or ocean transport container on or after 
September 1, 1988)'' after last reference to ``consecutive axles'' in 
second sentence and substituted ``lapse if not released and obligated 
within the availability period specified in section 118(b)(1) of this 
title.'' for ``lapse.''
    Subsec. (b). Pub. L. 100-17, Sec. 119(d)(2), inserted heading.
    Subsec. (c). Pub. L. 100-17, Sec. 119(c), added subsec. (c).
    1983--Pub. L. 97-424 struck out ``and width'' after ``weight'' in 
section catchline.
    Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 97-424 designated existing provisions as 
subsec. (a) and substituted provisions relating to authority to 
appropriate funds for any fiscal year under the Federal-Aid Highway Act 
of 1956 with respect to apportionment to any State not permitting the 
use of the National System of Interstate and Defense Highways within its 
boundaries by vehicles with specified weights, provisions setting forth 
formula of maximum gross weight to be allowed by any State for vehicles 
using such Highways, and provisions setting forth further limitations 
for apportionment, for provisions relating to authority to appropriate 
funds for any fiscal year under section 108(b) of the Federal-Aid 
Highway Act of 1956 with respect to apportionment to any State not 
permitting the use of the Interstate System within its boundaries by 
vehicles with specified weights, provisions setting forth formula for 
determination of overall gross weight, provisions relating to maximum 
widths permitted for vehicles, and provisions setting forth further 
limitations for apportionment.
    Subsec. (b). Pub. L. 97-424 added subsec. (b).
    1976--Pub. L. 94-280 authorized a State to permit any bus with a 
width of 102 inches or less to operate on any lane of twelve feet or 
more in width on the Interstate System.
    1975--Pub. L. 93-643 substituted weight limitations of 20,000 lbs. 
carried on any one axle, including all enforcement tolerances, for 
18,000 lbs. carried on any one axle, of 34,000 lbs. for tandem axle 
weight, including all enforcement tolerances, for 32,000 lbs. for tandem 
axle weight, overall gross weight limitation of 80,000, including 
enforcement tolerances, for overall gross weight of 73,280 lbs. 
prescribed a formula for determination of overall gross weight on a 
group of two or more consecutive axles, authorized a gross load of 
34,000 lbs. each for two consecutive sets of tandem axles having an 
overall distance of 36 or more feet between such axles, excepted from 
the new weight limitations cases of overall gross weight of any group of 
two or more consecutive axles, on Jan. 4, 1975, and inserted ``, except 
in the case of the overall gross weight of any group of two or more 
consecutive axles, on the date of enactment of the Federal-Aid Highway 
Amendments of 1974'' in third sentence.
    1960--Pub. L. 86-624 made the laws or regulation in effect on Feb. 
1, 1960, applicable, with respect to the State of Hawaii, for the 
purposes of this section, in lieu of those in effect on July 1, 1956.


                    Effective Date of 1995 Amendment

    Amendment by section 404 of Pub. L. 104-88 effective Jan. 1, 1996, 
see section 2 of Pub. L. 104-88, set out as an Effective Date note under 
section 701 of Title 49, Transportation.
    Section 405(a) of Pub. L. 104-88 provided that the amendment made by 
that section is effective Nov. 28, 1995.


                    Effective Date of 1991 Amendment

    Amendment by Pub. L. 102-240 effective Dec. 18, 1991, and applicable 
to funds authorized to be appropriated or made available after Sept. 30, 
1991, and, with certain exceptions, not applicable to funds appropriated 
or made available on or before Sept. 30, 1991, see section 1100 of Pub. 
L. 102-240, set out as a note under section 104 of this title.


                      Specialized Hauling Vehicles

    Pub. L. 105-178, title I, Sec. 1213(f), June 9, 1998, 112 Stat. 201, 
provided that:
    ``(1) Study.--The Secretary shall conduct a study to examine the 
impact of the truck weight standards on specialized hauling vehicles. 
The study shall include, at a minimum, an analysis of the economic, 
safety, and infrastructure impacts of the standards.
    ``(2) Report.--Not later than 2 years after the date of enactment of 
this Act [June 9, 1998], the Secretary shall transmit to Congress a 
report on the results of the study with any recommendations the 
Secretary determines appropriate as a result of the study.''


