Maine Suspends Some Weight Restrictions Due to Fuel Prices

Maine Gov. John Baldacci (D) signed a bill to temporarily allow trucks hauling forest products to exceed state weight limits by 5% in hopes of helping them offset high fuel prices, the Associated Press reported.

Baldacci signed the bill — which will enable truckers to consolidate loads and save fuel costs — on Tuesday, just hours after it was passed by the House and Senate, AP said.

Baldacci said the administration is also working on legislation to ease taxes for truck drivers hauling forest products, AP reported.

The truck weight legislation takes effect immediately and expires April 1, AP said.