To provide consistency in permitting of overweight and overdimensional vehicles traveling on state roads.

 

DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

RULE NOS.:RULE TITLES:

14-26.0041Definitions and Terms

14-26.00411Procedure for Issuance of Permits

14-26.008Schedule of Fees

14-26.012Movement Conditions and Restrictions

14-26.015Penalties

PURPOSE AND EFFECT: To provide consistency in permitting of overweight and overdimensional vehicles traveling on state roads.

SUMMARY: Clarifies the responsibility of the permittee to survey the route before travel, eliminates weekend travel restrictions, provides a three month route specific permit option, increases the maximum towed length of a manufactured home to 120 feet, and allows for nighttime travel with an escort between the Alabama state line and the Pensacola weigh station.

SUMMARY OF STATEMENT OF ESTIMATED REGULATORY COSTS AND LEGISLATIVE RATIFICATION:

The Agency has determined that this will not have an adverse impact on small business or likely increase directly or indirectly regulatory costs in excess of $200,000 in the aggregate within one year after the implementation of the rule. A SERC has not been prepared by the Agency.

The Agency has determined that the proposed rule is not expected to require legislative ratification based on the statement of estimated regulatory costs or if no SERC is required, the information expressly relied upon and described herein: the proposed rule decreases regulatory requirements and provides a lower cost alternative to 12 month blanket permit.

Any person who wishes to provide information regarding a statement of estimated regulatory costs, or provide a proposal for a lower cost regulatory alternative must do so in writing within 21 days of this notice.

RULEMAKING AUTHORITY: 316.515, 316.550, 334.044(2), F.S.

LAW IMPLEMENTED: 316.228, 316.515, 316.516(4), 316.535, 316.550, F.S.

IF REQUESTED WITHIN 21 DAYS OF THE DATE OF THIS NOTICE, A HEARING WILL BE SCHEDULED AND ANNOUNCED IN THE FAR.

THE PERSON TO BE CONTACTED REGARDING THE PROPOSED RULE IS: Susan Schwartz, 605 Suwannee Street, Tallahassee, Fl 32399, [e-mail].

 

THE FULL TEXT OF THE PROPOSED RULE IS:

14-26.0041 Definitions and Terms.

All terms in this rule chapter shall have the same meaning as defined in Section 316.003, F.S., except that “Department” shall refer to the Department of Transportation. Additionally, the following terms are defined:

(1) through (5) No change.

(6) “Excluding Weekends and Holidays” means movement on Saturday and Sunday is limited to the period of time beginning one-half hour before sunrise and ending at 12:00 Noon, and is prohibited all day on New Year’s Day, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving, the day after Thanksgiving, and Christmas. If any of these holidays fall on Saturday, the preceding Friday shall also be observed as a holiday. If any of these holidays fall on a Sunday, the following Monday shall also be observed as a holiday.

(7) through (18) No change.

(19) “Multi-Trip Permit” or “blanket” or “annual permit” “or “Route Specific Blanket Permit” means authorization issued to allow multiple trips for a period not to exceed 12 months.

(20)  through (33) No change.

Rulemaking Authority 316.550(6), 334.044(2) FS. Law Implemented 316.515, 316.550 FS. History–New 9-15-87, Amended 7-21-91, 6-23-96, 11-10-98, 2-1-10, 10-4-10, 2-5-13, 8-23-16,                 .

 

14-26.00411 Procedure for Issuance of Permits.

(1) through (4) No change.

