18.8.601    OVERWEIGHT SINGLE TRIP PERMITS

(1) The Department of Transportation hereby adopts and incorporates by reference weight tables established by the Bridge Bureau of the Department of Transportation for use in determining the conditions for the movement of overweight vehicles or loads. Information pertaining to weight tables and special permits for overweight vehicles and loads is available at the Motor Carrier Services Division, 2701 Prospect Avenue, Helena, Montana 59620 or by phone at (406) 444-6130.

(2) Unless otherwise specified through route analysis by the Bridge Bureau of the Department of Transportation, the maximum axle loads and the minimum axle spacing for which overweight permits may be issued for non-built-up loads shall conform to the requirements of the weight tables as referenced in (1) .

(3) The following definition applies to noninterstate highways only. A nondivisible load is a load which cannot be readily or reasonably dismantled and which is reduced to a minimum practical size and weight. Portions of a load can be detached and reloaded on the same hauling unit provided that the separate pieces are necessary to the operation of the machine or equipment which is being hauled, if the arrangement does not exceed permitable limits.

(4) The following definition applies to interstate highways only. Nondivisible means any load or vehicle exceeding applicable length or weight limits which, if separated into smaller loads or vehicles, would:

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

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

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

(d) Emergency response vehicles and casks designed and used for the transport of spent nuclear materials may be considered nondivisible vehicles or loads.

(5) Subject to the exercise of discretion of the administrator, M.C.S. Division, permits may be issued for overweight loads of more than one item or for greater weights than those provided in the weight analysis manual where written application is made showing good cause for such exception.

(6) Special permits for weights which do not impose speed restrictions and for dimensions not exceeding the maximum dimensions allows in ARM 18.8.509(11) (a) through (c) may be issued for continuous travel.

(7) Permits do not allow travel on any state highway where seasonal load limits are in effect without authorization of the district administrator or his designated representative in the district or area where travel takes place.

(8) The fee will be computed on the total miles traveled on all public roads.

(9) The department may require an overweight vehicle or load to operate at less than the posted speed limit, but not as restrictive as conditions imposed by ARM 18.8.602 (DW-21 Conditions) .

History: 61-10-155, MCA; IMP, 61-10-121, 61-10-122, 61-10-123, 61-10-124, 61-10-125, 61-10-126, 61-10-127, 61-10-128, 61-10-129, 61-10-130, 61-10-141, 61-10-142, 61-10-143, 61-10-144, 61-10-145, 61-10-146, 61-10-147, 61-10-148, MCA; Eff. 12/31/72; AMD, 1981 MAR p. 1194, Eff. 10/16/81; AMD, 1984 MAR p. 389, Eff. 3/1/84; AMD, 1988 MAR p. 1704, Eff. 7/29/88; AMD, 1994 MAR p. 1148, Eff. 4/29/94; AMD, 1996 MAR p. 2980, Eff. 7/19/96; AMD, 2000 MAR p. 1075, Eff. 4/28/00.