The following words and terms, when used in this chapter, shall have the following meanings, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.

"Group of axles" means all of the axles located under a vehicle or combination of vehicles.

"Gross weight limitation" means the maximum gross weight permitted for a vehicle or combination. The maximum permitted weight depends on the number of axles and on the distance between the center of the steering axle and the center of the extreme axle of the vehicle or combination. Permissible gross weights for vehicles without overload permits are set out in the table under 24VAC20-80-50 of this chapter.

"Overload permit" means a permit issued by representatives of the Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles, the State Corporation Commission and other authorized agents to allow Virginia and foreign based vehicles or combinations of vehicles to exceed the weight limitations otherwise applicable to such vehicles by a certain percentage specified in the permit.

"Registered gross weight" means the weight for which a vehicle or combination of vehicles is registered or licensed.

"Single axle" means an assembly of two or more wheels whose centers are in one transverse vertical plane or may be included between two parallel transverse vertical planes 40 inches apart, extending across the full width of the vehicle.

"Single axle weight" means the total weight transmitted to the road by all wheels whose centers may be included between two parallel transverse vertical planes 40 inches apart extending across the full width of the vehicle. The maximum single axle weight permitted for any vehicle or combination is 20,000 pounds, or 650 pounds per inch width of tire, measured in contact with the surface of the highway except where an overload permit has been obtained.

"Tandem axle" means any two or more consecutive axles whose centers are more than 40 inches apart but not more than 96 inches apart, and are individually attached to or articulated, or both, from a common attachment to the vehicle including a connection mechanism designed to equalize the load between axles.

"Tandem axle weight" means the total weight transmitted to the road by two or more consecutive axles whose centers may be included between parallel transverse vertical planes spaced more than 40 inches apart and not more than 96 inches apart, extending across the full width of the vehicle. The maximum tandem axle weight permitted for any vehicle or combination is 34,000 pounds (provided that no one axle of such tandem unit may exceed the weight permitted for a single axle), except where an overload permit has been obtained.

These regulations are made and promulgated pursuant to Chapters 1.1:1 and 1.2 of Title 9, and § 46.1-1128 and related sections of Title 46.2, of the Code of Virginia. In order to make them more complete and usable, they include portions of the pertinent statutes.

The Department of Motor Vehicles will receive, consider and respond to petitions by any interested person at any time with respect to the reconsideration or revision of this chapter.

These regulations apply to vehicle owners who desire to purchase an Overload Permit to allow their vehicles to exceed gross weight and axle weight limitations.

A. Overload Permits are issued for one-year periods and should be purchased annually at the time of vehicle registration. The Overload Permit may also be purchased at the time a quarterly vehicle registration is purchased; however, the entire Overload Permit fee is required, and the permit will be valid for one year.

B. The fee to transfer an Overload Permit is $2.00. Decals shall be removed from the vehicle and shall accompany the application for a new Overload Permit.

C. Overload Permits will be issued in the same name and for the same vehicle as the vehicle registration.

D. No refund of Overload Permit fees will be made.

E. The percentage of overload permitted and the cost of the Overload Permit for each percentage are as follows:

F. The Overload Permit authorizes the operation of the vehicle at weights which exceed the gross weight limitation, single axle weight limit, tandem axle weight limit, or the gross weight for which the vehicle is registered. However, in no case shall the permit allow a vehicle or combination of vehicles to exceed a gross weight of 80,000 pounds.

G. In addition to the extension of weight limitations authorized under subsection F of this section, an additional 5.0% overload shall be permitted for vehicles or combinations of vehicles which have a current Overload Permit and which are transporting Virginia-grown forest or farm products. The products must be in transit from the place where they are first produced, cut, harvested or felled to the location where they will be first processed. This additional extension of weight limitations shall apply to the gross weight limit, single axle weight limit, tandem axle weight limit, or the registered gross weight limit. However, in no case shall the Overload Permit allow a vehicle or combination of vehicles to exceed the gross weight limit plus the percentage of the permit purchased plus the 5.0% allowed under this section. In no case shall the permit allow a vehicle or combination of vehicles to exceed a maximum of 10% overload or to allow a vehicle or combination of vehicles to exceed 80,000 pounds gross weight.

H. No vehicle or combination of vehicles is currently authorized to travel upon a federal interstate highway with a single axle weight in excess of 20,000 pounds, a tandem axle weight in excess of 34,000 pounds, or a gross weight in excess of 80,000 pounds or in excess of the federal bridge formula as shown on the chart included in this chapter. Overload Permits do not allow vehicles to exceed those federal limitations, which remain in effect until modified by the proper authorities.

I. In order to purchase an Overload Permit, the owner of a power unit shall:

1. Request the permit from the Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles, the Virginia State Corporation Commission, or contract agents authorized by the Commissioner of the Department of Motor Vehicles;

2. Pay the appropriate fee for the desired percentage of permissible overload; and

3. Furnish, on an application supplied by the issuing agent, the following information for the power unit:

a. Make;

b. Identification number;

c. Current license plate number;

d. Expiration date;

e. State of issue; and

f. Registered gross weight.

J. The fee for an initial permit issued on a vehicle may be prorated to the month of the expiration of the vehicle license plates.

K. Overload Permits will be in the form of decals, issued in duplicate, and will indicate the percentage of overload purchased. The decals shall be placed on the vehicle in the following locations:

1. One decal shall be placed on the driver side adjacent to the SCC Permit.

2. The second decal shall be placed on the opposite side (passenger side) in the same approximate area as the first decal.

L. Expired decals shall be removed or destroyed.

The gross weight imposed upon the highway by a vehicle or combination may not exceed (except where an overload permit has been obtained and then only on noninterstate highways), the maximum weight shown below for the respective distance between the first and last axle of the group of axles measured longitudinally to the nearest foot.

Distance in Feet and the Maximum Weight in Pounds on Any Group of Axles

Overload Permit, VSA 145 (Rev. 2/94).

Overload Permit Fees Prorated, VSA 55 (Rev. 5/89).

Overload Permit Fees Prorated, Multi-Year (Rev. 5/89).

The following words and terms when used in this regulation shall have the following meanings unless the context clearly indicates otherwise:

"Automobile and watercraft transporters" means a tractor truck, lowboy, vehicle, or combination, including vehicles or combinations that transport motor vehicles or watercraft on their power unit, designed and used exclusively for the transportation of motor vehicles or watercraft.

"Commissioner" means the Commissioner of the Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles.

"DMV" means the Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles.

"Escort Vehicle Driver Certification" means a document issued by a state that signifies that the holder of the certification has successfully completed the issuing state's requirements to escort overdimensional vehicle configurations.

"Nondivisible load or vehicle" means a vehicle configuration exceeding applicable size or weight limits which, if separated into smaller loads, would:

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

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

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

"Nondivisible load or vehicle" can also be defined as in 23 CFR 658.5 (http://www.access.gpo.gov/nara/cfr/cfr-table-search.html).

"Off-centered load" means a transport vehicle's cargo is loaded so that there is no overhang on driver's side of the transport vehicle and overhang on the passenger side load that extends beyond, and is not evenly distributed across the bed of the transport vehicle. Off-centered loads must be loaded so the overhang is to the passenger side of the transport vehicle.

"Semitrailer" means a vehicle of the trailer type so designed and used in conjunction with a motor vehicle that some part of its own weight and that of its own load rest on or is carried by another vehicle.