(5) The Department is responsible for verifying the load carrying capacity of the route (bridges and similar load bearing structures).  The applicant is responsible for verifying adequate vertical (height) and horizontal (length and width) clearances exist on route.   No movement shall be made under any permit until the route has been surveyed to verify that the route can accommodate the vehicle and load. A survey letter must be maintained with the load during movement and produced to law enforcement and weight inspectors upon request. The survey letter must be on the hauler’s letterhead and include a signed statement verifying that the route has been surveyed, and that clearances exceed the requested permitted dimension by a minimum of 6 inches for height greater than 15 feet and 2 feet on each side for width greater than 16 feet.  The surveyed route and the route shown on the permit must match. The Department is responsible for verifying the load carrying capacity of the route (bridges and similar load bearing structures). The applicant is responsible for verifying adequate vertical (height) and horizontal (length and width) clearance. Vehicles and loads with a height greater than 18 feet shall be surveyed by a qualified escort, as described in this rule chapter prior to any movement. Surveying a route prior to movement of the load does not exempt the hauler from being required to obtain a permit prior to any movement. In addition, applications for permits for vehicles and loads with a height greater than 18 feet and/or width greater than 22 feet shall be supported by a survey letter from the hauler. The survey letter must be on the hauler’s letterhead and include a signed statement verifying that the route has been surveyed, and that clearances exceed the requested permitted dimension by a minimum of 6 inches for height and 2 feet on each side for width. The survey letter must be maintained with the load during movement and produced to law enforcement and weight inspectors upon request. The surveyed route and the route shown on the application must be identical.

(6) No change.

Rulemaking Authority 316.550, 334.044(2) FS. Law Implemented 316.515, 316.535, 316.550 FS. History–New 8-26-82, Formerly 14-26.06, Amended 9-15-87, 7-21-91, 6-23-96, 11-10-98, Formerly 14-26.006, Amended 2-1-10, 10-4-10, 2-5-13, 8-23-16, 3-9-17,                  .

 

14-26.008 Schedule of Fees.

The following schedule of fees shall be charged by the Department for permits for overweight and/or overdimensional vehicles operating on state owned roadways and bridges:

TABLE 1A – SCHEDULE OF FEES FOR OVERDIMENSION PERMITS
			TRIP PERMIT 10 7 Days	MULTI-TRIP PERMITS 12 Months	ROUTE SPECIFIC MULTI-TRIP                        PERMIT 3 Months
(1) OVERDIMENSION
(a) Straight trucks and semi-truck-tractor-trailer.
Up to 12 feet wide, or up to 13 feet 6 inches high or up to 85 feet long.			$5.00	$20.00	$5.00
Up to 14 feet wide or up to 14 feet 6 inches high or up to 95 feet long.			$15.00	$150.00	$38.00
Up to 14 feet wide or up to 18 feet high or up to 120 feet long.			$25.00	$250.00	$63.00
Over 14 feet wide or over 18 feet high or over 120 feet long.			$25.00	NOT ISSUED	$125.00
(b) Overlength semi-trailers of legal width, height, and weight, which exceed 53 feet In Length up to 57 feet 6 inches in length or overlength semi-trailer with kingpin setting greater than 41 feet.			$10.00	$30.00	NOT ISSUED
(c) Truck crane or earth handling equipment moving under own power, up to 12 feet wide or 14 feet 6 inches high.			$15.00	$150.00	$38.00
*(d) Trailers or equipment towed with ball or pintle.
*Up to 10 feet wide or up to 13 feet 6 inches high or up to 80 feet long.			$5.00	$20.00	$5.00
*Up to 12 feet wide or up to 13 feet 6 inches high or up to 105 feet long.			$5.00	$330.00	$83.00
*Up to 14 feet wide or up to 14 feet 6 inches high or up to 105 feet long.			$15.00	$500.00	$125.00
Over 14 feet wide or over 14 feet 6 inches high or over 105 feet long.			$25.00	NOT ISSUED	$250.00
NOTE: All permitted dimensions (length, height, width) must be within limits shown for permit fee.
TABLE 1B – SCHEDULE OF FEES FOR OVERWEIGHT VEHICLES
	TRIP PERMIT 107 Days	MULTI-TRIP PERMITS 12 Months			ROUTE SPECIFIC MULTI-TRIP                       PERMITS 3 months
(2) OVERWEIGHT
*(a) Up to 95,000 pounds.	$0.27 Per Mile	**$240.00			$60.00
*(b) Up to 112,000 pounds.	$0.32 Per Mile	**$280.00			$70.00
*(c) Up to 122,000 pounds.	$0.36 Per Mile	**$310.00			$78.00
*(d) Up to 132,000 pounds.	$0.38 Per Mile	**$330.00			$83.00
*(e) Up to 142,000 pounds.	$0.42 Per Mile	**$360.00			$90.00
*(f) Up to 152,000 pounds.	$0.45 Per Mile	**$380.00			$95.00
*(g) Up to 162,000 pounds.	$0.47 Per Mile	**$400.00			$100.00
(h) Up to 199,000 pounds.	$0.003 Per 1,000 Pounds Per Mile	$500.00			$125.00
(i) Over 199,000 pounds.	$0.003 Per 1,000 Pounds Per Mile	NOT ISSUED			$250.00
(j) Containerized Cargo Unit.	$0.27 Per Mile	$500.00			$125.00
(k) Overall Wheel Base (Inner Bridge/External Bridge).	$10.00	$35.00			NOT ISSUED
(l) Implements of husbandry, farm equipment, agricultural trailers/products and forestry equipment (Local Moves Only).	$5.00	$17.00			NOT ISSUED
(3) SPECIAL PERMIT FEES
Transmission Fee	$5.00	NOT APPLICABLE			NOT APPLICABLE
*Dimensions greater than 12 feet wide or 13 feet 6 inches high or 85 feet long will have an additonal dimension fee with a combined fee of not to exceed $500.00. NOTE: For weights over 80,000 pounds [Items (2)(a) through (h) above], add an administrative cost of $3.33 for issuance of permit, which does not include the costs charged by wire services for their services. Permit fees shall be based on 25 mile increments rounded up to the nearest dollar. Example: A 112,000 pound load traveling 67.5 miles would cost (75 miles X $0.32) plus $3.33 = $27.33 rounded up to $28.00 in addition to the $5.00 transmission fee when applicable.

