Proposed Bill Standardizes 80-Foot Length for Lowboy Auto Haulers, Eases Flag Rules

This proposed legislation, the "Lowboy Auto Hauler Fairness Act of 2025," aims to bring more uniformity to the rules governing specialized trucks used to transport vehicles. It officially defines what a "lowboy trailer" is under federal law – specifically, a semitrailer with that characteristic dip between the hitch and the rear axles, designed for hauling cars and trucks. The main goal appears to be setting clearer, potentially more consistent standards for these rigs across state lines.

Setting the Standard: The 80-Foot Rule

The core change involves vehicle length. The bill states that for truck tractor-lowboy trailer combinations (with front overhang under 4 feet and rear overhang under 6 feet), any state or local length limit less than 80 feet is essentially overridden. This suggests a move towards a national standard minimum length of 80 feet for these specific configurations, regardless of whether the truck tractor itself can carry cargo. For trucking companies operating these specialized haulers, this could mean more predictable operations and potentially the ability to use slightly longer setups consistently, potentially improving efficiency when moving vehicles.

A Flag Exemption

Another practical adjustment targets safety regulations. The bill proposes exempting these defined lowboy trailers from the federal requirement (found in 49 CFR § 393.87) to place warning flags on rear overhangs. While safety rules are crucial, this specific exemption suggests lawmakers believe the standard lighting and markings on these trailers are sufficient for visibility, removing a small compliance step for drivers and companies using this particular type of equipment. Overall, the act focuses narrowly on streamlining regulations for a specific segment of the trucking industry involved in vehicle transport.