"Solid waste" means any garbage, refuse, sludge and other discarded material, including solid, liquid, semisolid or contained gaseous material, resulting from industrial, commercial, mining and agricultural operations, or community activities but does not include (i) solid or dissolved material in domestic sewage, (ii) solid or dissolved material in irrigation return flows or in industrial discharges that are sources subject to a permit from the State Water Control Board, or (iii) source, special nuclear, or byproduct material as defined by the Federal Atomic Energy Act of 1954.

"Stinger-steered automobile and watercraft transporter" means an automobile or watercraft transporter configured as a semitrailer combination wherein the fifth wheel is located on a drop frame behind and below the rearmost axle of the power unit.

"Tandem axle" means not less than 40 inches but not more than 96 inches between axle centers of two consecutive axles.

"Tractor truck" means a motor vehicle designed and used primarily for drawing other vehicles and not so constructed as to carry a load other than a part of the load and weight of the vehicle attached thereto.

"Trailer" means a vehicle without motive power designed for carrying property or passengers wholly on its own structure and for being drawn by a motor vehicle, including manufactured housing.

"Truck" means a motor vehicle designed to transport property on its own structure independent of any other vehicle and having a registered gross weight in excess of 7,500 pounds.

"VDOT" means the Virginia Department of Transportation.

"Vehicle configuration" means the height, weight, width and length of a vehicle to include vehicle axle spacing.

A. The Code of Virginia sets forth limitations of weight, width, height and length of objects and vehicles that may be moved upon state highways and also empowers the Commissioner of the Department of Motor Vehicles to issue oversize or overweight permits for vehicles traveling over Virginia's highways with loads that, when reduced to their smallest dimensions, exceed maximum legal weight or size limits.

B. The intent of establishing statutory limitations is to protect the traveling public from hazard and unnecessary inconvenience, and to preserve the capacity and structural integrity of highways and bridges. Also, it is assumed that the state legislature did not intend for the Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles to allow, by permit, the movement of any and all vehicles or loads over the highways where such movements would exceed statutory limitations (especially where other forms of transportation are available or when loads can be reasonably reduced to meet statutory limits).

C. Permits issued by the Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles have jurisdiction only on those roads maintained by the Virginia Department of Transportation or where an agreement exists between the Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles and a jurisdiction that bears the responsibility of maintaining their own roads. However, the Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles' hauling permit is valid for travel over city streets provided that the streets are listed within the permit. Applicants must secure approval from local authorities prior to making movements over roads under local jurisdiction that are not listed on the Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles' hauling permit.

D. The policy of the Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles is to give primary consideration to the safety, comfort, convenience of the traveling public and to the economic interest of the Commonwealth while preserving the integrity of the state's highway system.

A. The Commissioner of the Department of Motor Vehicles or his designee shall issue hauling permits for qualifying vehicles when: an overwidth situation is not created by loading multiple items side-by-side; an overheight situation is not created by stacking multiple items on top of one another; an overlength situation is not created by loading multiple items behind one another; an overweight situation is not created by carrying multiple items; or when statutorily exempted by the Code of Virginia.

B. All applications for hauling permits shall be made to the Department of Motor Vehicles or its designee by:

1. Accessing the hauling permit website online at www.dmvnow.com;

2. Calling the hauling permit ordering line at (804) 786-2787;

3. Applying through a permit service chosen by the applicant;

4. Applying in person at the DMV Headquarters Office at 2300 W. Broad St., Richmond;

5. Faxing application to the Hauling Permit Section at (804) 367-0063; or

6. Mailing application to: DMV, Hauling Permit Section, P.O. Box 26302, Richmond, VA 23260.

C. Permits may be denied, revoked or declared invalid as stated in 24VAC20-81-230.

If the vehicle configuration has been reduced to the smallest dimensions possible and still exceeds any of the following statutory limitations listed below, the applicant may be eligible for a hauling permit.

Tractor trucks shall not have more than one semitrailer attached.

Trucks shall not have more than one trailer attached.

Three motor vehicles shall be drawn only if coupled together by a saddle mount device.

If the vehicle configuration has been reduced to the smallest dimensions possible and still exceeds any of the following statutory limitations listed below, the applicant may be eligible for a hauling permit.

Legal weight in pounds for any group of two or more consecutive axles. A hauling permit is required when a vehicle configuration exceeds the weight limitations according to axle spacing. "L" is defined as the distance in feet between any group of two or more consecutive axles, when measured longitudinally, from the center of the axle to the center of the axle, with any fraction of a foot rounded to the next highest foot as set forth in the following table:

Maximum weight in pounds according to vehicle axle spacings allowed by permit without an engineering review from the Virginia Department of Transportation's Structures and Bridges Division for any single axle or tandem axle group.

Maximum weight in pounds according to vehicle axle spacings allowed by permit without an engineering review from the Virginia Department of Transportation's Structures and Bridges Division for any group of two or more consecutive axles.

All vehicle configurations shall be reduced to the smallest dimensions possible and those exceeding the specifications identified in this chart will require an engineering review before a permit can be issued.

"L" is defined as the distance in feet between any group of two or more consecutive axles, when measured longitudinally, from the center of the axle to the center of the axle, with any fraction of a foot rounded to the next highest foot as set forth in the following table:

Single trip permits are issued to cover one movement between two specific points. Single trip permits are vehicle specific and cannot be transferred between vehicles. Most single trip permits are valid for a 13-day period; however the Hauling Permit Section may restrict any single trip permit movement to a lesser period depending on various circumstances such as weather, routes of travel, construction projects, overall dimensions of the vehicle configuration or other unforeseen circumstances. No refunds or credits will be granted for unused or expired permits.

Since the permits are vehicle specific, the original permit or a legible copy of the entire permit is required to be carried in the transport vehicle. This permit shall be presented to Department of Motor Vehicles, law enforcement or Department of Transportation officials when requested.

A. Like the single trip permit, superload single trip permits are issued to cover one movement between two specific points. Superload single trip permit requests exceed the maximum weight or size limitations allowed on a single trip permit. Superload single trip permit requests require various levels of research and analysis and should be submitted to the Hauling Permit Section at least 10 working days prior to the anticipated date of movement. All superload single trip permits are issued on a case-by-case basis, and only after an appropriate review or VDOT engineering analysis has determined that the vehicle configuration will not harm or damage bridges and structures on the designated routes of travel. Results of the review or engineering analysis may render the vehicle configuration ineligible for movement.

Superload single trip permits are vehicle specific and cannot be transferred between vehicles. Since superload single trip permits are vehicle specific, the original permit or a legible copy of the entire permit is required to be carried in the transport vehicle. This permit shall be presented to Department of Motor Vehicles, law enforcement or Department of Transportation officials when requested.

In cases where the superload single trip permit request has been denied due to weight, the customer may request that an in-depth engineering analysis be performed on the desired route of travel. VDOT structures and bridges engineers will perform the in-depth engineering analysis. The applicant is responsible for paying all expenses associated with the in-depth engineering analysis. All requests for an in-depth analysis must be submitted to the Hauling Permit Section in writing. Upon receipt of the letter requesting the in-depth analysis a member of the hauling permit staff will assist the applicant through the remainder of the process.

