BILL ANALYSIS Ó
SB 12
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SENATE THIRD READING
SB 12 (Corbett)
As Amended August 23, 2012
Majority vote
SENATE VOTE :Vote not relevant
TRANSPORTATION 14-0
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|Ayes:|Bonnie Lowenthal, | | |
| |Jeffries, Achadjian, | | |
| |Ammiano, Blumenfield, | | |
| |Buchanan, Eng, Furutani, | | |
| |Galgiani, Logue, Miller, | | |
| |Norby, Portantino, | | |
| |Solorio | | |
| | | | |
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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 as long as the
devices does not adversely impact the vehicle's swept width and
turning characteristics and its primary purpose is not for
advertising. The bill also 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
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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,
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
in the list of protruding devices under state law, since these
devices meet the minimum width distance of similar devices
authorized under both state and federal law. The author also
notes that these devices would provide substantial benefit in
the form of improved gas mileage and emissions reduction.
Concerns raised that the devices could potentially affect the
turning radius of a vehicle have been addressed by the amendment
authorizing use of aerodynamic devices as long as they do not
impact the swept width and turning characteristics of the
vehicle.
The bill was further amended to address concerns that the
devices could be attached to vehicles for the purpose of
displaying advertisements--similar to mobile billboards. To
address this concern, language was added specifying that the
primary purpose of the aerodynamic devices is not for
advertising.
Analysis Prepared by : Victoria Alvarez / TRANS. / (916) 319-
2093
FN: 0005373
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