AN ACT to modify the vehicle weight limits for a single-axle truck owned, operated by, or under contract to a public utility or electric or telephone membership corporation and used in connection with the installation, restoration, or maintenance of utility services in certain areas.

The General Assembly of North Carolina enacts:

SECTION 1.  G.S. 20‑118(c) is amended by adding a new subdivision to read:
"(17)	Subsections (b) and (e) of this section do not apply to a truck owned, operated by, or under contract to a public utility, electric or telephone membership corporation, or municipality that meets all of the conditions listed below, but all other enforcement provisions of this Article remain applicable:
a.	Is being used in connection with the installation, restoration, or maintenance of utility services within a North Carolina county located in whole or in part west of Interstate 77, and the terrain, road widths, and other naturally occurring conditions prevent the safe navigation and operation of a truck having more than a single axle or using a trailer.
b.	Does not operate on an interstate highway.
c.	Does not exceed a single-axle weight of more than 28,000 pounds.
d.	Does not exceed a maximum gross weight in excess of 48,000 pounds."
SECTION 2.  This act becomes effective January 1, 2014.
In the General Assembly read three times and ratified this the 12th day of June, 2013.

	s/	 Daniel J. Forest
	 President of the Senate

	s/	 Thom Tillis
	 Speaker of the House of Representatives

	s/	 Pat McCrory
	 Governor

Approved 4:23 p.m. this 19th day of June, 2013