BILL NUMBER: SB 109	AMENDED
	BILL TEXT

	AMENDED IN SENATE  APRIL 8, 2013

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 amended, 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  , as defined,
 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)  (1)    For purposes of this 
section: 
    (1)     "Aerodynamic
  section, "aerodynamic  device" means 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. 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   As used in paragraph (1),
"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.   (a)    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) 
    (1)  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) 
    (2)  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. 
   (b) For purposes of this section, "aerodynamic device" has the
same meaning as defined in Section 35110.