CHAPTER 511
SPECIAL PERMITS FOR OPERATION AND MOVEMENT OF
VEHICLES AND LOADS OF EXCESS SIZE AND WEIGHT
[Appeared as Ch 2, Highway Commission, 1973 IDR; amended in July 1974 and January and July 1975 Supplements]
[Previously numbered as (07,E) Ch 12, transferred at the request of the department on 10/8/75]
[Prior to 6/3/87, Transportation Department[820]—(07,F) Ch 2]
761—511.1(321E) Definitions. As used in this chapter, unless the context otherwise requires:
“Department” means the Iowa department of transportation.
“Dimensions” or “size” means length, width or height limits.
“Overdimensional” or “oversize” means the exceeding of statutory length, width or height limits.
“Permit” means a permit issued under Iowa Code chapter 321E for the movement of an overdimensional or overweight vehicle, combination of vehicles, or vehicle with load. The term includes any additions or supplements thereto issued by the permit-issuing authority.
“Permit-issuing authority” means the:
	1.	Department’s office of motor carrier services for permits for movement on the primary system.
	2.	Authority responsible for the maintenance of a nonprimary system of highways or streets for permits for movement on that system. However, the office of motor carrier services may issue single-trip permits on primary road extensions in cities in conjunction with movement on the rural primary road system.
“Primary roads” or “primary road system” is defined in Iowa Code section 306.3. The primary road system includes the interstate road system.
“Special or emergency situation” means one or more of the following:
	1.	Circumstances where the movement is necessary to cooperate with cities, counties, other state agencies or other states in response to a national or other disaster.
	2.	Circumstances where the movement is necessary to cooperate with national defense officials.
	3.	Circumstances where the movement is necessary to cooperate with public or private utilities in order to maintain their public services.
	4.	Circumstances where the movement is essential to ensure safety and protection of any person or property due to an event such as, but not limited to, pollution of natural resources, a potential fire or an explosion.
	5.	Circumstances where weather or transportation problems create an undue hardship for citizens of the state of Iowa.
	6.	Circumstances where the movement involves emergency-type vehicles.
	7.	Uncommon or extraordinary circumstances where the movement is essential to the existence of an Iowa business and the move may be accomplished without causing undue hazards to the safety of the traveling public or undue damage to private or public property.
	8.	Other unique circumstances that warrant the issuance of a permit as determined by the permit-issuing authority.
“Statutory” when used with size or weight limits refers to those limits found in Iowa Code chapter 321.
“Sufficient shoulder width” means a gravel or paved surface extending a minimum of six feet beyond the edge of the roadway.
This rule is intended to implement Iowa Code sections 321E.9, 321E.15, 321E.27, 321E.29 and 321E.34.
761—511.2(321E) Location and general information.
	511.2(1) Applications, forms, instructions and restrictions are available by mail from the Office of Motor Carrier Services, Iowa Department of Transportation, P.O. Box 10382, Des Moines, Iowa 50306-0382; in person at 6310 SE Convenience Blvd., Ankeny, Iowa; by telephone at (515)237-3264; or by facsimile at (515)237-3257. Permits may be obtained electronically upon making application to the office of motor carrier services.
	511.2(2) No overdimensional or overweight vehicle, combination of vehicles, or vehicle with load shall be moved on the highways of this state without permit except as provided in Iowa Code section 321.453.
	511.2(3) Rescinded IAB 2/7/01, effective 3/14/01.
	511.2(4) Except as provided in subrule 511.7(6) and rule 511.13(321,321E), permits may be issued only for the transporting of a single article which exceeds statutory size or weight limits or both, and which cannot reasonably be divided or reduced to statutory size and weight limits. However, permits may be issued for the transporting of property consisting of more than one article when:
	a. 	The statutory weight limits are not exceeded,
	b. 	One of the articles exceeds the statutory size limits, and
	c. 	The inclusion of other articles does not cause the statutory size limits to be exceeded by an additional amount.
	511.2(5) Nothing in the permit shall be construed as waiving any load limits which have been or which might be established on any bridge or any road which is posted with embargo signs, unless specifically stated on the permit.
	511.2(6) The state of Iowa, the department, and any other permit-issuing authority assume no responsibility for the property of the permit holder. Permit holders shall hold permit-issuing authorities harmless of any damages that may be sustained by the traveling public, adjacent property owners or the highways of this state on account of movements made under permit.
This rule is intended to implement Iowa Code sections 17A.3 and 321E.1.
761—511.3(321E) Movement under permit.
	511.3(1) During the movement of a vehicle or object under permit, the permit holder shall comply with the terms and conditions of the permit and shall take all reasonable precautions to protect and safeguard the lives and property of the traveling public and adjacent property owners.
	511.3(2) Movement shall be made only when roads are clear of ice and snow and visibility is at least one-quarter mile.
	511.3(3) Movement shall be permitted only during the hours from one-half hour before sunrise to one-half hour after sunset unless it is established by the permit-issuing authority that the movement can be better accomplished at another period of time because of traffic volume conditions.
