24VAC20-81 Hauling Permit Regulation

REGULATIONS

Vol. 25 Iss. 26 - August 31, 2009

TITLE 24. TRANSPORTATION AND MOTOR VEHICLES

DEPARTMENT OF MOTOR VEHICLES

Chapter 81

Final Regulation

Title of Regulation: 24VAC20-81. Hauling Permit Regulation (adding 24VAC20-81-10 through 24VAC20-81-250).

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.

Effective Date: September 30, 2009.

Agency Contact: Barbara S. Klotz, Legislative Services Manager, Department of Motor Vehicles, P.O. Box 27412, Richmond, VA 23269-0001, telephone [phone], FAX [phone], TTY [phone], or email [e-mail].

Summary:

The Department of Motor Vehicles is responsible for the issuance of oversize and overweight permits for the movement of objects and vehicles that exceed the statutory limits set forth in the Code of Virginia. This is a new regulation that contains the Hauling Permit Manual. The manual establishes the requirements for the issuance of hauling permits and the movement of these objects and vehicles over the highways of the Commonwealth of Virginia.

During the 60-day comment period for the proposed regulation, concerns were raised by industry representatives and law-enforcement officials in two key areas: the invalidation of hauling permits and the escort vehicle requirements. Industry representatives expressed concerns regarding the high cost associated with the invalidation of permits while law-enforcement officials emphasized the need to ensure that overdimension loads are moved safely over the highways of Virginia. 24VAC20-81-230 is revised to clarify the invalidation of permits by law enforcement. DMV believes that the revisions to this section will minimize the burden on specialized carriers and riggers in the Commonwealth yet support law-enforcement requirements that overdimension loads be moved as safely as possible through local jurisdictions.

Summary of Public Comments and Agency's Response: A summary of comments made by the public and the agency's response may be obtained from the promulgating agency or viewed at the office of the Registrar of Regulations.

CHAPTER 81
HAULING PERMIT REGULATION \

Part I
General Provisions

24VAC20-81-10. Definitions.

The following words and terms when used in this regulation shall have the following meanings unless the context clearly indicates otherwise:

"Automobile and watercraft transporters" means a tractor truck, lowboy, vehicle, or combination, including vehicles or combinations that transport motor vehicles or watercraft on their power unit, designed and used exclusively for the transportation of motor vehicles or watercraft.

"Commissioner" means the Commissioner of the Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles.

"DMV" means the Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles.

"Escort Vehicle Driver Certification" means a document issued by a state that signifies that the holder of the certification has successfully completed the issuing state's requirements to escort overdimensional vehicle configurations.

"Nondivisible load [ or vehicle ]" means a vehicle configuration exceeding applicable size or weight limits which, if separated into smaller loads, would:

1. Compromise the intended use of the vehicle, i.e., make it unable to perform the function for which it was intended;

2. Destroy the value of the load or vehicle, i.e., make it unusable for its intended purpose; or

3. Require more than eight man work hours to dismantle using appropriate equipment. The applicant for a nondivisible load permit has the burden of proof as to the number of man work hours required to dismantle the load.

"Nondivisible load or vehicle" can also be defined as in 23 CFR 658.5 (http://www.access.gpo.gov/nara/cfr/cfr-table-search.html).

"Off-centered load" means a [ transport vehicle's cargo is loaded so that there is no overhang on driver's side of the transport vehicle and overhang on the passenger side load that extends beyond, and is not evenly distributed across the bed of the transport vehicle. Off-centered loads must be loaded so the overhang is to the passenger side of the transport vehicle ].

"Semitrailer" means a vehicle of the trailer type so designed and used in conjunction with a motor vehicle that some part of its own weight and that of its own load rest on or is carried by another vehicle.

"Solid waste" means any garbage, refuse, sludge and other discarded material, including solid, liquid, semisolid or contained gaseous material, resulting from industrial, commercial, mining and agricultural operations, or community activities but does not include (i) solid or dissolved material in domestic sewage, (ii) solid or dissolved material in irrigation return flows or in industrial discharges that are sources subject to a permit from the State Water Control Board, or (iii) source, special nuclear, or byproduct material as defined by the Federal Atomic Energy Act of 1954.

"Stinger-steered automobile and watercraft transporter" means an automobile or watercraft transporter configured as a semitrailer combination wherein the fifth wheel is located on a drop frame behind and below the rearmost axle of the power unit.

"Tandem axle" means [ more not less ] than 40 inches but not more than 96 inches between axle centers of two consecutive axles.

"Tractor truck" means a motor vehicle designed and used primarily for drawing other vehicles and not so constructed as to carry a load other than a part of the load and weight of the vehicle attached thereto.

"Trailer" means a vehicle without motive power designed for carrying property or passengers wholly on its own structure and for being drawn by a motor vehicle, including manufactured housing.

"Truck" means a motor vehicle designed to transport property on its own structure independent of any other vehicle and having a registered gross weight in excess of 7,500 pounds.

"VDOT" means the Virginia Department of Transportation.

"Vehicle configuration" means the height, weight, width and length of a vehicle to include vehicle axle spacing.

24VAC20-81-20. General.

A. The Code of Virginia sets forth limitations of weight, width, height and length of objects and vehicles that may be moved upon state highways and also empowers the Commissioner of the Department of Motor Vehicles to issue oversize or overweight permits for vehicles traveling over Virginia's highways with loads that, when reduced to their smallest dimensions, exceed maximum legal weight or size limits.

B. The intent of establishing statutory limitations is to protect the traveling public from hazard and unnecessary inconvenience, and to preserve the capacity and structural integrity of highways and bridges. Also, it is assumed that the state legislature did not intend for the Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles to allow, by permit, the movement of any and all vehicles or loads over the highways where such movements would exceed statutory limitations (especially where other forms of transportation are available or when loads can be reasonably reduced to meet statutory limits).