B. Requirements for superload single trip permits exceeding certain parameters are described in this subsection:

A letter of variance is required on all movements that exceed any of the following parameters: 18 feet in width; 250,000 pounds in weight; 200 feet in length; or 16 feet in height. The shipper or the manufacturer of the oversized or overweight item will submit the information listed below to the Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles: FAX: (804) 367-0063 or mailed to the Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles, Hauling Permit Section, P.O. Box 26302, Richmond, VA 23260. The letter shall list, in detail:

1. Name and description of the item being moved;

2. Overall loaded dimensions for the vehicle configuration to include height, width, length and gross weight;

3. Explanation of why the load cannot be reduced;

4. Explanation of why the load cannot be transported by air, rail or water;

5. Origin and destination specific to Virginia, including mileage and specific intersecting routes (e.g., Route 65 - one mile south of Route 2 in Campbell County);

6. Preferred routes of travel; and

7. Point of contact, someone within the company that can speak to the requested movement in case additional information is needed.

C. In addition to the letter of variance all movements that exceed 18 feet in width or 16 feet in height may be required to submit a detailed travel plan, depending on the time of travel and the routes of travel. The plan should include but is not limited to the following:

1. The plan should address how to facilitate the movement of emergency vehicles responding to emergencies. The plan will also identify locations where the overdimensional configuration will pull over to allow movement of traffic. Traffic shall not be detained for more than 10 minutes if at all possible. The plan will also address layover locations.

2. Letters from property owners or public facilities giving permission to layover on their property until able to proceed in accordance with the permit. Each letter shall include the name, phone number and email address of the primary point of contact. The hauling permit staff will contact the point of contact to confirm the layover privileges on their property prior to DMV issuing the superload single trip permit.

3. Letters from local law-enforcement personnel agreeing to escort the overdimensional configuration through their jurisdiction. Each letter shall include the name, phone number and email address of the primary point of contact. The hauling permit staff will contact the point of contact to confirm their escorting role prior to DMV issuing the superload single trip permit.

4. Letters from affected utility, cable and telephone companies, agreeing to accompany the overdimensional configuration to lift overhead wires. Each letter shall include the name, phone number and email address of the primary point of contact. The hauling permit staff will contact the point of contact to confirm their role in the move prior to DMV issuing the hauling permit.

5. Letters from the Department of Transportation agreeing to accompany the overdimensional configuration to lift overhead traffic signals, remove traffic signal arms, or remove guardrails, or remove signs, or remove and or adjust any inventory maintained by their department. Each letter shall include the name, phone number and email address of the primary point of contact. The hauling permit staff will contact the point of contact to confirm their role in the move prior to DMV issuing the hauling permit.

General blanket permits allow frequent movements within a specified time period on designated or unrestricted routes in Virginia. General blanket permits are issued on a case-by-case basis and only after appropriate reviews or analysis have been completed to ensure the vehicle configuration will not harm or damage bridges, structures, or other state inventory along the routes of travel.

General blanket permits are vehicle specific and cannot be transferred between vehicles. Since the permits are vehicle specific, the original permit or a legible copy of the entire permit is required to be carried in the transport vehicle. This permit shall be presented to Department of Motor Vehicles, law enforcement or Department of Transportation officials when requested.

All general blanket permits are issued through the Virginia Department of Motor Vehicle's headquarters office and all requests shall be made at least 10 workdays prior to the anticipated movement date.

When the vehicle configuration exceeds the parameters allowed for the general blanket permit, the applicant may apply for a superload blanket permit. These permits may be issued on a case-by-case basis.

The superload blanket permit allows frequent movements within a specified time period statewide or on specific routes. All requests for the superload blanket permit must be submitted to the Hauling Permit Section at least 10 workdays in advance of the anticipated movement date. These permits are vehicle specific and can not be transferred between vehicle configurations. Superload blanket permits are issued only after the appropriate reviews or VDOT engineering analysis have been completed to ensure that the vehicle configuration will not harm or damage bridges, structures, or other state inventory on the routes of travel. Results of the reviews or engineering analysis may render the vehicle configuration ineligible to move under the authority of a superload blanket permit.

Listed below are some of the most frequently requested exempt permits. Most exempt blanket permit loads are reducible but have been granted statutory authority to operate on the state highway system. These permits are vehicle specific and cannot be transferred between vehicle configurations. The applicant must adhere to specific statutory criteria in order to qualify for these permits. For additional information concerning these permits contact the Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles at (804) 497-7135 or refer to the hauling permit website online at www.dmvnow.com or www.dmv.virginia.gov.

1. When transporting containerized cargo in a sealed seagoing container bound to or from a seaport, and the seagoing container has been or will be transported by marine shipment, the applicant is eligible to receive an exempt permit. The contents of the seagoing container shall not be changed from the time it is loaded by the consignor or his agents to the time it is delivered to the consignee or his agents.

2. Three- or four-axle (four-axle vehicles must have 22 feet or more axle spacing) vehicles used exclusively for the mixing of concrete in transit or at a project site or for transporting necessary components in a compartmentalized vehicle to produce concrete immediately upon arrival at a project site are eligible to receive an exempt permit. This permit does not authorize travel on the federal interstate highway system.

3. Three-, four-, five-, and six-axle vehicles are eligible to obtain a permit to haul coal from a mine or other place of production to a preparation plant, loading dock, or railroad. Hauling of coal is restricted to 85 miles within the Commonwealth of Virginia from the preparation plant, loading dock, or railroad and travel is not authorized on the federal interstate highway system.

Vehicles hauling gravel, sand, or crushed stone, and vehicles hauling liquids produced from gas or oil wells or water used for drilling and completion of a gas or oil well do not require a permit. Travel is restricted to no more than 50 miles from the origin to the destination. All movements are valid only within the counties that impose a tax on coal or gases extracted from the earth and no travel is allowed on the federal interstate highway system.

4. Three- or four-axle (four axle vehicles must have 22 feet or more axle spacing) vehicles hauling excavated materials from construction-related land clearing operations are eligible to receive an exempt permit. This permit does not authorize travel on the federal interstate highway system.

5. When hauling solid waste, other than hazardous waste, the applicant is eligible for an exempt permit. This permit is limited to two- and three-axle vehicles. This permit does not authorize travel on the federal interstate highway system.

6. Vehicles used to haul farm produce grown in Virginia are eligible to receive an exempt permit. These permits are only valid in Accomack and Northampton counties.

7. Vehicles used exclusively to transport seed cotton modules are eligible to receive an exempt permit. This permit does not authorize travel on the federal interstate highway system.

8. Self-propelled motor vehicles manufactured for the specific purpose of supporting well-drilling machinery on the job site and whose movement on any highway is incidental to the purpose for which it was designed and manufactured for is eligible to receive an exempt permit. This permit does not authorize travel on the federal interstate highway system.

9. Vehicles or equipment that is registered in the name of the United States government, state or local agencies shall receive without cost, an overdimensional or overweight permit to move overdimensional or overweight items. Contractors moving items on behalf of the United States government, state or local agencies are not eligible to receive this permit at no cost.

10. A straight truck designed or used to carry fuel and having a capacity of less than 6,000 gallons is eligible for an exempt permit. The tank wagon is limited to two axles and shall not exceed a gross weight of 36,000 pounds, nor can it exceed 24,000 pounds on a single axle. This permit does not authorize travel on the federal interstate highway system.

11. For purposes of this section, "underground pipe cleaning equipment" means a self-propelled motor vehicle manufactured for the specific purpose of vacuuming and cleaning underground sanitary and storm pipe. "Hydroexcavating equipment" means a self-propelled motor vehicle manufactured for the specific purpose of digging with water and vacuuming of debris. "Water blasting equipment" means a self-propelled motor vehicle manufactured for the specific purpose of waterblasting flat concrete surfaces and vacuuming spent water for reuse. The above vehicles are eligible to receive an exempt permit. This permit does not authorize travel on the federal interstate highway system.

