CARS Act

12/31/2024, 4:41 PM

Carrying Automobiles Responsibly and Safely Act or the CARS Act

This bill allows for the operation on the Interstate System of certain automobile transporters with a gross vehicle weight that is 10% above the current weight limit.

Specifically, the bill prohibits a state from barring the operation of a stinger-steered combination automobile transporter with a gross weight of 88,000 pounds or less on the Interstate System or specific federal-aid highways. The current weight limit is 80,000 pounds. A stinger-steered combination automobile transporter is a truck tractor semitrailer wherein the fifth wheel is located on a drop frame located behind and below the rear-most axle of the power unit.

Further, a state is prohibited from enacting or enforcing a law that denies these automobile transporters reasonable access from highways to loading or unloading points or facilities for food, fuel, repair, and rest. 

The CARS Act, also known as Bill 118 hr 2948, is a piece of legislation introduced in the US Congress that aims to provide financial assistance to the automotive industry in the wake of economic challenges. The bill proposes to allocate funds to support the development and production of electric vehicles, as well as to incentivize consumers to purchase electric vehicles through tax credits and rebates.

Additionally, the CARS Act includes provisions for the establishment of a grant program to assist auto manufacturers in retooling their facilities to produce electric vehicles, as well as funding for research and development of new technologies in the automotive sector. The bill also seeks to promote the expansion of charging infrastructure for electric vehicles across the country.

Overall, the CARS Act is designed to stimulate growth and innovation in the automotive industry, while also addressing environmental concerns related to traditional gasoline-powered vehicles. Supporters of the bill argue that it will help create jobs, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and position the United States as a leader in the global electric vehicle market. Critics, however, raise concerns about the cost of the legislation and potential impacts on the economy. As the CARS Act makes its way through the legislative process, it will be important for lawmakers to carefully consider the potential benefits and drawbacks of the proposed measures in order to make informed decisions about the future of the automotive industry in the United States.
Congress
118

Number
HR - 2948

Introduced on
2023-04-27

# Amendments
0

Sponsors
+5

Cosponsors
+5

Variations and Revisions

4/27/2023

Status of Legislation

Bill Introduced
Introduced to House
House to Vote
Introduced to Senate
Senate to Vote

Purpose and Summary

Carrying Automobiles Responsibly and Safely Act or the CARS Act

This bill allows for the operation on the Interstate System of certain automobile transporters with a gross vehicle weight that is 10% above the current weight limit.

Specifically, the bill prohibits a state from barring the operation of a stinger-steered combination automobile transporter with a gross weight of 88,000 pounds or less on the Interstate System or specific federal-aid highways. The current weight limit is 80,000 pounds. A stinger-steered combination automobile transporter is a truck tractor semitrailer wherein the fifth wheel is located on a drop frame located behind and below the rear-most axle of the power unit.

Further, a state is prohibited from enacting or enforcing a law that denies these automobile transporters reasonable access from highways to loading or unloading points or facilities for food, fuel, repair, and rest. 

The CARS Act, also known as Bill 118 hr 2948, is a piece of legislation introduced in the US Congress that aims to provide financial assistance to the automotive industry in the wake of economic challenges. The bill proposes to allocate funds to support the development and production of electric vehicles, as well as to incentivize consumers to purchase electric vehicles through tax credits and rebates.

Additionally, the CARS Act includes provisions for the establishment of a grant program to assist auto manufacturers in retooling their facilities to produce electric vehicles, as well as funding for research and development of new technologies in the automotive sector. The bill also seeks to promote the expansion of charging infrastructure for electric vehicles across the country.

Overall, the CARS Act is designed to stimulate growth and innovation in the automotive industry, while also addressing environmental concerns related to traditional gasoline-powered vehicles. Supporters of the bill argue that it will help create jobs, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and position the United States as a leader in the global electric vehicle market. Critics, however, raise concerns about the cost of the legislation and potential impacts on the economy. As the CARS Act makes its way through the legislative process, it will be important for lawmakers to carefully consider the potential benefits and drawbacks of the proposed measures in order to make informed decisions about the future of the automotive industry in the United States.
Alternative Names
Official Title as IntroducedTo amend title 23, United States Code, with respect to the operation of certain specialized hauling vehicles on the Interstate System, and for other purposes.

Policy Areas
Transportation and Public Works

Potential Impact
Motor carriers•
Motor vehicles•
Roads and highways

Comments

APPROVED
EA
Elliot Anderson
@hubbard_squash_tarragon_advieh89227
Hey y'all, I was reading about this new bill, the CARS Act, and I think it's a good thing for our country. It's supposed to help with something about cars, I think? I'm not exactly sure on the details, but I trust that our lawmakers know what they're...

APPROVED
KS
Kaizen Sherrill
@tandoori_masala_pea_paprika27529
I don't agree with this new bill. It could impact me in a negative way. I hope things will work out in the end.

Recent Activity

Latest Summary1/23/2025

Carrying Automobiles Responsibly and Safely Act or the CARS Act

This bill allows for the operation on the Interstate System of certain automobile transporters with a gross vehicle weight that is 10% above the current weight ...


Latest Action12/19/2024
Placed on the Union Calendar, Calendar No. 789.