C. Permits issued by the Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles have jurisdiction only on those roads maintained by the Virginia Department of Transportation or where an agreement exists between the Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles and a jurisdiction that bears the responsibility of maintaining their own roads. However, the Virginia Department of Motor [ Vehicle's Vehicles' ] hauling permit is valid for travel over city streets provided that the streets are listed within the permit. Applicants must secure approval from local authorities prior to making movements over roads under local [ jurisdictions jurisdiction ] that are not listed on the Virginia Department of Motor [ Vehicle's Vehicles' ] hauling permit.

D. The policy of the Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles is to give primary consideration to the safety, comfort, convenience of the traveling public and to the economic interest of the Commonwealth while preserving the integrity of the state's highway system.

24VAC20-81-30. Authority; permits.

A. The Commissioner of the Department of Motor Vehicles or his designee shall issue hauling permits for qualifying vehicles when: an overwidth situation is not created by loading multiple items side-by-side; an overheight situation is not created by stacking multiple items on top of one another; an overlength situation is not created by loading multiple items behind one another; an overweight situation is not created by carrying multiple items; or when statutorily exempted by the Code of Virginia.

B. All applications for hauling permits shall be made to the Department of Motor Vehicles or its designee by:

1. Accessing the hauling permit website online at www.dmvnow.com;

2. Calling the hauling permit ordering line at [phone];

3. Applying through a permit service chosen by the applicant;

4. Applying in person at the DMV Headquarters Office at 2300 W. Broad St., Richmond;

5. Faxing application to the Hauling Permit Section at [phone]; or

6. Mailing application to: DMV, Hauling Permit Section, P.O. Box [ 23602 26302 ], Richmond, VA [ 2326 23260 ].

C. Permits may be denied, revoked or declared invalid as stated in 24VAC20-81-230.

Part II
Legal Weight and Size Limits for Virginia

24VAC20-81-40. Interstate system and designated highways.

If the vehicle configuration has been reduced to the smallest dimensions possible and still exceeds any of the following statutory limitations listed below, the applicant may be eligible for a hauling permit.

Single Axle Weight:	20,000 pounds or 650 pounds per inch (width) of tire in contact with the surface of the highway
Tandem Axle Weight:	34,000 pounds
Gross Weight:	See 24VAC20-81-60. Legal weight allowed based on axle spacing
Width:	8 feet 6 inches (excluding mirrors and safety devices)
Height:	13 feet 6 inches
Length:	Semitrailer - 48 feet
	Semitrailer - 53 feet, provided that the semitrailer has a distance of not more than 41 feet between the kingpin of the semitrailer and the rearmost axle or a point midway between the rear tandem axles.
	Tractor truck semitrailer combinations with 48 or 53 foot semitrailers - no overall length restrictions.
	Twin trailers - 28 1/2 feet each
	Single unit vehicle - 40 feet excluding load

Tractor trucks shall not have more than one semitrailer attached.

Trucks shall not have more than one trailer attached.

Three motor vehicles shall be drawn only if coupled together by a saddle mount device.

24VAC20-81-50. Primary and secondary systems.

If the vehicle configuration has been reduced to the smallest dimensions possible and still exceeds any of the following statutory limitations listed below, the applicant may be eligible for a hauling permit.

Single Axle Weight:	20,000 pounds or 650 pounds per inch (width) of tire in contact with the surface of the highway.
Tandem Axle Weight:	34,000 pounds.
Gross Weight:	See 24VAC20-81-60. Legal weight allowed based on axle spacing.
Width:	8 feet 6 inches excluding mirrors. Safety devices shall not exceed 3 inches on each side.
Height:	13 feet 6 inches.
Length:	Single unit - 40 feet excluding load.
	Tractor semitrailer combination - 65 feet including load
	Combination of a towing vehicle and any manufactured housing - 65 feet including load and coupling.
	Semitrailer - 53 feet, provided that the semitrailer has a distance of not more than 41 feet between the kingpin of the semitrailer and the rearmost axle or a point midway between the rear tandem axles. May be prohibited on certain highways where posted.

24VAC20-81-60. Legal weight allowed based on axle spacing.

Legal weight in pounds for any group of two or more consecutive axles. A hauling permit is required when a vehicle configuration exceeds the weight limitations according to axle spacing. "L" is defined as the distance in feet between [ the extremes of ] any group of two or more consecutive axles [ , when measured longitudinally, from the center of the axle to the center of the axle, with any fraction of a foot rounded to the next highest foot as set forth in the following table ]:

L	2 axles	3 axles	4 axles	5 axles	6 axles	7 or more axles
4	34,000
5	34,000
6	34,000
7	34,000
8	34,000	34,000
9	39,000	42,500
10	40,000	43,500
11		44,000
12		45,000	50,000
13		45,000	50,500
14		46,500	51,500
15		47,000	52,000
16		48,000	52,500	58,000
17		48,500	53,500	58,500
18		49,500	54,000	59,000
19		50,000	54,500	60,000
20		51,000	55,500	60,500	66,000
21		51,500	56,000	61,000	66,500
22		52,500	56,500	61,500	67,000
23		53,000	57,500	62,500	68,000
24		54,000	58,000	63,000	68,500	74,000
25		54,500	58,500	63,500	69,000	74,500
26		55,500	59,500	64,000	69,500	75,000
27		56,000	60,000	65,000	70,000	75,500
28		57,000	60,500	65,500	71,000	76,500
29		57,500	61,500	66,000	71,500	77,000
30		58,500	62,000	66,500	72,000	77,500
31		59,000	62,500	67,500	72,500	78,000
32		60,000	63,500	68,000	73,000	78,500
33			64,000	68,500	74,000	79,000
34			64,500	69,000	74,500	80,000
35			65,500	70,000	75,000
36			66,000	70,500	75,500
37			66,500	71,000	76,000
38			67,500	72,000	77,000
39			68,000	72,500	77,500
40			68,500	73,000	78,000
41			69,500	73,500	78,500
42			70,000	74,000	79,000
43			70,500	75,000	80,000
44			71,500	75,500
45			72,000	76,000
46			72,500	76,500
47			73,500	77,500
48			74,000	78,000
49			74,500	78,500
50			75,500	79,000
51			76,000	80,000

24VAC20-81-70. Maximum single axle and tandem axle weight allowed without an engineering review.

