Section 130. Exempted blanket permits; eligibility requirements

Listed below are some of the most frequently requested exempt permits. Most exempt blanket permit loads are reducible but have been granted statutory authority to operate on the state highway system. These permits are vehicle specific and cannot be transferred between vehicle configurations. The applicant must adhere to specific statutory criteria in order to qualify for these permits. For additional information concerning these permits contact the Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles at [phone] or refer to the hauling permit website online at www.dmvnow.com or www.dmv.virginia.gov.

1. When transporting containerized cargo in a sealed seagoing container bound to or from a seaport, and the seagoing container has been or will be transported by marine shipment, the applicant is eligible to receive an exempt permit. The contents of the seagoing container shall not be changed from the time it is loaded by the consignor or his agents to the time it is delivered to the consignee or his agents.

2. Three- or four-axle (four-axle vehicles must have 22 feet or more axle spacing) vehicles used exclusively for the mixing of concrete in transit or at a project site or for transporting necessary components in a compartmentalized vehicle to produce concrete immediately upon arrival at a project site are eligible to receive an exempt permit. This permit does not authorize travel on the federal interstate highway system.

3. Three-, four-, five-, and six-axle vehicles are eligible to obtain a permit to haul coal from a mine or other place of production to a preparation plant, loading dock, or railroad. Hauling of coal is restricted to 85 miles within the Commonwealth of Virginia from the preparation plant, loading dock, or railroad and travel is not authorized on the federal interstate highway system.

Vehicles hauling gravel, sand, or crushed stone, and vehicles hauling liquids produced from gas or oil wells or water used for drilling and completion of a gas or oil well do not require a permit. Travel is restricted to no more than 50 miles from the origin to the destination. All movements are valid only within the counties that impose a tax on coal or gases extracted from the earth and no travel is allowed on the federal interstate highway system.

4. Three- or four-axle (four axle vehicles must have 22 feet or more axle spacing) vehicles hauling excavated materials from construction-related land clearing operations are eligible to receive an exempt permit. This permit does not authorize travel on the federal interstate highway system.

5. When hauling solid waste, other than hazardous waste, the applicant is eligible for an exempt permit. This permit is limited to two- and three-axle vehicles. This permit does not authorize travel on the federal interstate highway system.

6. Vehicles used to haul farm produce grown in Virginia are eligible to receive an exempt permit. These permits are only valid in Accomack and Northampton counties.

7. Vehicles used exclusively to transport seed cotton modules are eligible to receive an exempt permit. This permit does not authorize travel on the federal interstate highway system.

8. Self-propelled motor vehicles manufactured for the specific purpose of supporting well-drilling machinery on the job site and whose movement on any highway is incidental to the purpose for which it was designed and manufactured for is eligible to receive an exempt permit. This permit does not authorize travel on the federal interstate highway system.

9. Vehicles or equipment that is registered in the name of the United States government, state or local agencies shall receive without cost, an overdimensional or overweight permit to move overdimensional or overweight items. Contractors moving items on behalf of the United States government, state or local agencies are not eligible to receive this permit at no cost.

10. A straight truck designed or used to carry fuel and having a capacity of less than 6,000 gallons is eligible for an exempt permit. The tank wagon is limited to two axles and shall not exceed a gross weight of 36,000 pounds, nor can it exceed 24,000 pounds on a single axle. This permit does not authorize travel on the federal interstate highway system.

11. For purposes of this section, "underground pipe cleaning equipment" means a self-propelled motor vehicle manufactured for the specific purpose of vacuuming and cleaning underground sanitary and storm pipe. "Hydroexcavating equipment" means a self-propelled motor vehicle manufactured for the specific purpose of digging with water and vacuuming of debris. "Water blasting equipment" means a self-propelled motor vehicle manufactured for the specific purpose of waterblasting flat concrete surfaces and vacuuming spent water for reuse. The above vehicles are eligible to receive an exempt permit. This permit does not authorize travel on the federal interstate highway system.

Note: Exempt blanket permits are permitted by the Code of Virginia and are subject to change.

Historical Notes

Derived from Volume 25, Issue 26, eff. September 30, 2009.

Statutory Authority

§ 46.2-203 and Article 18 (§ 46.2-1139 et seq.) of Chapter 10 of Title 46.2 of the Code of Virginia.