Connecticut House Bill HB05365

Connecticut 2019 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/15/19
• Refer: 1/15/19

Caption

An Act Concerning The Use Of Global Positioning Systems By Certain Commercial Motor Vehicles.

Impact

If enacted, this bill would alter the existing statutes regarding commercial vehicle operation by integrating technological requirements that aim to streamline road safety. The requirement of GPS in larger commercial vehicles is expected to lead to fewer incidents of large vehicles attempting to navigate areas with restrictions or not adhering to load limits, thus promoting safer driving conditions for both commercial drivers and the general public. This shift could also help local governments mitigate the challenges associated with heavy vehicle traffic in urban areas.

Summary

House Bill 05365 aims to enhance public safety by mandating that certain commercial motor vehicles be equipped with global positioning systems (GPS). Specifically, the bill targets vehicles designed to transport passengers or property that have a gross vehicle weight rating of ten thousand pounds or more. The GPS technology implemented must be capable of notifying drivers about clearance restrictions, load limits, one-way streets, and other essential traffic-related restrictions. The primary goal is to reduce accidents and improve navigation for these larger vehicles on public roads.

Contention

While supporters emphasize the importance of safety and the reduction of accidents involving large commercial vehicles, there may be concerns about the financial implications for business owners. The installation and maintenance of GPS systems could be viewed as an additional operational cost that affects transportation companies, especially smaller ones. Debate may arise regarding whether the benefits of heightened safety outweigh the financial burdens imposed by such regulations on businesses within the transportation sector.