Maximum weight in pounds according to vehicle axle spacings allowed by permit without an engineering review from the Virginia Department of Transportation's Structures and Bridges Division for any single axle or tandem axle group.

Single Axle Weight:	24,000 pounds (or 850 pounds per inch, width of tire measured in contact with the surface of the road).
Tandem Axle Weight:	44,000 pounds.

24VAC20-81-80. Maximum weight allowed by permit without an engineering review based on axle spacing.

Maximum weight in pounds according to vehicle axle spacings allowed by permit without an engineering review from the Virginia Department of Transportation's Structures and Bridges Division for any group of two or more consecutive axles.

All vehicle configurations shall be reduced to the smallest dimensions possible and those exceeding the specifications identified in this chart will require an engineering review before a permit can be issued.

"L" is defined as the distance in feet between [ extremes of ] any group of two or more consecutive axles [ , when measured longitudinally, from the center of the axle to the center of the axle, with any fraction of a foot rounded to the next highest foot as set forth in the following table ]:

L	2 axles	3 axles	4 axles	5 axles	6 axles	7 or more axles
4	44,000
5	44,000
6	44,000
7	44,000
8	48,000	53,500
9		54,500
10		55,000
11		56,000
12		56,500	63,000
13		57,500	63,500
14		58,000	64,500
15		59,000	65,000
16		59,500	65,500	72,500
17		60,500	66,500	73,000
18		61,000	67,000	74,000
19		62,000	67,500	74,500
20		62,500	68,500	75,000	82,000
21		63,500	69,000	75,500	82,500
22		64,000	69,500	76,500	83,000
23		65,000	70,500	77,000	84,000
24		65,500	71,000	77,500	84,500	91,500
25		66,500	71,500	78,000	85,000	92,000
26		67,000	72,500	79,000	85,500	92,500
27		68,000	73,000	79,500	86,000	93,000
28		68,500	73,500	80,000	87,000	94,000
29		69,500	74,500	80,500	87,500	94,500
30		70,000	75,000	81,500	88,000	95,000
31		71,000	75,500	82,000	88,500	95,500
32		71,500	76,500	82,500	89,000	96,000
33			77,000	83,000	90,000	97,000
34			77,500	84,000	90,500	97,500
35			78,500	84,500	91,000	98,000
36			79,000	85,000	91,500	98,500
37			79,500	85,500	92,000	99,000
38			80,500	86,500	93,000	99,500
39			81,000	87,000	93,500	100,500
40			81,500	87,500	94,000	101,000
41			82,500	88,000	94,500	101,500
42			83,000	89,000	95,000	102,000
43			83,500	89,500	96,000	102,500
44			84,500	90,000	96,500	103,000
45			85,000	90,500	97,000	104,000
46			85,500	91,500	97,500	104,500
47			86,500	92,000	98,000	105,000
48			87,000	92,500	99,000	105,500
49			87,500	93,000	99,500	106,000
50			88,500	94,000	100,000	106,500
51			89,000	94,500	100,500	107,500
52			89,500	95,000	101,000	108,000
53			90,500	95,500	102,000	108,500
54			91,000	96,500	102,500	[ 109,500 109,000 ]
55			91,500	97,000	103,000	109,500
56			92,500	97,500	104,000	110,000
57			93,000	98,000	104,500	111,000
58			94,000	99,000	105,000	111,500
59			94,500	99,500	105,500	112,000
60			95,000	100,000	106,000	112,500
61			96,000	101,000	106,500	113,000
62				101,500	107,000	113,500
63				102,000	108,000	114,500
64				102,500	108,500	115,000

Part III
Description, Requirements and Limitations of Special Permits Available

24VAC20-81-90. Single trip permit.

Single trip permits are issued to cover one movement between two specific points. Single trip permits are vehicle specific and cannot be transferred between [ vehicle configurations vehicles ]. Most single trip permits are valid for a 13-day period; however the Hauling Permit Section may restrict any single trip permit movement to a lesser period depending on various circumstances such as weather, routes of travel, construction projects, overall dimensions of the vehicle configuration or other unforeseen circumstances. No refunds or credits will be granted for unused or expired permits.

[ Single trip permits are vehicle specific and cannot be transferred between vehicles. ] Since the permits are vehicle specific, the original permit or a legible copy of the entire permit is required to be carried in the transport vehicle. This permit shall be presented to Department of Motor Vehicles, law enforcement or Department of Transportation officials when requested.

Maximum Size and Weight Limitations for the Single Trip Permit
Height:	15 feet
Width:	15 feet
Length:	[ 100 150 ] feet
Single Axle:	24,000 pounds
Tandem Axle:	44,000 pounds
Tri-Axle:	Maximum weight based on total amount of [ spacings spacing ] between the centers of the first and last axle in the 3 axle group - see 24VAC20-81-80.
Quad Axle:	Maximum weight based on total amount of [ spacings spacing ] between the centers of the first and last axle in the 4 axle group - see 24VAC20-81-80.
Gross Weight:	Maximum weight based on total number of axles in the configuration and total amount of [ spacings spacing ] between the centers of the first and last axles - see 24VAC20-81-80.

24VAC20-81-100. Superload single trip permit.

