Virginia House Bill HB67

Virginia 2022 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/4/22
• Refer: 1/4/22
• Report Pass: 1/25/22
• Engrossed: 1/28/22
• Refer: 2/1/22
• Report Pass: 2/17/22
• Enrolled: 2/24/22
• Chaptered: 4/1/22
• Passed: 4/1/22

Caption

Projecting vehicle loads; flagging.

Impact

If enacted, HB67 would modify §46.2-1121 of the Code of Virginia, mandating that any vehicle whose load extends more than four feet beyond the rear must display a red flag. Additionally, commercial vehicles must mark the extremities of their loads with specific flags or lights based on how much the load extends beyond the vehicle’s sides or rear. The enforcement of these regulations is expected to enhance overall road safety and could potentially lead to a decrease in traffic incidents involving large vehicles.

Summary

House Bill 67 aims to amend the existing traffic laws concerning vehicles that carry loads extending beyond their dimensions. The primary focus of this bill is to enhance safety on roadways by requiring that vehicles with protruding loads display appropriate warning flags or lights. This measure is particularly significant for commercial vehicles, which are often larger and carry heavier loads than standard personal vehicles. The intent is to provide clearer visibility for other drivers, thereby reducing the risk of accidents related to oversized loads.

Sentiment

The overall sentiment around HB67 appears to be positive, particularly among those involved in vehicular safety advocacy and transportation sectors. Supporters argue that the proposed regulations would significantly improve visibility and awareness around oversized loads. However, some concerns have been aired regarding the practicality of enforcing new regulations and the potential burden on smaller businesses that may struggle to comply with additional requirements.

Contention

Notable points of contention include debates over the compliance costs for businesses that regularly transport oversized loads and the effectiveness of such measures in improving traffic safety. Critics have pointed out that while the intention is to enhance safety, the actual impact of these regulations remains to be seen and could impose financial strain on smaller transporters. Furthermore, there are concerns that without proper enforcement mechanisms, the intended outcomes of HB67 may not be fully realized.