Lawmakers approve new boat towing rules

RALEIGH — Lawmakers are ignoring a veto threat from Gov. Mike Easley and sending him a plan that would ease the state’s restrictions on boat towing.

The House voted 108-5 on Thursday to approve the changes, sending the plan to Easley’s desk. The measure allows drivers to pull boats up to 10 feet wide on any day of the week without obtaining a special permit. Watercraft up to 9 1/2 feet wide could be pulled at night.

Current state law allows boats up to 8 1/2 feet wide to be towed during daylight hours on weekdays.

A top Easley aide has said the governor is not likely to sign the bill because he doesn’t think the wider boats cannot fit on narrow roads.

If signed, the new rules would take effect immediately.

(Copyright 2008 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)