Georgia lawmakers pass bill to increase weight limit on rig trucks, awaiting Governor’s signature

ATLANTA — The Georgia General Assembly has passed a bill that increases the weight limit of big rig trucks on state and local roads.

If signed by Georgia governor Brian Kemp, trucks that normally carry up to 80,000 pounds of supplies and materials would be allowed to carry up to 88,000 pounds.

“That’s a lot of weight,” said truck driver Sean Clinton. “It’s already scary enough to have 80,000 pounds.”

The controversial bill is creating a lot of safety concerns for those who have already been a victim to trucks that cannot stop on a dime.

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“People think big trucks, big breaks,” said Clinton. “That’s not the case with all of that weight. I need a lot of distance.”

Attorney Dennis Keene from Savannah knows too well the weight and impact these big rigs carry. He’s been representing truck drivers and trucking companies for more than 20 years.

“There are no changes to the braking system,” said Keene. “A lot of it is up to the truck driver.”

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Many of these trucks find themselves on Georgia Interstate 16 heading toward the Port of Savannah, a highway that has become a very deadly stretch involving big rig trucks. This includes the five nursing students who were killed back in 2015.

Even though I-16 is not included, it would include many local area roads with trucks that are headed to the port.

“More weight, more money,” said Clinton.

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