Code Section Group

CHAPTER 4. Length [35400 - 35414]

35400.

(a) A vehicle may not exceed a length of 40 feet.

(b) This section does not apply to any of the following:

(1) A vehicle used in a combination of vehicles when the excess length is caused by auxiliary parts, equipment, or machinery not used as space to carry any part of the load, except that the combination of vehicles shall not exceed the length provided for combination vehicles.

(2) A vehicle, when the excess length is caused by any parts necessary to comply with the fender and mudguard regulations of this code.

(3) (A) An articulated bus or articulated trolley coach that does not exceed a length of 60 feet.

(B) An articulated bus or articulated trolley coach described in subparagraph (A) may be equipped with a folding device attached to the front of the bus or trolley if the device is designed and used exclusively for transporting bicycles. The device, including any bicycles transported thereon, shall be mounted in a manner that does not materially affect efficiency or visibility of vehicle safety equipment, and shall not extend more than 36 inches from the front body of the bus or trolley coach when fully deployed. The handlebars of a bicycle that is transported on a device described in this subparagraph shall not extend more than 42 inches from the front of the bus.

(C) (i) An articulated bus or articulated trolley coach described in subparagraph (A) may be equipped with a folding device attached to the front of the bus or trolley if the device is designed and used exclusively for transporting bicycles. The device, including any bicycles transported thereon, shall be mounted in a manner that does not materially affect efficiency or visibility of vehicle safety equipment, and shall not extend more than 40 inches from the front body of the bus or trolley coach when fully deployed. The handlebars of a bicycle that is transported on a device described in this subparagraph shall not extend more than 46 inches from the front of the bus.

(ii) In order for a public agency operating transit services to operate an articulated bus or articulated trolley coach equipped with a front-mounted bicycle rack, as described in and pursuant to clause (i), the public agency shall establish a route review committee comprised of four members as follows:

(I) One member of the public agency who is appointed by the general manager of the public agency.

(II) One member who is a traffic engineer and is employed and appointed by the public agency that has jurisdiction over the largest proportional share of routes among all affected agencies.

(III) One member appointed by the labor organization that is the exclusive representative of the bus drivers of the public agency.

(IV) One member of the law enforcement agency that has jurisdiction over the largest proportional share of routes among all affected agencies.

(iii) The committee members shall be appointed not more than 30 days after receipt of a public agency proposal to equip a 60-foot articulated bus or articulated trolley coach with a front-mounted bicycle rack, as described in clause (i).

(iv) The purpose of the committee is to ensure the safe operation of a 60-foot articulated bus or articulated trolley coach that is equipped with a front-mounted bicycle rack, as described in clause (i). The committee, by a majority vote, shall make a determination of which routes are suitable for the safe operation of a 60-foot articulated bus or articulated trolley coach that is equipped with a front-mounted bicycle rack, as described in clause (i). The committee may include a field review of the proposed routes.

(4) A semitrailer while being towed by a motortruck or truck tractor, if the distance from the kingpin to the rearmost axle of the semitrailer does not exceed 40 feet for semitrailers having two or more axles, or 38 feet for semitrailers having one axle if the semitrailer does not, exclusive of attachments, extend forward of the rear of the cab of the motortruck or truck tractor.

(5) A bus or house car when the excess length is caused by the projection of a front safety bumper or a rear safety bumper, or both. The safety bumper shall not cause the length of the vehicle to exceed the maximum legal limit by more than one foot in the front and one foot in the rear. For the purposes of this chapter, “safety bumper” means any device that is fitted on an existing bumper or which replaces the bumper and is constructed, treated, or manufactured to absorb energy upon impact.

(6) A schoolbus, when the excess length is caused by the projection of a crossing control arm. For the purposes of this chapter, “crossing control arm” means an extendable and retractable device fitted to the front of a schoolbus that is designed to impede movement of pupils exiting the schoolbus directly in front of the schoolbus so that pupils are visible to the driver while they are moving in front of the schoolbus. An operator of a schoolbus shall not extend a crossing control arm while the schoolbus is in motion. Except when activated, a crossing control arm shall not cause the maximum length of the schoolbus to be extended by more than 10 inches, inclusive of any front safety bumper. Use of a crossing control arm by the operator of a schoolbus does not, in and of itself, fulfill his or her responsibility to ensure the safety of students crossing a highway or private road pursuant to Section 22112.

(7) A bus, when the excess length is caused by a device, located in front of the front axle, for lifting wheelchairs into the bus. That device shall not cause the length of the bus to be extended by more than 18 inches, inclusive of any front safety bumper.

(8) A bus, when the excess length is caused by a device attached to the rear of the bus designed and used exclusively for the transporting of bicycles. This device may be up to 10 feet in length, if the device, along with any other device permitted pursuant to this section, does not cause the total length of the bus, including any device or load, to exceed 50 feet.

(9) A bus operated by a public agency or a passenger stage corporation, as defined in Section 226 of the Public Utilities Code, used in transit system service, other than a schoolbus, when the excess length is caused by a folding device attached to the front of the bus which is designed and used exclusively for transporting bicycles. The device, including any bicycles transported thereon, shall be mounted in a manner that does not materially affect efficiency or visibility of vehicle safety equipment, and shall not extend more than 40 inches from the front body of the bus when fully deployed. The handlebars of a bicycle that is transported on a device described in this paragraph shall not extend more than 46 inches from the front of the bus. A device described in this paragraph may not be used on a bus that, exclusive of the device, exceeds 40 feet in length, or 60 feet in length pursuant to paragraph (3), or on a bus having a device attached to the rear of the bus pursuant to paragraph (8).

(10) (A) A bus of a length of up to 45 feet when operating on those highways specified in subdivision (a) of Section 35401.5. The Department of Transportation or local authorities, with respect to highways under their respective jurisdictions, may not deny reasonable access to a bus of a length of up to 45 feet between the highways specified in subdivision (a) of Section 35401.5 and points of loading and unloading for motor carriers of passengers as required by the federal Intermodal Surface Transportation Efficiency Act of 1991 (Public Law 102-240).