	511.3(4) Except as provided in Iowa Code section 321.457, no movement shall be permitted on the holidays of Memorial Day, Independence Day and Labor Day, after 12 noon on days preceding these holidays and holiday weekends, during holiday weekends, or during special events when abnormally high traffic volumes can be expected. A holiday weekend occurs when the holiday falls on Friday, Saturday, Sunday or Monday. No movement shall be permitted until one-half hour before sunrise on the day after the holiday or holiday weekend.
	511.3(5) The permit shall be carried in the cab of the vehicle for which it has been issued and shall be available for inspection at all times.
	511.3(6) Vehicles and loads under permit shall be open to inspection by any peace officer or any authorized agent of any permit-issuing authority.
	511.3(7) Continuous moves. Vehicles and loads may travel by permit between one-half hour after sunset and one-half hour before sunrise if, in addition to the general provisions and general requirements specified by the permit, the following conditions are met.
	a. 	Dimensions shall not exceed:
	(1)	Width. 11 feet.
	(2)	Height. 14 feet, 4 inches.
	(3)	Length. 100 feet.
	(4)	Weight. Legal axle limits.
	b. 	Travel must be on roadways with a minimum width of 22 feet and minimum lane width of 11 feet.
	c. 	Safety lighting shall be provided at the widest part of a load. The lamps may be placed at the outer ends of the load itself or on appurtenances which are equal in width to the widest part of the load and positioned at both the extreme front and rear of the vehicle or trailer as follows:
	(1)	One lighted red lamp on each side at the rear of the load.
	(2)	One lighted yellow or amber lamp on each side at the front of the load.
This rule is intended to implement Iowa Code sections 321E.1 and 321E.11.
761—511.4(321E) Permits. Permits issued shall be in writing and may be either single-trip, multitrip, annual, annual oversize/overweight or all-systems permits.
	511.4(1) Methods of issuance.
	a. 	Permits for movement on the primary road system may be obtained in person, by telephone, facsimile, wire service, electronic communication, or by mail at the address in subrule 511.2(1).
	b. 	Reserved.
	511.4(2) Forms.
	a. 	Applications for permits for movement on the primary road system shall be made and permits shall be issued on departmental Forms 442009, 442047, 442051, 442058 and 442059.
	b. 	Any applications to other permit-issuing authorities made upon Forms 442009, 442047, 442051, 442058 and 442059 shall be sufficient and accepted as properly made by these authorities.
	c. 	Subject to the preceding paragraph, permit-issuing authorities may adopt, amend or modify these forms provided that the amended or modified forms adequately identify the applicant, the hauling vehicle and load, the manner and extent that the vehicle with load exceeds the statutory size and weight limits, the route, and the authorization of the issuing authority. However, the load for a multitrip permit does not have to be identified but the vehicle and load cannot exceed either the weight per axle or the total weight identified on the multitrip permit. Axle spacings cannot change.
	511.4(3) Validity.
	a. 	Annual, annual oversize/overweight, and all-systems permits shall expire on the last day of the month one year from the date of issuance.
	b. 	A single-trip permit shall be effective for five days.
	c. 	The validity of a multitrip permit shall not exceed 60 calendar days.
	511.4(4) Duplicate permit. If a permit is lost or destroyed before it has expired, a duplicate permit may be issued at the discretion of the permit-issuing authority. The expiration date on the duplicate permit shall be the same as on the original permit.
This rule is intended to implement Iowa Code sections 321E.1 and 321E.2.
761—511.5(321,321E) Fees and charges.
	511.5(1) Annual permit. A fee of $25 shall be charged for each annual permit, payable prior to the issuance of the permit. Carriers purchasing annual permits in advance of use cannot return unused permits for refunds.
	511.5(2) Annual oversize/overweight permit. A fee of $300 shall be charged for each annual oversize/overweight permit, payable prior to the issuance of the permit. Transfer of current annual oversize/overweight permit to a replacement vehicle may be allowed when the original vehicle has been damaged in an accident, junked or sold.
	511.5(3) All-systems permit. A fee of $120 shall be charged for each annual all-systems permit, payable prior to the issuance of the permit.
	511.5(4) Multitrip permit. A fee of $200 shall be charged for each multitrip permit, payable prior to the issuance of the permit. Additional routes will require a new permit.
	511.5(5) Single-trip permit. A fee of $10 shall be charged for each single-trip permit, payable prior to the issuance of the permit.
	511.5(6) Duplicate permit. A fee of $2 shall be charged for each duplicate permit, payable prior to the issuance of the permit.
	511.5(7) Registration fee. A registration fee shall be charged for vehicles transporting buildings, except mobile homes and factory-built structures, on a single-trip basis. The vehicle shall be registered for the combined gross weight of the vehicle and load. The fee shall be 5 cents per ton exceeding the weight registered under Iowa Code section 321.122 per mile of travel and shall be payable prior to the issuance of the permit. Fees shall not be prorated for fractions of miles.
