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Truck Restriction Procedures

INTRODUCTION

What is the purpose of this fact sheet? This fact sheet is an overview of the procedures for a local agency applying for a truck restriction on a State route. Its purpose is to enhance communication between Caltrans, the trucking industry, local governments, and the public regarding the restriction of trucks on State highways.

Is truck restriction an easy process? No. Most truck ban requests arise from noise complaints. Overland trucking is the primary means of moving goods in the United States. Commerce and trade have state and federal legal protection, therefore restriction of commerce is difficult. It requires substantial supporting evidence such as accident data and a reasonable alternate route.

BACKGROUND -- LEGAL TRUCKS

What size trucks are legal in California? The California Vehicle Code (CVC) limits height to 14 feet and width to 8.5 feet. The basic length limit for all single unit vehicles is 40 feet; however, length exceptions are given for buses and motorhomes up to 45 feet on certain routes (see the Caltrans fact sheet 45-Foot Buses and 45-Foot Motorhomes). Combination vehicles coupled together, such as a truck tractor and semi-trailer, or a truck tractor, semi-trailer and trailer, are limited to 65 feet, or 75 feet, or may be unlimited depending on the route. In addition, legal trucks in California must not exceed a kingpin-to-rear-axle (KPRA) length of 40 feet. Truck lengths and routes are discussed in detail in the Caltrans fact sheet Truck Route Classifications.

What are the maximum weight limits? The maximum overall weight limit is 80,000 pounds. The CVC also specifies maximum axle weight limits as well. Generally, the maximum allowable weights are 20,000 pounds on single axles and 34,000 pounds on tandem axles equipped with the proper tire weight capacity ratings.

CURRENT STATE ROUTE RESTRICTIONS

What restrictions are in place now? There are approximately 20 state route segments with specific truck restrictions, including number of axles, gross weight, length, and cargo type (flammables, explosives, radioactive materials). State route restrictions can be viewed at this web site: Special Truck Restrictions.

How were these restriction put in place? The list Special Truck Restrictions also has links to the histories of some restrictions.

LEGAL BASIS

What is the legal basis for the restriction process? CVC Section 21101 allows the restriction of certain vehicles, by stating that, "Local authorities...may adopt rules and regulations by ordinance or resolution... (c) Prohibiting the use of particular highways by certain vehicles..." CVC Section 21104 further states "...an ordinance or resolution which is submitted to the Department of Transportation...in complete draft form for approval...is effective as to any state highway..."

What is the legal basis for the Department varying weight limits?Section 35650 states that the Department of Transportation may fix a weight limit greater than the maximum on State routes. Section 35651 states that the Department may fix a weight limit less than the maximum. Sections 35652 and 35653 describe the public hearing required. Section 35654 requires signs posted. Section 35655 describes fines for violations. Section 35655.5 declares the 4.5-ton limit on Interstate 580 (see chart above).

What is the legal basis for local authorities varying weight limits or restricting vehicles?Section 35700 states that local authorities may fix a weight limit greater than the maximum on local roads. Section 35700.5 discusses weight limits greater than the maximum allowed on portions of Routes 1, 47 and 103 in the cities of Long Beach and Los Angeles. The following CVC sections also cover local authorities:

Section 35701 allows restriction of vehicles by stating that, "(a) Any city, or county for a residence district, may, by ordinance, prohibit the use of a street by any commercial vehicle or by any vehicle exceeding a maximum gross weight limit...(b) The ordinance shall not be effective until...signs are erected...(c) No ordinance...shall apply to any state highway...in the National System of Interstate and Defense Highways, except (that) approved by a two-thirds vote of the California Transportation Commission."

Section 35702 requires Caltrans approval, and the designation of an alternate route, by stating that, "No ordinance proposed under Section 35701 is effective with respect to any...state highway, until the ordinance has been submitted by the...local authority to, and approved in writing by, the Department of Transportation. ...the local authority shall designate...an alternate route..."

Section 35703 allows deliveries and pickups: "No ordinance adopted pursuant to Section 35701 shall prohibit any commercial vehicles coming from an unrestricted street...by direct route to and from a restricted street...for the purpose of making pickups or deliveries..."