(B) (i) A bus operated by a public agency and on those highways specified in subparagraph (A) may be equipped with a folding device attached to the front of the bus that is designed and used exclusively for transporting bicycles. The device, including all bicycles transported thereon, may be mounted in a manner that does not materially affect efficiency or visibility of vehicle safety equipment, and may not extend more than 36 inches from the front body of the bus when fully deployed. The handlebars of a bicycle that is transported on a device described in this subparagraph may not extend more than 42 inches from the front of the bus. The total length of the bus, including the folding device or load, may not exceed 48.5 feet.

(ii) A route review committee, established under this subparagraph, shall review the routes where a public agency proposes to operate a 45-foot bus equipped with a front-mounted bicycle rack. The committee shall be comprised of three members as follows:

(I) One member from the public agency appointed by the general manager of the public agency.

(II) One member who is a traffic engineer and is employed and selected by the public agency that has jurisdiction over the largest proportional share of routes among all affected agencies.

(III) One member appointed by the labor organization that is the exclusive representative of the bus drivers of the public agency. If there is no exclusive representative of the bus drivers, a bus driver member shall be chosen by a majority vote of the bus drivers employed by the agency.

(iii) The members of the committee shall be selected not more than 30 days after receipt of a public agency proposal to equip a 45-foot bus with a front-mounted bicycle rack.

(iv) The review shall include a field review of the proposed routes. The purpose of the committee is to ensure the safe operation of a 45-foot bus that is equipped with a front-mounted bicycle rack. The committee by a unanimous vote, shall make a determination of which routes are suitable for the safe operation of a 45-foot bus that is equipped with a front-mounted bicycle rack. These determinations shall be consistent with the operating requirements specified in subparagraph (A). It is the intent of the Legislature that the field review required under this subparagraph include consultation with traffic engineers from affected public agencies that have jurisdiction over segments of the route or routes under review, to ensure coordination with all affected state and local public road agencies that may potentially be impacted due to the operation of a 45-foot bus with a front-mounted bicycle rack.

(11) (A) A house car of a length of up to 45 feet when operating on the National System of Interstate and Defense Highways or when using those portions of federal aid primary system highways that have been qualified by the United States Secretary of Transportation for that use, or when using routes appropriately identified by the Department of Transportation or local authorities, with respect to highways under their respective jurisdictions.

(B) A house car described in subparagraph (A) may be operated on a highway that provides reasonable access to facilities for purposes limited to fuel, food, and lodging when that access is consistent with the safe operation of the vehicle and when the facility is within one road mile of identified points of ingress and egress to or from highways specified in subparagraph (A) for use by that vehicle.

(C) As used in this paragraph and paragraph (10), “reasonable access” means access substantially similar to that authorized for combinations of vehicles pursuant to subdivision (c) of Section 35401.5.

(D) Any access route established by a local authority pursuant to subdivision (d) of Section 35401.5 is open for access by a house car of a length of up to 45 feet. In addition, local authorities may establish a process whereby access to services by house cars of a length of up to 45 feet may be applied for upon a route not previously established as an access route. The denial of a request for access to services shall be only on the basis of safety and an engineering analysis of the proposed access route. In lieu of processing an access application, local authorities, with respect to highways under their jurisdiction, may provide signing, mapping, or a listing of highways, as necessary, to indicate the use of these specific routes by a house car of a length of up to 45 feet.

(c) The Legislature, by increasing the maximum permissible kingpin to rearmost axle distance to 40 feet effective January 1, 1987, as provided in paragraph (4) of subdivision (b), does not intend this action to be considered a precedent for any future increases in truck size and length limitations.

(d) Any transit bus equipped with a folding device installed on or after January 1, 1999, that is permitted under subparagraph (B) of paragraph (3) of subdivision (b) or under paragraph (9) of subdivision (b) shall be additionally equipped with any of the following:

(1) An indicator light that is visible to the driver and is activated whenever the folding device is in an extended position.

(2) Any other device or mechanism that provides notice to the driver that the folding device is in an extended position.

(3) A mechanism that causes the folding device to retract automatically from an extended position.

(e) (1) A person may not improperly or unsafely mount a bicycle on a device described in subparagraph (B) of paragraph (3) of subdivision (b), or in paragraph (9) or (10) of subdivision (b).

(2) Notwithstanding subdivision (a) of Section 23114, or subdivision (a) of Section 24002, or any other law, when a bicycle is improperly or unsafely loaded by a passenger onto a transit bus, the passenger, and not the driver, is liable for any violation of this code that is attributable to the improper or unlawful loading of the bicycle.

(Amended by Stats. 2018, Ch. 22, Sec. 1. (AB 3124) Effective January 1, 2019.)

35400.5.

Subdivision (a) of Section 35400 does not apply to a motortruck used solely as a cotton module mover and which does not exceed 48 feet in length.

(Amended by Stats. 1984, Ch. 270, Sec. 4. Effective July 3, 1984.)

35400.6.

(a) Subdivision (a) of Section 35400 does not apply to a fifth-wheel travel trailer that does not exceed the following lengths:

(1) Forty-eight feet in length from the foremost point of the trailer to the rear extremity of the trailer.

(2) (A) For a fifth-wheel travel trailer with a single axle, 38 feet in length from the kingpin to the rearmost axle.

(B) For a fifth-wheel travel trailer with two or more axles, 40 feet in length from the kingpin to the rearmost axle.

(b) A manufacturer of a fifth-wheel travel trailer described by subdivision (a) shall include in the delivery documents the information necessary to register that fifth-wheel travel trailer, including its overall length pursuant to paragraph (1) of subdivision (a) and a declaration that its length is in compliance with subparagraph (A) or subparagraph (B) of paragraph (2) of subdivision (a). The dealer may reject acceptance of the fifth-wheel travel trailer if this documentation is not provided.

(Added by Stats. 2013, Ch. 548, Sec. 1. (AB 64) Effective January 1, 2014.)

35400.7.

(a) Notwithstanding Section 35400, the Alameda-Contra Costa Transit District created pursuant to Part 1 (commencing with Section 24501) of Division 10 of the Public Utilities Code may install a folding device attached to the front of a bus that is designed and used exclusively for transporting bicycles if the following conditions are met:

(1) The device does not extend more than 40 inches from the front body of the bus when fully deployed.

(2) The device, including all bicycles transported thereon, is mounted in a manner that does not materially affect efficiency or visibility of vehicle safety equipment.