	511.5(8) Fair and reasonable costs. Permit-issuing authorities may charge any permit applicant:
	a. 	A fair and reasonable cost for the removal and replacement of natural obstructions or official signs and signals.
	b. 	A fair and reasonable cost for measures necessary to avoid damage to public property including structures and bridges.
	511.5(9) Methods of payment.
	a. 	Fees and costs required under this chapter of rules shall normally be paid by certified check, cashier’s check, traveler’s check, bank draft or cash. Personal checks may be accepted at the discretion of the permit-issuing authority.
	b. 	At the discretion of the permit-issuing authority, a payment procedure may be established to allow monthly billing for permits. The following procedures shall apply:
	(1)	Applicants shall deposit sufficient funds with the permit-issuing authority to guarantee payment of fees for the average number of permits ordered monthly. Deposits may be used to pay outstanding fees due when payment is not received upon billing.
	(2)	Monthly billings shall be sent to account holders.
	(3)	All future permit activity may be suspended after written notice of suspension to the account holder when the following requirements are not met:
Payment shall be received within 30 days from the date of the billing.
All information listed on the account holder’s permit shall match the information listed on the permit-issuing authority’s permit.
	(4)	Account privileges may be permanently canceled after written notice to the account holder when the requirements listed in paragraph 511.5(9)“b” are not met.
	(5)	Any account holder in good standing may close the account and request return of the deposit. Accounts closed under these circumstances may be reopened.
This rule is intended to implement Iowa Code sections 321.12, 321.122, 321E.14, 321E.29 and 321E.29A.
761—511.6(321E) Insurance and bonds.
	511.6(1) Insurance.
	a. 	Public liability insurance in the amounts of $100,000 bodily injury each person, $200,000 bodily injury each occurrence, and $50,000 property damage with an expiration date to cover the tenure of the annual, annual oversize/overweight, all-systems, multitrip or single-trip permit shall be required. In lieu of filing with the permit-issuing authority, a copy of the current certificate of public liability insurance in these amounts shall be carried in the vehicle for which the permit has been issued.
	b. 	Notwithstanding paragraph “a” of this subrule, a carrier may act as a self-insurer if an application for self-insurance is filed with and approved by the department.
	511.6(2) Bond.
	a. 	The permit-issuing authority may require the applicant to file a bond, certified check or other assurance in an amount sufficient to cover the reasonably anticipated cost of damage or loss to private property, either real or personal, likely to be caused by or arising out of the movement of the vehicle and load or to ensure compliance with permit provisions.
	b. 	The amount in the preceding paragraph may be reduced either in whole or in part by the applicant’s submission to the permit-issuing authority of written permission from an affected third party stating in substance that the third party either owns or has the right of exclusive possession and control over the affected property, does by the party’s signature consent to the move and that the applicant has in hand paid or secured the payment of the anticipated cost of loss or damage to the party’s property.
This rule is intended to implement Iowa Code section 321E.13.
761—511.7(321,321E) Annual permits. Annual permits are issued for indivisible vehicles or indivisible loads for travel when the dimensions of the vehicle or load exceed statutory limits but the weight is within statutory limits. Routing is subject to embargoed bridges and roads and posted speed limits. Annual permits are issued for the following:
	511.7(1) Vehicles with indivisible loads, including construction machinery, mobile homes and factory-built structures, provided the following are not exceeded:
	a. 	Width. 12 feet 5 inches including appurtenances.
	b. 	Length. 120 feet 0 inches overall.
	c. 	Height. 13 feet 10 inches.
	d. 	Weight. See rule 511.12(321,321E).
	e. 	Distance. Movement is allowed for unlimited distance; routing through the office of motor carrier services is not required.
	511.7(2) Vehicles with indivisible loads, including construction machinery, mobile homes and factory-built structures, provided the following are not exceeded:
	a. 	Width. 14 feet 6 inches.
	b. 	Length. 120 feet 0 inches overall.
	c. 	Height. 15 feet 5 inches.
	d. 	Weight. See rule 511.12(321,321E).
	e. 	Distance. Movement is restricted to 50 miles unless trip routes are obtained from the office of motor carrier services or the route continues on at least four-lane roads. Trip routes are valid for five days.
	511.7(3) Vehicles with indivisible loads, including construction machinery, mobile homes and factory-built structures, provided the following are not exceeded:
	a. 	Width. 16 feet 0 inches.
	b. 	Length. 120 feet 0 inches.
	c. 	Height. 15 feet 5 inches.
	d. 	Weight. See rule 761—511.12(321,321E).
	e. 	Distance. Trip routes must be obtained from the office of motor carrier services.
	511.7(4) Rescinded IAB 1/23/02, effective 2/27/02.
