Question:
1) Is it true that bridge law refers to the max distance between the 5th and tandems and any thing under is okay if weight is distributed to 34K over drives and axles w/ 12K max on steers?
2) What is the simpliest way to remember?
I plan where I'm going
'Cause I know where I've been.

Answer:
Since I don't run the NE, I don't know.
Out in CA the easiest way I've found is;
Slide the tandems to the required distance 41' (if I remember correctly).
Anything over 34K comes off.
Steers...12K
Drives...34K
Tandems..34K
Keep it less than those I posted above, and you'll be OK.
I can't remember what other states have a 'minimum' kingpin to tandem length.
I forgot to add that ALL Weight and Length Laws are listed in the front of the Motor Carrier's Edition of the Rand McNally Atlas.
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"Got the bird dog on...
Dodgin' the scales...
80 miles an hour and a step outta jail..." From "Rollin' Home, Pirates of the Mississippi)
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"I've always been different with one foot over the line.
Winding up somewhere, one step ahead or behind.
It ain't been so easy, but I guess I shouldn't complain.
I've always been crazy, but it's kept me from going insane." (from Waylon Jennings)
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Member: Happy Dweller Society
Owner Operator Division

Answer:
Actually, the bridge law is a formula the determines how much weight can be carried on a given number of axles. A number of states have restrictions on inner bridge spacing (#2-#5) or kingpin to axle. These are often mistakenly called 'bridge laws'
Generally, these restrictions apply to trailers over 48'. Calif. is the worst as you normally have only six or eight holes to play with (i.e. you better load it right the first time ) Most other states are a non-issue on the interstate unless you're loaded way to the back.
Best way to remember? Go download Truck Load Balance Or just measure for California one time and write in your notebook. Remember though that the # of holes allowed may vary from one trailer mfg. to another!
'no static, no static at all...'XM !!!
Jack

Answer:
First, calculate the number of holes to slide the tandems by using:
(trailer tandem weight - drive tandem weight)/500.
.
If the number is negative shorten the trailer wheelbase by sliding the tandems toward the drives. Otherwise lengthen the wheelbase by sliding the trailer tandems to the rear.
.
Then check your bridge formulas for the states you travel from, through and to. You will already meet the requirements of most, if not all, the states.

Answer:
States use one of two laws (some none at all). One is the bridge law, and the other is the king pin law.
King Pin Law is the simplest to unserstand. Basically it just says that you are limited to a max distance from your king pin to the trailer tandems. (Some states measure this to the center of the first axle, others measure it to the center of the tandems)
Bridge Law: Basically this states that the heavier you are the more distance you need between your axles. In the front of your motor carrier atlas there is a chart that tells you the min distance you need between your axles for the gross weight of your truck and load.
I will always be a mutter trucker at heart.