(3) The handlebars of a bicycle that is transported on a device described in this subdivision does not extend more than 46 inches from the front of the bus.

(b) (1) The Alameda-Contra Costa Transit District shall establish a route review committee prior to the installation of the initial folding device, pursuant to subdivision (a), on a bus that is 45 feet in length. The purpose of the committee is to ensure the safe operation of a 45-foot bus that is equipped with a front-mounted bicycle rack.

(2) The committee established pursuant to this subdivision shall perform an initial review of the routes on which the district proposes to operate a 45-foot bus equipped with a front-mounted bicycle rack. The review shall include a field review of the proposed routes.It is the intent of the Legislature that the field review required under this paragraph include consultation with traffic engineers from affected public agencies that have jurisdiction over segments of the route or routes under review, to ensure coordination with all affected state and local public road agencies that may potentially be impacted due to the operation of a 45-foot bus with a front-mounted bicycle rack.

(3) By unanimous vote of all voting members, the committee shall make a determination of the routes that are suitable for the safe operation of a 45-foot bus that is equipped with a front-mounted bicycle rack.

(4) Upon any proposal to make substantive changes or additions to approved routes, those changes shall be subject to review and certification pursuant to paragraph (2) prior to being approved by the committee.

(5) The members of the committee shall be selected not more than 30 days after receipt of the district proposal to equip a 45-foot bus with a front-mounted bicycle rack and shall be comprised of the following members:

(A) One member from the district who shall be appointed by the district’s general manager and who shall be a voting member of the committee.

(B) One member who is a traffic engineer selected by the district and who shall be a voting member of the committee.

(C) One member appointed by the labor organization that is the exclusive representative of the busdrivers of the district. If there is no exclusive representative of the busdrivers, a busdriver member shall be chosen by a majority vote of the busdrivers employed by the district. This member shall be a voting member of the committee.

(D) One member appointed by the governing board who shall be a representative of the bicycling community and who shall reside in the district. This member shall be a nonvoting member of the committee.

(c) If a folding device is installed pursuant to subdivision (a), the Alameda-Contra Costa Transit District shall submit a report to the Assembly Committee on Transportation and the Senate Committee on Transportation and Housing on or before December 31, 2014. The report shall include a summary of any incidents where the size of the folding devices was a factor, and a summary of the mobility improvements these folding devices provide.

(Added by Stats. 2009, Ch. 369, Sec. 1. (AB 652) Effective January 1, 2010.)

35400.75.

(a) Notwithstanding Section 35400, the Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority created pursuant to Chapter 2 (commencing with Section 130050) of Division 12 of the Public Utilities Code may operate articulated buses that do not exceed a length of 82 feet on the route designated as the Orange Line in the County of Los Angeles, and between that route, terminals, and maintenance facilities.

(b) (1)  The authority shall establish a route review committee prior to the operation of any bus, pursuant to subdivision (a), that is greater than 60 feet in length.

(2) The committee shall perform a review of the Orange Line route and any necessary routes from the Orange Line to maintenance and storage yards upon which the authority proposes to operate a bus greater than 60 feet in length, pursuant to subdivision (a), prior to the operation of those buses. The reviews shall include field reviews of the Orange Line and proposed routes. The field reviews shall include both of the following:

(A) Consultation with traffic engineers from public agencies that have jurisdiction over the routes where the buses are proposed to be operated pursuant to subdivision (a), to ensure coordination with the affected state and local public agencies for purposes of public safety.

(B) Consultation with pavement engineers from public agencies that have jurisdiction over the routes where the buses are proposed to be operated pursuant to subdivision (a), to ensure that any impacts of the weight of the vehicles upon any streets and roads that are used to access the right-of-way or are crossed by the right-of-way are considered.

(3) The route review committee shall be comprised of four members, as follows:

(A) A member representing the authority who shall be appointed by the authority’s general manager.

(B) A member who is a traffic engineer who shall be appointed by the authority’s general manager.

(C) A member appointed by the labor organization that is the exclusive representative of the bus drivers of the authority.

(D) A member representing law enforcement appointed by the law enforcement agency having authority over the proposed routes.

(4) The route review committee shall determine, by majority vote, whether the Orange Line is suitable for the safe operation of a bus exceeding 60 feet in length, but not exceeding 82 feet in length, and shall determine, by majority vote, routes that are suitable for the safe operation of those buses between the Orange Line, maintenance facilities, and storage yards.

(c) Implementation of this section is subject to all of the following:

(1) The collective bargaining requirements under Article 10 (commencing with Section 30750) of Chapter 5 of Part 3 of Division 10 of the Public Utilities Code and the Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority Transit Employer-Employee Relations Act (Chapter 7 (commencing with Section 99560) of Part 11 of Division 10 of the Public Utilities Code).

(2) Determination by a majority vote of the route review committee that the Orange Line and the routes between the Orange Line, maintenance facilities, and storage yards are suitable for the safe operation of buses pursuant to subdivision (a).

(3) If portions of the proposed routes are on highways under the jurisdiction of the Department of Transportation, a determination by the Department of the California Highway Patrol and a determination by the Department of Transportation that those portions of the routes are suitable for the operation of buses pursuant to subdivision (a).

(Added by Stats. 2015, Ch. 479, Sec. 1. (AB 726) Effective January 1, 2016.)

35400.8.

(a) Notwithstanding Section 35400, the Sacramento Regional Transit District, created pursuant to Article 1 (commencing with Section 6500) of Chapter 5 of Division 7 of Title 1 of the Government Code as a joint powers agency, may install a folding device attached to the front of a bus that is designed and used exclusively for transporting bicycles if the following conditions are met:

(1) The device does not extend more than 40 inches from the front body of the bus when fully deployed.

(2) The device, including all bicycles transported on the device, is mounted in a manner that does not materially affect efficiency or visibility of vehicle safety equipment.

(3) The handlebars of a bicycle that is transported on a device described in this subdivision do not extend more than 46 inches from the front of the bus.

(b) For purposes of this section, “district” means the Sacramento Regional Transit District.

(c) (1) The district shall establish a route review committee prior to the installation of the initial folding device, pursuant to subdivision (a), on a bus that is 45 feet in length. The purpose of the committee is to ensure the safe operation of a 45-foot bus that is equipped with a front-mounted bicycle rack.