	511.7(5) Truck trailers manufactured or assembled in the state of Iowa provided the following are met:
	a. 	Width. Not to exceed 10 feet 0 inches.
	b. 	Length. Overall combination length must comply with Iowa Code section 321.457.
	c. 	Height. Statutory: Not to exceed 13 feet 6 inches.
	d. 	Weight. See rule 511.12(321,321E).
	e. 	Speed. Rescinded IAB 2/7/01, effective 3/14/01.
	f. 	Roadway width. At least 24 feet 0 inches.
	g. 	Limited movement. Movement shall be solely for the purpose of delivery or transfer from the point of manufacture or assembly to another point of manufacture or assembly within the state or to a point outside the state and shall be on the most direct route necessary for the movement.
	511.7(6) Vehicles with divisible loads of hay, straw or stover provided the following are not exceeded:
	a. 	Width. 12 feet 5 inches.
	b. 	Length. Must comply with Iowa Code section 321.457.
	c. 	Height. Statutory: 13 feet 6 inches.
	d. 	Weight. See rule 511.12(321,321E).
	e. 	Distance. Unlimited.
This rule is intended to implement Iowa Code sections 321.454, 321.456, 321.457, 321.463, 321E.1, 321E.2, 321E.10, 321E.28, 321E.29 and 321E.29A and Iowa Code Supplement section 321E.8 as amended by 2002 Iowa Acts, Senate File 2192, section 36.
761—511.8(321,321E) Annual oversize/overweight permits. Annual oversize/overweight permits are issued for indivisible vehicles or indivisible loads for travel when either the dimensions or the weight or both the dimensions and the weight exceed statutory limits. Travel is not allowed on the interstate. However, a carrier moving under this annual oversize/overweight permit may operate under the same restrictions as an annual permit under rule 511.7(321,321E) when the vehicle meets the dimensions required by that rule. Routing is subject to embargoed bridges and roads and posted speed limits. Annual oversize/overweight permits are issued for the following:
	511.8(1) Vehicles with indivisible loads, including construction machinery, mobile homes and factory-built structures, provided the following are not exceeded:
	a. 	Width. 13 feet 5 inches.
	b. 	Length. 120 feet 0 inches.
	c. 	Height. 15 feet 5 inches.
	d. 	Weight. See rule 511.12(321,321E).
	e. 	Routing. The owner or operator shall select a route using a vertical clearance map, kip map, bridge embargo map and detour and road embargo map provided by the department. Detour and road embargo information may also be found on the Internet at www.511ia.com. The owner or operator shall contact the department by telephone at 1-800-925-6469 between 8 a.m.	and 4 p.m., Monday through Thursday, except for legal holidays or at any other time at (515)237-3206 prior to making the move to verify that the owner or operator is using the most recent information.
	511.8(2) Reserved.
This rule is intended to implement Iowa Code sections 321.454, 321.456, 321.457, 321.463, 321E.1, 321E.2, 321E.28 and Iowa Code Supplement section 321E.8 as amended by 2002 Iowa Acts, Senate File 2192, section 36.
761—511.9(321,321E) All-systems permits. All-systems permits are issued by the office of motor carrier services for indivisible vehicles or indivisible loads for travel on the primary road system and specified city streets and county roads when the dimensions of the vehicle or load exceed statutory limits but the weight is within statutory limits. Routing is subject to embargoed bridges and roads and posted speed limits. The office of motor carrier services will provide a list of the authorized city streets and county roads. These permits are issued for the following:
	511.9(1) Vehicles with indivisible loads, including construction machinery, mobile homes and factory-built structures, provided the following are not exceeded:
	a. 	Width. 12 feet 5 inches including appurtenances.
	b. 	Length. 120 feet 0 inches overall.
	c. 	Height. 13 feet 10 inches.
	d. 	Weight. See rule 511.12(321,321E).
	e. 	Distance. Movement is allowed for unlimited distance; routing through the office of motor carrier services and city and county jurisdictions is not required.
	511.9(2) Vehicles with indivisible loads, including construction machinery, mobile homes and factory-built structures, provided the following are not exceeded:
	a. 	Width. 14 feet 6 inches.
	b. 	Length. 120 feet 0 inches overall.
	c. 	Height. 15 feet 5 inches.
	d. 	Weight. See rule 511.12(321,321E).
	e. 	Distance. Movement is restricted to 50 miles unless trip routes are obtained from the office of motor carrier services and city and county jurisdictions or the route continues on at least four-lane roads. Trip routes are valid for five days.
	511.9(3) Vehicles with indivisible loads, including construction machinery, mobile homes and factory-built structures, provided the following are not exceeded:
	a. 	Width. 16 feet 0 inches.
	b. 	Length. 120 feet 0 inches.
	c. 	Height. 15 feet 5 inches.
	d. 	Weight. See rule 511.12(321,321E).
	e. 	Distance. Trip routes must be obtained from the office of motor carrier services and city and county jurisdictions.
	511.9(4) Rescinded IAB 1/23/02, effective 2/27/02.
