CCS/SB 222 - This act modifies provisions relating to motorized vehicles. AUTOCYCLES (Section 304.005) - This act modifies the definition of "autocycle" to include partially or completely enclosed vehicles with a non-straddle type seating area. This act also removes statutory requirements for certain safety features, and instead requires that the vehicle meet applicable National Highway Traffic Safety Administration requirements or federal motorcycle safety standards. This provision is identical to a provision contained in SCS/HB 256 (2017), and is substantially similar to SB 379 (2017), HCS/SB 225 (2017), HB 824 (2017), and HCS/HB 576 (2017). ARTICULATED BUSES (Section 304.170) - This act modifies motor vehicle length regulations to allow for operation of articulated buses of up to 60 feet in length, not including safety bumpers and bicycle storage racks. This provision is identical to the perfected SB 225 (2017), and is similar to HB 806 (2017) and HCS/HB 574 (2017). VEHICLE COMPOSITION REQUIREMENTS (Sections 287.020, 287.040, 288.035, 301.010, 301.031, 301.227, 301.550, 304.170, 304.180, and 407.816) This act changes what entity may designate the roads on which a 14-foot length limit applies from the chief Engineer of MODOT to the State Highways and Transportation Commission; and who shall issue permits for the movement of sludge disposal units, pump trucks, well-driller's equipment, and utility wires, poles, and equipment; from the chief engineer of MODOT to the state Highways and Transportation Commission. This act also provides that stinger-steered combination automobile transporters up to 80 feet long may be operated on or within 10 miles of interstates and other highways designated by the state Highways and Transportation Commission, and that automobile transporters may carry cargo on a backhaul, so long as it complies with weight limitations for regular tractor-trailers. No towaway trailer transporter combination vehicles operating on the interstate or designated primary highway system shall exceed a length of 82 feet. This act also prescribes separate weight limits for emergency vehicles, and for vehicles powered by natural gas. These provisions are similar to SB 399 (2017). AGRICULTURAL MACHINERY AND IMPLEMENTS (Section 304.170) - This act allows agricultural machinery and implements to be operated on state highways between sunset and sunrise so long as such vehicles are equipped with certain lighting. This provision is identical to HCS/HB 1224 (2017), the perfected HB 824 (2017), and HCS/HB 275 (2017). FLASHING LIGHTS ON STATIONARY VEHICLES (Sections 304.022 & 307.175) - Currently, upon approaching a stationary emergency vehicle displaying red or red and blue lights, or a vehicle owned by the State Highways and Transportation Commission displaying amber or amber and white lights, the driver shall proceed with caution and move over. Under this act, the driver shall move over when approaching a stationary vehicle displaying red or red and blue lights, or displaying amber or amber and white lights. Currently, motor vehicles owned by the State Highways and Transportation Commission may display amber or white lights while stationary in a work zone when highway workers are present. This act repeals this provision and instead allows certain vehicles to use rotating red or red and blue lights, and certain vehicles to use rotating amber or amber and white lights. These provisions are similar to SCS/SB 61 (2017), SB 8 (2017), and SCS/HB 256 (2017). VEHICLE LIGHTING EQUIPMENT (Section 307.005) - This act provides that lamps, lights, and other pieces of vehicle lighting equipment that consist of multiple light-emitting diodes shall be deemed to be operating properly so long as at least 75% of the light-emitting diodes are operating properly. ERIC VANDER WEERD
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