SB 404

This bill authorizes the Department of Transportation to issue permits for the

operation of vehicle combinations that exceed maximum gross weight limitations by

not more than 11,000 pounds if the vehicle combination has six or more axles and

meets specified weight limits based on the number of axles and distances between

axles. The bill provides that the permits may be issued for operation only on state

trunk highways and on local highways for a distance up to 15 miles in order to travel

to and from a state trunk highway or to reach fuel, food, maintenance, repair, rest,

staging, terminal or vehicle assembly facilities, or points of loading or unloading.

The permits do not authorize operation of vehicles in excess of special or seasonal

weight limits imposed on a highway or weight restrictions on heavy traffic routes.

Under the bill, an applicant for a permit must include a description of the

proposed route they will travel, and DOT must minimize the operation of overweight

vehicles on state trunk highways in residential areas. If DOT issues a permit that

approves a route through a 1st class city, DOT must notify the city.

Under current law, with limited exceptions, no person may operate upon a

highway any vehicle or combination of vehicles that exceeds certain statutory weight

limits unless the person obtains a permit issued by DOT or a local authority.

Because this bill concerns an exception to the vehicle weight limits specified in

ch. 348, stats., the Department of Transportation, as required by law, will prepare

a report to be printed as an appendix to this bill.