	511.9(5) Truck trailers manufactured or assembled in the state of Iowa provided the following are met:
	a. 	Width. Not to exceed 10 feet 0 inches.
	b. 	Length. Overall combination length must comply with Iowa Code section 321.457.
	c. 	Height. Statutory: Not to exceed 13 feet 6 inches.
	d. 	Weight. See rule 511.12(321,321E).
	e. 	Speed. Rescinded IAB 2/7/01, effective 3/14/01.
	f. 	Roadway width. At least 24 feet 0 inches.
	g. 	Limited movement. Movement shall be solely for the purpose of delivery or transfer from the point of manufacture or assembly to another point of manufacture or assembly within the state or to a point outside the state and shall be on the most direct route necessary for the movement.
	511.9(6) Vehicles with divisible loads of hay, straw or stover provided the following are not exceeded:
	a. 	Width. 12 feet 5 inches.
	b. 	Length. Must comply with Iowa Code section 321.457.
	c. 	Height. Statutory: 13 feet 6 inches.
	d. 	Weight. See rule 511.12(321,321E).
	e. 	Distance. Movement is allowed for unlimited distance; routing through the office of motor carrier services and city and county jurisdictions is not required.
	511.9(7) Necessary trip routes must be obtained from the appropriate city and county jurisdictions.
This rule is intended to implement Iowa Code sections 321.454, 321.456, 321.457, 321.463, 321E.1, 321E.2, 321E.10, 321E.28 and 321E.29 and Iowa Code Supplement section 321E.8 as amended by 2002 Iowa Acts, Senate File 2192, section 36.
761—511.10(321,321E) Multitrip permits. Multitrip permits are issued for indivisible vehicles or indivisible loads for travel when either the dimensions or the weight or both the dimensions and the weight exceed statutory limits. The permit shall be for specific routes between points of origin and destination. Multitrip permits are issued for the following:
	511.10(1) Multitrip permits may be issued for vehicles with indivisible loads, including construction machinery, mobile homes and factory-built structures, provided the following are not exceeded:
	a. 	Width. 16 feet.
	b. 	Length. 120 feet.
	c. 	Height. Limited only to the height of underpasses, bridges, power lines, and other established height restrictions. The carrier shall be required to contact affected public utilities when the height of the vehicle with load exceeds 16 feet 0 inches. At the discretion of the permit-issuing authority, a written verification may be required from the affected utility.
	d. 	Weight. 156,000 pounds total gross weight.
	e. 	Distance. On routes specified by the permit-issuing authority.
	511.10(2) Multitrip permits may be issued for all movements allowed under the single-trip permit provisions of rule 511.11(321,321E) provided the movement is within the size and weight limitations of subrule 511.10(1).
	511.10(3) The dimensions listed on the permit are considered maximums. The movement is legal as long as the vehicle and load do not exceed these dimensions and the movement meets all other requirements of Iowa Code chapter 321E and this chapter of rules.
This rule is intended to implement Iowa Code sections 321.454, 321.456, 321.457, 321.463, 321E.1, 321E.2, 321E.9A and 321E.28.
761—511.11(321,321E) Single-trip permits. Single-trip permits are issued for indivisible vehicles or indivisible loads for travel when either the dimensions or the weight or both the dimensions and the weight exceed statutory limits. The permit shall be for a specific route between an origin and destination. Single-trip permits are issued for the following:
	511.11(1) Vehicles with indivisible loads, including construction machinery, mobile homes and factory-built structures, provided the following are not exceeded:
	a. 	Width. 14 feet 0 inches.
	b. 	Length. 80 feet 0 inches overall.
	c. 	Height. Limited only to the height of underpasses, bridges, power lines, and other established height restrictions. The carrier shall be required to contact affected public utilities when the height of the vehicle with load exceeds 16 feet 0 inches. At the discretion of the permit-issuing authority, a written verification may be required from the affected utility.
	d. 	Weight. See rule 511.12(321,321E).
	e. 	Distance. Unlimited distance over specified routes.
	511.11(2) Rescinded IAB 4/28/93, effective 6/2/93.
	511.11(3) Vehicles with indivisible loads, including construction machinery, mobile homes and factory-built structures, provided the following are not exceeded:
	a. 	Width. 40 feet 0 inches overall.
	b. 	Length. 120 feet 0 inches overall.
	c. 	Height. Limited only to the height of underpasses, bridges, power lines, and other established height restrictions. The carrier shall be required to contact affected public utilities when the height of the vehicle with load exceeds 16 feet 0 inches. At the discretion of the permit-issuing authority, a written verification may be required from the affected utility.
	d. 	Weight. See rule 511.12(321,321E).
	e. 	Distance. Limited at the discretion of the permit-issuing authority. The following factors shall be considered:
Road conditions; road width; traffic volume; weather conditions; and roadside obstructions, including bridges, signs and overhead obstructions.
