Transportation 19

On Friday, June 4, Florida Governor Charlie Crist signed House Bill 1271, which increases the permitted truckload for tractor-trailers traveling on designated routes on intrastate highways.  The permitted truckload is increased from 80,000 to 88,000 pounds; however, the 80,000-pound limit still applies to interstate roads.  In addition, trucks equipped with auxiliary power units (APUs) are allowed to run 400 pounds over the weight limit.  Currently, the penalty for overweight truckloads is a 5% fine for every pound over the limit. 

Crist also vetoed a provision in another transportation bill that would have authorized the reallocation of $160 million from the State Transportation Fund to the state budget in order to help cover the deficit.