A. Like the single trip permit, superload single trip permits are issued to cover one movement between two specific points. Superload single trip permit requests exceed the maximum weight or size limitations allowed on a single trip permit. Superload single trip permit requests require various levels of research and analysis and should be submitted to the Hauling Permit Section at least 10 working days prior to the anticipated date of movement. All superload single trip permits are issued on a case-by-case basis, and only after an appropriate review or VDOT engineering analysis has determined that the vehicle configuration will not harm or damage bridges and structures on the designated routes of travel. Results of the review or engineering analysis may render the vehicle configuration ineligible for movement.

Superload single trip permits are vehicle specific and cannot be transferred between vehicles. Since superload single trip permits are vehicle specific, the original permit or a legible copy of the entire permit is required to be carried in the transport vehicle. This permit shall be presented to Department of Motor Vehicles, law enforcement or Department of Transportation officials when requested.

In cases where the superload single trip permit request has been denied due to weight, the customer may request that an in-depth engineering analysis be performed on the desired route of travel. VDOT structures and bridges engineers will perform the in-depth engineering analysis. The applicant is responsible for paying all expenses associated with the in-depth engineering analysis. All requests for an in-depth analysis must be submitted to the Hauling Permit Section in writing. Upon receipt of the letter requesting the in-depth analysis a member of the hauling permit staff will assist the applicant through the remainder of the process.

B. Requirements for superload single trip permits exceeding certain parameters are described in this subsection:

A letter of variance is required on all movements that exceed any of the following parameters: 18 feet in width; 250,000 pounds in weight; 200 feet in length; or 16 feet in height. The shipper or the manufacturer of the oversized or overweight item will submit the information listed below to the Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles: FAX: [phone] or mailed to the Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles, Hauling Permit Section, P.O. Box 26302, Richmond, VA 23260. The letter shall list, in detail:

1. Name and description of the item being moved;

2. Overall loaded dimensions for the vehicle configuration to include height, width, length and gross weight;

3. Explanation of why the load cannot be reduced;

4. Explanation of why the load cannot be transported by air, rail or water;

5. Origin and destination specific to Virginia, including mileage and specific intersecting routes (e.g., Route 65 - one mile south of Route 2 in Campbell County);

6. Preferred routes of travel; and

7. Point of contact, someone within the company that can speak to the requested movement in case additional information is needed.

C. In addition to the letter of variance all movements that exceed 18 feet in width or 16 feet in height may be required to submit a detailed travel plan, depending on the time of travel and the routes of travel. The plan should include but is not limited to the following:

1. The plan should address how to facilitate the movement of emergency vehicles responding to emergencies. The plan will also identify locations where the overdimensional configuration will pull over to allow movement of traffic. Traffic shall not be detained for more than 10 minutes if at all possible. The plan will also address layover locations.

2. Letters from property owners or public facilities giving permission to layover on their property until able to proceed in accordance with the permit. Each letter shall include the name, phone number and email address of the primary point of contact. The hauling permit staff will contact the point of contact to confirm the layover privileges on their property prior to DMV issuing the superload single trip permit.

3. Letters from local law-enforcement personnel agreeing to escort the overdimensional configuration through their jurisdiction. Each letter shall include the name, phone number and email address of the primary point of contact. The hauling permit staff will contact the point of contact to confirm their escorting role prior to DMV issuing the superload single trip permit.

4. Letters from affected utility, cable and telephone companies, agreeing to accompany the overdimensional configuration to lift overhead wires. Each letter shall include the name, phone number and email address of the primary point of contact. The hauling permit staff will contact the point of contact to confirm their role in the move prior to DMV issuing the hauling permit.

5. Letters from the Department of Transportation agreeing to accompany the overdimensional configuration to lift overhead traffic signals, remove traffic [ signals signal ] arms, or remove guardrails, or remove signs, or remove and or adjust any inventory maintained by their department. Each letter shall include the name, phone number and email address of the primary point of contact. The hauling permit staff will contact the point of contact to confirm their role in the move prior to DMV issuing the hauling permit.

24VAC20-81-110. General blanket permit.

General blanket permits allow frequent movements within a specified time period on designated or unrestricted routes in Virginia. General blanket permits are issued on a case-by-case basis and only after appropriate reviews or analysis have been completed to ensure the vehicle configuration will not harm or damage bridges, structures, or other state inventory along the routes of travel.

General blanket permits are vehicle specific and cannot be transferred between vehicles. Since the permits are vehicle specific, the original permit or a legible copy of the entire permit is required to be carried in the transport vehicle. This permit shall be presented to Department of Motor Vehicles, law enforcement or Department of Transportation officials when requested.

All general blanket permits are issued through the Virginia Department of Motor Vehicle's headquarters office and all requests shall be made at least 10 workdays prior to the anticipated movement date.

[ Applicants who make multiple moves should strongly consider obtaining a general blanket. Generally, the larger the vehicle configuration, the more restrictive the regulations will be. General blanket permits should be used for core business needs or those moves that are the most frequent. For those rare or infrequent moves outside of core business transactions, routine single trip permits should be considered. ]

Maximum Size and Weight Limitations for the General Blanket Permit
Height:	14 feet
Width:	14 feet
Length:	[ 85 100 ] feet (including front or rear overhang)
[ Rear Overhang	10 feet ]
[ Front Overhang	3 feet ]
Single Axle:	24,000 pounds
Tandem Axle:	44,000 pounds
Tri-Axle:	Maximum weight based on axle [ spacings spacing ] between the centers of the first and last axle in the 3-axle group - see 24VAC20-81-80.
Quad Axle:	Maximum weight based on axle [ spacings spacing ] between the centers of the first and last axle in the 4-axle group - see 24VAC20-81-80.
Gross Weight:	Maximum weight based on the total number of axles in the configuration and the [ total ] amount of [ spacings spacing ] between the centers of the first and last axles - see 24VAC20-81-80.

[ If the vehicle configuration exceeds any of the weight or width parameters defined for the general blanket permit, the applicant may be eligible to apply for the superload blanket permit or the superload single trip permit. ]

24VAC20-81-120. Superload blanket permit.