	511.11(4) Vehicles especially designed for the movement of grain bins and vehicles with indivisible loads, including construction machinery, mobile homes and factory-built structures, provided the following are not exceeded:
	a. 	Width. Must comply with Iowa Code section 321.454.
	b. 	Length. 120 feet 0 inches overall.
	c. 	Height. Statutory: 13 feet 6 inches.
	d. 	Weight. See rule 511.12(321,321E).
	e. 	Distance. Unlimited distance over specified routes.
	511.11(5) Vehicles with divisible loads of hay, straw or stover provided the following are not exceeded:
	a. 	Width. 12 feet 5 inches.
	b. 	Length. Must comply with Iowa Code section 321.457.
	c. 	Height. Statutory: 13 feet 6 inches.
	d. 	Weight. See rule 511.12(321,321E).
	e. 	Distance. Unlimited.
This rule is intended to implement Iowa Code sections 321.454, 321.456, 321.457, 321.463, 321E.1, 321E.2, 321E.9, 321E.28 and 321E.29.
761—511.12(321,321E) Maximum axle weights and maximum gross weights for vehicles and loads moved under permit.
	511.12(1) Annual and all-systems permits.
	a. 	For movement under an annual or all-systems permit, the axle weight and combined gross weight shall not exceed the limits found in Iowa Code section 321.463.
	b. 	See subrule 511.12(5) for exceptions for construction machinery.
	511.12(2) Annual oversize/overweight permits.
	a. 	For movement under an annual oversize/overweight permit, the gross weight on any axle shall not exceed 20,000 pounds, with a maximum of 156,000 pounds total gross weight.
	b. 	See subrule 511.12(5) for exceptions for construction machinery.
	511.12(3) Multitrip permits.
	a. 	For movement under a multitrip permit, the gross weight on any axle shall not exceed 20,000 pounds with a maximum of 156,000 pounds total gross weight.
	b. 	See subrule 511.12(5) for exceptions for construction machinery.
	511.12(4) Single-trip permits.
	a. 	For movement under a single-trip permit, the gross weight on any axle shall not exceed 20,000 pounds.
	b. 	If the combined gross weight exceeds 100,000 pounds, a single-trip permit may be issued for the movement only if the permit-issuing authority determines that it would not cause undue damage to the road and is in the best interest of the public.
	c. 	Cranes may have a maximum of 24,000 pounds per axle for movement under a single-trip permit. Routes must be reviewed by the permit-issuing authority prior to issuance.
	d. 	See subrule 511.12(5) for exceptions for construction machinery.
	511.12(5) Construction machinery. Construction machinery may have a gross weight of 36,000 pounds on any single axle equipped with minimum size 26.5-inch by 25-inch flotation pneumatic tires and a maximum gross weight of 20,000 pounds on any single axle equipped with minimum size 18-inch by 25-inch flotation pneumatic tires, provided that the total gross weight of the vehicle or a combination of vehicles does not exceed a maximum of 80,000 pounds for movement under an annual or all-systems permit and 126,000 pounds for movement under a single-trip, multitrip or annual oversize/overweight permit.
For tire sizes and weights allowed between the maximum and minimum indicated, the following formula shall apply: Axle weight = 20,000 pounds + (tire width - 18) × 1,882 pounds.
This rule is intended to implement Iowa Code sections 321.463, 321E.7, 321E.9, 321E.9A and 321E.32 and Iowa Code Supplement section 321E.8 as amended by 2002 Iowa Acts, Senate file 2192, section 36.
761—511.13(321,321E) Movement of vehicles with divisible loads exceeding statutory size or weight limits.
	511.13(1) Vehicles with divisible loads exceeding statutory size or weight limits may be moved under a single-trip permit if the permit-issuing authority determines that a special or emergency situation warrants its issuance.
	511.13(2) At the discretion of the permit-issuing authority, the combined gross weight may exceed the statutory weight, but the axle weights shall be subject to rule 511.12(321,321E).
	511.13(3) Movement shall be subject to the routes established by the permit-issuing authority.
	511.13(4) This rule does not apply to divisible loads of hay, straw or stover.
This rule is intended to implement Iowa Code sections 321.463 and 321E.29.
761—511.14(321E) Towing units. The towing unit shall be a truck or truck tractor with dual wheels and with a gross vehicle weight rating of at least 10,000 pounds when towing mobile homes or loads exceeding 10,000 pounds.
This rule is intended to implement Iowa Code section 321.457.
761—511.15(321E) Escorting.
	511.15(1) Escort qualification. An escort shall be a person aged 18 or over who possesses a Class A, B, C or D driver’s license which allows driving unaccompanied, has a properly equipped vehicle, and who carries proof of public liability insurance in the amounts of $100,000/$200,000/$50,000.
