BILL ANALYSIS Ó
SB 12
Page 1
Date of Hearing: August 20, 2012
ASSEMBLY COMMITTEE ON TRANSPORTATION
Bonnie Lowenthal, Chair
SB 12 (Corbett) - As Amended: August 13, 2012
SENATE VOTE : Not relevant
SUBJECT : Aerodynamic devices
SUMMARY : Adds aerodynamic devices to the list of equipment that
may project three inches (on each side) beyond the maximum
allowable outside width of a vehicle or its load and defines
"aerodynamic devices" as devices that minimize drag and improve
airflow over and around a vehicle.
EXISTING LAW : Authorizes certain equipment such as door
handles, hinges, cable cinchers, chain binders, and display
placard holders to extend a maximum of three inches (on each
side) beyond the maximum allowable width of a vehicle.
FISCAL EFFECT : Unknown
COMMENTS : According to the author, using aerodynamic devices on
vehicles helps to improve gas mileage and, in turn, reduce
greenhouse gas emissions. Specifically, these aerodynamic
devices are medium-weight, clear plastic "skirts" that are
mounted onto a vehicle to reduce air turbulence around the
vehicle. When mounted, these aerodynamic devices project beyond
the overall allowable width of a vehicle by several inches.
The author notes that several companies have been producing
these devices but they have not been able to test or market them
in the state because they are not specifically authorized under
existing law. By adding these devices to the list of authorized
projecting equipment, the companies that make these devices will
be able to continue to test and, ultimately, sell these devices
in the California marketplace, which the author contends will
have a significant beneficial impact in terms of improved fuel
efficiency and greenhouse gas reduction.
This bill is also consistent with federal requirements.
Existing law authorizes a very specific list of equipment that
is allowed to project not more than three inches beyond the
maximum allowable width of a vehicle. Federal regulations,
SB 12
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however, define "protruding devices" more broadly as
non-property-carrying devices. Under federal law, "protruding
devices" may extend up to 3 inches beyond the maximum allowable
width of a vehicle. The author believes that aerodynamic
devices should be included under state law, since these devices
meet the minimum width distance of similar devices, are
authorized under federal law, and would provide substantial
benefit in the form of improved gas mileage and emissions
reduction.
REGISTERED SUPPORT / OPPOSITION :
Support
ATDynamics
CALSTART
Opposition
None received
Analysis Prepared by : Victoria Alvarez / TRANS. / (916) 319-
2093