HF 3029

1st Committee Engrossment - 86th Legislature (2009 - 2010)

Posted on 03/19/2013 07:29 p.m.

1.1A bill for an act 1.2relating to transportation; modifying provisions governing movement of large 1.3vehicles on public streets and highways; making technical changes; repealing 1.4certain rules related to motor carriers;amending Minnesota Statutes 2008, 1.5sections 169.801, subdivision 5; 169.823, as amended; 169.826, as amended; 1.6169.828, subdivision 1; 169.829; 169.851, subdivision 5; 169.86, subdivisions 1.71a, 5; 169.862, subdivision 1; 169.863, subdivision 1; 169.864, subdivision 4; 1.8169.871, subdivisions 1, 1a, 1b; Minnesota Statutes 2009 Supplement, sections 1.9169.801, subdivision 10; 169.81, subdivision 3; 169.824, subdivisions 1, 2; 1.10169.8261, subdivisions 1, 2; 169.85, subdivision 2; 169.862, subdivision 2; 1.11169.864, subdivision 2; 169.865, subdivision 1; 169.87, subdivision 2; 221.025; 1.12221.031, subdivision 3; repealing Minnesota Statutes 2008, section 169.826, 1.13subdivision 6; Minnesota Rules, parts 7800.0100, subparts 4, 6, 7, 8, 11, 12, 1.1413, 14; 7800.0200; 7800.0400; 7800.0800; 7800.0900; 7800.1000; 7800.3200, 1.15subpart 2; 7800.3300; 7805.0500; 7805.0900; 7805.1300; 8850.7950; 8850.8000; 1.168850.8050, subpart 2; 8850.8100; 8850.8250; 8850.8300; 8850.8350; 8850.8800; 1.178850.8850; 8850.9050, subpart 3; 8855.0410; 8855.0600; 8855.0850; 8920.0100; 1.188920.0150; 8920.0200; 8920.0300; 8920.0400; 8920.0500; 8920.0600; 1.198920.0700; 8920.0800; 8920.0900; 8920.1000; 8920.1100; 8920.1200; 1.208920.1300; 8920.1400; 8920.1500; 8920.1550; 8920.1600; 8920.1700; 1.218920.1800; 8920.1900; 8920.2000; 8920.2100; 8920.2200; 8920.2300; 1.228920.2400; 8920.2500; 8920.2600; 8920.2700; 8920.2800; 8920.2900; 1.238920.3000; 8920.3100; 8920.3200; 8920.3300; 8920.3400; 8920.3500; 1.248920.3600; 8920.3700; 8920.3800; 8920.3900; 8920.4000; 8920.4100; 1.258920.4200; 8920.4300; 8920.4400; 8920.4500. 1.26BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF MINNESOTA: 1.27ARTICLE 1 1.28VEHICLE WEIGHTS AND DIMENSIONS 1.29    Section 1. Minnesota Statutes 2008, section 169.801, subdivision 5, is amended to read: 1.30    Subd. 5. Height and width. A person operating, new text begin or new text end towing, or transporting an 1.31implement of husbandry that is higher than 13 feet six inches or wider than allowed under 1.32section 169.80, subdivision 2, must ensure that the operation or transportation does not 2.1damage a highway structure, utility line or structure, or other fixture adjacent to or over 2.2a public highway. 2.3    Sec. 2. Minnesota Statutes 2009 Supplement, section 169.801, subdivision 10, is 2.4amended to read: 2.5    Subd. 10. Brakes. Notwithstanding section 169.67: 2.6    (a) A self-propelled implement of husbandry must be equipped with brakes adequate 2.7to control its movement and to stop and hold it and any vehicle it is towing. 2.8    (b) A towed implement of husbandry must be equipped with brakes adequate to 2.9control its movement and to stop and hold it if: 2.10    (1) it has a gross vehicle weight of more than 24,000 pounds and was manufactured 2.11and sold after January 1, 1994; 2.12    (2) it has a gross vehicle weight of more than 12,000 pounds and is towed by a 2.13vehicle other than a self-propelled implement of husbandry; or 2.14    (3) it has a gross vehicle weight of more than 3,000 pounds and is being towed by a 2.15registered passenger automobile other than a pickup truck as defined in section 168.002, 2.16subdivision 26 . 2.17    (c) If a towed implement of husbandry new text begin with a gross vehicle weight of more than new text end 2.18 new text begin 6,000 pounds, or more than 3,000 pounds if manufactured after January 1, 2011, new text end is 2.19required under paragraph (b) to have brakes and was manufactured after January 1, 2.202011, it must also be equipped with brakes as required in section , subdivision 3, 2.21paragraph (b) new text begin adequate to stop and hold it if it becomes detached from the towing vehicle new text end . 