Rule-Making Notices (Hearing Notices)

In the Surface Transportation Assistance Act of 1982 (STAA), the federal government acted under the Commerce clause of the United States Constitution to provide uniform standards on vehicle length applicable in all states. The length provisions of STAA apply to truck tractor-semitrailer combinations and to truck tractor-semitrailer-trailer combinations. (See Jan. 6, 1983, Public Law 97-424, § 411) The uniform standards provide that:

•   No state shall impose a limit of less than 48 feet on a semitrailer operating in a truck tractor-semitrailer combination.

•   No state shall impose a length limit of less than 28 feet on any semitrailer or trailer operating in a truck tractor-semitrailer-trailer combination.

•   No state may limit the length of truck tractors.

•   No state shall impose an overall length limitation on commercial vehicles operating in truck tractor-semitrailer or truck tractor-semitrailer-trailer combinations.

•   No state shall prohibit operation of truck tractor-semitrailer-trailer combinations.

The State of Wisconsin complied with the federal requirements outlined above by enacting 1983 Wisconsin Act 78 which amended § 348.07 (2), Stats., and § 348.08 (1), Stats. This act created §§ 348.07 (2) (f), (fm), (gm) and 348.08 (1) (e) to implement the federal length requirements. In 1986 the legislature created § 348.07 (2) (gr), Stats., to add 53 foot semitrailers as part of a two vehicle combination to the types of vehicles that may operate along with STAA authorized vehicles. (See 1985 Wisconsin Act 165)

The vehicles authorized by the STAA may operate on the national system of interstate and defense highways and on those federal aid primary highways designated by regulation of the secretary of the United States Department of Transportation. In 1984 the USDOT adopted 23 CFR Part 658 which in Appendix A lists the highways in each state upon which STAA authorized vehicles may operate. Collectively these highways are known as the National Network. In 1983 Wisconsin Act 78, the legislature enacted § 348.07(4), Stats., which directs the Wisconsin Department of Transportation to adopt a rule designating the highways in Wisconsin on which STAA authorized vehicles may be operated consistent with federal regulations.

The Department of Transportation first adopted ch. Trans 276 of the Wisconsin Administrative Code in December of 1984. The rule is consistent with 23 CFR Part 658 in that the Wisconsin rule designates all of the highways in Wisconsin that are listed in 23 CFR Part 658 as part of the National Network for STAA authorized vehicles. The federal regulation does not prohibit states from allowing operation of STAA authorized vehicles on additional state highways. The rule making authority granted to the Wisconsin Department of Transportation in § 348.07 (4), Stats., allows the DOT to add routes in Wisconsin consistent with public safety. The rule making process also provides a mechanism to review requests from businesses and shipping firms for access to the designated highway system for points of origin and delivery beyond 15 miles from a designated route. A process to review and respond to requests for reasonable access is required by 23 CFR Part 658.

Comparison with rules in adjacent states

Michigan:

Allows 53 ft. semi-trailers on designated highways only approved by the state transportation department or a local authority. Maximum length from kingpin to axle is 37.5 ft. to 40.5 ft. There is no restriction on maximum overall tractor-semitrailer length. Allows 5-mile access provision on state highways for food, fuel, repairs or rest.

Minnesota:

Allows 53 ft. semi-trailers on any road with an overall length restriction of 75 ft. No restriction on divided highways. Commissioner may designate other than divided highways, subject to local approval, for the purpose of providing reasonable access between divided highways.

Illinois:

Allows 53 ft. semi-trailers on designated highways on Class I, II and III highways. Maximum length from kingpin to axle is 45.5 ft. There is no restriction on maximum overall tractor-semitrailer length for Class I and II highways, but a 65 ft. restriction on Class III highway, and a 55 ft. restriction on non-state highways. Allows a 5-mile access provision off a state route.

Iowa:

Allows 53-ft. semi-trailers on any highway and no maximum overall semi-trailer length restriction.

Summary of factual data and analytical methodologies

Due to the federal requirement that requests for access to the designated highway system in a state be decided within 90 days of the request, a proposed rule making to add requested routes is initiated without investigation. The public hearing and Department investigation undertaken in preparation for the hearing provide the engineering and economic data needed to make a final decision on whether to withdraw the proposal or proceed to final rule making.

Small Business Impact

The provisions of this proposed rule adding two highway segments to the designated system have no direct adverse effect on small businesses, and may have a favorable effect on those small businesses which are shippers or carriers using the newly-designated routes.

The Department's Regulatory Review Coordinator may be contacted by e-mail at [e-mail], or by calling [phone].

Fiscal Estimate

The Department estimates that there will be no fiscal impact on the liabilities or revenues of any county, city, village, town, school district, vocational, technical and adult education district, sewerage district, or federally-recognized tribes or bands. The Department estimates that there will be no fiscal impact on state or private sector revenues or liabilities.

Agency Contact Person and Submission of Written Comments

The public record on this proposed rule making will be held open until close of business the day of the hearing to permit the submission of comments in lieu of public hearing testimony or comments supplementing testimony offered at the hearing. Any such comments should be submitted to Ashwani Sharma, Department of Transportation, Bureau of Highway Operations, Room 501, P. O. Box 7986, Madison, WI 53707-7986. You may also contact Mr. Sharma by telephone at [phone] or via e-mail at [e-mail] to obtain copies of the proposed rule.

To view the proposed amendments to the rule, view the current rule, and submit written comments via e-mail/internet, you may visit the following website: http://www.dot.wisconsin.gov/library/research/law/rulenotices.htm.

Copies of Proposed Rule

A copy of the proposed rule may be obtained upon request from Ashwani Sharma, Department of Transportation, Bureau of Highway Operations, Room 501, P. O. Box 7986, Madison, WI 53707-7986. You may also contact Mr. Sharma by phone at [phone] or via e-mail at [e-mail].