MD HB225

Vehicles carrying fluid milk products may now operate on the interstate highway system under exceptional hauling permits, which was previously prohibited for all farm product vehicles

Maximum gross weight limits increased to 88,000 pounds for five-axle combinations (up from 87,000) and 95,000 pounds for six-axle combinations; tandem axle maximum set at 40,000 pounds

Vehicle requirements consolidated to allow five or six axle configurations with minimum 36 feet between consecutive tandem axle sets, eliminating separate seasonal rules for milk haulers

Operators may carry electronic copies of permits and must show proof of current preventive maintenance inspection valid within 364 days (extended from 180 days)

Record-keeping requirements shifted from receiving facilities to motor carriers transporting farm products; noncompliance may result in permit suspension and ineligibility for additional permits