GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF NORTH CAROLINA
SESSION 2001
H	2
HOUSE BILL 686
Second Edition Engrossed 4/25/01

 
Short Title:	Recreation Vehicles-Width/Length Changes.	()	
Sponsors:	Representatives Gibson, Bowie (Primary Sponsors); and Walker.	
Referred to:	Transportation.	
March 19, 2001

A BILL TO BE ENTITLED
AN ACT TO DEFINE "RECREATION VEHICLE" AND TO INCREASE THE LENGTH AND WIDTH LIMITATIONS FOR THESE VEHICLES.

The General Assembly of North Carolina enacts:
SECTION 1.  G.S. 20‑4.01 is amended by adding a new subdivision to read:
"(32a)	Recreation Vehicle.  A vehicular type unit primarily designed as temporary living quarters for recreational, camping, or travel use that either has its own motive power or is mounted on, or towed by, another vehicle. The basic entities are camping trailer, fifth-wheel travel trailer, motor home, travel trailer, and truck camper.
a.	Motor home.  As defined in G.S. 20-4.01(27)d2.
b.	Travel trailer.  A vehicular unit mounted on wheels, designed to provide temporary living quarters for recreational, camping, or travel use, and of a size or weight that does not require a special highway movement permit when towed by a motorized vehicle.
c.	Fifth-wheel trailer.  A vehicular unit mounted on wheels designed to provide temporary living quarters for recreational, camping, or travel use, of a size and weight that does not require a special highway movement permit and designed to be towed by a motorized vehicle that contains a towing mechanism that is mounted above or forward of the tow vehicle's rear axle.
d.	Camping trailer.  A vehicular portable unit mounted on wheels and constructed with collapsible partial side walls that fold for towing by another vehicle and unfold at the campsite to provide temporary living quarters for recreational, camping, or travel use.
e.	Truck camper.  A portable unit that is constructed to provide temporary living quarters for recreational, camping, or travel use, consisting of a roof, floor, and sides and is designed to be loaded onto and unloaded from the bed of a pickup truck."
SECTION 2.  G.S. 20‑4.01(32a) is recodified as G.S. 20‑4.01(32b).
SECTION 3.  G.S. 20‑116(b) reads as rewritten:
"(b)	No passenger-type vehicle or recreational vehicle shall be operated on any highway with any load carried thereon extending beyond the line of the fenders on the left side of such vehicle nor extending more than six inches beyond the line of the fenders on the right side thereof."
SECTION 4.  G.S. 20‑116(d) reads as rewritten:
"(d)	A single vehicle having two axles shall not exceed 40 feet in length of extreme overall dimensions inclusive of front and rear bumpers. A single vehicle having three axles shall not exceed 40 feet in length overall of dimensions inclusive of front and rear bumpers. Provided, however, trucks transporting unprocessed cotton from farm to gin shall not exceed 48 feet in length overall of dimensions inclusive of front and rear bumpers. A truck-tractor and semitrailer shall be regarded as two vehicles for the purpose of determining lawful length and license taxes. Recreation vehicles shall not exceed 45 feet in length overall, excluding bumpers and mirrors."
SECTION 5.  This act becomes effective July 1, 2001.