Gross vehicle weight.

Existing state and federal law sets limits on the total gross weight imposed on the highway by a vehicle or vehicle combination with any group of 2 or more consecutive axles, not to exceed 80,000 pounds, as specified. Existing law authorizes vehicles or vehicle combinations in certain circumstances to carry a gross vehicle weight in excess of 80,000 pounds, such as vehicles transporting logs. Existing law authorizes the Department of Transportation or local authorities to issue a special permit authorizing an applicant to operate or move a vehicle or combination of vehicles on a highway of a weight exceeding that maximum. This bill would increase the maximum gross weight for a vehicle or combination of vehicles transporting a load composed solely of a petroleum-based fuel to 88,000 pounds.