SECTION 1. BE IT ENACTED BY THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF
MARYLAND, That the Laws of Maryland read as follows:

Article - Transportation

24-113.1. 

(a) Notwithstanding any other provision of this title, and subject to
subsections (b) and (c) of this section, the Secretary, by regulation, may determine
that a combination of vehicles carrying manifested international freight as the only
load of the vehicle in a sealed, seagoing container on a semitrailer is carrying an
indivisible load provided that:

(1) A vehicle issued a permit under this section may not exceed 22,400
pounds gross maximum weight for a single axle, [40,000] 44,000 pounds gross
maximum weight for 2 consecutive axles, or 90,000 pounds gross maximum weight;
and

(2) A vehicle issued a permit under this section may be operated only on:

(i) Those parts of the interstate and State systems of highways
that are designated by the Secretary in conjunction with the United States
Department of Transportation;

(ii) Any other highway, authorized by the Secretary, that is the
shortest practical route between a highway designated pursuant to subparagraph (i)
of this paragraph and:

1. A truck terminal;

2. A port or other point of origin or destination; or

3. For a distance not to exceed one mile, facilities for food,

fuel, repairs, or rest.

(b) (1) The Secretary shall adopt regulations, consistent with the provisions
of this section, for the issuance of permits for vehicles described under subsection (a)
of this section.

(2) The regulations adopted under this subsection may set fees and shall
establish maximum axle and gross weight limits, routes, and other necessary criteria.

(c) The authority granted under the provisions of this section may not be
exercised unless and until the Secretary determines in writing that its exercise:

(1) Is required to provide access to or egress from the Port of Baltimore
for international freight;

(2) Will not cause extraordinary damage to roads and bridges in the
State or require extraordinary expense for the maintenance of those roads and
bridges;

(3) Will not cause undue adverse environmental impact upon or unduly
disrupt residential neighborhoods; and