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WI AB679
WI AB679Weight limits for vehicles transporting grain, feed, or commercial fertilizer. (FE)
summary
Introduced
11/24/2025
11/24/2025
In Committee
02/20/2026
02/20/2026
Crossed Over
02/17/2026
02/17/2026
Passed
Dead
Introduced Session
Potential new amendment
2025-2026 Regular Session
Bill Summary
This bill creates special highway weight limits for certain vehicles transporting grain, feed, or commercial fertilizer. Under current law generally, no person may operate on a highway any vehicle or combination of vehicles that exceeds certain statutory weight limits without a permit issued by the Department of Transportation or a local highway authority. The allowable weight for a vehicle operating without a permit varies based on the number of axles on the vehicle, with a maximum total weight of 80,000 pounds. Currently, higher weight limits are provided for certain vehicles transporting specific agricultural products, with a maximum total weight of 90,000 pounds. The bill authorizes DOT to issue permits, for a fee of $325, for the transport of grain, feed, or commercial fertilizers at a weight not to exceed 91,000 pounds. The permit is valid for the transportation of grain, feed, or commercial fertilizer only on highways that are within the state trunk highway system and only on a route specified by the department. Other highways may be used with written approval of the officers in charge of maintenance of the other highways. DOT may suspend the permit during a spring thaw. Under current law, if any bill introduced in either house of the legislature directly or indirectly establishes an exception to vehicle weight limitations, DOT must prepare a report, containing specified information, relating to the bill within six weeks after the bill is introduced and before any vote is taken on the bill. This bill directs DOT not to prepare such a report on this bill. For further information see the state and local fiscal estimate, which will be printed as an appendix to this bill.
AI Summary
This bill creates a new permit system allowing the Wisconsin Department of Transportation (DOT) to issue special weight limit permits for vehicles transporting grain, feed, or commercial fertilizer. The permits will cost $325 and allow vehicles with 6 or more axles to exceed standard weight limits, with a maximum gross weight of 91,000 pounds, compared to the typical 80,000-pound limit. These permits are primarily valid on state trunk highways and only on routes specifically designated by the DOT. Vehicles must have at least one axle bearing 8% of the total vehicle weight to qualify, and drivers must obtain written approval from maintenance officers if they want to use non-state trunk highways. The permits are not valid on interstate highways except where federal law permits, and the DOT can suspend permits during spring thaw periods when road conditions are fragile. Uniquely, the bill also instructs the DOT not to prepare its standard fiscal impact report for this legislation, which is typically required when bills propose exceptions to vehicle weight limitations.
Committee Categories
Transportation and Infrastructure
Sponsors (10)
Russell Goodwin (D)*,
Brent Jacobson (R)*,
Dave Maxey (R)*,
Dave Murphy (R)*,
Jeff Mursau (R)*,
Jerry O'Connor (R)*,
William Penterman (R)*,
John Spiros (R)*,
Travis Tranel (R)*,
Cory Tomczyk (R),
Last Action
Senate Transportation and Local Government Executive Session (12:00:00 3/2/2026 310 South) (on 03/02/2026)
Official Document
bill text
bill summary
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bill summary
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bill summary
| Document Type | Source Location |
|---|---|
| State Bill Page | https://docs.legis.wisconsin.gov/2025/proposals/reg/asm/bill/ab679 |
| Assembly Substitute Amendment 2 | https://docs.legis.wisconsin.gov/document/amends/2025/REG/AB679-ASA2.pdf |
| Fiscal Note - AB679: Fiscal Estimate From DOT | https://docs.legis.wisconsin.gov/2025/related/fe/ab679/ab679_dot.pdf |
| Analysis - LC Amendment Memo | https://docs.legis.wisconsin.gov/document/lcamendmentmemos/2025/REG/AB679.pdf |
| Assembly Substitute Amendment 1 | https://docs.legis.wisconsin.gov/document/amends/2025/REG/AB679-ASA1.pdf |
| Assembly Amendment 1 | https://docs.legis.wisconsin.gov/document/amends/2025/REG/AB679-AA1.pdf |
| AB679 ROCP for Committee on Transportation | https://docs.legis.wisconsin.gov/2025/related/records/assembly/transportation/1957494.pdf |
| BillText | https://docs.legis.wisconsin.gov/document/proposaltext/2025/REG/AB679.pdf |
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