USA Statutes : nevada
Title : Title 43 - PUBLIC SAFETY; VEHICLES; WATERCRAFT
Chapter : CHAPTER 481A - TRANSPORTATION ON HIGHWAYS (MULTISTATE AGREEMENT)
The Multistate
Highway Transportation Agreement is hereby enacted into law and entered
into with all jurisdictions legally joining therein, in the form
substantially as follows:
ARTICLE I Findings and Purposes
Section 1. Findings. The participating jurisdictions find that:
(a) The expanding regional economy depends on expanding
transportation capacity;
(b) Highway transportation is the major mode for movement of
persons and goods in the western states;
(c) Uniform application in the west of more adequate vehicle size
and weight standards will result in a reduction of pollution, congestion,
fuel consumption and related transportation costs, which are necessary to
permit increased productivity;
(d) A number of western states have already, to the fullest extent
possible, adopted substantially the 1964 Bureau of Public Roads
recommended vehicle size and weight standards; and
(e) The participating jurisdictions are most capable of developing
vehicle size and weight standards most appropriate for the regional
economy and transportation requirements, consistent with and in
recognition of principles of highway safety.
Sec. 2. Purposes. The purposes of this agreement are to:
(a) Adhere to the principle that each participating jurisdiction
should have the freedom to develop vehicle size and weight standards that
it determines to be most appropriate to its economy and highway system.
(b) Establish a system authorizing the operation of vehicles
traveling between two or more participating jurisdictions at more
adequate size and weight standards.
(c) Promote uniformity among participating jurisdictions in vehicle
size and weight standards on the basis of the objectives set forth in
this agreement.
(d) Secure uniformity insofar as possible, of administrative
procedures in the enforcement of recommended vehicle size and weight
standards.
(e) Provide a means for the encouragement and utilization of
research which will facilitate the achievement of the foregoing purposes,
with due regard for the findings set forth in section 1 of this article.
(f) Facilitate communication among legislators, state
transportation administrators and commercial industry representatives in
addressing issues relating to highway transportation in participating
jurisdictions.
ARTICLE II Definitions
Section 1. As used in this agreement:
(a) “Cooperating committee” means the committee consisting of the
designated representatives from all participating jurisdictions.
(b) “Designated representative” means a legislator or other person
authorized pursuant to Article XI to represent the jurisdiction.
(c) “Jurisdiction” means a state of the United States or the
District of Columbia.
(d) “Vehicle” means any vehicle as defined by statute to be subject
to size and weight standards which operates in two or more participating
jurisdictions.
ARTICLE III General Provisions
Section 1. Qualifications for Membership. Participation in this
agreement is open to jurisdictions which subscribe to the findings,
purposes and objectives of this agreement and will seek legislation
necessary to accomplish those objectives.
Sec. 2. Cooperation. The participating jurisdictions, working
through their designated representatives, shall cooperate and assist each
other in achieving the desired goals of this agreement pursuant to
appropriate statutory authority.
Sec. 3. Effect of Headings. Article and section headings
contained herein shall not be deemed to govern, limit, modify or in any
manner affect the scope, meaning or intent of the provisions of any
article or section of this agreement.
Sec. 4. Vehicle Laws and Regulations. This agreement does not
authorize the operation of a vehicle in any participating jurisdiction
contrary to the laws or regulations of the participating jurisdiction.
Sec. 5. Interpretation. The final decision regarding
interpretation of questions at issue relating to this agreement must be
reached by a unanimous joint action of the participating jurisdictions,
acting through the designated representatives. Results of all such
actions must be placed in writing.
Sec. 6. Amendment. This agreement may be amended by a unanimous
joint action of the participating jurisdictions, acting through the
officials thereof authorized to enter into this agreement, subject to the
requirements of section 4 of article III. Any amendment must be placed in
writing and become a part of this agreement.
Sec. 7. Restrictions, Conditions or Limitations. Any jurisdiction
entering into this agreement shall provide to each other participating
jurisdiction a list of any restriction, condition or limitation on the
general terms of this agreement, if any.
Sec. 8. Additional Jurisdictions. Additional jurisdictions may
become members of this agreement by signing and accepting the terms of
the agreement.
ARTICLE IV Cooperating Committee
Section 1. Each participating jurisdiction is entitled to select
not more than two designated representatives. Pursuant to section 2 of
article III, the designated representatives of the participating
jurisdictions constitute a cooperating committee which may:
(a) Collect, correlate, analyze and evaluate information resulting
or derivable from research and testing activities in relation to vehicle
size and weight-related matters.
(b) Recommend and encourage the undertaking of research and testing
in any aspect of vehicle size and weight or related matter when, in their
collective judgment, appropriate or sufficient research or testing has
not been undertaken.
(c) Recommend changes in law or policy with emphasis on
compatibility of laws and uniformity of administrative rules or
regulations which would promote effective governmental action or
coordination in the field of vehicle size and weight-related matters.
(d) Recommend improvements in highway operations, vehicular safety
and state administration of highway transportation laws.
(e) Perform any functions required to carry out the purposes of
this agreement.
Sec. 2. Each designated representative of a participating
jurisdiction is entitled to one vote only. No action of the committee may
be approved unless a majority of the total number of votes cast by the
designated representatives of the participating jurisdictions are in
favor of the action.
Sec. 3. The committee shall meet at least once annually and shall
elect, from among its members, a chairman, a vice chairman and a
secretary.