2.22    Sec. 3. Minnesota Statutes 2009 Supplement, section 169.81, subdivision 3, is 2.23amended to read: 2.24    Subd. 3. Length of vehicle combinations. (a) Statewide, except on the highways 2.25identified under provisions in paragraph (c), no combination of vehicles may exceed 2.26a total length of 75 feet. 2.27(b) However, the total length limitation does not apply to combinations of vehicles 2.28transporting: 2.29(1) telephone poles, electric light and power poles, piling, or pole-length pulpwood; 2.30or 2.31(2) pipe or other objects by a public utility when required for emergency or repair 2.32of public service facilities or when operated under special permits as provided in section 2.33169.86 . 3.1These combinations of vehicles must be equipped with sufficient clearance markers, or 3.2lamps for night transportation, on both sides and upon the extreme ends of a projecting 3.3load to clearly mark the dimensions of the load. 3.4(c) The following combination of vehicles regularly engaged in the transportation 3.5of commodities may operate only on divided highways having four or more lanes of 3.6travel, and on other highways as may be designated by the commissioner of transportation 3.7subject to section 169.87, subdivision 1, and subject to the approval of the authority 3.8having jurisdiction over the highway, for the purpose of providing reasonable access 3.9between the divided highways of four or more lanes of travel and terminals, facilities for 3.10food, fuel, repair, and rest, and points of loading and unloading for household goods 3.11carriers, livestock carriers, or for the purpose of providing continuity of route: 3.12(1) a truck-tractor and semitrailer exceeding 75 feet in length; 3.13(2) a combination of vehicles including a truck-tractor and semitrailer drawing one 3.14additional semitrailer which may be equipped with an auxiliary dolly; 3.15(3) a combination of vehicles including a truck-tractor and semitrailer drawing 3.16one full trailer; 3.17(4) a truck-tractor and semitrailer designed and used exclusively for the 3.18transportation of motor vehicles or boats and exceeding an overall length of 75 feet 3.19including the load; and 3.20(5) a truck or truck-tractor transporting similar vehicles by having the front axle of 3.21the transported vehicle mounted onto the center or rear part of the preceding vehicle, 3.22defined in Code of Federal Regulations, title 49, sections 390.5 and 393.5 as drive-away 3.23saddlemount combinations or drive-away saddlemount vehicle transporter combinations, 3.24when the overall length exceeds 75 new text begin feet but does not exceed 97 new text end feet. 3.25(d) Vehicles operated under the provisions of this section must conform to the 3.26standards for those vehicles prescribed by the United States Department of Transportation, 3.27Federal Highway Administration, Bureau of Motor Carrier Safety, as amended. 3.28(e) For purposes of this paragraph, "total length" means the overall length of the 3.29motor vehicle including (1) bumpers and load; and (2) the length of any semitrailer, as 3.30defined in section 168.002, subdivision 30, and any trailer, as defined in section 168.002, 3.31subdivision 35. The maximum allowable total length of a commercial vehicle combination 3.32is 55 feet on that portion of marked Trunk Highway 36 from the intersection with marked 3.33Trunk Highway 95 and Washington County State-Aid Highway 23 in Stillwater, to the 3.34Stillwater lift bridge, located on marked Trunk Highway 36 over the St. Croix River in 3.35Stillwater. This paragraph does not apply to emergency vehicles; motor vehicles while 3.36engaged in work on the bridge or on the portion of highway described in this paragraph, 4.1including snow and ice removal and flood control; a vehicle carrying an oversize permit 4.2issued under section 169.86, subdivision 5, paragraph (d); and vehicles on the Stillwater 4.3lift bridge. 