Note: Exempt blanket permits are permitted by the Code of Virginia and are subject to change.

In addition to the administrative fees listed above, Virginia law requires that all hauling permits be assessed an additional mileage fee if the vehicle configuration is overweight or if the equipment used is unlicensable in Virginia. Additional fees required by Virginia law may be applicable and will be collected as required. Refer to the hauling permit website at www.dmvnow.com for questions concerning fees.

A. Permitted vehicle configurations are allowed to travel on all holidays except the following state observed holidays: (i) New Year's Day, (ii) Memorial Day, (iii) Independence Day, (iv) Labor Day, (v) Thanksgiving Day, and (vi) Christmas Day.

On the holidays mentioned above, permits will not be valid from noon the preceding weekday through the holiday. If the observed holiday falls on a Monday the permit will not be valid from noon on the preceding Friday through Monday.

B. Normal times of travel for permitted loads are sunrise to sunset, Monday through Saturday. Some super load vehicle configurations may be required to travel during the hours of darkness. No permitted travel is allowed within the corporate limits of cities/towns between the hours of 7 a.m. to 9 a.m. and 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. except for configurations that are overweight or overlength (not exceeding 85 feet, including rear overhang) only. No travel is allowed on Sundays, except for loads that are permitted for overweight or overlength (not exceeding 85 feet, including rear overhang) only. The Hauling Permit Section may modify the normal hours of travel or restrict times of travel if it is determined necessary giving primary consideration to the safety and well-being of the traveling public.

When road conditions, visibility or unfavorable weather conditions make traveling hazardous to the operator or to the traveling public, permitted vehicles are not authorized to operate unless responding to an emergency. Law-enforcement judgment shall prevail in all circumstances.

A. The escort vehicle shall be a truck not less than one-quarter ton-rated load capacity but not more than 17,000 pounds gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) or a passenger vehicle of not less than 2,000 pounds gross weight. Escort vehicles shall not resemble nor be confused with law-enforcement or safety-assistance vehicles. Escort vehicles shall be in compliance with all state and local registration processes required by the state in which the vehicle is registered. Escort vehicles shall not be overdimensional or overweight while in use performing escorting duties. They are not permitted to pull a trailer of any kind while performing escorting duties and shall have an unobstructed view through the rear window.

B. All escort vehicles shall be equipped with a two-way radio communication system to maintain communications between the permitted vehicle driver and all escort vehicles in the group.

C. Front or lead escort vehicles are required to have a height pole/hot-pole when required by permit. While performing escorting duties the pole shall be extended at least three inches above the specified height of the vehicle configuration being escorted.

D. Escort vehicles headlamps shall be on at all times while escorting overdimensional/overweight movements.

E. All escort vehicles shall have at least one light, rotating or strobe, positioned on top of the escort vehicle. The light must be visible for a distance of at least 500 feet in all directions by approaching vehicles.

F. Paddles shall be at least 18 inches by 18 inches with six-inch high lettering. For greater visibility, a high-intensity flashing stop/slow paddle may be used.

G. All flags used for flagging purposes shall be red or any highly fluorescent color, not less than 18 inches square and in good condition. Flags shall be placed at the extremities of a vehicle load to identify overwidth or secured at the end of the load to identify overhang.

H. Individuals performing flagging activities shall wear a hard hat and a red or any highly visible fluorescent traffic vest or jacket of approved Type ANSI II or III.

I. Escort vehicles shall have signs, descriptive of the load being escorted, i.e., "Wide Load" or "Oversize Load" or "Overweight Load." At a minimum, the signs shall be displayed in black eight-inch high letters with a minimum of 1-1/4 inch brush strokes on a yellow banner. The banner shall be mounted on the front and rear bumper of the escort vehicle. If displayed on the roof of the escort vehicle other drivers must be able to read the signs when approaching or following the escort vehicle.

J. A minimum of one Underwriters Laboratories (UL) or Factory Mutual Laboratories (FM) approved, five pounds or greater, Type "BC" or "ABC" fire extinguisher shall be carried in the escort vehicle or escort vehicles.

K. Reflective triangles or road flares shall be used to warn oncoming or approaching vehicles of a breakdown.

Certification as an escort vehicle driver is mandatory when escorting oversize loads.

Virginia residents who possess a valid Virginia driver's license shall obtain their certification through Virginia's Escort Vehicle Driver Certification Program. Non-Virginia residents may be certified through Virginia's Escort Vehicle Driver Certification Program or through a certification program from another state. Regardless of what state certifies the driver as an escort driver, certification is considered invalid if the driver's license is not valid.

Successful applicants shall carry the certification document with them while escorting vehicle configurations. Certification, along with a driver's license, must be presented when requested by any Department of Motor Vehicles, law enforcement or Department of Transportation officials when requested. Failure to have the certification in possession while escorting a permitted load will cause the movement to be delayed until proper escorts and credentials are in place.

Additional information concerning Escort Vehicle Driver Certification in Virginia can be requested by calling the Hauling Permit Section at (804) 497-7135.

All escort vehicle operators are required to be certified prior to performing the duties of an oversize/overweight load escort vehicle operator in Virginia. General guidelines as to when escorts are required follows; this listing is not all inclusive:

1. One front and one rear escort is required on noninterstate routes when the permitted load exceeds 12 feet in width.

2. One rear escort is required on interstate routes when the permitted load exceeds 12 feet in width.

3. Two front and one rear escorts are required on noninterstate routes when the permitted load exceeds 14 feet in width.

4. One front and one rear escort is required on interstate routes when the permitted load exceeds 14 feet in width.

5. Two front and two rear escorts are required on noninterstate routes when the permitted load exceeds 16 feet in width.

6. One front and two rear escorts are required on interstate routes when the permitted load exceeds 16 feet in width.

7. One front escort is required when an off-centered load exceeds three feet six inches on the passenger side of the vehicle configuration.

8. One front escort and one rear escort is required when an off-centered load exceeds five feet on the passenger side of the vehicle configuration.

9. One front escort equipped with height pole, adjusted three inches above the load height, is required on all routes when the permitted load exceeds 14 feet five inches in height.

10. One rear escort is required on noninterstate routes when the permitted load exceeds 85 feet in length.

11. One rear escort is required on interstate routes when the permitted load exceeds 120 feet in length.

12. One front and one rear escort is required on all routes when the permitted load exceeds 150 feet in length.

13. One front escort is required on all routes when the permitted load has a front overhang that exceeds 10 feet (measured from the bumper).

14. One rear escort is required on all routes when the permitted load has a rear overhang that exceeds 15 feet (measured from the bumper).

15. Permit loads that exceed 18 feet wide or 200 feet long will be handled on a case-by-case basis.

Escort requirements are subject to change with individual consideration of weight, width, length, height, geographical location, or route of travel as determined by the issuing agent.

Requests for emergency moves will be carefully reviewed on a case-by-case basis. An emergency is defined as "a calamity, existing or imminent, caused by fire, flood, riot, windstorm, explosion, act of God, or other situation which requires immediate remedial action to protect life or property."

In some instances waivers are issued by the appropriate state authority exempting overweight/overwidth carriers from statutory size and weight limitations who are responding to and supporting relief efforts. Maximum size and weight limitations will be identified in the waiver and all requests that exceed those limitations will have to apply for a hauling permit in accordance with established processes that govern the permitting process.

