Some Georgia government officials seek to ban heavier trucks in Georgia

ATLANTA — More than 100 local government leaders across Georgia signed a letter asking legislators to oppose a bill that would increase the weight of heavier trucks across Georgia.

House Bill 189 would increase the weight of semi-trucks to 90,000 pounds, which would add five tons to the current 80,000-pound limit.

Heavier trucks would only be allowed to drive on state and local roads because the maximum weight on interstates is 80,000 pounds.

The Coalition Against Bigger Trucks argues that these heavier trucks would instead be traveling where families live, damaging bridges and roads and threatening the safety of other Georgia drivers.

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The letter details the safety and maintenance concerns of local communities and includes signers from every region of Georgia, with representation from leaders of urban, suburban, exurban and rural counties.

Studies have shown that heavier trucks would damage roads and bridges, the Coalition Against Bigger Trucks said.

According to statistics provided by the Coalition Against Bigger Trucks, there were 5,638 large-truck crashes in Georgia in 2020, leading to 234 deaths in those crashes. Additionally, about 25% of Georgia bridges are in either fair or poor condition.

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The bill is scheduled to be heard in the Georgia House Transportation Committee meeting on Thursday at 1 p.m.

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