BILL ANALYSIS �
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|SENATE RULES COMMITTEE | SB 109|
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THIRD READING
Bill No: SB 109
Author: Corbett (D)
Amended: 4/8/13
Vote: 21
SENATE TRANSPORTATION & HOUSING COMMITTEE : 11-0, 4/2/13
AYES: DeSaulnier, Gaines, Beall, Cannella, Galgiani, Hueso,
Lara, Liu, Pavley, Roth, Wyland
SUBJECT : Vehicles: aerodynamic devices
SOURCE : Author
DIGEST : This bill allows a vehicle to exceed length limits by
up to five feet in order to accommodate an aerodynamic device,
as defined.
ANALYSIS : Existing law limits the width of a vehicle to no
more than 102 inches, with certain exceptions, including that a
vehicle may have specified equipment that extends up to three
extra inches beyond each side. Existing law limits this
equipment to door handles, hinges, cable cinchers, chain
binders, hazardous materials warning placards, and aerodynamic
devices. SB 12 (Corbett), Chapter 727, Statutes of 2012, added
aerodynamic devices to this list provided that they did not
adversely impact the vehicle's swept width and turning
characteristics.
Aerodynamic devices use technologies that minimize drag and
improve airflow over an entire tractor-trailer vehicle, and
CONTINUED
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under state law, they may not have the primary purpose of
advertising.
Existing law prohibits any combination of vehicles coupled
together, including any attachments, from exceeding a total
length of 65 feet, with certain, specified exceptions, including
an exception that allows 75-foot long truck tractor-trailer
combinations, provided no trailer exceeds 28 feet 6 inches.
This bill permits an aerodynamic device extending up to five
feet beyond the rear of a vehicle to be excluded from
calculating the vehicle's length for limit purposes, if the
device:
1. Does not have the strength or rigidity to damage a vehicle or
injure a passenger in a vehicle that rear ends the vehicle
equipped with the aerodynamic device.
2. Does not obscure tail lamps, turn signals, or any other
required safety devices.
Comments :
Aerodynamic devices are mounted on vehicles to reduce air
turbulence around the vehicle. These devices include gap
fairings, which are mounted on the back of the tractor or the
front of the trailer to reduce turbulence between the tractor
and trailer; rear fairings, which are mounted on the back of the
trailer to reduce turbulence and pressure drop at the rear of a
trailer; and side skirts, which are mounted underneath the
trailer to minimize wind under the trailer.
Equipping large vehicles with these aerodynamic devices improves
gas mileage and, in turn, reduces greenhouse gas emissions
associated with those vehicles. Aerodynamic technologies offer
a low-cost tool for reducing fuel consumption and driving down
both the economic and environmental costs that come along with
combustion of fossil fuels. Current California law, however,
prevents the use of rear fairings that extend the length of a
vehicle or combination of vehicles in excess of length limits.
FISCAL EFFECT : Appropriation: No Fiscal Com.: No Local:
No
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SUPPORT : (Verified 4/8/13)
ATDynamics
California Police Chiefs Association
California Trucking Association
CALStart
JJA:d 4/9/13 Senate Floor Analyses
SUPPORT/OPPOSITION: SEE ABOVE
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