14-61.0017. Regulations Covering the Operation and Safety of Turnpike Tandems

(1) Driver Requirements.

(a) All drivers of Turnpike Tandems must have a current Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) with an endorsement for double trailers consistent with the provisions of section 322.57, F.S.

(b) All drivers of Turnpike Tandems and all other individuals or companies operating Turnpike Tandems must comply with section 316.302, F.S., except that driver exemptions for farm vehicle drivers as set forth in 49 C.F.R. 391.67 shall not apply to drivers of Turnpike Tandems.

(c) All drivers of Turnpike Tandems must have a minimum of five years experience driving truck tractor semi-trailer combinations.

(d) A driver of a Turnpike Tandem must have had no suspension or revocation of driving privileges in any state or province during the past three years where such suspension arose out of operations of a commercial motor vehicle.

(2) Overall Length, Height, and Width.

(a) All overdimensional vehicles must comply with rule chapter 14-26, F.A.C., unless specifically excluded under the provisions of this rule chapter.

(b) The overall cargo carrying length of a Turnpike Tandem, as measured from the front of the first trailer to the rear of the second trailer including, the interval between the two trailers, shall not exceed 106 feet.

(c) Turnpike Tandems shall not exceed 13 feet 6 inches in height or 8 feet 6 inches in width.

(3) Weight and Axle Requirements.

(a) All overweight rules of section 316.535, F.S., shall apply to Turnpike Tandems unless specifically excluded under the provisions of this rule chapter.

(b) The maximum gross weight of the truck tractor and the first trailer of a Turnpike Tandem shall not exceed 80,000 pounds.

(c) The maximum gross weight of the dolly and second trailer of a Turnpike Tandem shall not exceed the lesser of:

1. 67,000 pounds, or

2. The weight provisions of the State’s outer bridge formula set forth in section 316.535(5), F.S., as measured between the center of the foremost axle of the dolly and the rearmost axle of the second trailer.

(d) In the event that a Turnpike Tandem is composed of trailers of unequal gross weight, the heavier of the two shall be used as the lead trailer.

(e) The gross weight limits described in chapter 316, F.S., may be exceeded with a valid Turnpike Tandem Permit issued by the Turnpike Enterprise for a maximum gross weight not to exceed 147,000 pounds.

(f) A minimum of five load bearing axles are required unless stated otherwise in a valid Turnpike Tandem Permit issued by the Turnpike Enterprise.

(4) Tractor Requirements.

(a) A tractor used to haul trailers in a Turnpike Tandem configuration shall be capable of traveling at a speed of not less than 50 mph on all portions of the turnpike system, regardless of grade.

(b) A tractor used to haul trailers in a Turnpike Tandem configuration shall be capable of hauling the maximum gross weight authorized by the permit. The maximum gross weight to be hauled with a Turnpike Tandem Permit is 147,000 pounds.

(5) Tire Requirements.

(a) Each axle on a Turnpike Tandem must have tires of the same size and construction. Tires must be properly inflated for the load to be carried. In no event shall any tire, wheel, or rim exceed the manufacturer’s maximum load-carrying limit.

(b) A vehicle equipped with dual tires may have the dual tires replaced by a single tire so long as the vehicle, axle, and tire load ratings are not exceeded.

(c) No tire may exceed 550 pounds per inch of tire section width as defined by the rating molded in the tire sidewall. For example, a designation of 445/50R22.5 designates a tire section width of 445 mm (17.5 inches).

(6) Brake Regulations.

(a) Every Turnpike Tandem shall be equipped with full air brakes or air activated hydraulic brakes on the tractor and either air or electric brakes on the dolly and trailers. All brakes shall equal or exceed both the equipment requirements and the performance standards cited in chapter 316, F.S.

(b) The brakes on any vehicle or combination of vehicles, used in Turnpike Tandem operations shall be adequate to control the movement of, and to stop and hold, such vehicle, or combination of vehicles, and meet the general requirements of the provisions of the Florida Uniform Traffic Control Law, section 316.262, F.S.

(7) Converter Dolly Requirements.

(a) A converter (fifth-wheel) dolly used in Turnpike Tandem operations may have either a single or a double axle, according to its total gross weight. In addition to the tow bar(s), the dolly vehicle must be equipped with safety chains or cables for connecting the dolly to the trailer and adequate to prevent breakaway.

(b) When the distance between the rear of the first trailer and the front of the second trailer is 10 feet or more, the dolly shall be equipped with a device, or the trailers shall be connected along the sides with suitable material to alert other motorists that the trailers are connected and are in effect one unit.

(8) Inspection by Driver.

After all the component vehicles in a Turnpike Tandem are completely hooked up and prior to the departure of the unit from the assembly area, the driver or a mechanic shall inspect the tandem unit to ensure that each item is in proper operating condition.

(9) Coupling Devices/Hitch Connections.

(a) Vehicles in a Turnpike Tandem shall be designed, constructed, and connected as to ensure that shifting or swerving from side to side will not exceed two inches to each side of the path of the towing vehicle when it is moving in a straight line.

(b) All coupling devices/hitch connections shall be of a no-slack type which must be visible and operating. All drawbars, pickup plates, and fifth wheels must be rated to exceed the weight carried. Any kingpin must be rated to exceed the weight carried. Any kingpin must be solid and must be permanently fastened.

(10) Staging.

(a) Turnpike Tandems shall be coupled and decoupled only in designated staging areas when operating on the Turnpike System. All movement across traffic while entering or leaving a staging area shall be made using extreme caution.

(b) Permitees shall assume all responsibility for their vehicles and equipment, as well as the contents thereof, while such vehicles and equipment are in a staging area.

(c) Equipment may be parked in the staging area for no longer than eight (8) hours. Staging areas will be closed when equipment cannot be safely stored due to adverse weather or other hazardous conditions.

(d) Tractors, trailers and dollys parked in the Turnpike System staging areas must display valid decals in accordance with subsection 14-61.0016(5), F.A.C. at all times.

(11) Passing. A Turnpike Tandem may pass another vehicle traveling in the same direction only if the speed differential will allow the Turnpike Tandem to complete the maneuver and return to the normal driving lane within a distance of one mile and be performed within the posted speed limit. Turnpike Tandems must stay in the right lane, or those lanes designated for travel by posted signs, unless they are in the act of passing.

(12) Operations under Hazardous Conditions.

(a) Drivers of Turnpike Tandems shall exercise extreme caution and reduce speed when hazardous conditions exist, such as fog, smoke, dust, mist, or rain.

(b) The Turnpike Enterprise, Florida Highway Patrol, or their respective staffs, may restrict or prohibit operations during periods when traffic, weather, or other safety conditions make such operations unsafe or inadvisable.

Rulemaking Authority 316.515(12), 316.611, 334.044(2), 338.239 FS. Law Implemented 316.515(12), 338.239 FS. History–New 11-5-09, Amended 12-5-18.