Rulemaking Authority 316.550, 334.044(2) FS. Law Implemented 316.550 FS. History–New 8-26-82, Formerly 14-26.01, Amended 12-6-83, Formerly 14-26.08, Amended 9-15-87, 7-21-91, 4-22-92, 3-1-94, 6-23-96, 11-10-98, 2-1-10, 10-4-10, 2-5-13, 8-23-16,               .

 

 

14-26.012 Movement Conditions and Restrictions.

(1) through (2) No Change

(3) Escort Vehicle and Equipment Requirements for Qualified Escorts.

(a) No change.

(b) On Board Equipment. During escort operations, all escort vehicles shall have on board the following equipment and such equipment shall be in working order:

1. through 7. No change.

8. For over height loads, the lead vehicle must have a height indicator, i.e., height pole, used to determine vertical clearance. This device must be manufactured of non-conductive non-conducive and non-destructive material and must be positioned at a height of at least 6 inches above the height of the load being escorted.

(4) through (6) No Change

(7) Width Limitations.

(a) No change.

(b) Vehicles over 10 feet up to 12 feet. When the criteria of Rule 14-26.00425, F.A.C., are met, trip or multi-trip permits shall be issued. Movement permitted daytime hours only, excluding weekends and holidays. Flags, warning signs, and warning lights are required. Except for local moves, this is the maximum width allowed on a straight truck.

(c) Vehicles over 12 feet up to 14 feet. When the criteria of Rule 14-26.00425, F.A.C., are met, trip or multi-trip permits shall be issued. Movement is permitted during daytime hours only, excluding weekends and holidays. Flags, warning signs, and warning lights are required. A minimum of one escort vehicle, with escort, is required at all times.

1. thrugh 4. No change.

(d) Vehicles over 14 feet up to 16 feet. When the criteria of Rule 14-26.00425, F.A.C., are met, trip permits only shall be issued. Movement is permitted daytime hours only, excluding weekends and holidays. Flags, warning signs, and warning lights are required. Two qualified escorts are required at all times during the move, one in the front and one in the rear of the load.

1. through 4. No change.

(e) No change.

(8) Height Limitations.

(a) No change.

(b) Vehicles over 14 feet 6 inches up to 16 feet. When the criteria of Rule 14-26.00425, F.A.C., are met, trip or multi-trip permits shall be issued. Movement is permitted daytime hours only, excluding weekends and holidays. Flags, warning signs, and warning lights are required. A minimum of two warning lights are required; one mounted on the front and one on the rear of the load. An escort vehicle with a vertical height indicator is required to precede the load at a distance which allows the permitted vehicle to take evasive actions when approaching overhead obstructions.

