Rhode Island Joins Long List of States Recognizing Weight Allowance for Natural Gas Trucks

On June 18, Rhode Island Governor Gina Raimondo signed into law (HB 7776 and SB 2557) legislation approving a 2,000 pound weight allowance for natural gas trucks. The action means that natural gas trucks operating in the state will be able to operate with a total gross weight of up to 82,000 pounds. A total of twenty-six states have now enacted legislation approving the weight allowance on state and interstate roads.

In April, the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) revised its guidance (Q&A #14) concerning the scope of the FAST Act weight allowance for natural gas trucks. The revised guidance makes it clear that all state authorities must allow natural gas trucks operating on intestate roads to operate with the increased weight. The guidance states, “every State must allow up to 2,000 additional pounds for any legal Natural Gas Vehicle traveling on the Interstate Highway System and within reasonable access to the Interstate.”

NGVamerica and members companies have been working to ensure the weight provision is recognized by states and extended to state roads to maximize the benefits of the weight allowance and ensure that trucks delivering loads are not impeded by inconsistent local restrictions.