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GeorgiaHB 1642025-2026 Regular SessionHouse

Highways, bridges, and ferries; allowable variance for weight limitations upon a vehicle or load; repeal automatic repeal provisions

Sponsored By: Debbie Buckner (Democrat), Chas Cannon (Republican), Robert Dickey (Republican), Spencer Frye (Democrat), Leesa Hagan (Republican), Steven Meeks (Republican)

Signed by Governor

TransportationGeneral Bill

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

2 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 0 costs, 1 mixed.

Farm haulers keep higher truck weight limits

The law removes the July 1, 2025, expiration of a 10% truck weight allowance for eligible haulers. Covered loads include listed commodities, farm products going to their first market or processing point, and finished agricultural goods for distribution or retail. Recovered materials going from where they are generated to a processing facility also qualify. Trips must stay within 150 miles of the farm or starting point. The allowance excludes areas designated as air-quality nonattainment areas as of May 3, 2023. Both tractor and trailer must be certified for the added weight. The 10% allowance covers single-axle, tandem-axle, and total gross weight limits; lift axles do not count toward maximum gross weight. Violations remain charged using standard weight limits, not the added allowance.

More local truck checks with warning protections

Local officers can enforce truck weight limits where they have traffic enforcement authority. Officers making stops for suspected weight violations need training equivalent to state motor-carrier enforcement officers. They can order weighing, measurement, and inspection when they reasonably suspect a weight violation. Local officers can cite violations on designated county truck routes and bridges in county road or municipal street systems. If required signs are missing or poorly maintained, the first violation requires a warning; later violations may receive citations. Excess-weight and size permits must stay in the vehicle and be available for inspection. Georgia's Department of Public Safety leads enforcement; the transportation department retains rulemaking and permit duties but cannot employ enforcement officers unless otherwise authorized. State enforcement officers can also stop vehicles for suspected size, weight, licensing, fuel-tax registration, or identification violations. Drivers must obey proper stop orders. Refusal is a misdemeanor, with a fine up to $200, bond up to $400, and possible driving suspension up to 90 days. Licensing, fuel-tax registration, and identification violations must be reported to Georgia's Department of Revenue.

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsors

  • Debbie Buckner

    Democrat • House

  • Chas Cannon

    Republican • House

  • Robert Dickey

    Republican • House

  • Spencer Frye

    Democrat • House

  • Leesa Hagan

    Republican • House

  • Steven Meeks

    Republican • House

Cosponsors

  • Russ Goodman

    Republican • Senate

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 219 • No: 10

Senate vote • 3/27/2025

PASSAGE

Yes: 55 • No: 1

House vote • 2/24/2025

PASSAGE

Yes: 164 • No: 9 • Other: 1

Actions Timeline

  1. Effective Date

    7/1/2025

  2. House Date Signed by Governor

    5/13/2025House

  3. Act 174

    5/13/2025

  4. House Sent to Governor

    4/8/2025House

  5. Senate Third Read

    3/27/2025Senate

  6. Senate Passed/Adopted

    3/27/2025Senate

  7. Senate Read Second Time

    3/20/2025Senate

  8. Senate Committee Favorably Reported

    3/18/2025Senate

  9. Senate Read and Referred

    2/26/2025Senate

  10. House Third Readers

    2/24/2025House

  11. House Passed/Adopted

    2/24/2025House

  12. House Committee Favorably Reported

    2/21/2025House

  13. House Second Readers

    2/3/2025House

  14. House First Readers

    1/30/2025House

  15. House Hopper

    1/29/2025House

Bill Text

  • HB 164/AP* (v3)

    PDF

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