(c) Vehicles over 16 feet. When the criteria of Rule 14-26.00425, F.A.C., are met, trip or multi-trip permits shall be issued. Multi-trip permits shall be limited to vehicles up to 18 feet. Trip permit requests for movement of vehicles over 18 feet high will require an affidavit verifying the proposed route has clearance to accommodate the request height plus six inches. Movement is permitted during daytime hours only, excluding weekends and holidays. Flags, warning signs, and warning lights are required. A minimum of two warning lights are required with one mounted on the front and one on the rear of the load. In addition, movement is restricted to local moves only.

1. through 2. No change. 

(9) Length Limitations.

(a) No change.

(b) Vehicles over 80 feet. When the criteria of Rule 14-26.00425, F.A.C., are met, trip or multi-trip permits shall be issued. Movement is permitted during daytime hours only, excluding weekends and holidays. Flags, warning signs, and warning lights are required. A minimum of two warning lights are required to be mounted: one on the front and one on the rear of load.

1. through 5. No change.

6. Maximum length for a manufactured homes, modular units and portable buildings is 120 home, tractor combination is 105 feet provided the length of the towed housing does not exceed 81 feet, including all overhangs and tongue.

7. No change.

(c) Self-Propelled Equipment Length Limitations. When the criteria of Rule 14-26.00425, F.A.C., are met, trip or multi-trip permits shall be issued. For all self-propelled equipment, the boom must be fully retracted. Nightime movement requires that the front overhang has a minimum of 80 inches clearance above the roadway. In addition, no movement is allowed on limited access facilities with units designed for off road use. In addition, the following restrictions will apply:

1. No change.

2. Total Length over 80 feet. Movement is permitted daytime hours only, excluding weekends and holidays. Flags and warning signs are required. A warning light is required to be mounted at the extreme end of the protrusion in such a way as to be seen by all approaching traffic.

(10) No change.

(11) Designated Permits.

(a) through (f) No change.

(g) A vehicle operating under a valid permit with a law enforcement escort, may enter Florida at the Alabama Line on I-10 and proceed to the eastbound Pensacola Weigh Station or exit Florida at the Alabama Line on I-10 when leaving the westbound Pensacola Weigh Station during nighttime hours.

(g) Multi-trip permits will be issued for vehicles operating with a natural gas fueling system. These permits will be valid for 36 months and the hauler is responsible for producing a certification displaying the difference in weight between the natural gas fueling system and a comparable diesel fueling system when requested by law enforcement.

(12) No change.

Rulemaking Authority 316.515, 316.550, 334.044(2) FS. Law Implemented 316.228, 316.515, 316.550, 334.044(28) FS. History–New 8-26-82, Amended 12-6-83, Formerly 14-26.12, Amended 9-15-87, 5-2-90, 7-21-91, 6-23-96, 11-10-98, 2-1-10, 10-4-10, 2-5-13, 8-23-16, 3-9-17,                 .

 

14-26.015 Penalties.

(1) No change. 

(2) Null and Void Criteria. Any vehicle found to be operating under one or more of the following conditions shall be determined to be out of conformity with the provisions of the permit, in which case the vehicle is considered to be in non-compliance and the permit will be declared to be null and void for that vehicle for that trip. Penalties will be assessed as provided in Sections 316.516 and 316.545, F.S., and the vehicle must remain until the load is brought into compliance or a valid permit is obtained.

(a) through (k) No change.

(l) The vehicle permitted for operation with a natural gas fueling system, is being operated without certification of the weight difference between the natural gas fueling system and a comparable diesel fueling system. Penalty to be assessed for weight only.

Rulemaking Authority 316.550, 334.044(2) FS. Law Implemented 316.516(4), 316.550(8), (10) FS. History–New 6-23-96, Amended 11-10-98, 2-1-10, 10-4-10, 2-5-13, 8-23-16, 3-9-17,                    .

 

NAME OF PERSON ORIGINATING PROPOSED RULE: Rudy Powell, Director, Office of Maintenance

NAME OF AGENCY HEAD WHO APPROVED THE PROPOSED RULE: Mike Dew, Secretary

DATE PROPOSED RULE APPROVED BY AGENCY HEAD: February 6, 2018

DATE NOTICE OF PROPOSED RULE DEVELOPMENT PUBLISHED IN FAR: December 20, 2017