A bill that would allow longer trucks on Michigan state roads is closer to becoming law.

The state Senate signed off on the measure Nov. 10 to increase the allowable length of trucks on local roads from 59 to 65 feet. The bill, which previously passed the House, now heads to Gov. Jennifer Granholm for consideration.

Currently, 65-foot trucks are only allowed on “designated highways,” as determined by the Michigan Department of Transportation. On non-designated highways, the length limitation for trucks is currently 59 feet, which is inconsistent with the 65-foot limit enforced on the national network of highways.

“The purpose [of the bill] is to bring the state into compliance with the Federal Highway Administration,” Rep. Gene DeRossett, R-Manchester, told local media.

HB4358 would also change how civil infractions are assessed on trucks violating load limits.

Under current law, a schedule of civil fines based on the number of pounds the truck or axles exceed the legal limit is used by the courts in handing down fines. Courts have discretion in cases where the load distribution to one or more axles exceeds the legal limit, but the gross weight of the vehicle is within the restrictions.

“There has been a lot of abuse,” said DeRossett, asserting that courts often fine trucking companies thousands of dollars for “overloads” when the truck’s load only is simply poorly distributed resulting in a violation of the axle load limit.

“This bill clarifies the definition of what is a misload and what is an overload,” he said.

It would eliminate court discretion in imposing overweight fines. For a vehicle that exceeds the weight limits for any of its axles but is within the total weight limit, a judge would impose a $250 fine, unless the weight exceeds the axle limit by 4,000 pounds, in which case the court would assess the $250 fine and fines outlined in the schedule.

The fine structure for exceeding the total weight limits would not change.