Emergency move requests and questions concerning waivers issued in support of a declared relief effort or disaster shall be made through the Virginia Department of Transportation's Emergency Operations Center (TEOC) at 1-800-367-7623. TEOC is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week. During normal business hours, contact the Hauling Permit Section at (804) 497-7135.

Blanket permit users may request "emergency travel regulations" when ordering permits if there is a possibility that the equipment or commodity permitted will be required in support of an emergency as defined above. Having emergency travel regulations in the permit may allow response to the emergency using the blanket permit, if that permit covers the routes used to respond to the emergency. However, the permittee must contact the Virginia Department of Transportation's Emergency Operations Center and give them vital travel information that will be passed on to the Virginia State Police, all applicable law-enforcement jurisdictions, and DMV weigh stations.

The U.S. Department of Defense's Military Traffic Command shall be the sole certifying agency during peacetime for all movements made by an agency declared essential to the national defense. During a national emergency, movements essential to national defense would be far greater in scope, and those not under direct control of one of the military departments or Department of Defense agencies would be certified by the appropriate emergency transportation authority.

A. The acceptance and use of the Virginia hauling permit by the applicant or his designee is his agreement that he will proof the permit for accuracy prior to traveling on Virginia's highways. If the document is incorrect, the permittee will immediately contact the Hauling Permit Section to obtain the proper permit prior to traveling over Virginia's highways. The permittee accepts full responsibility and the consequences associated with having a hauling permit containing erroneous or incorrect information.

B. The acceptance and use of the Virginia hauling permit by the applicant is his agreement that he has met all legal requirements concerning operational authority imposed by motor vehicle laws of Virginia, the Department of Motor Vehicles, or the federal government.

C. The acceptance and use of the Virginia hauling permit by the applicant is his agreement that each vehicle permitted is insured no less than that required by the Commonwealth of Virginia.

D. The acceptance and use of the Virginia hauling permit by the applicant is his agreement to pay for all damages and cost involved to persons or property as a result of the permitted movement.

E. The acceptance and use of the Virginia hauling permit by the applicant is his agreement that he will comply with all the terms and conditions as specified within the permit.

F. The permittee, an agent of the permittee, or any member of the permitee's company, shall within 15 workdays notify the Hauling Permit Section, if the permitted vehicle is involved in any accident. Failure to notify the Hauling Permit Section of involvement in an accident may result in suspension or denial of permitting privileges as specified in 24VAC20-81-230.

The permittee assumes all responsibility for an injury to persons or damage to public or private property caused directly or indirectly by the transportation of vehicles and loads moving under the authority of a state-issued permit. Furthermore, the permittee agrees to hold the Commonwealth of Virginia, Department of Motor Vehicles and its employees and other state agencies and their employees harmless from all suits, claims, damages or proceedings of any kind, as a direct or indirect result of the transportation of the permitted vehicle.

A. An overweight or oversize permit may be revoked by the Department of Motor Vehicles upon written findings that the permittee violated the terms of the permit, which shall incorporate by reference these rules, as well as state and local laws and ordinances regulating the operation of overweight or oversized vehicles. Repeated violations may result in a permanent denial of the right to use the state highway system or roads for transportation of overweight and oversized vehicle configurations. A permit may also be revoked for misrepresentation of the information on the application, fraudulently obtaining a permit, alteration of a permit, or unauthorized use of a permit.

B. Hauling permits may be denied to any applicant or company, or both, for a period not to exceed one year when the applicant or company or both has been notified in writing by the Department of Motor Vehicles designee that violations existed under a previously issued permit. Customers who are delinquent in payment to other DMV functions will be denied a hauling permit until their delinquent account or accounts are satisfied.

C. No permit application request shall be denied or revoked, or permit application renewal refused, until a written notice of the violation of the issued permit has been furnished to the applicant. The permittee may appeal in writing to the Assistant Commissioner of Motor Carrier Services or his designee within 10 working days of receipt of written notification of denial or revocation setting forth the grounds for making an appeal. Upon receipt of the appeal, the Assistant Commissioner for Motor Carrier Services or his designee will conduct an informal fact-finding process conforming to the requirements of the Code of Virginia and will issue a case decision that will be the final administrative step. Judicial review of such decision shall be available pursuant to § 2.2-4025 of the Administrative Process Act. Upon revocation of the permit, it must be surrendered without consideration for refund or credit of fees. Upon restoration of permit privileges a new hauling permit must be obtained prior to movement on the state highway system.

D. Law-enforcement officials or weight-enforcement officials may invalidate or confiscate a hauling permit if the permitted vehicle or vehicle combination is operating off the route listed on the permit; if the vehicle has fewer axles than required by the permit; if the vehicle has less axle spacing than required by the permit when measured longitudinally from the center of the axle to center axle with any fraction of a foot rounded to the next highest foot; or if the vehicle is transporting multiple items not allowed by the permit.

Law-enforcement officials or weight-enforcement officials may direct the vehicle to a safe location, at the permittee's expense, and detain the vehicle configuration until it meets all the requirements of the hauling permit or until a new hauling permit is issued if the vehicle is not traveling with escorts as required by the permit; if the vehicle is traveling outside the hours specified within the permit; if the driver does not have the entire permit in the vehicle; if the hauling permit has been invalidated or confiscated due to one of the conditions listed in subsection C of this section; if the vehicle is over the permitted weight; or if law enforcement deems the vehicle to be violating any safety requirement.

A. A person, shipper or carrier transporting or proposing to transport explosives or other hazardous materials shall do so in compliance with all provisions of 49 CFR Parts 100 through 180. Hazardous materials are those described by class in 49 CFR Parts 173 through 180.

B. All transporters who transport hazardous waste that originates or terminates in Virginia for the purpose of storage, treatment or disposal shall apply for and receive an Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) identification number that is unique to the transporter, and apply for a transportation permit from the Virginia Department of Environmental Quality, Waste Division.

Transporters of hazardous waste generated outside of Virginia and designated for delivery to a treatment, storage or disposal facility in another state shall conform with the manifest requirements of those states or EPA, as prescribed in 40 CFR Part 262. Specific questions regarding the movement and permitting of hazardous materials and hazardous waste should be addressed to:

Questions regarding the movement of Hazardous Materials through tunnels or bridges, or both, shall be addressed to:

Questions regarding hazardous material spills or incidents shall be addressed to: CHEMTREC 1-800-424-9300 (24 hours a day).

Operators of trucks which have a registered gross weight in excess of 7,500 pounds are required by law to drive their vehicles onto scales for weight inspection as directed by either a police officer or regulatory highway signs. By Virginia law, a police officer may require the operator of a truck to drive a distance not to exceed 10 road miles to a weigh facility or location for weight inspection. Refusal to drive onto scales for inspection is a misdemeanor. Locations for the weigh stations in Virginia are as follows:

Virginia's Size, Weight, and Equipment Requirements for Trucks, Trailers and Towed Vehicles, DMV 109 (rev. 7/08).

Virginia Single Trip Superload Hauling Permit Application, HP 400 (rev. 8/08).

Virginia Blanket Hauling Permit Application, HP 401 (rev. 1/07).

Virginia Exempt Blanket Hauling Permit Application, HP 402 (rev. 8/08).

Virginia Hauling Permit Addendum Additional Axle Form, HP 403 (rev. 1/07).

Vehicle Escort Driver Application, HP 404 (rev. 3/06).

Virginia Escort Driver's Manual, HP 405 (rev. 6/06).

