BILL NUMBER: SB 109	INTRODUCED
	BILL TEXT


INTRODUCED BY   Senator Corbett

                        JANUARY 14, 2013

   An act to amend Section 35110 of, and to add Section 35405 to, the
Vehicle Code, relating to vehicles.


	LEGISLATIVE COUNSEL'S DIGEST


   SB 109, as introduced, Corbett. Vehicles: aerodynamic devices.
   Existing law limits the length of vehicles and combinations of
vehicles coupled together. Under existing law, any extension or
device used to increase the carrying capacity of a vehicle is
generally included in measuring the length of a vehicle, subject to
certain exceptions.
   This bill would exclude an aerodynamic device that extends no more
than 5 feet beyond the rear of a vehicle from the calculation of a
vehicle's length if the device meets specified conditions, including
that the device does not obscure tail lamps, turn signals, marker
lamps, identification lamps, or any other required safety devices.
   Existing law limits the width of a vehicle to no more than 102
inches, with certain exceptions, including that a vehicle may have an
aerodynamic device, as defined, that extends up to 3 inches beyond
each side of the vehicle. Existing law prohibits an aerodynamic
device from adversely impacting the vehicle's swept width and turning
characteristics.
   This bill would instead prohibit an aerodynamic device from
affecting the vehicle's turning radius, as defined, or interfering
with the vehicle's ability to complete a turn.
   Vote: majority. Appropriation: no. Fiscal committee: no.
State-mandated local program: no.


THE PEOPLE OF THE STATE OF CALIFORNIA DO ENACT AS FOLLOWS:

  SECTION 1.  Section 35110 of the Vehicle Code is amended to read:
   35110.  (a) Door handles, hinges, cable cinchers, chain binders,
aerodynamic devices, and holders for the display of placards warning
of hazardous materials may extend three inches on each side of the
vehicle.
   (b) For purposes of this  section, "aerodynamic devices"
  section: 
    (1)     "Aerodynamic device"  means
 devices using   a device that uses 
technologies that minimize drag and improve airflow over an entire
tractor-trailer vehicle. These include gap fairings that reduce
turbulence between the tractor and trailer, side skirts that minimize
wind under the trailer, and rear fairings that reduce turbulence and
pressure drop at the rear of the  trailer, provided that
these devices shall not adversely impact the vehicle's swept width
and turning characteristics and that the primary purpose of the
device is not for advertising   trailer. An aerodynamic
device shall not have the primary purpose of advertising and shall
not affect the vehicle's turning radius or interfere with the vehicle'
s ability to complete a turn  . 
   (2) "Turning radius" means the angle that the tractor can rotate
relative to the trailer while completing a turn. 
  SEC. 2.  Section 35405 is added to the Vehicle Code, to read:
   35405.  An aerodynamic device that extends no more than five feet
beyond the rear of a vehicle shall not be included in measuring the
length of the vehicle or combination of vehicles, if both of the
following conditions are met:
   (a) The device does not have the strength, rigidity, or mass to
damage a vehicle, or injure a passenger in a vehicle, that strikes
the vehicle equipped with the device from the rear.
   (b) The device does not obscure tail lamps, turn signals, marker
lamps, identification lamps, or any other required safety devices,
including, but not limited to, hazardous materials placards or
conspicuity markings.