Bill > S2343

This bill proposes to expand truck safety requirements for certain vehicles operated by municipalities, state instrumentalities, electric companies, gas companies, utilities, and wireless providers. Specifically, starting January 1, 2028, motor vehicles, trailers, or semi-trailers classified as class 3 or above by the Federal Highway Administration and weighing 10,001 pounds or more must be equipped with lateral protective devices (side guards), convex mirrors, crossover mirrors, and backup cameras. These requirements do not apply to ambulances, firefighting vehicles, low-speed vehicles, agricultural tractors, or other vehicle types the registrar may exempt. The registrar is tasked with adopting regulations for these safety features, using standards from the U.S. Department of Transportation's Volpe National Transportation Systems Center side guard standard. The registrar also retains the flexibility to provide alternative means of compliance with the mirror and protective device requirements. Violations of these new provisions would be subject to existing penalty structures, with potential fines of up to $1,000 for repeat offenses.

Transportation and Infrastructure

https://malegislature.gov/Bills/194/S2343