The following words and terms when used in this chapter shall have the following meanings unless the context clearly indicates otherwise:

"Commissioner" means the Commissioner of the Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles.

"DMV" means the Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles.

"Escort vehicle driver certificate" means a document issued by a state that signifies that the holder of the certificate has successfully completed the issuing state's requirements to escort overdimensional vehicle configurations.

"Hauling permit" means a permit issued by the Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles in accordance with § 46.2-1139 of the Code of Virginia to allow Virginia-based and foreign-based vehicles or combinations of vehicles of a size or weight exceeding the maximum specified in Title 46.2 of the Code of Virginia to operate on a highway in Virginia.

"Off-centered load" means a transport vehicle's cargo is loaded so that there is no overhang on driver's side of the transport vehicle and there is overhang on the passenger side load that extends beyond and is not evenly distributed across the bed of the transport vehicle.

"Overload permit" means a permit issued by the Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles in accordance with § 46.2-1128 of the Code of Virginia to allow Virginia-based and foreign-based vehicles or combinations of vehicles to exceed the weight limitations otherwise applicable to such vehicles by 5.0%.

"Registered gross weight" means the weight for which a vehicle or combination of vehicles is registered or licensed.

"Trailer" means the same as the term is defined in § 46.2-100 of the Code of Virginia.

"Truck" means a motor vehicle designed to transport property on its own structure independent of any other vehicle and having a registered gross weight in excess of 7,500 pounds.

"VDOT" means the Virginia Department of Transportation.

"Vehicle configuration" means the height, weight, width, and length of a vehicle to include vehicle axle spacing.

A. Overload permits are ordinarily purchased at the time of vehicle registration. The fee for an overload permit purchased at the time of a quarterly vehicle registration shall be prorated.

B. Overload permits may be transferred from one vehicle to another if the license plates associated with the permit are also being transferred. The fee to transfer an overload permit is $2.00. This fee is in addition to any fee authorized to be collected for the transfer of the license plates associated with the permit. Permit decals shall be removed from the vehicle from which the permit is being transferred and shall either accompany the application for a new overload permit or be destroyed by the permit holder.

C. Overload permits will be issued in the same name and for the same vehicle as the vehicle registration.

D. Overload permit fees are not refundable. However, an applicant for a new permit may receive credit for the fee paid for a previously issued, unexpired permit that has been removed from a vehicle. Such credit shall not exceed (i) the prorated fee for the number of months remaining on the previously issued permit, or (ii) the amount of the fee for the new permit, whichever is less. The credit shall not be applied to the $2.00 permit transfer fee.

E. In order to purchase an overload permit, the owner of a motor vehicle shall:

1. Request the permit from DMV;

2. Pay the appropriate fee; and

3. Furnish, on an application supplied by DMV, the following information for the motor vehicle:

a. Make;

b. Identification number;

c. Current license plate number;

d. Expiration date;

e. State of issue; and

f. Registered gross weight.

F. The fee for an initial permit issued on a vehicle may be prorated to the month of the expiration of the vehicle registration.

G. Overload permits may be in the form of decals, issued in duplicate. Any decals issued shall be placed on the vehicle in the following locations:

1. One decal shall be placed on the driver side of the vehicle.

2. The second decal shall be placed on the passenger side in the same approximate area as the first decal.

H. Expired decals shall be removed or destroyed.

The commissioner or the commissioner's designee may issue hauling permits for qualifying vehicles only when an over width configuration is not created by loading multiple items side by side, an overheight configuration is not created by stacking multiple items on top of one another, an overlength configuration is not created by loading multiple items behind one another, or an overweight configuration is not created by carrying multiple items, or when statutorily exempted by the Code of Virginia.

In general, off-centered loads should be loaded so that the overhang is to the outside shoulder side of the roadway. If this loading condition creates an unsafe operating situation, the applicant may apply for relief, which may be granted by DMV on a case-by-case basis.

All flags attached to vehicle loads shall be red or orange fluorescent, not less than 18 inches square, and in good condition. Flags shall be placed at the extremities of a vehicle load to identify overwidth or secured at the end of the load to identify overhang in accordance with § 46.2-1121 of the Code of Virginia.

Single trip permits are issued to cover one movement between two specific points. Most single trip permits are valid for a 13-day period; however, DMV may restrict any single trip permit movement to a shorter period depending on various circumstances such as weather, routes of travel, construction projects, overall dimensions of the vehicle configuration, or other unforeseen circumstances. No refunds or credits will be granted for unused or expired permits.

Single trip permits are vehicle specific and cannot be transferred between vehicles. The permit is required to be carried in the transport vehicle. This permit shall be presented to DMV, law enforcement, or VDOT officials when requested.

A. Like other single trip permits, superload single trip permits are issued to cover one movement between two specific points. Superload single trip permit requests exceed the maximum weight or size limitations ordinarily allowed on a single trip permit. Superload single trip permit requests require various levels of research and analysis and should be submitted to DMV at least 10 working days prior to the anticipated date of movement. All superload single trip permits are issued on a case-by-case basis and only after an appropriate review or VDOT engineering analysis has determined that the vehicle configuration will not harm or damage roadways, bridges, or structures on the designated routes of travel. Results of the review or engineering analysis may render the vehicle configuration ineligible for movement.

Superload single trip permits are vehicle specific and cannot be transferred between vehicles. The permit is required to be carried in the transport vehicle. This permit shall be presented to DMV, law enforcement, or VDOT officials when requested.

B. Requirements for superload single trip permits exceeding certain parameters are described in this subsection. Movements that exceed any of the following parameters: 18 feet in width, 250,000 pounds in weight, 200 feet in length, or 16 feet in height may be required to submit a detailed travel plan, depending on the time of travel and the routes of travel. The plan should include the following:

1. Name and description of the item being moved;

2. Overall loaded dimensions for the vehicle configuration to include height, width, length, and gross weight;

3. Explanation of why the load cannot be reduced;

4. Explanation of why the load cannot be transported by air, rail, or water;

5. Origin and destination specific to Virginia, including mileage and specific intersecting routes (e.g., Route 65 - one mile south of Route 2 in Campbell County);

6. Preferred routes of travel;

7. Point of contact within the company who can speak to the requested movement in case additional information is needed;

8. A description of how to facilitate the movement of emergency vehicles responding to emergencies, locations where the overdimensional configuration will pull over to allow movement of traffic (traffic shall not be detained for more than 10 minutes if at all possible), and layover locations;

9. Written authorization from local law-enforcement personnel agreeing to escort the overdimensional configuration through their jurisdiction. The authorization shall include the name, phone number, and email address of the primary point of contact. The hauling permit staff will contact the point of contact to confirm their escorting role prior to DMV issuing the superload single trip permit;

10. Written authorization from affected utility, cable, and telephone companies, agreeing to accompany the overdimensional configuration to lift overhead wires. The authorization shall include the name, phone number, and email address of the primary point of contact. The hauling permit staff will contact the point of contact to confirm their role in the move prior to DMV issuing the hauling permit; and

11. Written authorization from VDOT for the removal or adjustment of any ancillary highway structures or roadway appurtenances maintained by VDOT. The authorization shall include the name, phone number, and email address of the primary point of contact. The hauling permit staff will contact the point of contact to confirm their role in the move prior to DMV issuing the hauling permit.

