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An Act To Amend the Laws Governing Axle Weights
Be it enacted by the People of the State of Maine as follows:
Sec. 1.  29-A MRSA §2353, sub-§8  is enacted to read:
 
8.  Vehicles within maximum gross vehicle weight limits.   Notwithstanding any provision of this subchapter to the contrary, if a vehicle that exceeds axle weight limits and axle weight tolerance restrictions imposed by this subchapter is within the applicable maximum gross vehicle weight limit including tolerances, the fine imposed under this subchapter is reduced by 50%.
Sec. 2. 29-A MRSA §2360, sub-§7, as affected by PL 1995, c. 65, Pt. A, §153 and amended by Pt. C, §9 and affected by §15, is further amended to read:
 
7. Redistribution of load. Notwithstanding subsections 1 to 6, when an officer determines that a vehicle that is within the gross vehicle weight limit is in violation of an axle weight limit, the officer shall permit the operator to redistribute the load once before proceeding. If redistribution brings the vehicle into compliance with axle limits, then the fine is reduced as follows:
 
A. If the violation is less than 2,000 pounds, no penalty; and
 
B. If the violation is less than 3,000 pounds, by 66%; and.
 
C.  If the violation is less than 4,000 pounds, by 50%.
 
SUMMARY
This bill provides that if a vehicle that exceeds the axle weight limits and axle weight tolerance restrictions imposed under state law is within the maximum gross vehicle weight, the applicable fine must be reduced by 50%. This bill also amends existing law regarding the reduction of fines following the successful redistribution of loads to bring vehicles into compliance with axle limits.