Longer combination vehicles will have special permits

Permits will be granted for longer vehicles hauling seasonally harvested products under a bill passed by the Legislature April 4.

LB740, introduced by Ogallala Sen. Ken Schilz, allows longer combination vehicles that are up to 10 percent greater than the maximum length specified by law to carry an additional 15 percent of the maximum weight allowed for up to 70 miles.

Such permits are valid for up to 120 total days per calendar year.

Under the bill, semitrailer combinations can exceed the 40-foot limitation without exceeding a length of 59.5 feet, including the load, while transporting baled livestock forage.

Senators passed the bill on a 49-0 vote.