C. If the applicant intends to layover on private property, the applicant must have written authorization from the property owner or the public facility giving permission to layover on the private property until able to proceed in accordance with the permit. The authorization shall include the name, phone number, and email address of the primary point of contact. The hauling permit staff may contact the point of contact to confirm the layover privileges on the property prior to DMV issuing the superload single trip permit. The authorization must be carried in the transport vehicle and presented to DMV, law enforcement, or VDOT officials when requested.

A. For loads with gross vehicle weights over 400,000 pounds, a schematic of the vehicle providing detail of the loading the vehicle will impose must be submitted with the permit application for VDOT's use. The schematic must include the longitudinal spacing between all axles and the transverse dimensions of all tires and all spacing between each tire along the axle. For vehicles with different tire configurations on multiple axles, all unique axle configurations must be included. An example vehicle schematic is available in the Virginia Hauling Permits Manual available from DMV.

B. The requirement for additional analysis may also be extended to vehicles with gross weights less than 400,000 pounds for unusual vehicle or structure characteristics as determined by VDOT in its sole discretion.

C. For loads with gross vehicle weights over 750,000 pounds, VDOT will require the permit applicant to retain an engineer licensed in the Commonwealth of Virginia to complete an engineering analysis of all structures to be crossed by the vehicle on the permitted route. This requirement may apply for loads with gross vehicle weights between 500,000 and 750,000 pounds at VDOT's sole discretion. This requirement may also be extended to vehicles with smaller gross weights as needed (i) for unusual vehicle or structure characteristics as determined by VDOT, or (ii) in cases where multiple routes and or vehicles are requested to be evaluated for the same load.

D. The permit applicant's engineer must execute and submit a Critical Infrastructure Information / Sensitive Security Information (CII/SSI) nondisclosure form before VDOT will release the safety inspection reports and bridge plans necessary to complete the analysis. A meeting with VDOT's engineers before beginning the analysis is strongly encouraged.

E. VDOT in its sole discretion may require that pre-travel and post-travel inspections be completed for any structures along the permitted route to assess for and capture any damage to VDOT's inventory. When inspections are determined to be required, VDOT will also require a surety bond to be posted. The value of the surety, as determined solely by VDOT, will be commensurate with the cost to perform major repairs or replace affected portions of VDOT's inventory along the permitted route.

F. VDOT review and approval of any independent analysis is required before DMV will issue any permit. VDOT's determination is final.

G. The amount of time required to process a permit will be commensurate with the volume and complexity of the analysis required.

Annual multi-trip permits allow multiple movements on designated or unrestricted routes in Virginia. Annual multi-trip permits are issued on a case-by-case basis and may be purchased for either one or two years.

The permit is required to be carried in the transport vehicle. This permit shall be presented to DMV, law enforcement, or VDOT officials when requested.

Annual multi-trip permits are issued through the DMV's headquarters office, and all requests shall be made at least 10 business days prior to the anticipated movement date.

When the vehicle configuration exceeds the size or weight parameters allowed for the annual multi-trip permits issued under 24VAC20-82-80, the applicant may apply for a superload multi-trip permit. These permits are issued on a case-by-case basis. They may be issued for a period of one year or, depending upon the characteristics of the load or route of travel, may be limited to three months.

The superload multi-trip permit allows multiple movements within a specified time period statewide or on specific routes. Requests for the superload multi-trip permit must be submitted to DMV at least 10 business days in advance of the anticipated movement date. These permits are vehicle specific. Superload multi-trip permits are issued only after the appropriate reviews or VDOT engineering analysis have been completed to ensure that the vehicle configuration will not harm or damage roadways, bridges, structures, or other state inventory on the routes of travel. Results of the reviews or engineering analysis may render the vehicle configuration ineligible to move under the authority of a superload multi-trip permit.

The permit is required to be carried in the transport vehicle. This permit shall be presented to DMV, law enforcement, or VDOT officials when requested.

In addition to other permits provided in this chapter, the Commonwealth of Virginia issues a number of exempt permits under Article 18 (§ 46.2-1139 et seq.) of Chapter 10 of Title 46.2 of the Code of Virginia. Most exempt multi-trip permit loads are reducible but have been granted statutory authority to operate on the state highway system. The applicant must adhere to specific statutory criteria in order to qualify for these permits.

Vehicles or equipment registered in the name of the United States government or state or local agencies shall receive without cost an overdimensional or overweight permit to move overdimensional or overweight items. Contractors moving items on behalf of the United States government or state or local agencies are not eligible to receive this permit at no cost.

A. Permitted vehicle configurations are not allowed to travel on the following state observed holidays: New Year's Day, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving Day, and Christmas Day. On the holidays listed in this subsection, permits will not be valid from noon the preceding weekday through the holiday. If the observed holiday falls on a Monday, the permit will not be valid from noon on the preceding Friday through Monday.

B. Normal times of travel for permitted loads are sunrise to sunset. Some superload vehicle configurations may be required to travel during the hours of darkness. No permitted travel is allowed within the corporate limits of cities or towns between the hours of 7 a.m. to 9 a.m. and 4 p.m. to 6 p.m., except for configurations that are overweight or overlength (not exceeding 85 feet, including rear overhang) only.

C. In addition to the day and time of travel restrictions set out in subsections A and B of this section, DMV may further restrict days and times of travel if it is deemed necessary giving primary consideration to the safety and well-being of the traveling public.

D. When road conditions, visibility, or unfavorable weather conditions make traveling hazardous to the operator or to the traveling public, permitted vehicles are not authorized to operate unless responding to an emergency. Law enforcement judgment shall prevail in all circumstances.

A. The escort vehicle shall be a truck not less than one-quarter-ton-rated load capacity but not more than 17,000 pounds gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) or a passenger vehicle of not less than 2,000 pounds gross weight. Escort vehicles shall not resemble nor be confused with law-enforcement or safety-assistance vehicles. Escort vehicles shall be in compliance with all state and local registration processes required by the state in which the vehicle is registered. Except when in compliance with subsection C of this section, escort vehicles shall not be overdimensional or overweight while in use performing escorting duties. They are not permitted to pull a trailer of any kind while performing escorting duties and shall have an unobstructed view through the rear window.

B. All escort vehicles shall be equipped with a two-way communication system to maintain communications between the permitted vehicle driver and all escort vehicles in the group.

C. Front or lead escort vehicles are required to have a height pole when required by permit. While performing escorting duties the pole shall be extended at least three inches above the specified height of the vehicle configuration being escorted.

D. Escort vehicle headlights shall be on at all times while escorting overdimensional or overweight vehicles.

E. All escort vehicles shall have at least one light, rotating or flashing, positioned on top of the escort vehicle. The light must be visible for a distance of at least 500 feet in all directions by approaching vehicles.

F. Paddles shall be at least 18 inches by 18 inches with six-inch high lettering. For greater visibility, a high-intensity flashing stop/slow paddle may be used.

G. All flags used for traffic control purposes shall be red or any fluorescent color, not less than 18 inches square, and in good condition. Individuals performing flagging activities shall wear a hard hat and approved ANSI Class II or Class III safety vest.

H. Escort vehicles shall have signs, descriptive of the load being escorted (i.e., "Wide Load" or "Oversize Load" or "Overweight Load"). At a minimum, the signs shall be displayed in black eight-inch high letters with a minimum of 1-1/4 inch brush strokes on a yellow banner. The banner shall be mounted on the front and rear bumper of the escort vehicle. If displayed on the roof of the escort vehicle, other drivers must be able to read the signs when approaching or following the escort vehicle.

