Road weight limit exemption sought for ambulances

When minutes can mean the difference between life and death, it is imperative that an ambulance quickly reach an ailing person.

In parts of the state, at certain times of the year, the shortest route to the scene could be an illegal way.

Rep. Brian Johnson

State law limits how much weight per axle vehicles can carry on the state’s roadways. The rules are intended to preserve road quality and safety, as heavier vehicles place more stress on pavement.

Sponsored by Rep. Brian Johnson (R-Cambridge), HF1833 would establish motor vehicle weight limit exemptions for police special response vehicles and ambulances. Fire trucks are already exempt.

It was held over Wednesday by the House Public Safety and Security Policy and Finance Committee for possible omnibus bill inclusion. A companion, SF2091, sponsored by Sen. Andrew Lang (R-Olivia), awaits action by the Senate Transportation Finance and Policy Committee.

“When I talked to my ambulance director, he told me, ‘Officially, we’re just under the weight limit. Unofficially, we’re way over,’” Johnson said. “We need these vehicles to get to people’s houses. Is law enforcement going to stop an ambulance from going to a house? Absolutely not.”

The concern is if an ambulance, which Johnson called “an ER on wheels,” were to be involved in a motor vehicle incident, the company could be held liable for any injuries because it shouldn’t be on that road.