HOUSE FILE 465

BY  COMMITTEE ON TRANSPORTATION

(SUCCESSOR TO HF 251)

A BILL FOR

An Act relating to the enforcement of weight limitations for vehicles with retractable axles.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF IOWA:

   Section 1.  Section 321.463, Code 2011, is amended by adding the following new subsection:
   NEW SUBSECTION.  12A.
  a.  A vehicle or combination of vehicles equipped with a retractable axle may raise the axle when necessary to negotiate a turn, provided that the retractable axle is lowered within one thousand feet following completion of the turn. This paragraph does not apply to a vehicle or combination of vehicles operated on an interstate highway, including a ramp to or from an interstate highway, or on a bridge.
   b.  A vehicle or combination of vehicles operated with a retractable axle raised as permitted under paragraph“a” is exempt from the weight limitations of this section as long as the vehicle or combination of vehicles is in compliance with the weight limitations of this section when the retractable axle is lowered.
   c.  This subsection does not prohibit the operation of a vehicle or combination of vehicles equipped with a retractable axle from operating with the retractable axle raised when the vehicle or combination of vehicles is in compliance with the weight limitations of this section with the retractable axle raised.
EXPLANATION
   This bill allows a vehicle or combination of vehicles to raise a retractable axle when necessary to negotiate a turn, provided the retractable axle is lowered within one thousand feet of completing the turn. The vehicle or combination of vehicles is exempt from axle weight limitations while making the turn with a raised retractable axle, so long as the vehicle is in compliance when the retractable axle is lowered. The exemption does not apply on an interstate highway, including a ramp leading to or from the interstate, or on a bridge.