Page:United States Statutes at Large Volume 112 Part 1.djvu/228

 112 STAT. 202 PUBLIC LAW 105-178-JUNE 9, 1998 (1) STUDY.— The Secretary shall conduct a study to examine the impact of the truck weight standards on specialized hauling vehicles. The study shall include, at a minimum, an analysis of the economic, safety, and infrastructure impacts of the standards. (2) REPORT. —Not later than 2 years after the date of enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall transmit to Congress a report on the results of the study with any recommendations the Secretary determines appropriate as a result of the study. 23 USC 131 note. (g) STUDY OF STATE PRACTICES ON SPECIFIC SERVICE SIGNING.— (1) STUDY. — The Secretary shall conduct a study to determine the practices in the States for specific service food signs described in sections 2G-5.7 and 2G-5.8 of the Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices for Streets and Highways. The study shall examine, at a minimum— (A) the practices of all States for determining businesses eligible for inclusion on such signs; (B) whether States allow businesses to be removed from such signs and the circumstances for such removal; (C) the practices of all States for erecting and maintaining such signs, including the time required for erecting such signs; and (D) whether States contract out the erection and maintenance of such signs. (2) REPORT.— Not later than 1 year after the date of enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall transmit to Congress a report on the results of the study, including any recommendations and, if appropriate, modifications to the Manual. 23 USC 127 note. (h) VEHICLE WEIGHT ENFORCEMENT.— (1) STUDY.— The Secretary shall conduct a study of State laws (including regulations) relating to penalties for violation of State commercial motor vehicle weight laws. (2) PURPOSE. —The purpose of the study shall be to determine the effectiveness of State penalties as a deterrent to illegally overweight trucking operations. The study shall evaluate fine structures, innovative roadside enforcement techniques, and a State's ability to penalize shippers and carriers as well as drivers and shall examine the effectiveness of administrative and judicial procedures utilized to enforce vehicle weight laws. (3) REPORT. —Not later than 2 years after the date of enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall transmit to Congress a report on the results of the study with any legislative recommendations of the Secretary. 23 USC 127 note. (i) COMMERCIAL MOTOR VEHICLE STUDY.— (1) IN GENERAL. —The Secretary shall request the Transportation Research Board of the National Academy of Sciences to conduct a study regarding the regulation of weights, lengths, and widths of commercial motor vehicles operating on Federalaid highways to which Federal regulations apply on the date of enactment of this Act. In conducting the study, the Board shall review law, regulations, studies (including Transportation Research Board Special Report 225), and practices and develop recommendations regarding any revisions to law and regulations that the Board determines appropriate. (2) FACTORS TO CONSIDER AND EVALUATE.— In developing recommendations under paragraph (1), the Board shall consider and evaluate the impact of the recommendations described

