CCS HCS SS SB 244 -- MOTOR VEHICLES; TRANSPORTATION

Under this bill, a person who has been convicted of stealing gas
from a gas station will have his or her driver's license
suspended.  The person's first suspension will be for 60 days,
the second suspension will be for 90 days, and the third and
subsequent suspensions will be for 180 days.  An individual will
have to pay a $25 reinstatement fee in addition to any other
fees required by law.

The bill requires persons who have entered into contracts with
transportation property providers to make scheduled payments
within 30 days of delivery of goods.  Any person who is not paid
within the time period may bring an action in court.

Manufacturers of construction and outdoor power equipment are
required to reimburse retailers who provide warranty work at an
hourly labor rate that is the same or greater than the rate for
nonwarranty repair work.

The bill prohibits anyone from driving through a railroad
crossing when there is not sufficient space to drive completely
through the crossing or unless a vehicle has sufficient
clearance necessary to prevent the undercarriage of the vehicle
from contacting the railroad crossing.

The exhaust tailpipe on a school bus may be flush with or extend
no more than 2 inches beyond the perimeter of the body or
bumper.  Currently, the tailpipe cannot protrude from the bus.

Sheltered workshops will be included in the definition of
"political subdivision" for the purpose of licensing vehicles.

The bill permits any vehicle to have windows of vision-reducing
material with a light transmission of 35% or less, plus or minus
3%, and a luminous reflectance of 35% or more, plus or minus 3%,
except on the windshield.

The Department of Transportation is prohibited from contracting
with private entities or vendors to operate truck stops, fueling
stations, convenience stores, or restaurants on or near
interstate public rest areas.  The department is required to
examine the Vermont and Utah state programs which phased out
interstate public rest areas and implemented a public/private
partnership for designated interstate rest exits.

The current bridge formula structure is revised.  Currently, one
weight formula applies to primary and interstate highways and
another weight formula applies to supplementary highways.  The
bill establishes one statewide weight formula.  The Highway and
Transportation Commission is allowed to establish maximum weight
and speed limits for vehicles using bridges that are in such
condition that weights specified by the standard weight formula
will endanger the bridge.  Special posting is required in these
cases.

The Director of the Department of Transportation is given
authority to award grants to local governments for the purpose
of obtaining retro reflective sheeting for school warning
signs.  The bill spells out specifications for the reflective
sheeting, funding for grants, and requirements for receiving and
awarding grants.

The bill establishes a program to bank and sell federal Energy
Policy Act credits generated by state agencies.  Revenue from
sale of credits is used to pay for state vehicle biodiesel fuel
costs above the market price for regular diesel fuel.  The
Department of Natural Resources will conduct a study on the use
of alternative fuels in motor vehicles in the state and report
its finding to the General Assembly by January 1, 2002.

Drivers are prohibited from making a U-turn on any divided
highway except at an interchange, intersection, or at any signed
location designated by the Department of Transportation.
Emergency and law enforcement personnel are exempt.

The bill also requires that, in addition to any other fine
imposed by law, a $250 fine be imposed on any person convicted
of speeding or passing in a posted construction zone while
workers are present.  Signs must be erected around a
construction or work zone which are clearly visible from the
highway and which state the following:  "Warning:  $250 fine for
speeding or passing in this work zone."

Missouri House of Representatives
Last Updated November 26, 2001 at 11:47 am