Sec. 4. The committee shall submit annually to the legislature of
each participating jurisdiction a report setting forth the work of the
committee during the preceding year and including recommendations
developed by the committee. The committee may submit such additional
reports as it deems appropriate.
ARTICLE V Objectives of the Participating Jurisdictions
Section 1. Objectives. The participating jurisdictions hereby
declare that:
(a) It is the objective of the participating jurisdictions to
obtain more efficient and economical transportation by motor vehicles
between and among the participating jurisdictions by encouraging the
adoption of standards that will, as minimums, allow the operation of a
vehicle or combination of vehicles in regular operation on all state
highways, except those determined through an engineering evaluation to be
inadequate, with a single-axle weight not in excess of 20,000 pounds, a
tandem-axle weight not in excess of 34,000 pounds, and a gross vehicle or
combination weight not in excess of that resulting from application of
the formula:
W = 500 [LN/ (N-1) + 12N + 36]
where W = Maximum weight in pounds carried on any group of two or
more axles computed to nearest 500 pounds.
L = distance in feet between the extremes of any group
of two or more consecutive axles.
N = number of axles in group under consideration.
(b) It is the further objective of the participating jurisdictions
that the operation of a vehicle or combination of vehicles in interstate
commerce according to the provisions of subsection (a) of this section be
authorized under special permit authority by each participating
jurisdiction if the vehicle or combination of vehicles weighs more than
80,000 pounds or exceeds the length prescribed by statute in the
participating jurisdiction in which the vehicle or combination of
vehicles is operated.
(c) It is the further objective of the participating jurisdictions
to facilitate and expedite the operation of any vehicle or combination of
vehicles between and among the participating jurisdictions under the
provisions of subsection (a) or (b) of this section, and to that end the
participating jurisdictions hereby agree, through their designated
representatives, to meet and cooperate in the consideration of vehicle
size and weight-related matters, including, but not limited to, the
development of uniform enforcement procedures, additional vehicle size
and weight standards, operational standards, agreements or compacts to
facilitate regional application and administration of vehicle size and
weight standards, uniform permit procedures, uniform application forms,
rules and regulations for the operation of vehicles, including equipment
requirements, driver qualifications, and operating practices, and such
other matters as may be pertinent.
(d) It is further the objective of the participating jurisdictions
that the cooperating committee may recommend that the participating
jurisdictions jointly secure Congressional approval of this agreement
and, specifically of the vehicle size and weight standards set forth in
subsection (a) of this section.
(e) It is the further objective of the participating jurisdictions
to:
(1) Establish transportation laws and regulations that
satisfy regional and economic requirements and promote an efficient, safe
and compatible network of transportation.
(2) Develop standards that facilitate the most efficient and
environmentally sound operation of vehicles on highways, consistent with
and in recognition of the principles of highway safety.
(3) Establish programs to increase productivity and reduce
congestion, consumption of fuel and related costs of transportation and
enhance the quality of air through the uniform application of state
vehicle laws and regulations.
ARTICLE VI Entry Into Force and Withdrawal
Section 1. This agreement enters into force when enacted into law
by any two or more jurisdictions. Thereafter, this agreement becomes
effective as to any other jurisdiction upon its enactment thereof, except
as otherwise provided in section 8 of article III.
Sec. 2. Any participating jurisdiction may withdraw from this
agreement by cancelling this agreement, but such a withdrawal must not
take effect until 30 days after the designated representatives of the
withdrawing jurisdiction have given notice in writing of the withdrawal
to all other participating jurisdictions.
ARTICLE VII Construction and Severability
Section 1. This agreement must be liberally construed to
effectuate the purposes thereof.
Sec. 2. The provisions of this agreement are severable and if any
phrase, clause, sentence or provision of this agreement is declared to be
contrary to the constitution of any participating jurisdiction, or the
applicability thereto to any government, agency, person or circumstance
is held invalid, the validity of the remainder of this agreement must not
be affected thereby. If this agreement is held to be contrary to the
constitution of any jurisdiction participating herein, the agreement
remains in full force and effect as to the remaining jurisdictions and in
full force and effect as to the jurisdictions affected as to all
severable matters.
ARTICLE VIII Filing of Documents
Section 1. A copy of this agreement, its amendments, and rules or
regulations promulgated thereunder and interpretations thereof must be
filed in the highway department in each participating jurisdiction and
must be made available for review by interested parties.
ARTICLE IX Cooperation by State Governments With Cooperating Committee
Section 1. Within the limits of legislative appropriations, the
departments, agencies and officers of each participating jurisdiction may
cooperate with and provide assistance to the cooperating committee
concerning any provision of this agreement.
ARTICLE X Funding
Section 1. Funds for the administration of this agreement,
including participation in the cooperating committee and the actual
authorized expenses of the designated representatives, must be budgeted
from any fees collected for the highway fund of each participating
jurisdiction.
ARTICLE XI Selection of Designated Representatives
Section 1. Each participating jurisdiction shall establish by law
the procedure for selecting its designated representatives to serve on
the cooperating committee.
(Added to NRS by 1975, 263; A 2001, 2683 )
The designated representatives of this State to serve on the
cooperating committee established by Article IV of the Multistate Highway
Transportation Agreement are:
1. The Chairman of the Senate Standing Committee on Transportation
or a person designated by him; and
2. The Chairman of the Assembly Standing Committee on
Transportation or a person designated by him.
(Added to NRS by 1975, 267; A 1979, 1801; 2001, 2689 )
