Committee Report

February 22, 2024

 

H. 3355

 

Introduced by Reps. Moss and Lawson

 

S. Printed 02/22/24--S.

Read the first time May 03, 2023

 

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The committee on Senate Transportation

To whom 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 with amendment:

 

    Amend the bill, as and if amended, SECTION 1, by striking Section 56-5-4072 and inserting:

    Section 56-5-4072. The operator of a vehicle utilizing a fifth wheel assembly may tow one additional trailing vehicle, provided that:

    (1) the operator has been issued a classified driver's license by the department;

    (2) the operation is for private, recreational purposes only;

    (3) the combined length of all three vehicles does not exceed sixty-five feet, inclusive of front and rear bumpers and load;

    (4) the weight of the final trailer with its load does not exceed three thousand pounds;

    (5) the towing truck is equipped with a functioning video system that enables the operator to monitor the final trailer as it is being towed; and

    (6) in addition to the drawbar, tongue, trailer hitch, or other primary connection, the final trailer is attached by a safety chain, safety cable, or equivalent safety device. Both the primary connection and the safety device must be of sufficient strength to retain the connection between the fifth wheel assembly and the final trailer under all conditions while the final trailer is being towed.

Amend the bill further, by striking SECTION 2 and inserting:

SECTION 2.  This act takes effect sixty days after approval by the Governor.

 

Renumber sections to conform.

Amend title to conform.

 

LAWRENCE K. "LARRY" GROOMS for Committee.

 

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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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