House Republican Press Release

April 17, 2006

Press Office: 860-240-8700

Scribner Applauds Governor’s Acceptance of Commercial Truck Plate and Inspection Recommendations

HARTFORD- State Representative David Scribner (R-Brookfield), Ranking Member of the state legislature’s Transportation Committee, today applauded Governor M. Jodi Rell’s acceptance of Department of Motor Vehicles recommendations concerning the use of temporary commercial truck plates on large trucks that have not had safety inspections. 

Under the DMV plan, proposed by Commissioner Ralph J. Carpenter, trucks that display a temporary plate would be unable to transport a load of any kind.  They would be limited to the use of the plates for purposes of moving the trucks to or from locations to sell or transfer, to a plant or job site, or in order to obtain repairs or a safety inspection.  A safety inspection would be required within ten days of the issuance of a temporary plate, and the plate would be labeled “Inspection Only.”

“This is a very positive step forward in addressing truck safety, and avoiding unnecessary tragedies such as the Avon Mountain crash last summer,” said Representative Scribner.  “Governor Rell’s acceptance of these recommendations will add to the number of steps already taken in that effort by her administration, the legislature, and the Department of Motor Vehicles.”

Scribner noted that among the positive steps the DMV has taken concerning truck safety, was the addition of eight new inspectors which increased the number of inspectors on truck teams, and visiting the top 25 intra- and interstate companies in Connecticut, and inspecting all of their trucks.

“This is an ongoing effort to be certain that companies that rely on heavy trucking to accomplish their work goals are adhering to proper safety standards,” added Scribner.  “Motorists that share the road with these trucks deserve the assurance that the state is doing all it can to ensure compliance.”