                       Vehicle Weight Enforcement

    Pub. L. 105-178, title I, Sec. 1213(h), June 9, 1998, 112 Stat. 202, 
provided that:
    ``(1) Study.--The Secretary shall conduct a study of State laws 
(including regulations) relating to penalties for violation of State 
commercial motor vehicle weight laws.
    ``(2) Purpose.--The purpose of the study shall be to determine the 
effectiveness of State penalties as a deterrent to illegally overweight 
trucking operations. The study shall evaluate fine structures, 
innovative roadside enforcement techniques, and a State's ability to 
penalize shippers and carriers as well as drivers and shall examine the 
effectiveness of administrative and judicial procedures utilized to 
enforce vehicle weight laws.
    ``(3) Report.--Not later than 2 years after the date of enactment of 
this Act [June 9, 1998], the Secretary shall transmit to Congress a 
report on the results of the study with any legislative recommendations 
of the Secretary.''


                     Commercial Motor Vehicle Study

    Pub. L. 105-178, title I, Sec. 1213(i), June 9, 1998, 112 Stat. 202, 
provided that:
    ``(1) In general.--The Secretary shall request the Transportation 
Research Board of the National Academy of Sciences to conduct a study 
regarding the regulation of weights, lengths, and widths of commercial 
motor vehicles operating on Federal-aid highways to which Federal 
regulations apply on the date of enactment of this Act [June 9, 1998]. 
In conducting the study, the Board shall review law, regulations, 
studies (including Transportation Research Board Special Report 225), 
and practices and develop recommendations regarding any revisions to law 
and regulations that the Board determines appropriate.
    ``(2) Factors to consider and evaluate.--In developing 
recommendations under paragraph (1), the Board shall consider and 
evaluate the impact of the recommendations described in paragraph (1) on 
the economy, the environment, safety, and service to communities.
    ``(3) Consultation.--In carrying out the study, the Board shall 
consult with the Department of Transportation, States, the motor carrier 
industry, freight shippers, highway safety groups, air quality and 
natural resource management groups, commercial motor vehicle driver 
representatives, and other appropriate entities.
    ``(4) Report.--Not later than 2 years after the date of enactment of 
this Act [June 9, 1998], the Board shall transmit to Congress and the 
Secretary a report on the results of the study conducted under this 
subsection.
    ``(5) Recommendations.--Not later than 180 days after the date of 
receipt of the report under paragraph (4), the Secretary may transmit to 
Congress a report containing comments or recommendations of the 
Secretary regarding the Board's report.
    ``(6) Funding.--There is authorized to be appropriated out of the 
Highway Trust Fund (other than the Mass Transit Account) $250,000 for 
each of fiscal years 1999 and 2000 to carry out this subsection.
    ``(7) Applicability of title 23.--Funds made available to carry out 
this subsection shall be available for obligation in the same manner as 
if such funds were apportioned under chapter 1 of title 23, United 
States Code; except that the Federal share of the cost of the study 
under this subsection shall be 100 percent and such funds shall remain 
available until expended.''


                         Public Transit Vehicles

    Pub. L. 102-240, title I, Sec. 1023(h), as added by Pub. L. 102-388, 
title III, Sec. 341, Oct. 6, 1992, 106 Stat. 1552; amended by Pub. L. 
104-59, title III, Sec. 326, Nov. 28, 1995, 109 Stat. 592; Pub. L. 105-
178, title I, Sec. 1212(c), June 9, 1998, 112 Stat. 194, provided that:
    ``(1) Temporary exemption.--The second sentence of section 127 of 
title 23, United States Code, relating to axle weight limitations for 
vehicles using the Dwight D. Eisenhower System of Interstate and Defense 
Highways, shall not apply, for the period beginning on October 6, 1992, 
and ending on October 1, 2003, to any vehicle which is regularly and 
exclusively used as an intrastate public agency transit passenger bus.
    ``(2) Study.--The Secretary shall conduct a study on the maximum 
axle weight limitations on the Dwight D. Eisenhower System of Interstate 
and Defense Highways established under section 127 of title 23, United 
States Code, or under State laws, as they apply to public transit 
vehicles. The study shall determine whether or not public transit 
vehicles should be exempted from the requirements of section 127 or 
State laws or if such laws should be modified with regard to public 
transit vehicles. In making such determination, the Secretary shall 
consider current transit vehicle design standards, the implications of 
the Americans with Disabilities Act [of 1990, 42 U.S.C. 12101 et seq.] 
and Clean Air Act [42 U.S.C. 7401 et seq.] requirements on such design 
standards, and the potential impact of revised design standards on 
transit ridership capacity, operating and replacement costs, air quality 
concerns, and highway wear and tear.
    ``(3) Report.--Not later than 18 months after the date of enactment 
of this Act, the Secretary shall submit to the Congress a report on the 
result of the study conducted under paragraph (2), together with 
recommendations.''