When the vehicle [ configuration's single axile, tandem axile, tri-axile or width exceed configuration exceeds ] the parameters allowed for the general blanket permit, the applicant may apply for [ the a ] superload blanket permit. [ No superload blanket permit shall exceed 14 feet in height, 16 feet in width, 105 feet in length, or 150,000 pounds gross weight. Furthermore, no blanket permit shall have more than three feet of front overhang or 10 feet of rear overhang, which are both included in the length of 105 feet. These permits may be issued on a case-by-case basis. ]

The superload blanket permit allows frequent movements within a specified time period statewide or on specific routes. All requests for the superload blanket permit must be submitted to the Hauling Permit Section at least 10 workdays in advance of the anticipated movement date. These permits are vehicle specific and can not be transferred between vehicle configurations. Superload blanket permits are issued [ on a case by case basis and ] only after the appropriate reviews or VDOT engineering analysis have been completed to ensure that the vehicle configuration will not harm or damage bridges, structures, or other state inventory on the routes of travel. Results of the reviews or engineering analysis may render the vehicle configuration ineligible to move under the authority of a superload blanket permit.

24VAC20-81-130. Exempted [ blanket ] permits; eligibility requirements.

Listed below are some of the most frequently requested exempt permits. Most exempt [ permits 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 [ vehicles with an axle spacing of at least 22 feet that are (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 [ from the origin to the destination 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 [ vehicles with an axile spacing of at least 22 feet (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 [ only ] 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 [ authorized 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 [ authorized authorize ] travel on the federal interstate highway system.

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

Part IV
Fees

24VAC20-81-140. Hauling permit administrative fees and other fees required by law; escort driver certification fees.

Hauling Permits:
	Single Trip [ Hauling ] Permit	$20
	Superload Single Trip Permit	$30
	General Blanket Permit – 1 year	$100
	General Blanket Permit – 2 years	$200
	Superload Blanket Permit – 1 year or less	$100
	[ Tank Wagon Permit (1 year) ]	[ $845 ]
	Exempt Blanket [ Permits Permit ]	[ $100 Determined by the Code of Virginia ]

In addition to the administrative fees listed above, Virginia law requires that all hauling permits be assessed an additional mileage fee if the vehicle configuration is overweight or if the equipment used is unlicensable in Virginia. Additional fees required by Virginia law may be applicable and will be collected as required. Refer to the hauling permit website at www.dmvnow.com for questions concerning fees.

Escort Driver Certification:
	Original Certification	$25
	Renewal	$25
	Reissue	$15
	Duplicate	$15

Part V
Travel Guidelines

24VAC20-81-150. Travel restrictions; holiday travel; days and times of travel; speed limits.

A. Permitted vehicle configurations are allowed to travel on all holidays except the following state observed holidays: (i) New Year's Day, (ii) Memorial Day, (iii) Independence Day, (iv) Labor Day, (v) Thanksgiving Day, and (vi) Christmas Day.

On the holidays mentioned above, permits will not be valid from noon the preceding weekday through the holiday. If the observed holiday falls on a Monday the permit will not be valid from noon on the preceding Friday through Monday.

B. Normal times of travel for permitted loads are [ 30 minutes after ] sunrise to [ 30 minutes before ] sunset, Monday through Saturday. [ Vehicle Some super load vehicle ] configurations [ that are 16 feet wide or greater ] may be required to travel during the hours of darkness [ (9:30 p.m. to 5 a.m.) ]. No permitted travel is allowed within the corporate limits of cities/towns between the hours of 7 a.m. to 9 a.m. and 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. except for configurations that are overweight or overlength (not exceeding 85 feet, including rear overhang) only. No travel is allowed on Sundays, except for loads that are permitted for overweight or overlength (not exceeding 85 feet, including rear overhang) only. The Hauling Permit Section [ shall have the authority to route vehicles outside may modify ] the normal hours of travel or restrict times of travel [ during normal hours of travel ] if it is determined necessary giving primary consideration to the safety and well-being of the traveling public.

When road conditions, visibility or unfavorable weather conditions make traveling hazardous to the operator or to the traveling public, permitted vehicles are not authorized to operate unless responding to an emergency. [ Vehicles that are underway when inclement weather occurs shall exit the road at the first available safe location and park in a safe place until the weather clears or until road conditions improve to allow safe travel conditions. ] Law-enforcement judgment shall prevail in all circumstances.

[ C. Unless otherwise specified within the permit, the maximum speed limit for permitted vehicle configurations is the posted speed limit not to exceed 55 miles per hour. ]

Part VI
Escort Vehicles and Equipment Requirements; Escort Vehicle Driver Certification; and General Escorting Guidelines

24VAC20-81-160. Escort vehicles and equipment requirements.

[ A. Depending on the routes of travel, escorts may be required for vehicle configurations exceeding 10 feet in width, 13 feet 6 inches in height, 85 feet in length, when more than 15 feet or more of front or rear overhang exist, or when determined as necessary by the issuing agent giving primary consideration to the safety of the traveling public, the attributes of the configuration, and the geographical location of the move.

B. A. ] The escort vehicle shall be a truck not less than one-quarter ton-rated load capacity but not more than 17,000 pounds gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) or a passenger vehicle of not less than 2,000 pounds gross weight. Escort vehicles shall not resemble nor be confused with law-enforcement or safety-assistance vehicles. Escort vehicles shall be in compliance with all state and local registration processes required by the state in which the vehicle is registered. Escort vehicles shall not be overdimensional or overweight while in use performing escorting duties. They are not permitted to pull a trailer of any kind while performing escorting duties [ and shall have an unobstructed view through the rear window ].

[ C. B. ] All escort vehicles shall be equipped with a two-way radio communication system to maintain communications between the permitted vehicle driver and all escort vehicles in the group.