	511.15(2) Escorting responsibilities.
	a. 	The escorting vehicle shall be a mid-size automobile or motor truck with sufficient mobility to be able to assist in an emergency and designed to afford clear and unobstructed vision both front and rear. In questionable cases the permit-issuing authority shall determine if a vehicle meets these conditions.
	b. 	The escorting vehicle shall have an amber revolving light at least 7 inches high and 7 inches in diameter with at least a 100-candlepower lamp providing 360° warning. A light of smaller dimensions shall not be permitted unless a strobe light is used. While escorting a permit load, the revolving light shall be mounted on top of the escort vehicle and shall be burning. Additional escort vehicle markings may be approved or required by the permit-issuing authority.
	c. 	An 18-inch by 18-inch red or orange fluorescent flag shall be mounted on each corner of the front bumper of the escort vehicle.
	d. 	The escort shall remain a distance of approximately 300 feet in front or to the rear of the load. However, when traveling within the corporate limits of a city, the escort shall maintain a reasonable and proper distance consistent with existing traffic conditions.
	e. 	A separate escort shall be provided for each load hauled under escort.
	f. 	All traffic laws and provisions of the oversize permit for the load shall be obeyed.
	g. 	The escort shall not assume responsibility for stopping traffic. An on-duty peace officer, as defined in Iowa Code section 321.1, shall be contacted to provide any traffic control needed.
	h. 	Immediately prior to an escorting trip, the escort shall determine that the escorting vehicle is in a safe operational condition and that the dimensions of the vehicle and load are in compliance with the permit issued.
	i. 	Escort fees charged by state and local authorities shall not exceed $250 per day per escort vehicle.
	j. 	A pole used for measuring vertical clearances shall be mounted on the escort vehicle. The escort shall be required to measure all vertical clearances whenever the height of the permitted vehicle exceeds 14 feet 4 inches up to and including 20 feet.
	511.15(3)  Requirements for escorts, flags, signs and lights. The following chart explains the minimum escort and warning devices required for vehicles operating under permit.
Minimum Warning Devices and Escort Requirements
For Vehicles Operating Under Permit

 	Flags/Signs	Lights	Escorts	
 	 	 	4-Lane	2-Lane	
Length						
75′1″ up to and including 85′	<fo:wrapper font-size="7pt" font-family="'Arial Unicode MS'">✓</fo:wrapper>	not required	not required	not required	 	
Over 85′ up to and including 120′	<fo:wrapper font-size="7pt" font-family="'Arial Unicode MS'">✓</fo:wrapper>	<fo:wrapper font-size="7pt" font-family="'Arial Unicode MS'">✓</fo:wrapper>	not required	not required	 	
Over 120′	<fo:wrapper font-size="7pt" font-family="'Arial Unicode MS'">✓</fo:wrapper>	not required	rear	rear	 	
Projections						
Front: over 25′	not required	<fo:wrapper font-size="7pt" font-family="'Arial Unicode MS'">✓</fo:wrapper>	not required	not required	 	
Rear: over 4′ up to and including 10′	flags only	not required	not required	not required	 	
Rear: over 10′	flags only	<fo:wrapper font-size="7pt" font-family="'Arial Unicode MS'">✓</fo:wrapper>	not required	not required	 	
Height						
Over 14′4″ up to and including 20′	<fo:wrapper font-size="7pt" font-family="'Arial Unicode MS'">✓</fo:wrapper>	not required	front with a height pole	front with a height pole	
Weight						
Over 80,000 lbs.	not required	<fo:wrapper font-size="7pt" font-family="'Arial Unicode MS'">✓</fo:wrapper>	not required	not required	 	
Width				Lane Width
Less than 12′	Lane Width
12′ and more	
Over 8′6″ up to half the roadway	<fo:wrapper font-size="7pt" font-family="'Arial Unicode MS'">✓</fo:wrapper>	not required	not required	not required	not required	
Over half the roadway, up to and including 14′6″	 	 	 	 	 	
with sufficient shoulders	<fo:wrapper font-size="7pt" font-family="'Arial Unicode MS'">✓</fo:wrapper>	not required	rear <fo:wrapper font-size="8pt">*</fo:wrapper>	front	front <fo:wrapper font-size="8pt">*</fo:wrapper>	
without sufficient shoulders	<fo:wrapper font-size="7pt" font-family="'Arial Unicode MS'">✓</fo:wrapper>	not required	rear <fo:wrapper font-size="8pt">*</fo:wrapper>	front	front	
Over 14′6″ up to and including 16′6″	<fo:wrapper font-size="7pt" font-family="'Arial Unicode MS'">✓</fo:wrapper>	not required	rear <fo:wrapper font-size="8pt">*</fo:wrapper>	front	front	
Over 16′6″ up to and including 18′	<fo:wrapper font-size="7pt" font-family="'Arial Unicode MS'">✓</fo:wrapper>	not required	rear	front	front	
*In lieu of an escort, a carrier can display an amber light or strobe light on the power unit and on the rear extremity of the vehicle or load.
✓Required
Definitions:
Flags - Red or orange fluorescent flags at least 18″ square must be mounted as follows: one flag at each front corner of the towing unit and one flag at each rear corner of the load. In addition, there must be a flag at any additional protrusion in the width of the load.