Sections 35704 - 35721 discuss topics such as exemptions for public utilities, tax funds, hearings, delivery routes, residential areas, signs, Northwoods Blvd. in Nevada County, other exempted vehicles, and defective roadways.

Section 35722 covers the 9,000 pound weight limit on Route 85 (see the web site: Special Truck Restrictions).

What is the legal basis for restrictions on crossings? Section 23334 authorizes Caltrans to restrict traffic on vehicular crossings by stating, "The Department of Transportation may adopt rules and regulations...for the control of traffic on any vehicular crossing to aid and insure the safe and orderly flow of traffic, and shall, so far as practicable, notify the public of the rules and regulations by signs on the vehicular crossing." Section 23330 states that "Except where a special permit has been obtained...none of the following shall be permitted on any vehicular crossing:...(d) Vehicles carrying items prohibited by regulations promulgated by the Department of Transportation.

Are certain crossings mentioned in the CVC? Yes. The Caldecott Tunnel, which connects Oakland with Contra Costa County; is restricted by CVC Section 31301, which states that, "(a) No person shall transport any explosive substance, flammable liquid, liquefied petroleum gas or poisonous gas in a tank truck, trailer, or semitrailer through the Caldecott Tunnel...Route 24...at any time other than between the hours of 3 a.m. to 5 a.m.

What is a "vehicular crossing"? Section 23254 defines "vehicular crossing" as "any toll bridge or toll highway crossing and the approaches thereto, constructed or acquired by the Department of Transportation under the provisions of the California Toll Bridge Authority Act."

Are other restrictions mentioned in the CVC? Yes, Route 85. Section 35722 states that, "...the County of Santa Clara may, after a public hearing, adopt a proposed ordinance imposing a maximum gross truck weight limit of 9,000 pounds on Route 85...and submit the proposed ordinance to the Department of Transportation for approval. If the proposed ordinance is approved...the Department shall post appropriate signs..."

Where can I read the CVC? You can access the CVC on the Internet at www.leginfo.ca.gov. Select the link "California Law," click the box by "Vehicle Code," and select "Search." If you do not have access to the Internet, call Caltrans staff listed at the end of this fact sheet.

Can Caltrans restrict highways for other reasons? Yes. According to the California Streets and Highways Code (CSHC) Section 124, Caltrans can restrict the use of, or close, any highway to protect the public, or to protect the highway during storms, or during construction or maintenance. To read the CSHC on-line, follow the instructions above for the CVC and click the box by "Streets and Highways Code."

PEAK-HOUR TRUCK RESTRICTIONS

Does California have any peak-hour truck restrictions? No, California does not currently have any truck restrictions during certain hours.

Could California enact peak-hour truck restrictions? State and federal law forbids highway restrictions to truck access except for "safety and engineering" reasons. There is no mention in the law of time limitations. However, a peak-hour truck restriction would hinder trucks from making deliveries and would probably, therefore, be considered a restriction under the law. In order to enact a time restriction, it would seem necessary to validate a safety issue by traffic study.

Are there studies of peak-hour restrictions? Yes. The California Legislature commissioned the "Urban Freeway Gridlock Study," dated 1988, to investigate the impact of large trucks on peak-period freeway congestion, and explore management techniques to reduce congestion. The study focused on freeways in the Los Angeles, San Francisco, and San Diego metropolitan areas. The study's conclusions were that a peak-period truck ban would not provide significant relief from peak-period congestion, and that a peak-period ban is unlikely due to prvisions of the federal Surface Transportation Assistance Act of 1982 (STAA) and subsequent court decisions.

TRUCK RESTRICTION PROCESS

The following suggested procedures are in accordance with CVC Sections 21101, 35701, 35702 and their related sections.

