Posted: | January 16, 2019 12:55 PM |
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From: | Senator Wayne Langerholc, Jr. |
To: | All Senate members |
Subject: | Expansion of Width Allowance for Farm Vehicles |
In the near future, I plan on introducing legislation that will increase the allowable width for farm equipment on roads in the Commonwealth. Over the years, farm machinery has grown in size and has become more technologically advanced. Specialized commercial services such as custom harvesting, planting and hauling are becoming a critical component of Pennsylvania’s agricultural operations. In 2012, our Vehicle Code was updated to allow for a modest increase to the current 16-feet allowable width with important safety restrictions. At times, the required tires or other ancillary equipment can exceed the 16-foot width restriction. In fact, the standard width for many combines is in excess of the current 16-foot width restriction, placing our farmers in danger of being cited merely while performing farming duties on their own land. Under my proposed legislation, the allowable width will be 18 feet. This increase will not supersede any requirement of the Vehicle Code related to safety that is currently imposed on wider farm machinery while on the roads. Please join me in co-sponsoring this important piece of legislation. |
Introduced as SB338