(2) The committee established pursuant to this subdivision shall perform an initial review of the routes on which the district proposes to operate a 45-foot bus equipped with a front-mounted bicycle rack. The review shall include a field review of the proposed routes, including consultation with licensed traffic engineers from affected public agencies that have jurisdiction over segments of the route or routes under review in order to ensure coordination with all affected state and local public road agencies that may potentially be impacted due to the operation of a 45-foot bus with a front-mounted bicycle rack.

(3) (A) By unanimous vote of all members, the committee shall make a determination of the routes that are suitable for the safe operation of a 45-foot bus that is equipped with a front-mounted bicycle rack.

(B) Before conducting a vote pursuant to subparagraph (A), the committee shall obtain certification approved by a licensed traffic engineer that all proposed routes are safe for travel by 45-foot buses equipped with the bicycle racks specified in subdivision (a).

(4) Upon any proposal to make substantive changes to additions to approved routes, those changes shall be subject to review and certification pursuant to paragraph (2) prior to being approved by the committee.

(5) The members of the committee shall be selected not more than 30 days after receipt of the district’s proposal to equip a 45-foot bus with a front-mounted bicycle rack and shall be comprised of the following members:

(A) One member from the district who shall be appointed by the district’s general manager and who shall be a voting member of the committee.

(B) One member who is a licensed traffic engineer selected by the governing board of the district and who shall be a voting member of the committee.

(C) One member appointed by the labor organization that is the exclusive representative of the busdrivers of the district. This member shall be a voting member of the committee.

(D) One member appointed by the governing board of the district who shall be a representative of the bicycling community and who shall reside within the area of the district jurisdiction. This member shall be a nonvoting member of the committee.

(d) If a folding device is installed pursuant to subdivision (a), the district shall submit a report in compliance with Section 9795 of the Government Code to the Assembly Committee on Transportation and the Senate Committee on Transportation and Housing on or before December 31, 2018. The report shall include a summary of any vehicular or traffic incidents where the size of the folding device was a factor, and a summary of the mobility improvements that these folding devices provide.

(Added by Stats. 2013, Ch. 95, Sec. 1. (AB 206) Effective January 1, 2014.)

35400.9.

(a) Notwithstanding Section 35400, Gold Coast Transit (GCT), created pursuant to Article 1 (commencing with Section 6500) of Chapter 5 of Division 7 of Title 1 of the Government Code as a joint powers agency, may install a folding device attached to the front of a bus that is designed and used exclusively for transporting bicycles if all of the following conditions are met:

(1) The device does not extend more than 40 inches from the front body of the bus when fully deployed.

(2) The device, including all bicycles transported on the device, is mounted in a manner that does not materially affect efficiency or visibility of vehicle safety equipment.

(3) The handlebars of a bicycle that is transported on a device described in this subdivision do not extend more than 46 inches from the front of the bus.

(b) (1) GCT shall establish a route review committee prior to the installation of the initial folding device, pursuant to subdivision (a), on a bus that is 45 feet in length. The purpose of the committee is to ensure the safe operation of a 45-foot bus that is equipped with a front-mounted bicycle rack.

(2) The committee established pursuant to this subdivision shall perform an initial review of the routes on which GCT proposes to operate a 45-foot bus equipped with a front-mounted bicycle rack. The review shall include a field review of the proposed routes. It is the intent of the Legislature that the field review required under this paragraph include consultation with licensed traffic engineers from affected public agencies that have jurisdiction over segments of the route or routes under review, to ensure coordination with all affected state and local public road agencies that may potentially be impacted due to the operation of a 45-foot bus with a front-mounted bicycle rack.

(3) (A) By unanimous vote of all voting members, the committee shall make a determination of the routes that are suitable for the safe operation of a 45-foot bus that is equipped with a front-mounted bicycle rack.

(B) Before conducting a vote pursuant to subparagraph (A), the committee shall obtain certification approved by a licensed traffic engineer that all proposed routes are safe for travel by 45 foot buses equipped with the bicycle racks specified in subdivision (a).

(4) Upon any proposal to make substantive changes or additions to approved routes, those changes shall be subject to review and certification pursuant to paragraph (2) prior to being approved by the committee.

(5) The members of the committee shall be selected not more than 30 days after receipt of the GCT proposal to equip a 45-foot bus with a front-mounted bicycle rack and shall be comprised of the following members:

(A) One member from GCT who shall be appointed by GCT’s general manager and who shall be a voting member of the committee.

(B) One member who is a licensed traffic engineer selected by the governing board of GCT and who shall be a voting member of the committee.

(C) One member appointed by the labor organization that is the exclusive representative of the busdrivers of GCT. If there is no exclusive representative of the busdrivers, a busdriver member shall be chosen by a majority vote of the busdrivers employed by GCT. This member shall be a voting member of the committee.

(D) One member appointed by the governing board of GCT who shall be a representative of the bicycling community and who shall reside within the area of GCT’s jurisdiction. This member shall be a nonvoting member of the committee.

(c) If a folding device is installed pursuant to subdivision (a), GCT shall submit a report in compliance with Section 9795 of the Government Code to the Assembly Committee on Transportation and the Senate Committee on Transportation and Housing on or before December 31, 2017. The report shall include a summary of any vehicular or traffic incidents where the size of the folding devices was a factor, and a summary of the mobility improvements that these folding devices provide.

(Added by Stats. 2012, Ch. 376, Sec. 1. (AB 2488) Effective January 1, 2013.)

35401.

(a) Except as provided in subdivisions (b), (c), and (d), a combination of vehicles coupled together, including attachments, may not exceed a total length of 65 feet.

(b) (1) A combination of vehicles coupled together, including attachments, that consists of a truck tractor, a semitrailer, and a semitrailer or trailer, may not exceed a total length of 75 feet, if the length of neither the semitrailers nor the trailer in the combination of vehicles exceeds 28 feet 6 inches.

(2) A B-train assembly is excluded from the measurement of semitrailer length when used between the first and second semitrailers of a truck tractor-semitrailer-semitrailer combination of vehicles. However, if there is no second semitrailer mounted to the B-train assembly, it shall be included in the length measurement of the semitrailer to which it is attached.

