Notice of Veto [36 Pa.B. 3801]
[Saturday, July 22, 2006]To the Honorable, the House of Representatives
July 11, 2006
of the Commonwealth of PennsylvaniaI am returning herewith, without my approval, House Bill 1928.
Under current law, the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation and local authorities have discretionary authority to issue special permits to move modular housing undercarriages subject to statutory limitations, which expressly prohibit movement of these undercarriages at night. The Vehicle Code provides that modular housing undercarriages may only drive our roads between 9:00 am and sunset Monday through Thursday, and between 9:00 am and noon Friday.
House Bill 1928 would allow for permits to be issued for movement of modular housing undercarriages 24 hours a day, seven days a week, except that permits could not be issued for movement during a holiday period or during inclement weather. The bill also permits the carrying of up to three empty modular housing undercarriages stacked on top of another empty modular housing undercarriage if securely fastened.
Signing this bill into law, and thereby allowing by statute the movement of oversized modular housing undercarriages at night, is simply a threat to public safety. Currently, modular housing undercarriages are not subject to Vehicle Code requirements for lighting, safety equipment, or safety inspections; therefore, movement of modular housing undercarriages in darkness, without adherence to established lighting requirements, would be especially dangerous. Additionally, the width of these vehicles, which is approximately 14 to 16 feet, makes them particularly hazardous since they exceed standard lane width. This may result in modular housing undercarriages infringing on the travel lane of opposing traffic and creating an unexpected incursion. It should be noted that current commonwealth law does not permit any other vehicle of this size or width to be operated at night under these circumstances.
For the reasons set forth above, I am withholding my signature from House Bill 1928.
Governor[Pa.B. Doc. No. 06-1260. Filed for public inspection July 21, 2006, 9:00 a.m.]
