Towing bill amended into proposal to extend oversized vehicle permits

A bill expanding current law permitting overlength and overweight tows was amended into a related bill on select file April 12.

LB35, introduced by Scottsbluff Sen. John Harms, would increase to 210 days the maximum life of a state Department of Roads overweight or overlength permit for hauling loads of grain, sugar beets and other seasonally harvested products. Currently, such permits may be purchased for 30 or 60 days and renewed for a maximum of 120 days per year.

Omaha Sen. Scott Lautenbaugh offered an amendment to the bill that incorporated provisions of LB353, a bill he introduced to address towing load restrictions.

Current law exempts from standard length and weight limits wrecked or disabled vehicles that, combined, do not exceed 150 feet.

Under Lautenbaugh’s amendment, the 150-feet limitation would not apply to tows of single vehicles to a place of repair or storage. The amendment also would exempt tows of multiple vehicles and permitted oversize vehicles as long as such vehicles are towed to the first and nearest location that can accommodate them. Afterwards, a special single trip permit could be acquired to transport an oversize vehicle.

Towing companies would be held severally liable for injuries or damages resulting from the operation of tow trucks while exceeding length, width, height and weight requirements.

Lautenbaugh said his amendment was based on a Missouri law that provides for the safe and quick removal of damaged vehicles from roads.

Lawmakers voted 34-0 to adopt Lautenbaugh’s amendment and advanced LB35 from select file on a voice vote.