(c) (1) A tow truck in combination with a single disabled vehicle or a single abandoned vehicle that is authorized to travel on the highways by this chapter is exempt from subdivision (a) when operating under a valid annual transportation permit.

(2) A tow truck, in combination with a disabled or abandoned combination of vehicles that are authorized to travel on the highways by this chapter, is exempt from subdivision (a) when operating under a valid annual transportation permit and within a 100-mile radius of the location specified in the permit.

(3) A tow truck may exceed the 100-mile radius restriction imposed under paragraph (2) if a single trip permit is obtained from the Department of Transportation.

(d) A city or county may, by ordinance, prohibit a combination of vehicles of a total length in excess of 60 feet upon highways under its respective jurisdiction. The ordinance may not be effective until appropriate signs are erected indicating either the streets affected by the ordinance or the streets not affected, as the local authority determines will best serve to give notice of the ordinance.

(e) A city or county, upon a determination that a highway or portion of highway under its jurisdiction cannot, in consideration of public safety, sustain the operation of trailers or semitrailers of the maximum kingpin to rearmost axle distances permitted under Section 35400, may, by ordinance, establish lesser distances consistent with the maximum distances that the highway or highway portion can sustain, except that a city or county may not restrict the kingpin to rearmost axle measurement to less than 38 feet on those highways or highway portions. A city or county considering the adoption of an ordinance shall consider, but not be limited to, consideration of, all of the following:

(1) A comparison of the operating characteristics of the vehicles to be limited as compared to operating characteristics of other vehicles regulated by this code.

(2) Actual traffic volume.

(3) Frequency of accidents.

(4) Any other relevant data.

In addition, the city or county may appoint an advisory committee consisting of local representatives of those interests that are likely to be affected and shall consider the recommendations of the advisory committee in adopting the ordinance. The ordinance may not be effective until appropriate signs are erected indicating the highways or highway portions affected by the ordinance.

This subdivision shall only become operative upon the adoption of an enabling ordinance by a city or county.

(f) Whenever, in the judgment of the Department of Transportation, a state highway cannot, in consideration of public safety, sustain the operation of trailers or semitrailers of the maximum kingpin to rearmost axle distances permitted under Section 35400, the director, in consultation with the Department of the California Highway Patrol, shall compile data on total traffic volume, frequency of use by vehicles covered by this subdivision, accidents involving these vehicles, and other relevant data to assess whether these vehicles are a threat to public safety and should be excluded from the highway or highway segment. The study, containing the conclusions and recommendations of the director, shall be submitted to the Secretary of the Business, Transportation and Housing Agency. Unless otherwise notified by the secretary, the director shall hold public hearings in accordance with the procedures set forth in Article 3 (commencing with Section 35650) of Chapter 5 for the purpose of determining the maximum kingpin to rear axle length, which shall be not less than 38 feet, that the highway or highway segment can sustain without unreasonable threat to the safety of the public. Upon the basis of the findings, the Director of Transportation shall declare in writing the maximum kingpin to rear axle lengths which can be maintained with safety upon the highway. Following the declaration of maximum lengths as provided by this subdivision, the Department of Transportation shall erect suitable signs at each end of the affected portion of the highway and at any other points that the Department of Transportation determines to be necessary to give adequate notice of the length limits.

The Department of Transportation, in consultation with the Department of the California Highway Patrol, shall compile traffic volume, geometric, and other relevant data, to assess the maximum kingpin to rearmost axle distance of vehicle combinations appropriate for those state highways or portion of highways, affected by this section, that cannot safely accommodate trailers or semitrailers of the maximum kingpin to rearmost axle distances permitted under Section 35400. The department shall erect suitable signs appropriately restricting truck travel on those highways, or portions of highways.

(g) This section shall become operative on January 1, 2010.

(Amended (as added by Stats. 2006, Ch. 450, Sec. 2) by Stats. 2008, Ch. 394, Sec. 2. Effective January 1, 2009. Section operative January 1, 2010, by its own provisions.)

35401.1.

A combination of vehicles operated pursuant to Section 35400 or 35401 with a kingpin to rearmost axle measurement of greater than 38 feet but not more than 40 feet may be operated on those highways under the jurisdiction of local authorities only where it is deemed to be safe by the owner of the vehicle or the person operating the vehicle and where its operation is not specifically prohibited by local ordinance pursuant to subdivision (d) of Section 35401.

(Added by Stats. 1986, Ch. 1378, Sec. 3.)

35401.3.

(a) Notwithstanding subdivisions (a) and (b) of Section 35401, a combination of vehicles designed and used to transport motor vehicles, camper units, or boats, which consists of a motortruck and stinger-steered semitrailer, shall be allowed a length of up to 70 feet if the kingpin is at least 3 feet behind the rear drive axle of the motortruck. This combination shall not be subject to subdivision (a) of Section 35411, but the load upon the rear vehicle of the combination shall not extend more than 6 feet 6 inches beyond the allowable length of the vehicle.

(b) A combination of vehicles designed and used to transport motor vehicles, camper units, or boats, which consists of a motortruck and stinger-steered semitrailer, shall be allowed a length of up to 75 feet if all of the following conditions are maintained:

(1) The distance from the steering axle to the rear drive axle of the motortruck does not exceed 24 feet.

(2) The kingpin is at least 5 feet behind the rear drive axle of the motortruck.

(3) The distance from the kingpin to the rear axle of the semitrailer does not exceed 34 feet except that the distance from the kingpin to the rear axle of a triple axle semitrailer does not exceed 36 feet.

This combination shall not be subject to subdivision (a) of Section 35411, but the load upon the rear vehicle of the combination shall not extend more than 6 feet 6 inches beyond the allowable length of the vehicle.

(Amended by Stats. 2000, Ch. 860, Sec. 11. Effective January 1, 2001.)

35401.5.

(a) A combination of vehicles consisting of a truck tractor and semitrailer, or of a truck tractor, semitrailer, and trailer, is not subject to the limitations of Sections 35400 and 35401, when operating on the Dwight D. Eisenhower National System of Interstate and Defense Highways or when using those portions of federal-aid primary system highways that have been qualified by the United States Secretary of Transportation for that use, or when using routes appropriately identified by the Department of Transportation or local authorities as provided in subdivision (c) or (d), if all of the following conditions are met:

(1) The length of the semitrailer in exclusive combination with a truck tractor does not exceed 48 feet. A semitrailer not more than 53 feet in length shall satisfy this requirement when configured with two or more rear axles, the rearmost of which is located 40 feet or less from the kingpin or when configured with a single axle which is located 38 feet or less from the kingpin. For purposes of this paragraph, a motortruck used in combination with a semitrailer, when that combination of vehicles is engaged solely in the transportation of motor vehicles, camper units, or boats, is considered to be a truck tractor.

