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Rhode IslandH78692026 Regular SessionHouseWALLET

AN ACT RELATING TO MOTOR AND OTHER VEHICLES -- SIZE, WEIGHT, AND LOAD LIMITS .

Sponsored By: Megan L. Cotter (Democratic)

Signed by Governor

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

8 provisions identified: 4 benefits, 2 costs, 2 mixed.

Higher fines and stricter trucking enforcement

Overweight fines scale by size. At 10,000 lbs GVW or less: $100 per 1,000 lbs (or part) overweight. Over 10,000 lbs GVW: $125 per 500 lbs (or part) overweight, plus $1,025 extra if over 104,800 lbs and $2,500 extra if over 130,000 lbs. Axle or tandem‑axle overweight is $125 per 100 lbs (or part). You pay $200 per foot (or part) over the legal length and $100 if a lift axle is not down while loaded. Operating beyond a permit voids the permit and triggers fines; three violations in a year can suspend permit use for up to 30 days, and more violations up to 90 days. The DMV lists your registered gross weight on your card, and it is illegal to run above the registered, permitted, maker‑rated, bridge‑formula, or statutory limits.

Easier road rules for farms and milk

Farm machinery used for farming can be wider or longer on the road. Front and rear loads can extend up to 15 feet. When you haul non‑divisible farm machinery for farming, axle and weight limits do not apply. Trucks hauling fodder or forage for farm use do not need to cover the load. Loads of fluid milk count as non‑divisible, which helps milk haulers get oversize/overweight permits.

Blanket permits and fees for heavy loads

You pay $40 for each single‑trip permit for a non‑divisible load. Or you can buy a $400 annual blanket permit that covers eligible intrastate construction equipment, boats, or marine assets under 130,000 lbs. Blanket permits have limits: length 55–80 ft, width up to 12 ft 4 in, gross weight up to 130,000 lbs, and axle weight up to 25,000 lbs. Your vehicle must be factory‑certified for braking and weight, show a flashing amber light front and back, and use signs and red flags. DOT can still approve single‑trip permits over 130,000 lbs. A blanket permit cannot last more than one year.

Extra weight allowed for natural gas trucks

Trucks that use natural gas can weigh more to offset the heavier fuel tanks and gear. The gross weight can increase by the exact weight difference between the natural‑gas system and a similar diesel system, up to 82,000 lbs total.

Longer buses allowed on set routes

The public transit agency can run articulated passenger buses that exceed standard length, axle, and weight limits on routes it designates. The transportation department reviews these buses and routes to keep travel safe. This applies only to transit‑owned and operated buses on those routes.

Special rules for emergency and tow trucks

Emergency vehicles can weigh up to 86,000 lbs and must meet axle limits: under 24,000 lbs on a steering axle, 33,500 lbs on a single‑drive axle, 62,000 lbs on a tandem axle, and 52,000 lbs on a tandem rear drive steer axle. Road‑work machines are exempt from size and weight rules only while working in an active work zone or crossing a highway inside that zone, not while driving down a highway. Heavy‑duty tow and recovery vehicles that meet the state’s definition are exempt from size, weight, and load limits.

When oversize loads can travel

If your vehicle is over 10 ft wide, over 80 ft long, or over 130,000 lbs, you cannot use freeways or arterials 7–9 a.m. or 3–7 p.m., Monday–Friday. Holiday travel is also banned on listed days, including Juneteenth. Blanket permits cannot be used on the Blackstone River Viaduct on I‑295. Blanket‑permit travel is not allowed through lane‑reduction zones like construction areas. You must check for lane‑reduction zones with RIDOT before you go.

Updated size and axle limits for trucks

Non‑exempt vehicles can now be up to 45 feet long, bumper to bumper. But the weight on any one axle may not exceed 22,400 lbs or the vehicle maker’s axle rating, whichever limit applies.

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsor

  • Megan L. Cotter

    Democratic • House

Cosponsors

There are no cosponsors for this bill.

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 102 • No: 4

Senate vote • 6/10/2026

MOTOR AND OTHER VEHICLES -- SIZE, WEIGHT, AND LOAD LIMITS In Concurrence

Yes: 34 • No: 4

House vote • 6/8/2026

VEHICLES - SIZE & LOAD LIMITS PASSAGE

Yes: 68 • No: 0

Actions Timeline

  1. Signed by Governor — Chapter 296

    6/23/2026Governor

  2. Transmitted to Governor

    6/18/2026Governor

  3. Senate passed Sub A in concurrence

    6/10/2026Senate

  4. Placed on Senate Calendar (06/10/2026)

    6/8/2026Senate

  5. House passed Sub A

    6/8/2026House

  6. Placed on House Calendar (06/08/2026)

    6/5/2026House

  7. Committee recommends passage of Sub A

    6/4/2026

  8. Proposed Substitute

    5/29/2026

  9. Scheduled for consideration (06/04/2026)

    5/29/2026

  10. Committee recommended measure be held for further study

    3/3/2026

  11. Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration (03/03/2026)

    2/27/2026

  12. Introduced, referred to House State Government & Elections

    2/27/2026House

Bill Text

  • H7869 - As Introduced

    2/27/2026

    HTMLPDF

  • H7869 - Substitute

    2/27/2026

    HTMLPDF

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