Chapter 456 Oregon Laws 2007

 

AN ACT

 

HB 2821

 

Relating to combinations of vehicles; amending ORS 818.120; and declaring an emergency.

 

Be It Enacted by the People of the State of Oregon:

 

          SECTION 1. ORS 818.120 is amended to read:

          818.120. This section establishes exemptions from ORS 818.110. The exemptions under this section are in addition to any exemptions under ORS 801.026. Operation in accordance with one of the exemptions described is not subject to ORS 818.110. Exemptions are partial or complete as described in the following:

          (1) The limit on the number of vehicles that may be operated in combination does not apply on any way, thoroughfare or place owned by a district formed under ORS chapters 545, 547, 551 or a corporation formed under ORS chapter 554.

          (2) The limit on the number of vehicles that may be operated in combination does not apply on any road or thoroughfare or property in private ownership or any road or thoroughfare, other than a state highway or county road, used pursuant to any agreement with any agency of the United States or with a licensee of such agency or both.

          (3) The limit on the number of vehicles that may be operated in combination does not apply to any vehicles, combination of vehicles, articles, machines or other equipment while being used by the federal government, the State of Oregon or any county or incorporated city in the construction, maintenance or repair of public highways and at the immediate location or site of such construction, maintenance or repair.

          (4) The limit on the number of vehicles that may be operated in combination does not apply to any vehicles while being used on the roads of a road authority by mass transit districts for purposes authorized under ORS 267.010 to 267.390, provided the use of the vehicles is approved by the road authority for its roads.

          (5) Operations authorized to exceed the limit on the number of vehicles that may be operated in combination by a variance permit issued under ORS 818.200 are subject to the terms of the permit. It shall be a defense to any charge of violation of ORS 818.110 if the person so charged produces a variance permit issued under ORS 818.200 authorizing the operation of the combination of vehicles issued prior to and valid at the time of the offense.

          (6) In drive-away operations, three vehicles may be coupled together by a double saddle-mount method or by a single saddle-mount and tow bar method or four vehicles by a triple saddle-mount method.

          (7) A combination of three implements of husbandry or two implements of husbandry [drawn] hauled or towed by another vehicle may be operated on a highway without violation of the limits under ORS 818.110.

          (8) A truck tractor and semitrailer drawing one trailer or a truck tractor and semitrailer drawing one additional semitrailer mounted on a dolly equipped with a fifth wheel hitch may be operated on a highway without violation of the limits under ORS 818.110.

          (9) A truck tractor and semitrailer drawing a balance trailer with a length not in excess of 15 feet and a loaded weight not in excess of 8,000 pounds or drawing a dolly may be operated on a highway without violation of the limits under ORS 818.110.

 

          SECTION 2. This 2007 Act being necessary for the immediate preservation of the public peace, health and safety, an emergency is declared to exist, and this 2007 Act takes effect on its passage.

 

Approved by the Governor June 18, 2007

 

Filed in the office of Secretary of State June 19, 2007

 

Effective date June 18, 2007

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