  1. Local Agency Prepares a Draft Truck Restriction Ordinance or Resolution. The local agency prepares a draft ordinance or resolution of the proposed truck restriction and informs the appropriate Caltrans District Truck Coordinator. The ordinance or resolution must cite the CVC Section providing the justification for the truck restriction. Caltrans districts should notify the Headquarters Office of Truck Services (see Caltrans Contacts at end of these guidelines) in writing as soon as possible after learning of a truck restriction proposal. Districts should request and forward copies of local agencies' draft ordinances or resolutions to Headquarters Office of Truck Services, Legal and Environmental Programs for review.
  2. Local Agency Prepares Initial Study. The initial study provides the information necessary to justify the proposed restriction, and may also indicate if the proposed restriction is subject to California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) review. The initial study allows the preliminary submittal of information by Caltrans, local agencies, and California Highway Patrol staff, as well as initial comments from the trucking industry, affected industries, and citizen groups. It should include the proposed restriction type, location, existing conditions, alternatives, maintenance and safety considerations on the alternative route(s), any initial public comment, and conditions that may involve further CEQA compliance.
  3. Local Agency Provides Public Review and Comment Period. During the public review period, the local agency gives public notice of the proposed truck restriction, and public hearings can be advertised and held. All documentation acquired to date regarding the proposed truck restriction should be available for public review prior to the public hearing.
  4. Local Agency Receives Comments and Prepares Final Truck Restriction Report. The local agency considers all comments received. If the local agency still wants to proceed with the proposed restriction, a final truck restriction report is prepared and forwarded to the Caltrans district office. This final report includes any comment revisions, and the draft restriction ordinance or resolution. The Caltrans District Director forwards the report with the District's recommendations to the Caltrans Traffic Operations Division Chief at Headquarters. (See the checklist for the contents of the truck restriction report, following these guidelines.)
  5. Caltrans Traffic Operations Submits Recommendation to the Director's Office. The Traffic Operations, Office of Truck Services, in cooperation with Caltrans Headquarters Environmental and Legal Divisions, prepares a recommendation regarding the truck restriction and submits it to the Caltrans Director's Office.
  6. Caltrans Director Issues Written Approval. If approved, the Caltrans Director issues a written approval of the draft ordinance of resolution for the truck restriction.
  7. Local Agency Passes Final Truck Restriction Ordinance or Resolution.
  8. Local Agency Erects Restriction Signs, and Restriction is Enforced.

TRUCK RESTRICTION REPORT CHECKLIST

Approval of restriction requests is contingent upon a complete identification and documentation of impacts on highway safety, structural integrity, environment and operational efficiency. Some items may not apply. This checklist is a guide only.

I. COVER

_____ The document cover clearly states the Caltrans District, County, Route and postmile limits of the proposal. Any proposed local ordinance or resolution number should also be placed on the cover.

II. PROPOSAL STATEMENT

_____ The proposed restriction and references to specific codes, regulations and any local ordinances or resolutions are clearly presented in the proposal statement. If exemptions to general rules apply; cite appropriate statutory law or regulations.

III. JUSTIFICATION FOR THE PROPOSAL

Justification depends on rationale: safety, hazardous materials, bridge weight limit, construction zones, seasonal operation, etc.

_____ Analyses of present and future safety, operational (capacity, geometrics) and/or structural adequacy supporting the restriction. A description of existing versus proposed conditions. Include supporting data tables, maps and/or photographs.

_____ Analysis of environmental considerations for the restriction proposal with an explanation of impacts and mitigation measures.

_____ Existing and future land use plans.

_____ Analysis of the impact on interstate and intrastate commerce. Analysis of the economic impact on communities, shippers and trucking companies due to increased travel distances.

_____ Analysis and recommendations of any alternative routes that can safely accommodate any California legal commercial motor vehicles and serve the proposed restriction area.

_____ Evidence of consultation with the local or adjoining state governments affected by the proposed restriction.

_____ Results of any public hearings.

IV. APPENDICES

_____ Copies of any draft local restriction ordinances or resolutions.

_____ Copies of any supportive correspondence or documents for the restriction.

_____ Minutes of public hearings (audio or videocassette tape).

CONTACTS

Caltrans Legal Truck Size & Weight Work Group
Casey Robb
Manuel Fonseca
General number (916) 654-5741
E-mail: Truck Size & Weight Unit.

Return to the Caltrans "Office of Truck Services " page.

Revised 12/6/07.