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Adds a statutory definition of “lowboy trailer,” changes federal length-limit wording to address truck-tractor/lowboy trailer combinations, and exempts lowboy trailers from the rear overhang flag requirement in the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations. The change clarifies how length and rear‑overhang rules apply to lowboy trailers, reducing a compliance ambiguity for drivers, carriers, and manufacturers.
Adds a new paragraph (8) to subsection (a) defining the term "lowboy trailer" as a semitrailer with a depressed section between the hitch and the first rear axle that is used specifically for the transport of assembled highway vehicles.
In subsection (b)(1), subparagraph (G) is amended by striking a semicolon.
In subsection (b)(1), subparagraph (H) is amended by striking the period and inserting a semicolon.
Adds a new subparagraph (I) to subsection (b)(1) with text concerning vehicle length limitations: it addresses a vehicle length limitation of less than 80 feet on a truck tractor-lowboy trailer combination that has a front overhang of less than 4 feet (measured between the rear of the truck-tractor and the front of the lowboy trailer) and a rear overhang of less than 6 feet, and states this applies regardless of whether the truck-tractor is capable of carrying cargo for the lowboy trailer to use the front and rear overhang.
Adds a new subsection (h) titled "Exception for lowboy trailers" stating that lowboy trailers are exempt from the rear overhang flag requirements of section 393.87 of title 49, Code of Federal Regulations.
Who is affected and how:
Commercial motor vehicle drivers and operators: Drivers who operate truck-tractor/lowboy trailer combinations will have clearer rules on permitted lengths and whether rear overhang flags are required, reducing uncertainty in compliance checks and pre-trip planning.
Freight carriers, motor carriers, and fleet operators: Companies that use lowboy trailers for heavy-equipment transport will face fewer compliance ambiguities and may avoid unnecessary use of rear overhang flags, simplifying operations and inspections.
Trailer manufacturers and vehicle certifiers: Manufacturers and certifying agents gain a clear statutory definition to guide design and labeling of lowboy trailers to ensure they meet length and equipment expectations.
Regulators and state enforcement agencies: Agencies that enforce vehicle-length and equipment rules will apply a clarified statutory standard and an explicit exemption to the existing rear-overhang flag regulation when inspecting lowboy trailers.
Public safety and road users: The amendment is primarily clarificatory; it does not itself change crash-avoidance equipment requirements. Any safety impact depends on how the exception is applied in practice, but the provision appears aimed at reducing compliance ambiguity rather than weakening safety rules.
Overall, the change is narrowly focused on legal clarity and administrative compliance for a specific trailer type; it imposes no new spending or reporting obligations and shifts no material costs to states or localities.
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Referred to the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure.
Introduced April 9, 2025 by Tom Barrett · Last progress April 9, 2025
Referred to the Subcommittee on Highways and Transit.
Referred to the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure.
Introduced in House