PRIA Logo™
MarylandHB 02252025 Regular SessionHouse

Vehicle Laws - Exceptional Hauling Permits for Farm Products

Sponsored By: Sponsor information unavailable

Signed by Governor

Vehicle Laws - Equipment and InspectionsFarmers and Farming -see also- Agriculture; FarmlandHighwaysInterstate AffairsMilk ProductsMotor Vehicle InspectionMotor Vehicle OperationPenalties and Sentences -see also- Death PenaltyPermits -see also- Building PermitsRecords -see also- Land Records; Vital RecordsReportsState Highway AdministrationStorageTransportation -see also- Aircraft; Airports; Boats; etcTrucksWeights and Measures

Personalized for You

How does this bill affect your finances?

Personalize government policy and PRIA will tell you what this bill means for your household, plus every other piece of legislation we track. PRIA reads each provision against your financial profile to show you exactly what matters to your wallet.

Free to download

Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

3 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 1 costs, 1 mixed.

Milk haulers gain interstate highway access

Beginning October 1, 2025, vehicles carrying fluid milk under Maryland exceptional hauling permits can use interstate highways. Federal law can still bar this access, and all other permit terms still apply. Other permitted farm-product vehicles remain barred from interstate highways.

Farm haulers face inspection and record checks

Beginning October 1, 2025, drivers must carry an original or electronic permit and current inspection proof for each vehicle. Maryland vehicles need state-required periodic inspections; out-of-state vehicles used in interstate transport need federally required periodic inspections. Exempt vehicles, including exempt farm vehicles, need a North American Standard Level 1 or 5 inspection from the preceding 364 days. That report must show no out-of-service defects or critical items. Haulers must provide usual business weight and delivery records when the State Highway Administrator or a designee requests them. Failure to comply can suspend the permit and eligibility for additional permits until records are provided. Violations void permits and trigger weight enforcement; weight violations exceeding 5,000 pounds can lead to permit confiscation and review for revocation. Reinstatement costs a nonrefundable $1,000 after a first revocation, or $5,000 after a second or later revocation within 24 months. Permit holders can appeal to the State Highway Administration or its designee. The agency can also stop issuing or renewing permits if their use harms state highways, with prompt reporting to the General Assembly.

Farm hauling permits set load limits

Beginning October 1, 2025, Maryland can issue exceptional hauling permits for combinations carrying only qualifying farm products loaded off-highway. Loading sites include fields, farm milk tanks, and other off-highway locations. Eligible combinations need five or six axles, at least 50 feet between front and rear axle centers, and 36 feet between consecutive tandem sets. Total weight is capped at 88,000 pounds for five axles and 95,000 pounds for six or more axles. Limits are 20,000 pounds per single axle and 40,000 pounds per tandem; former 1,000-pound total-weight and 15% axle-weight allowances are removed. Nonrefundable permits cost $250 for one year, including renewal, or $30 for 30 days. Drivers must follow highway restrictions and tire weight and speed limits.

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsors

There is no primary sponsor on record.

Cosponsors

There are no cosponsors for this bill.

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 182 • No: 0

Senate vote • 4/2/2025

Third Reading Passed

Yes: 46 • No: 0 • Other: 1

House vote • 3/13/2025

Third Reading Passed

Yes: 136 • No: 0 • Other: 4

Actions Timeline

  1. Approved by the Governor - Chapter 51

    4/8/2025

  2. Returned Passed

    4/2/2025House

  3. Third Reading Passed (46-0)

    4/2/2025Senate

  4. Favorable Adopted Second Reading Passed

    3/27/2025Senate

  5. Favorable Report by Judicial Proceedings

    3/27/2025Senate

  6. Referred Judicial Proceedings

    3/17/2025Senate

  7. Third Reading Passed (136-0)

    3/13/2025House

  8. Favorable Adopted Second Reading Passed

    3/13/2025House

  9. Favorable Report by Environment and Transportation

    3/12/2025House

  10. Hearing 2/06 at 1:00 p.m.

    1/15/2025House

  11. First Reading Environment and Transportation

    1/8/2025House

  12. Pre-filed

    10/9/2024House

Bill Text

  • Enacted

    4/8/2025

    PDF

  • Third Reading

    3/13/2025

    PDF

  • First Reading

    1/8/2025

    PDF

Related Bills

Back to State Legislation