(2) Neither the length of the semitrailer nor the length of the trailer when simultaneously in combination with a truck tractor exceeds 28 feet 6 inches.

(b) Subdivisions (b), (d), and (e) of Section 35402 do not apply to combinations of vehicles operated subject to the exemptions provided by this section.

(c) Combinations of vehicles operated pursuant to subdivision (a) may also use highways not specified in subdivision (a) that provide reasonable access to terminals and facilities for purposes limited to fuel, food, lodging, and repair when that access is consistent with the safe operation of the combinations of vehicles and when the facility is within one road mile of identified points of ingress and egress to or from highways specified in subdivision (a) for use by those combinations of vehicles.

(d) The Department of Transportation or local authorities may establish a process whereby access to terminals or services may be applied for upon a route not previously established as an access route. The denial of a request for access to terminals and services shall be only on the basis of safety and an engineering analysis of the proposed access route. If a written request for access has been properly submitted and has not been acted upon within 90 days of receipt by the department or the appropriate local agency, the access shall be deemed automatically approved. Thereafter, the route shall be deemed open for access by all other vehicles of the same type regardless of ownership. In lieu of processing an access application, the Department of Transportation or local authorities with respect to highways under their respective jurisdictions may provide signing, mapping, or a listing of highways as necessary to indicate the use of specific routes as terminal access routes. For purposes of this subdivision, “terminal” means either of the following:

(1) A facility where freight originates, terminates, or is handled in the transportation process.

(2) A facility where a motor carrier maintains operating facilities.

(e) Nothing in subdivision (c) or (d) authorizes state or local agencies to require permits of terminal operators or to charge terminal operators fees for the purpose of attaining access for vehicles described in this section.

(f) Notwithstanding subdivision (d), the limitations of access specified in that subdivision do not apply to licensed carriers of household goods when directly en route to or from a point of loading or unloading of household goods, if travel on highways other than those specified in subdivision (a) is necessary and incidental to the shipment of the household goods.

(g) (1) Notwithstanding Sections 35400 and 35401, a combination of vehicles consisting solely of a truck tractor semitrailer combination with a kingpin to rearmost axle measurement limit of not more than 46 feet, a trailer length of not more than 56 feet, and used exclusively or primarily in connection with motorsports, may operate on the routes identified in subdivision (a) as well as on any other routes authorized for that purpose by the Department of Transportation in consultation with the Department of the California Highway Patrol, when issued a permit as set forth in paragraph (3). As used in this subdivision, “motorsports” means an event, and all activities leading up to that event, including, but not limited to, administration, testing, practice, promotion, and merchandising, that is sanctioned under the auspices of the member organizations of the Automobile Competition Committee for the United States.

(2) (A) The Department of Transportation shall conduct field tests of the truck tractor semitrailer combination authorized under paragraph (1) for motorsport trucks with a trailer length of not more than 56 feet to evaluate their performance on transition routes connecting to the Auto Club Speedway in Fontana.

(B) (i) The Legislature finds and declares that the Department of Transportation established the existing transition routes described in subparagraph (A) based on records from the 1990s.

(ii) The Department of Transportation shall update the transition routes to reflect road projects completed since the 1990s and shall update the transition routes every five years thereafter.

(iii) The Department of Transportation shall develop new transition routes, as necessary, for the truck tractor semitrailer combination authorized under paragraph (1) for motorsport trucks with a trailer length of not more than 56 feet.

(C) The Department of Transportation shall, no later than January 1, 2017, submit a report to the Legislature, in compliance with Section 9795 of the Government Code, that includes the results of the field tests for the Auto Club Raceway in Pomona, the Sonoma Raceway, and the Auto Club Speedway in Fontana, an overview of the related roadway improvements identified and made, and, in consultation with the Department of the California Highway Patrol, a recommendation as to whether the maximum 56 foot trailer length should be reauthorized.

(D) Notwithstanding Section 10231.5 of the Government Code, the requirement for submitting a report under this paragraph is inoperative on January 1, 2019.

(3) Permits for a combination of vehicles consisting solely of a truck tractor semitrailer combination with a kingpin to rearmost axle measurement limit of not more than 46 feet, a trailer length of not more than 56 feet, for use exclusively or primarily in connection with motorsports, to operate on the routes identified in subdivision (a) as well as on any other routes authorized for that purpose, as provided in paragraph (1), shall be issued by the Department of Transportation, pursuant to Article 6 (commencing with Section 35780) of Chapter 5. The permit requirement for travel on a specific route to or from the Auto Club Raceway in Pomona, the Sonoma Raceway, or the Auto Club Speedway in Fontana, shall apply only until field tests for each of those raceways by the Department of Transportation determine that no additional projects need to be performed on the specific route, or, if projects are required to be performed on the specific route, until those projects are completed.

(h) The Legislature finds and declares both of the following:

(1) In authorizing the use of 53-foot semitrailers, it is the intent of the Legislature to conform with Section 31111(b)(1)(C) of Title 49 of the United States Code by permitting the continued use of semitrailers of the dimensions as those that were in actual and legal use on December 1, 1982, and does not intend this action to be a precedent for future increases in the parameters of any of those vehicles that would adversely affect the turning maneuverability of vehicle combinations.

(2) In authorizing the department to issue special transportation permits for motorsports, it is the intent of the Legislature to conform with Section 31111(b)(1)(F) of Title 49 of the United States Code. It is also the intent of the Legislature that this action not be a precedent for future increases in the distance from the kingpin to the rearmost axle of semitrailers and trailers that would adversely affect the turning maneuverability of vehicle combinations.

(Amended by Stats. 2014, Ch. 786, Sec. 1. (SB 1175) Effective January 1, 2015.)

35401.7.

