RI State Police Fine Bay Crane $57,000 for Moving 280-Ton Load Sans Permit

SCITUATE, RI — The Rhode Island State Police Commercial Enforcement Unit has issued a fine of $57,000 to Bay Crane Northeast of Smithfield, the hauler whose heavy tractor-trailer, moving a 161-ton generator for a combined 280-ton load, was stopped on Rte. 95 North June 27 for moving it without a permit.

The generator exceeded the 80,000 lb. maximum allowable load without a permit by 480,524 lbs., RI State Police report.

Transport of the generator, one of 19 pieces of equipment ordered by General Electric, began before RIDOT issued the required permit due to a misunderstanding between engineers hired by the hauler, Bay Crane of Smithfield, and the department, said John Tassoni, owner of The Sentinel Group, spokesman for Bay Crane.

The generator was allowed to move through RI along a RIDOT-approved route July 11 after the agency and and Bay Crane agreed to terms including the Smithfield company signing on as a co-insured party with the State of RI for a $25 million policy, and paying the transportation department $60,000.

Following an investigation by the Rhode Island State Police Commercial Enforcement Unit, the company was fined $57,000, with a summons to appear before the Rhode Island Traffic Tribunal on Aug. 31.

A release from the RI State Police said the fine is likely the largest fine ever issued for a motor vehicle violation in Rhode Island.