4.4    Sec. 4. Minnesota Statutes 2009 Supplement, section 169.824, subdivision 1, is 4.5amended to read: 4.6    Subdivision 1. Table of axle weight limits. (a) No vehicle or combination of 4.7vehicles equipped with pneumatic tires shall be operated upon the highways of this state 4.8where the total gross weight on any group of two or more consecutive axles of any vehicle 4.9or combination of vehicles exceeds that given in the following new text begin axle weight limits new text end table for 4.10the distance between the centers of the first and last axles of any group of two or more 4.11consecutive axles under consideration; new text begin . new text end Unless otherwise noted, the distance between 4.12axles being new text begin must be new text end measured longitudinally to the nearest even foot, and when the 4.13measurement is a fraction of exactly one-half foot the next largest whole number in feet 4.14shall be used, except that when the distance between axles is more than three feet four 4.15inches and less than three feet six inches the distance of four feet shall be used: new text begin . new text end 4.16 new text begin Axle Weight Limits new text end 4.17 Maximum gross weight in pounds on a group of 4.18 2 3 4 4.19 4.20 4.21 4.22 4.23 4.24 Distances in feet between centers of foremost and rearmost axles of a group consecutive axles of a 2-axle vehicle or any combination of vehicles having a total of 2 or more axles consecutive axles of a 3-axle vehicle or any combination of vehicles having a total of 3 or more axles consecutive axles of a 4-axle vehicle or any combination of vehicles having a total of 4 or more axles 4.25 4 34,000 4.26 5 34,000 4.27 6 34,000 4.28 7 34,000 37,000 new text begin 34,000 new text end 4.29 8 34,000 38,500 new text begin 34,000 new text end 4.30 8 plus 34,000 42,000 4.31 (38,000) 4.32 9 35,000 43,000 4.33 (39,000) 4.34 10 36,000 43,500 49,000 4.35 (40,000) 4.36 11 36,000 44,500 49,500 4.37 12 45,000 50,000 4.38 13 46,000 51,000 4.39 14 46,500 51,500 4.40 15 47,500 52,000 5.1 16 48,000 53,000 5.2 17 49,000 53,500 5.3 18 49,500 54,000 5.4 19 50,500 55,000 5.5 20 51,000 55,500 5.6 21 52,000 56,000 5.7 22 52,500 57,000 5.8 23 53,500 57,500 5.9 24 54,000 58,000 5.10 25 (55,000) 59,000 5.11 26 (55,500) 59,500 5.12 27 (56,500) 60,000 5.13 28 (57,000) 61,000 5.14 29 (58,000) 61,500 5.15 30 (58,500) 62,000 5.16 31 (59,500) 63,000 5.17 32 (60,000) 63,500 5.18 33 64,000 5.19 34 65,000 5.20 35 65,500 5.21 36 66,000 5.22 37 67,000 5.23 38 67,500 5.24 39 68,000 5.25 40 69,000 5.26 41 69,500 5.27 42 70,000 5.28 43 71,000 5.29 44 71,500 5.30 45 72,000 5.31 46 72,500 5.32 47 (73,500) 5.33 48 (74,000) 5.34 49 (74,500) 5.35 50 (75,500) 5.36 51 (76,000) 5.37 52 (76,500) 5.38 53 (77,500) 5.39 54 (78,000) 5.40 55 (78,500) 5.41 56 (79,500) 5.42 57 (80,000) 6.1     new text begin (b) new text end The maximum gross weight on a group of three consecutive axles new text begin , new text end where the 6.2distance between centers of foremost and rearmost axles is listed as new text begin of any axle group is new text end 6.3seven feet or eight feet applies only to new text begin , is 34,000 pounds, except for new text end vehicles manufactured 6.4before August 1, 1991. new text begin Notwithstanding any lesser weight shown in the axle weight limits new text end 6.5 new text begin table, for vehicles manufactured before August 1, 1991: new text end 6.6 new text begin (1) the maximum