Action
Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM); request for comments.
Summary
The FHWA is requesting comments on two proposals. The first would increase the distance that width exclusive devices could project from the side of a commercial vehicle from three to four inches. The agency views this proposal as a first step in the process to harmonize size and weight limits where possible in accordance with the provisions of the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA). The second proposal would remove recreational vehicles (RVs) from consideration as a commercial motor vehicle. When recreational vehicles (RVs) are being moved to the point of customer delivery, e.g., from a manufacturing location to a dealer, or between a dealer and a tradeshow, they are currently considered to be commercial vehicles and therefore subject to the 102-inch vehicle width limitation. When a customer takes possession of the RV, however, it becomes personal property and is no longer subject to these regulations, unless the RV is clearly being used in a commercial enterprise. This proposed rule would eliminate the RV from consideration as a commercial vehicle and the subsequent need for overwidth permit for the trip from the manufacturer to the dealer and the dealer to the customer, if add-on customer convenience devices extend beyond the regular width exclusion zone.