HSB 46 (LSB 1220XD (2) 90)

SENATE/HOUSE FILE _____

BY  (PROPOSED DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION BILL)

A BILL FOR

An Act relating to single-trip permits for vehicles of excessive size and weight during special or emergency situations.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF IOWA:

    Section 1.  Section 321E.9, subsection 2, Code 2023, is amended to read as follows:
   2.  Vehicles with indivisible loads may be moved in special or emergency situations, provided the permit-issuing authority has reviewed the route and has approved the movement of the vehicle and load.
   a.  The permit-issuing authority may impose any special restrictions on movements as deemed necessary or exempt movements from the restrictions of section sections 321E.7, 321E.11, and 321E.32 by permit under this subsection.
   b.  When the department determines a special or emergency situation exists, the combined gross weight or gross weight on any one axle or group of axles on a vehicle or combination of vehicles issued a permit under this subsection may exceed the maximum weights specified in section 321.463, subject to the limits and routes established by the permit-issuing authority.
EXPLANATION
The inclusion of this explanation does not constitute agreement with
the explanation’s substance by the members of the general assembly.
   Under current law, the department of transportation (DOT) and local authorities are authorized to issue permits for the movement of vehicles that exceed the dimensions and weight limits established in Code chapter 321 (motor vehicles and law of the road). One such authorization allows the DOT and local authorities to issue single-trip permits for vehicles with indivisible loads to be moved during special or emergency situations. Vehicles operating under such a permit may have a maximum load of 20,000 pounds per axle (Code section 321.463(3)), or 46,000 pounds on a single tandem axle of a truck tractor, trailer, or semitrailer if each axle of each tandem group has at least four tires (Code section 321E.7(1)(e)). The fee for a single-trip permit is $35. The permit-issuing authority has discretion to impose any necessary special restrictions on movements or exempt movements from date and time restrictions established under Code section 321E.11.
   This bill authorizes the DOT and local authorities to also exempt holders of such permits from load limits per axle (Code section 321E.7) and axle calculations based on the use of certain dolly axles (Code section 321E.32). When the DOT determines a special or emergency situation exists, the bill also authorizes the combined gross weight or gross weight on any one axle or group of axles to exceed the limits established in Code section 321.463, subject to the limits and routes established by the single-trip permit-issuing authority.