Axle Weight Exemptions

Over-the-road buses (OTRBs), like traditional transit buses, have been carrying progressively more weight on each axle due to government mandates, the latest being the wheelchair lifts required by the Americans with Disabilities Act and market driven amenities. As a consequence, fully loaded OTRBs approach, and sometimes may exceed, the federal axle weight restrictions of 34,000 lbs. on the tandem axle (with no single axle allowed to carry more than 20,000 lbs.). For example a tandem could be 17,000-17,000, but cannot be 21,000-16,000.

Motorcoaches and trucks should not have the same axle weight limits due to the fundamental differences in vehicle design, configuration, and vehicle use. A separate weight limit should be developed for motorcoaches and other passenger carrying vehicles.

The current legislation allows the states to exempt motorcoaches from axle weight restrictions on the interstates. Fines are dependent on a number of factors, including how much overweight they are, etc. and could be in the hundreds of dollars.

When Does This Start: Congress granted a temporary axle weight exemption for buses. This is a continuation of language that we obtained previously, and will continue through 2009.

What's Next: The majority of states are already exempt. Please notify ABA if you encounter sates that do not exempt motorcoaches.