TruckSideGuardOrdinanceHandout.pdf
PDF 4 MB Posted
- Attached to
- Water Utility Registered Apprenticeship Program
- Solicitation number
- EV00017380
- Issued by
- Suffolk County, Massachusetts
About this file
This is an informational handout regarding the Truck Side Guard Ordinance, a municipal safety regulation enforced by the City of Boston, Massachusetts. The ordinance mandates that all City agencies contract exclusively with vendors operating motor vehicles weighing over 10,000 pounds and semi-trailers exceeding 26,000 pounds that are equipped with specific safety features. These required features include side guards, convex mirrors, cross-over mirrors, and blind-spot awareness decals, all designed to reduce accidents involving unprotected road users. The ordinance became effective for all contracts initiated on or after May 5, 2015, and does not apply to certain vehicle categories such as agricultural trailers, fire engines, and snow removal equipment. Vendors must obtain inspections and permits prior to commencing work, and the City accommodates off-site inspections for larger fleet operations upon request.
The side guard requirements specify precise dimensional standards: the lowest edge must not exceed 21.5 inches above ground with the upper edge no more than 14 inches below the vehicle structure, and inboard placement must not exceed 5 inches from the maximum vehicle width or 12 inches from the outer tire edge. The convex and cross-over mirrors must allow visibility of objects at least 3 feet above ground, while safety decals must be bright safety-yellow and positioned in blind spots. The U.S. Department of Transportation estimates average side guard costs at $847, though the City of Boston's pilot program documented installation costs of approximately $1,200 per vehicle. Approved side guard manufacturers and installation providers include Airflow Deflector, J.C. Madigan Inc., and Susi Auto Body, with tool boxes eligible to serve as guards provided they meet all specified measurements.
View the file
Other files
| File | Type | Posted |
|---|---|---|
| CM-15B.pdf | ||
| CM-10_and_CM11.pdf | ||
| CM-06.pdf | ||
| WAGE-1_FY27_(Notice_to_Vendors).pdf | ||
| Water_Utility_Registered_Apprenticeship_Program.pdf | ||
| Water_Utilities_RAP_Consultant_RFP.pdf | ||
| CM-09.pdf | ||
| WAGE-2_FY27_(Vendor_Agreement).pdf | ||
| CM-16.pdf | ||
| CM-15A.pdf |
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Text version
As the first of its kind in the nation, the Truck Side Guard ordinance championed by Mayor Walsh applies to motor vehicles weighing over 10,000 lbs. and semi-trailers with a total weight exceeding 26,000 lbs. The ordinance requires City agencies to contract only with vendors that have properly installed the following: side guards, convex mirrors, cross-over mirrors, and blind-spot awareness decals. These features are intended to reduce the risk of unprotected road users from falling under the sides of vehicles and getting caught under the rear wheels. The ordinance does not apply to several types of large vehicles, such as agricultural trailers, fire engines, and trucks used exclusively for snow removal.
TRUCK SIDE GUARD ORDINANCE
LATERAL PROTECTION (Side Guards) Device must not increase the width of the vehicle.
Device is rigid and securely mounted.
CONVEX MIRRORS
Objects can be seen down the full length of the vehicle.
Objects can be seen 3’ above the ground.
CROSS-OVER MIRRORS
Objects can be seen 3’ above the ground, from the bumper to where direct vision is possible.
SAFETY DECALS
“Safety yellow” in color or bright.
Minimum of 3 located in vehicle blind spots on side and the rear.
Vehicles designed in a manner that protects against lateral accidents, by virtue of their shape and characteristics, may satisfy the above requirements.
SUMMARY
REQUIREMENTS
COSTS, APPLICATION
Studies by the U.S. Dept. of Transportation have determined the cost of sideguards to be an average of $847. *They are typically installed as a bolt-on addition and can be fixed or hinged.
Mercedes and Volvo have produced side guard models.
*In the City of Boston pilot, each truck was outfitted for $1,200.
Lowest edge of is maximum 21.5” above the ground.
Upper edge is maximum 14” below structure of vehicle.
DIMENSION REQUIREMENTS FOR SIDE GUARDS
TRUCK SIDE GUARD ORDINANCE
max. 21.5” above ground max. 14” below structure of vehicle
SIDE GUARD
12” max.
5” m ax.
SI
D
E
VI
EW
TO
P
VI
EW
Not over 5” inboard of maximum width of vehicle.
Not over 12” from outer part of front and rear tire.
FRONT
SAMPLE OF GUARDS FROM BOSTON’S PILOT
What types of vehicles does this ordinance apply to? This ordinance applies to large vehicles (over 10,000lbs) and semi-trailers used by City of Boston vendors within the City of Boston
Do I need an inspection before I start work on a contract? Yes
When does the ordinance go into effect? All contracts starting on or after May 5, 2015 must comply
Can tool boxes work as guards? Yes, but the tool box must meet all the required measurements in the ordinance
Do subcontractors with trucks regularly working on a job need to be inspected and permitted? Yes
What about deliveries to a job site? The City does not view a subcontractor that simply delivers materials or goods to a job site or to a City Department to be a “Vendor” subject to the ordinance.”
If I typically rent trucks for a job, do those need to be inspected and permitted? Yes
Will the City do an off-site inspection for larger fleets? Yes, depending upon availability of inspectors and distance. Call the number below.
Common Questions
AIRFLOW DEFLECTOR
made by Airflow Deflector www.deflecteurairflow.com/ sideguardprotection
CUSTOM ‘RAIL’ STYLE
made by J.C. Madigan Inc.
www.jcmadigan.com
CUSTOM ‘GRILL’ STYLE
made by Susi Auto Body www.susiautobody.com
Cross Over Mirror
Cross Over Mirrors Help drivers see objects in the front blindspot of large trucks
Photo Credit: NYCDOT
Photo Credit: Jim O’Grady, WNYC
CALL TO SCHEDULE AN INSPECTION
http://www.deflecteurairflow.com/sideguardprotection http://www.jcmadigan.com http://www.susiautobody.com http://www.deflecteurairflow.com/sideguardprotection http://www.jcmadigan.com http://www.susiautobody.com
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