I. A minimum of one Underwriters Laboratories (UL) or Factory Mutual Laboratories (FM) approved, five pounds or greater, Type "BC" or "ABC" fire extinguisher shall be carried in the escort vehicle or escort vehicles.

J. Reflective triangles or road flares shall be used to warn oncoming or approaching vehicles of a breakdown.

A. All escort vehicle operators are required to be certified prior to performing the duties of an oversize or overweight load escort vehicle operator in Virginia. General guidelines as to when escorts are required include the following:

1. One front and one rear escort is required on noninterstate routes when the permitted load exceeds 12 feet in width.

2. One rear escort is required on interstate routes when the permitted load exceeds 12 feet in width.

3. Two front and one rear escorts are required on noninterstate routes when the permitted load exceeds 14 feet in width.

4. One front and one rear escort is required on interstate routes when the permitted load exceeds 14 feet in width.

5. Two front and two rear escorts are required on noninterstate routes when the permitted load exceeds 16 feet in width.

6. One front and two rear escorts are required on interstate routes when the permitted load exceeds 16 feet in width.

7. One front escort is required when an off-centered load exceeds three feet six inches on the passenger side of the vehicle configuration.

8. One front escort and one rear escort is required when an off-centered load exceeds five feet on the passenger side of the vehicle configuration.

9. One front escort equipped with a height pole, adjusted three inches above the load height, is required on all routes when the permitted load exceeds 14 feet five inches in height.

10. One rear escort is required on noninterstate routes when the permitted load exceeds 90 feet in length.

11. One rear escort is required on interstate routes when the permitted load exceeds 120 feet in length.

12. One front and one rear escort is required on all routes when the permitted load exceeds 150 feet in length.

13. One front escort is required on all routes when the permitted load has a front overhang that exceeds 10 feet (measured from the bumper).

14. One rear escort is required on all routes when the permitted load has a rear overhang that exceeds 15 feet (measured from the bumper).

15. Permit loads that exceed 18 feet wide or 200 feet long will be handled on a case-by-case basis.

B. Escort requirements are subject to change with individual consideration of weight, width, length, height, geographical location, or route of travel as determined by DMV.

The fee to reissue or issue a duplicate escort vehicle driver certificate is $15.

Multi-trip permit holders may request "emergency travel regulations" when ordering permits if there is a possibility that the equipment or commodity permitted will be required in support of an emergency defined as "a calamity, existing or imminent, caused by fire, flood, riot, windstorm, explosion, act of God, or other similar situation which requires immediate remedial action to protect life or property." Having emergency travel regulations in the permit may allow response to the emergency using the multi-trip permit if that permit covers the routes used to respond to the emergency. However, the permittee must contact VDOT's Emergency Operations Center and give them vital travel information that will be passed on to the Virginia State Police, all applicable law-enforcement jurisdictions, and DMV weigh stations.

A. The acceptance and use of a hauling permit by the applicant or an applicant's designee is the applicant's agreement that the applicant will proof the permit for accuracy prior to traveling on Virginia's highways. If the document is incorrect, the permittee will immediately contact DMV to obtain the proper permit prior to traveling over Virginia's highways. The permittee accepts full responsibility and the consequences associated with having a permit containing erroneous or incorrect information.

B. The acceptance and use of a hauling permit by the applicant is the applicant's agreement to pay for all damages and cost involved to persons or property as a result of the permitted movement.

C. The acceptance and use of a hauling permit by the applicant is the applicant's agreement that the applicant will comply with all the terms and conditions as specified within the permit.

D. A permittee who has been issued a hauling permit, an agent of the permittee, or any member of the permittee's company shall notify DMV within three business days if the permitted vehicle is involved in any accident. Failure to notify DMV of involvement in an accident may result in suspension or denial of permitting privileges as specified in 24VAC20-82-180.

The permittee assumes all responsibility for an injury to persons or damage to public or private property caused directly or indirectly by the transportation of vehicles and loads moving under the authority of a state-issued overload or hauling permit. Furthermore, the permittee agrees to hold the Commonwealth of Virginia, DMV and its employees, and other state agencies and their employees harmless from all suits, claims, damages, or proceedings of any kind, as a direct or indirect result of the transportation of the permitted vehicle.

A. A hauling permit may be revoked by DMV upon written findings that the permittee violated the terms of the permit. Terms of the permit include adherence to this chapter and state and local laws and ordinances regulating the operation of overweight or oversized vehicles. Repeated violations may result in a permanent denial of the right to use the state highway system or roads for transportation of overweight and oversized vehicle configurations. A permit may also be revoked for misrepresentation of the information on the application, fraudulently obtaining a permit, alteration of a permit, or unauthorized use of a permit.

B. A hauling permit may be denied to any applicant or company, or both, for a period not to exceed one year when the applicant or company or both has been notified in writing by DMV that violations existed under a previously issued permit. Customers who are delinquent in payment to other DMV functions will be denied a hauling permit until their delinquent account or accounts are satisfied.

C. No permit application request shall be denied or revoked, or permit application renewal refused, until a written notice of the violation of the issued permit has been furnished to the applicant. The permittee may appeal in writing to the Assistant Commissioner of Motor Carrier Services or the assistant commissioner's designee within 10 working days of receipt of written notification of denial or revocation setting forth the grounds for making an appeal. Upon receipt of the appeal, the Assistant Commissioner for Motor Carrier Services or the assistant commissioner's designee will conduct an informal fact-finding process conforming to the requirements of the Code of Virginia and will issue a case decision that will be the final administrative step. Judicial review of such decision shall be available pursuant to § 2.2-4025 of the Administrative Process Act (§ 2.2-4000 et seq. of the Code of Virginia). Upon revocation of the permit, it must be surrendered without consideration for refund or credit of fees. Upon restoration of permit privileges a new permit must be obtained prior to movement on the state highway system.

D. Law-enforcement officials or weight-enforcement officials may invalidate or confiscate a hauling permit if the permitted vehicle or vehicle combination is operating off the route listed on the permit; if the vehicle has fewer axles than required by the permit; if the vehicle has less axle spacing than required by the permit when measured longitudinally from the center of the axle to the center of the next axle with any fraction of a foot rounded to the next highest foot; or if the vehicle is transporting multiple items not allowed by the permit.

Law-enforcement officials or weight-enforcement officials may direct the vehicle to a safe location, at the permittee's expense, and detain the vehicle configuration until it meets all the requirements of the hauling permit or until a new hauling permit is issued if the vehicle is not traveling with escorts as required by the permit; if the vehicle is traveling outside the hours specified within the permit; if the driver does not have the entire permit in the vehicle; if the hauling permit has been invalidated or confiscated due to one of the conditions listed in this section; if the vehicle is over the permitted weight; or if law enforcement deems the vehicle to be violating any safety requirement.

Size, Weight and Equipment Requirements, DMV 109 (eff. 7/2018)

Superload Single Trip Hauling Permit Application, HP 400 (eff. 10/2020)

Multi-trip Hauling Permit Application, HP 401 (eff. 10/2020)

Exempt Multi-trip Hauling Permit Application, HP 402 (eff. 10/2020)

Hauling Permit Addendum Additional Axle Form, HP 403 (eff. 10/2020)

Escort Vehicle Driver Certification Application, HP 404 (eff. 7/2020)

Escort Vehicle Driver's Manual, HP 405 (eff. 1/2014)

Overload Permit Application, VSA 145 (eff. 1/2013)

Critical Infrastructure Information/Sensitive Security Information Nondisclosure Form, CII/SSI (filed 1/2022)