LRB-0579/2
ARG:eev:rs
2013 - 2014 LEGISLATURE
March 13, 2013 - Introduced by Senators Harsdorf, Vinehout, Schultz and
Grothman, cosponsored by Representatives Brooks, T. Larson, Bies and
Ballweg. Referred to Committee on Transportation, Public Safety, and
Veterans and Military Affairs.
SB75,1,2 1An Act to create 348.08 (1) (j) of the statutes; relating to: operating certain
2three-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.
One exception allows a person to operate, without a permit, a three-vehicle
combination consisting of the following:
1. A towing vehicle.
2. A recreational vehicle or camping trailer.
3. Another recreational vehicle or camping trailer, or a trailer carrying any
vehicle for recreational use or carrying no load. A "vehicle for recreational use" is
defined to include a bicycle, moped, motor bicycle, motorcycle, all-terrain vehicle,
utility 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.
Current law requires the heavier of the towed vehicles to occupy the middle
position of the three-vehicle combination unless it is not structurally possible. The
overall length of the combination of vehicles may not exceed 65 feet and, if the total
loaded weight of all towed vehicles exceeds 3,000 pounds, one of the towed vehicles
must be equipped with brakes. A three-vehicle combination may not be operated if
specified highway or weather conditions are present.
This bill provides an exception for the operation of certain additional
three-vehicle combinations without a permit. The bill allows a person to operate,

without a permit, 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 recreational vehicle or camping trailer or a trailer carrying any vehicle for
recreational use, carrying equestrian equipment and equestrian supplies for
recreational purposes, or carrying no load. If the total loaded weight of all towed
vehicles exceeds 3,000 pounds, one of the towed vehicles must also be equipped with
brakes. These three-vehicle combinations may not be operated if specified highway
or weather conditions are present.
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:
SB75,1 1Section 1. 348.08 (1) (j) of the statutes is created to read:
SB75,2,152 348.08 (1) (j) A 3-vehicle combination not exceeding 70 feet in overall length
3may, without a permit, be operated on a highway if the towing vehicle serving as the
4power unit is equipped with a 5th wheel and kingpin connection by which the 2nd
5vehicle in the 3-vehicle combination is drawn, the 2nd vehicle in the 3-vehicle
6combination is a recreational vehicle or camping trailer, including any combination
7camping-horse trailer, the 3rd vehicle in the 3-vehicle combination is a recreational
8vehicle or camping trailer or a trailer carrying any vehicle for recreational use,
9carrying equestrian equipment and equestrian supplies for recreational purposes,
10or carrying no load, and, if the total weight, including any load, of all towed vehicles
11exceeds 3,000 pounds, one of the towed vehicles is equipped with brakes. No
123-vehicle combination may operate under this paragraph if highway or weather
13conditions include heavy snow, freezing rain, icy roads, high winds, limited visibility,
14or upon a highway that is closed or partially closed by the department due to highway
15conditions.
SB75,2
1Section 2. Initial applicability.
SB75,3,32 (1) This act first applies to 3-vehicle combinations operated on the effective
3date of this subsection.
SB75,3,44 (End)
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