              Temporary Exemption for Firefighting Vehicles

    Section 1023(e) of Pub. L. 102-240 provided that:
    ``(1) Temporary exemption.--The second sentence of section 127 of 
title 23, United States Code, relating to axle weight limitations and 
the bridge formula for vehicles using the National System of Interstate 
and Defense Highways, shall not apply, in the 2-year period beginning on 
the date of the enactment of this Act [Dec. 18, 1991], to any existing 
vehicle which is used for the purpose of protecting persons and property 
from fires and other disasters that threaten public safety and which is 
in actual operation before such date of enactment and to any new vehicle 
to be used for such purpose while such vehicle is being delivered to a 
firefighting agency. The Secretary may extend such 2-year period for an 
additional year.
    ``(2) Study.--The Secretary shall conduct a study--
        ``(A) of State laws regulating the use on the National System of 
    Interstate and Defense Highways [now Dwight D. Eisenhower System of 
    Interstate and Defense Highways] of vehicles which are used for the 
    purpose of protecting persons and property from fires and other 
    disasters that threaten public safety and which are being delivered 
    to or operated by a firefighting agency; and
        ``(B) of the issuance of permits by States which exempt such 
    vehicles from the requirements of the second sentence of section 127 
    of title 23, United States Code.
    ``(3) Purposes.--The purposes of the study under this subsection are 
to determine whether or not such State laws and such section 127 need to 
be modified with regard to such vehicles and whether or not a permanent 
exemption should be made for such vehicles from the requirements of such 
laws and section 127 or whether or not the bridge formula set forth in 
such section should be modified as it applies to such vehicles.
    ``(4) Report.--Not later than 18 months after the date of the 
enactment of this Act [Dec. 18, 1991], the Secretary shall submit to the 
Congress a report on the results of the study conducted under paragraph 
(2), together with recommendations.''


      Study Pertaining to Transporters of Water Well Drilling Rigs

    Section 1023(g) of Pub. L. 102-240 directed Secretary to conduct a 
study of State and Federal regulations pertaining to transporters of 
water well drilling rigs on public highways for the purpose of 
identifying requirements which place a burden on such transporters 
without enhancing safety or preservation of public highways, and, not 
later than 2 years after Dec. 18, 1991, report to Congress on the 
results of the study, together with any legislative and administrative 
recommendations.


      Motor Vehicle Study by Transportation Research Board; Report

    Section 158 of Pub. L. 100-17 directed Secretary, within 6 months 
after Apr. 2, 1987, to enter into appropriate arrangements with the 
Transportation Research Board of the National Academy of Sciences to 
conduct a study of the following motor vehicle issues, including an 
analysis of the impacts of the various positions that have been put 
forth with respect to each issue and best estimates of effects on 
pavement, bridges, highway revenue and cost responsibility, and highway 
safety, and changes in transportation costs and other measures of 
productivity for various segments of the trucking industry resulting 
from adoption of each of the positions: (1) elimination of existing, 
grandfather provisions of 23 U.S.C. 127 which allow higher axle loads 
and gross vehicle weights than the 20,000-pound single axle load limit, 
34,000-pound tandem axle load limit, and 80,000-pound gross vehicle 
weight limit maximums authorized by Pub. L. 93-643, (2) analysis of 
alternative methods of determining gross vehicle weight limit and axle 
loadings for all types of motor carrier vehicles, (3) analysis of the 
bridge formula contained in 23 U.S.C. 127 in view of current vehicle 
configurations, pavement and bridge stresses in accord with 1986 design 
and construction practices, and existing bridges on and off the 
Interstate System, (4) establishment of nationwide policy regarding the 
provisions of `reasonable access' to the National Network for 
combination vehicles established pursuant to Pub. L. 97-424, and (5) 
recommendation of appropriate treatment for specialized hauling vehicles 
which do not comply with the existing Federal bridge formula and submit 
a final report to Secretary and Congress, not later than 30 months after 
appropriate arrangements were entered into.


                 State-Imposed Vehicle Width Limitations

    Pub. L. 97-369, title III, Sec. 321, Dec. 18, 1982, 96 Stat. 1784, 
related to State-imposed vehicle width limitations, prior to repeal by 
Pub. L. 98-17, Sec. 2, Apr. 5, 1983, 97 Stat. 60. See section 31113 of 
Title 49, Transportation.


                 Steering Axle Study; Report to Congress

    Section 210 of Pub. L. 94-280 directed Secretary of Transportation 
to conduct an investigation into relationship between gross load on 
front steering axles of truck tractors and safety of operation of 
vehicle combinations of which such truck tractors are a part, such 
investigation to be conducted in cooperation with representatives of (A) 
manufacturers of truck tractors and related equipment, (B) labor, and 
(C) users of such equipment, and the results of such study to be 
reported to Congress not later than July 1, 1977.

                  Section Referred to in Other Sections

    This section is referred to in section 141 of this title; title 49 
sections 5112, 31112.