(a) The limitations of access specified in subdivision (d) of Section 35401.5 do not apply to licensed carriers of livestock when those carriers are directly en route to or from a point of loading or unloading of livestock on those portions of State Highway Route 101 located in the Counties of Del Norte, Humboldt, and Mendocino from its junction with State Highway Route 1 near Leggett north to the Oregon border, if the travel is necessary and incidental to the shipment of the livestock.

(b) The exemption allowed under this section does not apply unless all of the following conditions are met:

(1) The length of the truck tractor, in combination with the semitrailer used to transport the livestock, does not exceed a total of 70 feet.

(2) The distance from the kingpin to the rearmost axle of the semitrailer does not exceed 43 feet.

(3) The length of the semitrailer does not exceed a total of 48 feet.

(c) The exemption allowed under this section does not apply to travel conducted on the day prior to, or on the day of, any federally recognized holiday.

(d) (1) Because route improvements in Richardson Grove that will allow the combination of vehicles described in Section 35401.5 to fully operate on all portions of State Highway Route 101 located in the Counties of Del Norte, Humboldt, and Mendocino are ongoing and not yet completed, this section shall remain in effect only until both of the following conditions are satisfied:

(A) All route improvements in Richardson Grove are completed without restraint, including, but not limited to, judicial or injunctive restraints.

(B) The Director of Transportation determines that the combination of vehicles described in Section 35401.5 is authorized to operate on all portions of State Highway Route 101 located in the Counties of Del Norte, Humboldt, and Mendocino. When the director makes the determination described in this subparagraph, the director shall post a declaration on the Internet Web site of the Department of Transportation.

(2) This section is repealed as of the date that the declaration described in subparagraph (B) of paragraph (1) is posted on the Department of Transportation’s Internet Web site.

(3) The declaration described in subparagraph (B) of paragraph (1) shall state that it is being made pursuant to this section.

(e) (1) If, prior to the completion of the route improvements in Richardson Grove as described in paragraph (1) of subdivision (d), the Director of Transportation determines that the only adjustment to State Highway Route 101 possible to accommodate the truck sizes allowed to travel on portions of State Highway Route 101, pursuant to subdivisions (a) and (b), is the removal of any tree that has a diameter of 42 inches or greater, measured outside the bark, at 12 inches above ground on the side adjacent to the highest ground level, the director shall notify the Secretary of State of that determination.

(2) If, prior to the completion of the route improvements in Richardson Grove as described in paragraph (1) of subdivision (d), the Director of Transportation determines that safety improvements to the portion of State Highway Route 101 described in subdivision (a) have resulted in the reclassification of the entire segment as a terminal access route pursuant to subdivision (d) of Section 35401.5, the director shall notify the Secretary of State of that determination.

(3) The notice required under paragraph (1) or (2) shall state that it is being made pursuant to this section.

(4) This section is repealed on the date the Secretary of State receives either of the notices described in this subdivision.

(Amended by Stats. 2015, Ch. 303, Sec. 542. (AB 731) Effective January 1, 2016. Repealed on earlier of dates prescribed in subd. (d) and subd. (e).)

35401.9.

Notwithstanding Section 35401, a driveaway-towaway combination, as described in Section 303, shall not exceed 97 feet in length when transporting up to three saddle-mounted vehicles and one full-mounted vehicle.

(Added by Stats. 2016, Ch. 208, Sec. 25. (AB 2906) Effective January 1, 2017.)

35402.

(a) Any extension or device, including any adjustable axle added to the front or rear of a vehicle, used to increase the carrying capacity of a vehicle shall be included in measuring the length of a vehicle, except that a drawbar shall not be included in measuring the length of a vehicle but shall be included in measuring the overall length of a combination of vehicles.

(b) Notwithstanding subdivision (a), extensions of not more than 18 inches in length on each end of a vehicle or combination of vehicles used exclusively to transport vehicles shall not be included in measuring the length of a vehicle or combination of vehicles when the vehicles are loaded.

(c) Notwithstanding subdivision (a), an extension of not more than 18 inches in length on the last trailer in a combination of vehicles transporting loads shall not be included in measuring the length of a vehicle or combination of vehicles when the vehicles are loaded. Additionally, an extension of not more than 18 inches in length on the front of the first trailer in a combination of vehicles transporting loads shall not be included in measuring the length of a vehicle or combination of vehicles when the vehicles are loaded and on highways, other than those highways designated by the United States Department of Transportation as national network routes.

(d) Notwithstanding subdivision (a), any extension or device which is not used to carry any load and which does not exceed three feet in length, added to the rear of a vehicle, and is used exclusively for pushing the vehicle or a combination of vehicles, which vehicle or combination of vehicles is designed and used exclusively to transport earth, sand, gravel, and similar materials, shall be included in measuring the length of the vehicle but shall not be included in measuring the overall length of the combination of vehicles.

(e) Notwithstanding subdivision (a), a truck semitrailer combination, but not a truck tractor and semitrailer combination, may use a sliding fifth wheel, or a truck tractor, semitrailer, trailer, and a truck-trailer combination may use a sliding drawbar, to extend the length of the combination by not more than 2 feet 6 inches while traveling 35 miles per hour or less on any highway, except a freeway. These provisions shall apply, however, to freeway onramps and offramps and freeway connectors. The sliding fifth wheel or drawbar when extended shall not be included in measuring the overall length of the combination of vehicles if the pivot point of the semitrailer connection is more than two feet to the rear of the center of the rearmost axle of the motortruck or if the distance from the pivot point to the center of the rearmost axle of the semitrailer does not exceed 34 feet.

Combinations of vehicles permitted by this subdivision shall be in compliance with the weight limits provided in Article 1 (commencing with Section 35550) of Chapter 5 whenever any drawbar or sliding fifth wheel is extended, contracted, or in any intermediate position as provided for by this subdivision.

(Amended by Stats. 2000, Ch. 860, Sec. 13. Effective January 1, 2001.)

35403.

Safety devices which are required to be mounted upon a vehicle pursuant to provisions of this code, may extend beyond the permissible length of a vehicle, or a combination of vehicles, to a distance not exceeding 10 inches.

(Added by Stats. 1974, Ch. 1117.)

35404.