[ D. C. ] Front or lead escort vehicles are required to have a height pole/hot-pole when required by permit. While performing escorting duties the pole shall be extended at least three inches above the specified height of the vehicle configuration being escorted.

[ E. D. ] Escort vehicles headlamps shall be on at all times while escorting overdimensional/overweight movements.

[ F. E. ] All escort vehicles shall have at least one [ light ], rotating or strobe, positioned on top of the escort vehicle. The light must be visible for a distance of at least 500 feet in all directions by approaching vehicles.

[ G. F. ] Paddles shall be at least [ 24 18 ] inches by [ 24 18 ] inches with six-inch high lettering. For greater visibility, a high-intensity flashing stop/slow paddle may be used.

[ H. G. ] All flags used for flagging purposes shall be red or any highly fluorescent color, not less than 18 inches square and in good condition. Flags shall be placed at the extremities of a vehicle load to identify overwidth or secured at the end of the load to identify overhang.

[ I. H. ] Individuals performing flagging activities shall wear a hard hat and a red or any highly visible fluorescent [ colored jacket or vest traffic vest or jacket of approved Type ANSI II or III ].

[ J. I. ] Escort vehicles shall have signs, descriptive of the load [ it is escorting being escorted ], i.e., "Wide Load" or "Oversize Load" or "Overweight Load." At a minimum, the signs shall be displayed in black eight-inch high letters with [ 1-1/2 inch a minimum of 1-1/4 inch ] brush strokes on a yellow banner. The banner shall be mounted on the front and rear bumper of the escort vehicle. If displayed on the roof of the escort vehicle other drivers must be able to read the signs when approaching or following the escort vehicle.

[ K. J. ] A minimum of one Underwriters Laboratories [ (U.L.) (UL) ] or Factory Mutual Laboratories [ (F.M.) (FM) ] approved, five pounds or greater, Type "BC" or "ABC" fire extinguisher shall be carried in the escort vehicle or escort vehicles.

[ L. K. ] Reflective triangles or road flares shall be used to warn oncoming or approaching vehicles of a breakdown.

24VAC20-81-170. Escort vehicle driver certification.

Certification as an escort vehicle driver is mandatory when escorting oversize loads [ exceeding 12 feet in width, or 85 feet in length, or 14 feet in height. Certification is also required when escorting a load with 15 feet or more of rear overhang or 10 feet or more of front overhang, or whenever an off centered load exceeds five feet. The overhang of an off-centered load must be loaded to the passenger side of the transport vehicle ].

Virginia residents who possess a valid Virginia driver's license shall obtain their certification through Virginia's Escort Vehicle Driver Certification Program. Non-Virginia residents may be certified through Virginia's Escort Vehicle Driver Certification Program or through a certification program from another state. Regardless of what state certifies the driver as an escort driver, certification is considered invalid if the driver's license is not valid.

[ The Virginia Escort Vehicle Driver Certification test is available at all Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles Customer Service Center locations. The applicant is required to successfully pass a multiple-choice exam before a certificate can be issued. ]

Successful applicants shall carry the certification document with them while escorting vehicle configurations [ that require certified escort vehicle drivers ]. Certification, along with a driver's license, must be presented when requested by any Department of Motor Vehicles, law enforcement or Department of Transportation officials when requested. Failure to have the certification in possession while escorting a permitted load [ that requires a certified escort ] will cause the movement to be delayed until proper escorts and credentials are in place.

Additional information concerning Escort Vehicle Driver Certification in Virginia can be requested by calling the Hauling Permit Section at [phone].

24VAC20-81-180. General escorting guidelines.

[ Escort vehicle drivers or certified escort vehicle drivers may be required depending on the routes of travel and the overall dimensions of the vehicle configuration. Escorts will not be picked up or dropped as the permitted configuration travels through the Commonwealth. Escorts, when required by permit will stay with the vehicle configuration throughout the duration of the move. All escort vehicle operators are required to be certified prior to performing the duties of an oversize/overweight load escort vehicle operator in Virginia. ] General guidelines as to when escorts are required follows; this listing is not all inclusive:

[ 1. One front escort is required on all roads if the permitted load exceeds 10 feet in width or 75 feet in overall length.

2. One certified front escort is required on all roads if the permitted load exceeds 12 feet in width or 85 feet in length.

3. One front and two rear escorts, all certified, will be required on all roads if the permitted load exceeds 14 feet in width.

4. One front escort is required on all roads when the front overhang exceeds four feet.

5. One certified front escort is required on all roads when the front overhang is 10 feet or more.

6. One rear escort will be required on all roads when the rear overhang is 10 feet or more.

7. One certified rear escort is required on all roads when the rear overhang is 15 feet or more.

8. One certified front escort equipped with height pole is required on all roads when the permitted load exceeds 14 feet in height.

9. One front escort is required on all roads when the off centered load exceeds three feet on the passenger side of the vehicle configuration.

10. Two certified front escorts will be required when the off centered load exceeds five feet on the passenger side of the vehicle configuration.

11. One front and one rear escort, both certified, is required on all roads when the permitted load exceeds 100 feet in overall length.

12. Two front and two rear escorts, all certified, will be required on all roads when the permitted load exceeds 18 feet in width or 200 feet in length.

1. One front and one rear escort is required on noninterstate routes when the permitted load exceeds 12 feet in width.

2. One rear escort is required on interstate routes when the permitted load exceeds 12 feet in width.

3. Two front and one rear escorts are required on noninterstate routes when the permitted load exceeds 14 feet in width.

4. One front and one rear escort is required on interstate routes when the permitted load exceeds 14 feet in width.

5. Two front and two rear escorts are required on noninterstate routes when the permitted load exceeds 16 feet in width.

6. One front and two rear escorts are required on interstate routes when the permitted load exceeds 16 feet in width.

7. One front escort is required when an off-centered load exceeds three feet six inches on the passenger side of the vehicle configuration.

