Federal Highway Administration Clarifies Weight Allowance for NGVs

On November 4th , the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) issued a long-awaited memorandum clarifying earlier changes to the federal weight exemption for natural gas vehicles. The memorandum updates questions and answers previously issued by FHWA to incorporate changes enacted in February of 2019 as part of the Public Law 116-6.

As expected, the new guidance clarifies that natural gas vehicles qualify for a flat 2,000-pound weight exemption. As before, the weight allowance is applicable to single axle, tandem axle, and federal bridge formula maximum weight limits and is mandatory on interstate highways.

The guidance no longer requires an accounting of the net weight of the natural gas fuel systems; that language was struck from the federal statute. This change – long championed by NGVAmerica – will make it easier for businesses to take advantage of the weight allowance and simplifies needed guidance to state enforcement authorities.

NGVAmerica will update its weight allowance guidance document for fleets and state authorities. Look for its release in the coming weeks to reflect these latest changes.

Click here to view a copy of the FHWA Memorandum.