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Rhode IslandS30022026 Regular SessionSenateWALLET

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

Sponsored By: Mark P. McKenney (Democratic)

Signed by Governor

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

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

Higher overweight fines and axle rule

DMV prints your vehicle’s registered gross weight on the registration card, and it is unlawful to exceed the registered, permitted, manufacturer, or bridge‑formula limits. Overweight fines are $100 per 1,000 pounds overweight for vehicles up to 10,000 pounds GVW, and $125 per 500 pounds overweight for vehicles over 10,000 pounds. Add $1,025 if the actual weight exceeds 104,800 pounds, and add $2,500 if over 130,000 pounds. Axle overweight is $125 per 100 pounds. If a loaded vehicle has lift axles, they must be down; the fine is $100 per violation. Fines are decided at the traffic tribunal.

Truck size and weight limits set

The law sets a 45‑foot maximum length for any single vehicle, including bumpers. The fine is $200 for each foot, or part, over 45 feet. A single axle may not carry more than 22,400 pounds or the axle’s rated GAWR, whichever is lower. Tandem axles spaced 8 feet or less are capped at 36,000 pounds. Overall weight must follow the bridge formula and cannot exceed 80,000 pounds unless otherwise allowed; if the formula gives a lower tandem limit, 36,000 pounds still applies.

Oversize permits, fees, and travel rules

DOT issues special permits for non‑divisible loads; each single‑trip permit costs $40, and milk products count as non‑divisible. A $400 annual blanket permit covers intrastate non‑divisible construction equipment, boats, or marine assets under 130,000 pounds and avoids single‑trip fees. Blanket permit limits are 55–80 feet long, up to 12'4" wide, 130,000 pounds gross, and 25,000 pounds per axle; vehicles must meet manufacturer braking and carrying certification. DOT may approve single‑trip permits over 130,000 pounds for good cause and can make reciprocal enforcement agreements with other states. Travel for loads over 10 feet wide, over 80 feet long, or over 130,000 pounds is banned 7–9 a.m. and 3–7 p.m. on weekdays on major roads, and during listed holidays and holiday weekends. Blanket permits cannot include the Blackstone River Viaduct on I‑295. Three permit violations in a year can suspend permit privileges up to 30 days; more violations can mean up to 90 days.

Extra weight for natural gas trucks

Natural gas trucks may go over 82,000 pounds by the extra weight of the natural gas tank and fueling system compared with a similar diesel setup. The allowed extra is the difference between the two systems’ weights.

More roadway exemptions for farms

Farm machinery and farm vehicles used incidentally on a highway are exempt from many size and weight rules. This includes width, length, front and rear extensions up to 15 feet, axle loads, and some weight caps. Vehicles hauling fodder or forage for farming do not have to cover the load under the usual covering rule.

Transit buses get route exemptions

The Rhode Island Public Transit Authority may run articulated buses on designated routes that are exempt from some length and axle‑weight rules. DOT can review these vehicles and routes to keep travel safe.

Work-zone machinery exemptions narrowed

Road machinery keeps size and weight exemptions only while working inside an active work zone or crossing a highway within that zone. The exemption does not apply when the machinery is just traveling on the road under its own power.

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsor

  • Mark P. McKenney

    Democratic • Senate

Cosponsors

There are no cosponsors for this bill.

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 169 • No: 3

House vote • 6/8/2026

MOTOR AND OTHER VEHICLES PASSAGE AS AMENDED IN CONCURRENCE

Yes: 68 • No: 0

Senate vote • 5/14/2026

RELATING MOTOR & OTHER VEHICLES -- SIZE, WEIGHT, AND LOAD LIMITS Approval of Amendment

Yes: 34 • No: 0

Senate vote • 5/14/2026

RELATING MOTOR & OTHER VEHICLES -- SIZE, WEIGHT, AND LOAD LIMITS Approval of Amendment

Yes: 34 • No: 0

Senate vote • 5/14/2026

RELATING MOTOR & OTHER VEHICLES -- SIZE, WEIGHT, AND LOAD LIMITS Passage as Amended

Yes: 33 • No: 3

Actions Timeline

  1. Signed by Governor — Chapter 297

    6/23/2026Governor

  2. Transmitted to Governor

    6/18/2026Governor

  3. House passed as amended in concurrence

    6/8/2026House

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

    6/5/2026House

  5. Committee recommends passage as amended in concurrence

    6/4/2026

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

    5/29/2026

  7. Referred to House State Government & Elections

    5/15/2026House

  8. Senate passed as amended (floor amendment)

    5/14/2026Senate

  9. Placed on Senate Calendar (05/14/2026)

    4/30/2026Senate

  10. Committee recommends passage

    4/29/2026

  11. Scheduled for consideration (04/29/2026)

    4/24/2026

  12. Committee recommended measure be held for further study

    3/25/2026

  13. Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration (03/25/2026)

    3/20/2026

  14. Introduced, referred to Senate Special Legislation and Veterans Affairs

    3/4/2026Senate

Bill Text

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