8. One front escort and one rear escort is required when an off-centered load exceeds five feet on the passenger side of the vehicle configuration.

9. One front escort equipped with height pole, adjusted three inches above the load height, is required on all routes when the permitted load exceeds 14 feet five inches in height.

10. One rear escort is required on noninterstate routes when the permitted load exceeds 85 feet in length.

11. One rear escort is required on interstate routes when the permitted load exceeds 120 feet in length.

12. One front and one rear escort is required on all routes when the permitted load exceeds 150 feet in length.

13. One front escort is required on all routes when the permitted load has a front overhang that exceeds 10 feet (measured from the bumper).

14. One rear escort is required on all routes when the permitted load has a rear overhang that exceeds 15 feet (measured from the bumper).

15. Permit loads that exceed 18 feet wide or 200 feet long will be handled on a case-by-case basis.

Escort requirements are subject to change with individual consideration of weight, width, length, height, geographical location, or route of travel as determined by the issuing agent. ]

Part VII
Emergency and National Defense Moves

24VAC20-81-190. Emergency moves.

Requests for emergency moves will be carefully reviewed on a case-by-case basis. An emergency is defined as "a calamity, existing or imminent, caused by fire, flood, riot, windstorm, explosion, [ or ] act of God, [ or other situation ] which requires immediate remedial action to protect life or property."

In some instances waivers are issued by the appropriate state authority exempting overweight/overwidth carriers from statutory size and weight limitations who are responding to and supporting relief efforts. Maximum size and weight limitations will be identified in the waiver and all requests that exceed those limitations will have to apply for a hauling permit in accordance with established processes that govern the permitting process.

Emergency move requests and questions concerning waivers issued in support of a declared relief effort or disaster shall be made through the Virginia Department of Transportation's Emergency Operations Center (TEOC) at 1-800-367-7623. TEOC is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week. During normal business hours, contact the Hauling Permit Section at [phone].

Blanket permit users may request "emergency travel regulations" when ordering permits if there is a possibility that the equipment or commodity permitted will be required in support of an emergency as defined above. Having emergency travel regulations in the permit may allow response to the emergency using the blanket permit, if that permit covers the routes [ of travel intended to use used to respond to the emergency ]. However, the permittee must contact the Virginia Department of Transportation's Emergency Operations Center and give them vital travel information that will be passed on to the Virginia State Police, all applicable law-enforcement jurisdictions, and DMV weigh stations.

24VAC20-81-200. National defense moves.

The U.S. Department of Defense's Military Traffic Command shall be the sole certifying agency during peacetime for all movements made by an agency declared essential to the national defense. During a national emergency, movements essential to national defense would be far greater in scope, and those not under direct control of one of the military departments or Department of Defense agencies would be certified by the appropriate emergency transportation authority.

Part VIII
Responsibilities

24VAC20-81-210. Compliance with state laws and permit requirements.

A. The acceptance and use of the Virginia hauling permit by the applicant or his designee is his agreement that he will proof the permit for accuracy prior to traveling on Virginia's highways. If the document is incorrect, the permittee will immediately contact the Hauling Permit Section to obtain the proper permit prior to traveling over Virginia's highways. The permittee accepts full responsibility and the consequences associated with having a hauling permit containing erroneous or incorrect information.

B. The acceptance and use of the Virginia hauling permit by the applicant is his agreement that he has met all legal requirements concerning operational authority imposed by motor vehicle laws of Virginia, the Department of Motor Vehicles, or the [ Interstate Commerce Commission federal government ].

C. The acceptance and use of the Virginia hauling permit by the applicant is his agreement that each vehicle permitted is insured no less than that required by the Commonwealth of Virginia.

D. The acceptance and use of the Virginia hauling permit by the applicant is his agreement to pay for all damages and cost involved to persons or property as a result of the permitted movement.

E. The acceptance and use of the Virginia hauling permit by the applicant is his agreement that he will comply with all the terms and conditions as specified within the permit.

F. The permittee, an agent of the permittee, or any member of the permitee's company, shall within 15 workdays notify the Hauling Permit Section, if the permitted vehicle is involved in any accident. Failure to notify the Hauling Permit Section of involvement in an accident may result in suspension or denial of permitting privileges as specified in 24VAC20-81-230.

24VAC20-81-220. Injury or damage.

The permittee assumes all responsibility for an injury to persons or damage to public or private property caused directly or indirectly by the transportation of vehicles and loads moving under the authority of a state-issued permit. Furthermore, the permittee agrees to hold the Commonwealth of Virginia, Department of Motor Vehicles and its employees and other state agencies and their employees harmless from all suits, claims, damages or proceedings of any kind, as a direct or indirect result of the transportation of the permitted vehicle.

Part IX
Denial; Revocation; Refusal to Renew; Appeal; Invalidation

24VAC20-81-230. Denial; revocation; refusal to renew; appeal; invalidation.

A. An overweight or oversize permit may be revoked by the Department of Motor Vehicles upon written findings that the permittee violated the terms of the permit, which shall incorporate by reference these rules, as well as state and local laws and ordinances regulating the operation of overweight or oversized vehicles. Repeated violations may result in a permanent denial of the right to use the state highway system or roads for transportation of overweight and oversized vehicle configurations. A permit may also be revoked for misrepresentation of the information on the application, fraudulently obtaining a permit, alteration of a permit, or unauthorized use of a permit.

B. Hauling permits may be denied to any applicant or company, or both, for a period not to exceed one year when the applicant or company or both has been notified in writing by the Department of Motor Vehicles designee that violations existed under a previously issued permit. Customers who are delinquent in payment to other DMV functions will be denied a hauling permit until their delinquent account or accounts are satisfied.

