SB261: Bill Text

LRB-2993/1

ARG:med:ph

2011 - 2012 LEGISLATURE

2011 Senate BILL 261

October 28, 2011 - Introduced by Senator Harsdorf, cosponsored by Representatives Rivard and Marklein. Referred to Committee on Transportation and Elections.

SB261,1,2 An Act to create 348.01 (2) (d) and 348.08 (1) (j) of the statutes; relating to: operating certain three-vehicle combinations on highways.

Analysis by the Legislative Reference Bureau

Current law generally prohibits any person from operating a vehicle on a highway while towing two or more vehicles unless an exception applies or the operator holds an appropriate permit issued by the Department of Transportation (DOT). DOT may issue annual or consecutive month permits for certain three-vehicle combinations that consist of the following vehicles:

1. A towing vehicle.

2. A recreational vehicle or camping trailer.

3. A trailer for a personal recreational vehicle.

Under current law, the overall length of the combination of vehicles may not exceed 60 feet or, if the middle vehicle in the three-vehicle combination is equipped with brakes, 65 feet. Unless it is not structurally possible, the lighter of the towed vehicles must occupy the last position in the three-vehicle combination. The towed vehicles must be for the use of the operator of the towing vehicle. A three-vehicle combination may not be operated if specified highway or weather conditions are present.

This bill allows certain three-vehicle combinations to be operated on a highway without a permit. The bill allows a person at least 18 years of age to operate a three-vehicle combination not exceeding 70 feet in overall length if the towing vehicle serving as the power unit is equipped with a fifth wheel coupling, the second vehicle in the three-vehicle combination is a recreational vehicle or camping trailer, and the third vehicle in the three-vehicle combination is a trailer carrying any vehicle for recreational use or carrying equestrian equipment or supplies. A "vehicle for recreational use" is defined to include a bicycle, moped, motor bicycle, motorcycle, all-terrain vehicle, snowmobile, boat, sailboard, personal watercraft, or electric personal assistive mobility device, but does not include an automobile, motor truck, motor home, play vehicle, or in-line skates. The bill does not modify current law provisions for operating a three-vehicle combination under an annual or consecutive month permit.

For further information see the state fiscal estimate, which will be printed as an appendix to this bill.

The people of the state of Wisconsin, represented in senate and assembly, do enact as follows:

SB261, s. 1 Section 1. 348.01 (2) (d) of the statutes is created to read:

SB261,2,6 348.01 (2) (d) "Vehicle for recreational use" includes a bicycle, moped, motor bicycle, motorcycle, all-terrain vehicle, snowmobile, boat, as defined in s. 30.50 (2), sailboard, as defined in s. 30.50 (11), personal watercraft, or electric personal assistive mobility device, but does not include an automobile, motor truck, motor home, play vehicle, or in-line skates.

SB261, s. 2 Section 2. 348.08 (1) (j) of the statutes is created to read:

SB261,2,14 348.08 (1) (j) A 3-vehicle combination not exceeding 70 feet in overall length may, without a permit, be operated on a highway by a person at least 18 years of age if the towing vehicle serving as the power unit is equipped with a 5th wheel and kingpin connection by which the 2nd vehicle in the 3-vehicle combination is drawn, the 2nd vehicle in the 3-vehicle combination is a recreational vehicle or camping trailer, and the 3rd vehicle in the 3-vehicle combination is a trailer carrying any vehicle for recreational use or carrying equestrian equipment or supplies.

SB261, s. 3 Section 3. Initial applicability.

SB261,3,2 (1) This act first applies to 3-vehicle combinations operated on the effective date of this subsection.

SB261,3,3 (End)