Committee Report

April 26, 2023

H. 3355

Introduced by Reps. Moss and Lawson

 

S. Printed 04/26/23--H.                                                                       [SEC 4/27/2023 11:21 AM]

Read the first time January 10, 2023

 

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The committee on House Education and Public Works

To who was referred a Bill (H. 3355) to amend the South Carolina Code of Laws by adding Section 56-5-4072 so as to provide that a towing truck with a fifth wheel assembly may tow one additional vehicle, etc., respectfully

Report:

That they have duly and carefully considered the same, and recommend that the same do pass:

 

SHANNON ERICKSON for Committee.

 

statement of estimated fiscal impact

Explanation of Fiscal Impact

 

State Expenditure

This bill provides that a truck towing a vehicle with a fifth wheel assembly for recreational purposes may tow one additional vehicle.  The total length of the combination of vehicles must not exceed seventy-five feet in length, and the weight load of the terminal vehicle must not exceed 3,000 pounds.  The bill also requires any tow truck driver pulling both a vehicle with a fifth wheel assembly and an additional vehicle to utilize a video system to monitor the terminal vehicle.  The tow truck driver must also ensure both towed vehicles are secured with a safety chain, cable, or equivalent device in addition to the regular drawbar, tongue, trailer hitch, or other connection.  DPS reports this bill requires the agency to perform activities that will be conducted in the normal course of agency business.  Therefore, the bill does not have an expenditure impact.

 

 

Frank A. Rainwater, Executive Director

Revenue and Fiscal Affairs Office

 

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A bill

 

to amend the South Carolina Code of Laws by adding Section 56-5-4072 so as to PROVIDE THAT A TOWING TRUCK WITH A FIFTH WHEEL ASSEMBLY MAY TOW ONE ADDITIONAL VEHICLE, TO PROVIDE A MAXIMUM LENGTH FOR THIS COMBINATION OF VEHICLES, TO PROVIDE THE MAXIMUM WEIGHT FOR THE FINAL TRAILING VEHICLE, AND TO PROVIDE A TRUCK OPERATING A TOWING  COMBINATION MUST INCLUDE A VIDEO SYSTEM WHICH ALLOWS THE DRIVER TO MONITOR THE FINAL TRAILING VEHICLE AS IT IS BEING TOWED AND BE EQUIPPED WITH CERTAIN SAFETY DEVICES.

 

Be it enacted by the General Assembly of the State of South Carolina:

 

SECTION 1.  Article 33, Chapter 5, Title 56 of the S.C. Code is amended by adding:

 

    Section 56-5-4072. Notwithstanding another provision of law, for recreational purposes only, a truck towing a vehicle utilizing a fifth wheel assembly may tow one additional vehicle. The combination of vehicles subject to this provision may not exceed a length of seventy-five feet overall dimension, inclusive of front and rear bumpers and load carried on it. However, the final trailing vehicle with its load must weigh no more than 3,000 pounds. A truck operating a towing combination as described in this provision also must include a video system which allows the driver of the truck to monitor the final trailing vehicle as it is being towed and comply with the provisions contained in Section 56-5-5150.

 

SECTION 2.  This act takes effect upon approval by the Governor.

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