C. No permit application request shall be denied or revoked, or permit application renewal refused, until a written notice of the violation of the issued permit has been furnished to the applicant. The permittee may appeal in writing to the Assistant Commissioner of Motor Carrier Services or his designee within 10 working days of receipt of written notification of denial or revocation setting forth the grounds for making an appeal. Upon receipt of the appeal, the Assistant Commissioner for Motor Carrier Services or his designee will conduct an informal fact-finding process conforming to the requirements of the Code of Virginia and will issue a case decision that will be the final administrative step. Judicial review of such decision shall be available pursuant to § 2.2-4025 of the Administrative Process Act. Upon revocation of the permit, it must be surrendered without consideration for refund or credit of fees. Upon restoration of permit privileges a new hauling permit must be obtained prior to movement on the state highway system.

[ D. A Hauling Permit may be invalidated and confiscated by law enforcement officials or weight enforcement officials if the permitted vehicle or vehicle combination: is found to be operating off route; has fewer axles than that required within the permit; is moving a commodity other than that specified within the permit; is willfully (intentionally) traveling outside the hours specified within the permit.; is traveling without escorts as required by the permit; or if the driver does not have the entire permit in the vehicle. In these situations, in addition to taking legal enforcement actions, law and weigh enforcement personnel shall have the authority to direct the vehicle configuration to a safe location, at the permittee's expense, and detain the vehicle configuration until it meets all of the requirements of the permit as stated or until a new hauling permit is issued.

D. Law-enforcement officials or weight-enforcement officials may invalidate or confiscate a hauling permit if the permitted vehicle or vehicle combination is operating off the route listed on the permit; if the vehicle has fewer axles than required by the permit; if the vehicle has less axle spacing than required by the permit when measured longitudinally from the center of the axle to center axle with any fraction of a foot rounded to the next highest foot; or if the vehicle is transporting multiple items not allowed by the permit.

Law-enforcement officials or weight-enforcement officials may direct the vehicle to a safe location, at the permittee’s expense, and detain the vehicle configuration until it meets all the requirements of the hauling permit or until a new hauling permit is issued if the vehicle is not traveling with escorts as required by the permit; if the vehicle is traveling outside the hours specified within the permit; if the driver does not have the entire permit in the vehicle; if the hauling permit has been invalidated or confiscated due to one of the conditions listed in subsection C of this section; if the vehicle is over the permitted weight; or if law enforcement deems the vehicle to be violating any safety requirement. ]

Part X
Transportation of Explosives, Radioactive and Other Hazardous Materials

24VAC20-81-240. Transportation of explosives, radioactive and other hazardous materials.

A. A person, shipper or carrier transporting or proposing to transport explosives or other hazardous materials shall do so in compliance with all provisions of 49 CFR Parts 100 through 180. Hazardous materials are those described by class in 49 CFR Parts 173 through 180.

B. All transporters who transport hazardous waste that originates or terminates in Virginia for the purpose of storage, treatment or disposal shall apply for and receive an Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) identification number that is unique to the transporter, and apply for a transportation permit from the Virginia Department of Environmental Quality, Waste Division.

Transporters of hazardous waste generated outside of Virginia and designated for delivery to a treatment, storage or disposal facility in another state shall conform with the manifest requirements of those states or EPA, as prescribed in 40 CFR Part 262. Specific questions regarding the movement and permitting of hazardous materials and hazardous waste should be addressed to:

	Department of Environmental Quality 629 East Main Street P.O. Box 10009 Richmond, VA 23240-0009
	Phone:	804-698-4249 (Hazardous Materials) 804-698-4237 (Hazardous Waste)

Questions regarding the movement of Hazardous Materials through tunnels or bridges, or both, shall be addressed to:

Department of Transportation Hazardous Materials Officer 1221 East Broad Street Richmond, VA 23219 Phone: [phone]

Questions regarding hazardous material spills or incidents shall be addressed to: CHEMTREC 1-800-424-9300 (24 hours a day).

Part XI
Weigh Stations; Location

24VAC20-81-250. Permanent weigh stations.

Operators of trucks which have a registered gross weight in excess of 7,500 pounds are required by law to drive their vehicles onto scales for weight inspection as directed by either a police officer or regulatory highway signs. By Virginia law, a police officer may require the operator of a truck to drive a distance not to exceed 10 road miles to a weigh facility or location for weight inspection. Refusal to drive onto scales for inspection is a misdemeanor. Locations for the weigh stations in Virginia are as follows:

Station	Route	Location
1. Alberta	85	Alberta
2. Aldie	50	Aldie
3. Bland	77	Bland
4. Carson	95	Carson
5. Dahlgren	301	Dahlgren
6. Dumfries	95	Triangle
7. Hollins	11	Hollins
8. Middletown	11	Middletown
9. New Church	13	Temperanceville
10. Sandston	64	Sandston
11. Stephens City	81	Stephens City
12. Suffolk	58	Suffolk
13. Troutville	81	Troutville

NOTICE: The forms used in administering the above regulation are not being published; however, the name of each form is listed below. The forms are available for public inspection by contacting the agency contact for this regulation, or at the office of the Registrar of Regulations, General Assembly Building, 2nd Floor, Richmond, Virginia.

FORMS (24VAC20-81)

Virginia's Size, Weight, and Equipment Requirements for Trucks, Trailers and Towed Vehicles, DMV 109 (rev. 7/08).

Virginia Single Trip Superload Hauling Permit Application, HP 400 (rev. 8/08).

Virginia Blanket Hauling Permit Application, HP 401 (rev. 1/07).

Virginia Exempt Blanket Hauling Permit Application, HP 402 (rev. 8/08).

Virginia Hauling Permit Addendum Additional Axle Form, HP 403 (rev. 1/07).

Vehicle Escort Driver Application, HP 404 (rev. 3/06).

Virginia Escort Driver's Manual, HP 405 (rev. 6/06).

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