The Colorado Motor Carriers Association recently met with representatives from the Colorado Department of Revenue and county representatives as to defining what constitutes special mobile machinery (SMM). CMCA says the issue has arisen as the state has seen the introduction of a variety of different types of trucks and trailers that not only travel over the highway but also perform other functions off the highway system, particularly in the oil and gas industry.
CMCA says this development has created greater questions and problems as Port of Entry officers seek to determine whether the vehicle requires a SMM plate or tab. SMM under state law includes those items that may be self-propelled, items with separate motors or generators, or items that primarily are used for purposes that are non-transportation in nature but may be mounted on a trailer. CMCA says this definition for SMM provides for a substantial “grey area” in regard to enforcement.
CMCA is seeking to clarify this issue and make it easier for Colorado carriers that may have SMM vehicles or items that qualify for an SMM tag to better understand what is needed and also make it easier for them to travel in Colorado and surrounding states. As part of this effort, CDOR has developed a draft of a form that will be provided to transporters or companies that will have a series of questions to help county personnel in ascertaining whether the equipment requires an SMM plate. CMCA says this process will provide greater uniformity to the process and ensure better consistency in the definition of vehicles.
Along with the form, CDOR will be producing a series of photos of vehicles that will help Port personnel and county clerks better recognize whether the vehicle is SMM or merely a truck or a trailer. CDOR says it hopes to have this information available shortly for review by CMCA and its members.
