Briefs: truckers challenge parking laws, speed limits, and safety regulations

Truckers sue Palm Beach County, California introduce smart speed laws, Colorado in commercial vehicle bill

Truckers sue Palm Beach County, Florida over parking fines in The Acreage

The community of The Acreage in Palm Beach County, Florida, once a parking spot for state and interstate truckers, found itself embroiled in a dispute in February. The controversy revolved around the ban on trucks weighing over 16,000 pounds from using this space for parking.

Recently, two truckers residing in The Acreage filed a lawsuit against Palm Beach County over the new ordinance. Jorge Alfaro and Clare Dougal, who have lived in The Acreage since at least 2003, faced fines for illegal parking following changes in the county’s Unified Land Development Code, despite being able to park for nearly two decades.

The lawsuit focuses on an amendment to Palm Beach County’s Unified Land Development Code that eliminated the long-standing tradition of allowing truck parking at home in The Acreage. Alfaro and Dougal describe how this measure forces them to leave their homes as part of an attempt to attract wealthier residents to the area. The plaintiffs point out the lack of truck parking in the area, with only two available spots, where access is difficult and costly. This forces them to either face continuous fines or abandon their land and livelihoods. Additionally, they argue that the ordinance changes have diminished the value of their properties. They request a judgment declaring the ordinances and citations violate their rights, and that the county be prevented from enforcing the fines.

The 2019 amendment removed The Acreage’s exemption from parking ordinances in residential districts, and a subsequent 2020 amendment intensified its enforcement, resulting in fines for truckers who had parked their vehicles at home for decades. Despite seeking exemptions, they were denied, and instead, the code was modified to allow only smaller vehicles in home-based businesses. The plaintiffs argue that this ordinance represents an “eviction notice” for The Acreage residents.

Side guard and smart speed legislation in California

In California, a groundbreaking bill is being considered that would establish the first regulations in the country for the use of speed assistance technology. This bill also includes the requirement to install side guards on trucks operating in the state. Although the Senate Transportation Committee voted 8 to 4 in favor of this legislation, the Owner-Operator Independent Drivers Association (OOIDA) strongly opposes it.

The bill, sponsored by Senator Scott Wiener of San Francisco, would require all trucks with a gross vehicle weight over 10,000 pounds to be equipped with side guards on both sides. Senate Bill SB961 originally proposed equipping all vehicles manufactured and sold in California with speed limiters, according to the road speed limit, allowing a maximum of 10 mph above this limit. However, Senator Scott Wiener introduced this bill in response to a concerning increase in road deaths in the state.

The revised version now requires the installation of “passive intelligent speed assistance” in vehicles manufactured or sold in California. This system would provide audio and video signals when drivers exceed the posted speed limit by at least 5 mph. The implementation of this system would be phased in gradually over the next eight years, starting in 2029, with half of new vehicles required to have the system, and reaching 100% by 2032.

The president of OOIDA criticized the bill for its focus on unproven technology and restrictive regulations that could affect safety by limiting drivers’ ability to adjust speed as needed. He proposed instead increased police presence to address speeding. Additionally, the California Trucking Association also opposes the bill and encourages supporting research and development of regulations rather than competing with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

Colorado advances commercial vehicle rules bill

The bipartisan SB100 bill seeks to implement additional rules for commercial vehicles in Colorado. The bill addresses truck chain standards, left-lane travel, and speed enforcement, with the aim of improving road safety, especially during winter months. The amended version of the bill was approved by the House Transportation Committee and is backed by the Colorado Department of Transportation.

The bill would expand the requirement to carry chains on specific stretches of roads, including Interstate 70 and State Highway 9, aiming to address concerns about chain violations, accidents, and road closures. It also proposes a study on the economic and safety impacts of truck closures during adverse weather conditions, along with the placement of more chain stations and an awareness campaign.

The bill also addresses the use of the left lane for trucks on various sections of I-70, proposing restrictions and fines for speeding in certain areas, especially in Glenwood Canyon, where safety issues related to commercial vehicle drivers exceeding posted speed limits are identified.

Greg Fulton of CMCA emphasized the shared responsibility between the state and carriers to ensure safety on the corridor, highlighting the importance of adequate parking and chain stations. On the other hand, Doug Morris of OOIDA expressed concerns about excessive and duplicate fines, questioning how transportation revenues in the state are utilized.