Any county having a population in excess of 4,000,000 and having within its limits a natural island with an area in excess of 20,000 acres may, by ordinance, prohibit the use of any highway or lane, hereafter established in unincorporated area thereon, (1) by any vehicle exceeding an overall length of 170 inches and an overall width of 65 inches, or (2) by any such vehicle and all vehicles driven by internal combustion engines. Notwithstanding the provisions of Section 906 of the Streets and Highways Code, no such ordinance shall be enacted unless the board of supervisors shall have theretofore adopted, by a four-fifths vote, a resolution determining that the public convenience and necessity require that such highway or lane have a width of 35 feet or less and a roadway width of 22 feet or less.

Any ordinance enacted pursuant to this section shall be subject to Sections 35718 to 35720, inclusive, of this code and shall not apply to authorized emergency vehicles.

(Added by Stats. 1969, Ch. 723.)

35405.

(a) An aerodynamic device that extends no more than five feet beyond the rear of a vehicle shall not be included in measuring the length of the vehicle or combination of vehicles, if both of the following conditions are met:

(1) The device does not have the strength, rigidity, or mass to damage a vehicle, or injure a passenger in a vehicle, that strikes the vehicle equipped with the device from the rear.

(2) The device does not obscure tail lamps, turn signals, marker lamps, identification lamps, or any other required safety devices, including, but not limited to, hazardous materials placards or conspicuity markings.

(b) For purposes of this section, “aerodynamic device” has the same meaning as defined in Section 35110.

(Added by Stats. 2014, Ch. 133, Sec. 2. (SB 469) Effective January 1, 2015.)

35406.

(a) Except as provided in subdivision (b), the load upon any vehicle operated alone, or the load upon the front vehicle of a combination of vehicles, shall not extend more than three feet beyond the foremost part of the front tires of the vehicle or the front bumper of the vehicle, if it is equipped with a front bumper.

(b) When the load is composed solely of vehicles, the load upon the front vehicle of a combination of vehicles shall not extend more than four feet beyond the foremost part of the front tires of the vehicle or the front bumper of the vehicle, if it is equipped with a front bumper.

(Amended by Stats. 1972, Ch. 434.)

35407.

Section 35406 does not apply to the booms or masts of shovels, cranes or water well drilling and servicing equipment carried upon a motor vehicle if the following conditions are met:

(a) The booms or masts shall not extend more than two-thirds of the wheelbase beyond the front tires of such vehicle.

(b) The projecting structure or attachments thereto shall be securely held in place to prevent dropping or swaying.

(c) No part of the structure which extends beyond the front tires shall be less than seven feet from the roadway.

(d) The driver’s vision shall not be impaired by the projecting or supporting structure.

(Amended by Stats. 1959, Ch. 816.)

35407.5.

Section 35406 and subdivisions (a) and (d) of Section 35407 do not apply to the booms or masts of a self-propelled heel-boom log loader first sold in this state prior to January 1, 1988, if all of the following conditions are met:

(a) A system of mirrors or other view enhancements permits the driver to see in any area blocked from view.

(b) The log loader is operated together with a four wheeled lead vehicle which remains a reasonable distance ahead to guide the movement of the log loader.

(c) Two-way radio communication equipment is maintained in good working condition on the log loader and the pilot car, and is used between those vehicles during movement upon any highway.

(Added by Stats. 1988, Ch. 550, Sec. 1.)

35408.

In no event shall a front bumper on a motor vehicle be constructed or installed so as to project more than two feet forward of the foremost part of either the fenders or cab structure or radiator, whichever extends farthest toward the front of such vehicle.

(Enacted by Stats. 1959, Ch. 3.)

35409.

(a) Any motor vehicle used for the purpose of taking photographs, motion pictures, or television pictures or for teaching safe driving may be equipped with a dismountable platform or other device extending forward of either the fenders or cab structure or radiator, whichever extends farthest toward the front of such vehicle, for a distance not exceeding five feet while such vehicle is in use for such purpose.

(b) Any device used for the sole purpose of teaching safe driving, as provided in subdivision (a), shall be of a type authorized by the Department of the California Highway Patrol and the Department of Motor Vehicles.

(Amended by Stats. 1979, Ch. 723.)

35410.

The load upon any motor vehicle alone or an independent load only upon a trailer or semitrailer shall not extend to the rear beyond the last point of support for a greater distance than that equal to two-thirds of the length of the wheelbase of the vehicle carrying such load, except that the wheelbase of a semitrailer shall be considered as the distance between the rearmost axle of the towing vehicle and the rearmost axle of the semitrailer.

(Enacted by Stats. 1959, Ch. 3.)

35411.

(a) Except as provided in subdivision (b), the load upon any combination of vehicles shall not exceed 75 feet measured from the front extremity of the front vehicle or load to the rear extremity of the last vehicle or load.

(b) The load upon any combination of vehicles operating pursuant to Section 35401 or 35401.5, when the overall length of the combination of vehicles exceeds 75 feet, shall be confined within the exterior dimensions of the vehicles.

(Amended by Stats. 1983, Ch. 145, Sec. 17. Effective June 28, 1983.)

35414.

(a) Except where a load can be transported consistent with the limitations on vehicle and load length specified in other sections of this chapter, the limitations of this chapter as to length of vehicles do not apply when only poles, timbers, pipes, integral structural materials, or single unit component parts, including, but not limited to, missile components, aircraft assemblies, drilling equipment, and tanks not exceeding 80 feet in length are being transported upon any of the following:

(1) Upon a pole or pipe dolly or otherwise lawful trailer used as a pole or pipe dolly in connection with a motor vehicle.

(2) Upon a semitrailer, except for the limitations provided in Section 35410.

(3) Upon a semitrailer and a pole or pipe dolly used in connection with a truck tractor to haul flexible integral structural material.

(b) Poles and the tools and materials incidental to the work to be performed may be transported on a pole or pipe dolly or otherwise lawful semitrailer used as a pole or pipe dolly, transporting not more than three poles not exceeding 80 feet in length and when used by public utility companies or local public agencies engaged in the business of supplying electricity or telephone service, by the Department of Transportation, or by a licensed contractor in the performance of work for a utility, the department, or a local public agency, when such transportation is between a storage yard and job location where such tools and materials are to be used, in which event the limitations of this chapter as to length of vehicles and loads shall not apply.

(Amended by Stats. 1998, Ch. 135, Sec. 1. Effective July 13, 1998.)