Issue link: https://read.dmtmag.com/i/53821
logbook Groups want hours lawsuit dismissed Both sides in the lawsuit that resulted in the new hours of service rule have asked a federal court to dismiss the case. The Washington, D.C., appellate court had asked both parties on Dec. 7 to file motions to govern further court proceedings. They were given until Jan. 23, when the Advocates for Highway and Auto Safety, Teamsters union, Public Citizen, Truck Safety Coalition and the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration filed a joint motion requesting voluntary dismissal of the case. The court, per the parties' 2009 settlement agreement, is holding the case in abeyance while the agency undertook a new HOS rulemaking to replace the 2008 HOS rule that prompted the lawsuit. — Jill Dunn FLORIDA. Two I-75 rest areas near Tampa- St. Petersburg that were torn down have been rebuilt. The new rest area on north- bound I-75 north of State Road 56 (Exit 275) has 58 truck parking spaces, while the rest area on the southbound freeway south of County Road 54 (Exit 279) has 53 truck parking spaces. ILLINOIS. Truck speed limits on non-interstate highways in the state increased Jan. 1. Big rig speeds on vari- ous four-lane roads rose to 65 mph from 55 mph on more rural roads outside of Chicago, matching the passenger car speed limit. KENTUCKY. The U.S. 60 Ledbetter Bridge across the Kentucky River is closed to heavy trucks until 2014 as the state builds a new bridge nearby. Truckers face a 120- mile detour on U.S. 60 to U.S. 641. MARYLAND. A state pilot program pro- vides truck parking in select park and ride lots during snowstorms of six inches or more. A new smartphone application also is available to locate parking at 45 locations statewide where park and ride lot snow removal also is provided. NEVADA. The state banned all drivers from texting and using hand-held cell phones while driving. Hands-free cell phone use is allowed if the device is used throughout the call. The law is a primary offense, meaning law enforcement can stop and cite drivers solely for that offense. NEW HAMPSHIRE. A new law increases the maximum weight limit by up to 400 pounds for trucks equipped with auxiliary power units. A 2005 federal law allows states to permit trucks to exceed the 80,000-pound limit to encourage use of idling-reduction technology. 56 OVERDRIVE FEBRUARY 2012 TRUCKING OPPORTUNITIES Circle 112 on Reader Service Card or visit overdrive.hotims.com HIGHW A Y HAPPENING S