Signs - A sign reading “Oversize Load” must be used. The sign must be at least 18″ high by 7′ long with a minimum of 12″ black letters, with a 1 ½″ stroke, on a yellow background, and mounted on the front bumper and on the rear of the load. The rear sign for mobile homes and factory-built structures must be mounted at least 7′ above the highway surface, measuring from the bottom of the sign.
Lights - An amber revolving light must be at least 7″ high and 7″ in diameter with at least a 100-candlepower lamp providing 360° warning (or strobe light) mounted on the towing unit, visible from front and rear. More than one light may be necessary.
Sufficient Shoulder - A gravel or paved surface extending a minimum of 6′ beyond the edge of the roadway. (Roadways with sufficient shoulders will be identified by the department.)
The permit-issuing authority may require additional escorts when deemed necessary. The signs or warning devices must be removed or covered when the vehicle is within legal dimensions.
This rule is intended to implement Iowa Code sections 321E.14, 321E.24 and 321E.34.
761—511.16(321,321E) Permit violations.
	511.16(1) Permit violations are to be reported to the permit-issuing authority by the arresting officer and the permit holder. If a permit holder is found to have willfully violated permit provisions, the office of motor carrier services may, after notice and hearing, suspend, modify or revoke the permit privileges of the permit holder consistent with Iowa Code section 321E.20.
	511.16(2) Rescinded IAB 1/15/97, effective 4/30/97.
	511.16(3) Rescinded IAB 1/15/97, effective 4/30/97.
	511.16(4) Rescinded IAB 10/12/05, effective 11/16/05.
This rule is intended to implement Iowa Code sections 321.492, 321E.16 and 321E.20.
[Filed February 5, 1969; amended May 1, 1969, October 14, 1969,
April 30, 1970, October 15, 1971, April 15, 1974, December 4, 1974,
May 14, 1975; transferred to Department of Transportation, July 1, 1975]
[Filed 5/26/76, Notice 4/5/76—published 6/14/76, effective 7/19/76]
[Filed 9/16/77, Notice 7/13/77—published 10/5/77, effective 11/9/77]
[Filed 9/8/78, Notice 7/26/78—published 10/4/78, effective 11/8/78]
[Filed emergency 6/21/79—published 7/11/79, effective 6/21/79]
[Filed emergency 9/20/79—published 10/17/79, effective 9/20/79]
[Filed 1/28/80, Notice 12/12/79—published 2/20/80, effective 3/26/80]
[Filed emergency 2/14/80 after Notice 12/12/79—published 3/5/80, effective 3/26/80]
[Filed 6/2/81, Notice 4/15/81—published 6/24/81, effective 7/29/81]
[Filed 12/2/81, Notice 9/30/81—published 12/23/81, effective 1/27/82]
[Filed 12/16/82, Notice 10/27/82—published 1/5/83, effective 2/9/83]
[Filed emergency 3/31/83—published 4/27/83, effective 3/31/83]
[Filed 12/11/85, Notice 10/23/85—published 1/1/86, effective 2/5/86]
[Filed 5/11/87, Notice 3/11/87—published 6/3/87, effective 7/8/87]
[Filed 5/13/87, Notice 3/25/87—published 6/3/87, effective 7/8/87]
[Filed emergency 3/26/92—published 4/15/92, effective 4/29/92]
[Filed 4/8/93, Notice 3/3/93—published 4/28/93, effective 6/2/93]1
[Filed emergency 7/8/94—published 8/3/94, effective 7/8/94]
[Filed 9/8/94, Notice 8/3/94—published 9/28/94, effective 11/2/94]
[Filed 3/5/97, Notice 1/15/97—published 3/26/97, effective 4/30/97]
[Filed emergency 6/26/97—published 7/16/97, effective 7/1/97]
[Filed 8/27/97, Notice 7/16/97—published 9/24/97, effective 10/29/97]
[Filed 1/16/01, Notice 11/29/00—published 2/7/01, effective 3/14/01]
[Filed 12/19/01, Notice 11/14/01—published 1/23/02, effective 2/27/02]
[Filed 9/11/02, Notice 7/10/02—published 10/2/02, effective 11/6/02]
[Filed 9/14/05, Notice 8/3/05—published 10/12/05, effective 11/16/05]
[Filed 12/13/06, Notice 11/8/06—published 1/3/07, effective 2/7/07]
[Filed 12/12/07, Notice 11/7/07—published 1/2/08, effective 2/6/08]
1	Effective date of 511.2(1), 511.4(1)“a,” 511.4(2)“a” and “b,” 511.5(1), 511.5(6)“b”(3), 511.7, 511.8, 511.9(1) to 511.9(5), 511.14(2)“g” and “i,” 511.14(3)“e,” delayed 70 days by the Administrative Rules Review Committee at its meeting held May 12, 1993; delay lifted by this Committee June 8, 1993, effective June 9, 1993.