Bill to define commercial vehicle satisfies grant requirements

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The administration is re submitting for the Fono’s approval legislation to clarify the definition of  commercial vehicle to satisfy federal requirements for grant funding.

The bills was approved in the last Fono session by the House but was voted down by the Senate.

According to Governor Lolo Moliga the current definition of commercial vehicle lacks clarity which has led to difficultires enforcing laws.

He said the updated definition clarifies the meaning of commercial vehicle.  The governor informed lawmakers that the legislation is also necessary in order to bring local laws in compliance with federal regulations so that American Samoa remains eligible for significant federal grants.

The bill  states that a vehicle defined as a commercial vehicle means any automobile, truck, motorbus or other self propelled or towed vehicle that is used for commercial transportation or has a gross vehicle weight rating or gross combination weight rating of more than 10,000 pounds or is designed and used to transport more than 15 passengers including the driver regardless of whether it is used for compensation or is used to transport material designated as hazardous.

The bill also provides that vehicles used to transport eight or fewer passengers, including the driver for commercial transportation shall not be subject to Federal Motor Carrier Safety regulations or federal hazardous material regulations that are adopted by statute or regulation.