A compromise bill allowing trucks to haul more weight has passed the General Assembly and now awaits Governor Kemp’s signature. but will have to go to conference committee to work out differences between the two versions.
The measure, sponsored by State Representative Steven Meeks (R-Screven) would allow trucks to haul up to 88,000 pounds of cargo up to 150 miles from the origin point on roads other than interstate highways, which are subject to federal restrictions. The current limit is 84,000 pounds.
As part of the compromise, the weight limits will expire at the end of 2024. Local law enforcement will be responsible for enforcing the weight limits on county-maintained roads. The Department of Public Safety will enforce the weight limits on state highways and interstates.
The compromise bill passed the House 95-75 and the Senate passed it 37-16, both after midnight on the final day of this year’s session of the Legislature.
Meeks has said the bill aims to help Georgia farmers and loggers who have told lawmakers they need heavier trucks to reduce the number of loads they have to haul.
While farmers and loggers have pushed for the bill, representatives of local governments, traffic safety advocates, and the Georgia Department of Transportation have argued a permanent exemption allowing heavier trucks would damage roads and bridges and cause more severe crashes and potentially more injuries and fatalities.