gross weight on a group of three consecutive axles, where the new text end 6.7 new text begin distance between centers of the foremost and rearmost axles of any axle group is seven new text end 6.8 new text begin feet, is 37,000 pounds; and new text end 6.9 new text begin (2) the maximum gross weight on a group of three consecutive axles, where the new text end 6.10 new text begin distance between centers of foremost and rearmost axle groups is eight feet, is 38,500 new text end 6.11 new text begin pounds. new text end 6.12     new text begin (c) new text end "8 plus" refers to any distance greater than eight feet but less than nine feet. 6.13 new text begin Axle Weight Limits (continued) new text end 6.14 Maximum gross weight in pounds on a group of 6.15 5 6 7 8 6.16 6.17 6.18 6.19 6.20 6.21 6.22 Distances in feet between centers of foremost and rearmost axles of a group consecutive axles of a 5-axle vehicle or any combination of vehicles having a total of 5 or more axles consecutive axles of a 6-axle vehicle or any combination of vehicles having a total of 6 or more axles consecutive axles of a 7-axle vehicle or any combination of vehicles having a total of 7 or more axles consecutive axles of an 8-axle vehicle or any combination of vehicles having a total of 8 or more axles 6.23 14 57,000 6.24 15 57,500 6.25 16 58,000 6.26 17 59,000 6.27 18 59,500 6.28 19 60,000 6.29 20 60,500 66,000 72,000 6.30 21 61,500 67,000 72,500 6.31 22 62,000 67,500 73,000 6.32 23 62,500 68,000 73,500 6.33 24 63,000 68,500 74,000 6.34 25 64,000 69,000 75,000 6.35 26 64,500 70,000 75,500 6.36 27 65,000 70,500 76,000 6.37 28 65,500 71,000 76,500 6.38 29 66,500 71,500 77,000 6.39 30 67,000 72,000 77,500 6.40 31 67,500 73,000 78,500 6.41 32 68,000 73,500 79,000 6.42 33 69,000 74,000 79,500 7.1 34 69,500 74,500 80,000 7.2 35 70,000 75,000 (80,500) (86,000) 7.3 36 70,500 76,000 (81,000) (86,500) 7.4 37 71,500 76,500 (81,500) (87,000) 7.5 38 72,000 77,000 (82,000) (87,500) 7.6 39 72,500 77,500 (82,500) (88,500) 7.7 40 73,000 78,000 (83,500) (89,000) 7.8 41 74,000 79,000 (84,000) (89,500) 7.9 42 74,500 79,500 (84,500) (90,000) 7.10 43 75,000 80,000 (85,000) (90,500) 7.11 44 75,500 (80,500) (85,500) (91,000) 7.12 45 76,500 (81,000) (86,000) (91,500) 7.13 46 77,000 (81,500) (87,000) (92,500) 7.14 47 77,500 (82,000) (87,500) (93,000) 7.15 48 78,000 (83,000) (88,000) (93,500) 7.16 49 79,000 (83,500) (88,500) (94,000) 7.17 50 79,500 (84,000) (89,000) (94,500) 7.18 51 80,000 (84,500) (89,500) (95,000) 7.19 52 (80,500) (85,000) (90,500) (95,500) 7.20 53 (81,000) (86,000) (91,000) (96,500) 7.21 54 (81,500) (86,500) (91,500) (97,000) 7.22 55 (82,500) (87,000) (92,000) (97,500) 7.23 56 (83,000) (87,500) (92,500) (98,000) 7.24 57 (83,500) (88,000) (93,000) (98,500) 7.25 58 (84,000) (89,000) (94,000) (99,000) 7.26 59 (85,000) (89,500) (94,500) (99,500) 7.27 60 (85,500) (90,000) (95,000) (100,500) 7.28 61 (95,500) (101,000) 7.29 62 (96,000) (101,500) 7.30 63 (96,500) (102,000) 7.31 64 (97,000) (102,500) 7.32 65 (103,000) 7.33 66 (103,500) 7.34 67 (104,500) 7.35 68 (105,000) 7.36 69 (105,500) 7.37 70 (106,000) 7.38 71 (106,500) 7.39 72 (107,000) 7.40 73 (107,500) 7.41 74 (108,000) 7.42     new text begin (d) new text end The gross weights shown without parentheses in this new text begin the axle weight limits new text end table 7.43are allowed on unpaved streets and highways, unless posted to a lesser weight under 8.1section 169.87, subdivision 1. The gross weights shown in this table, whether within or 8.2without parentheses, are allowed on paved streets and highways, unless posted to a lesser 8.3weight under section 169.87, subdivision 1. Gross weights in excess of 80,000 pounds 8.4require an overweight permit under this chapter, unless otherwise allowed under section 8.5169.826 . 8.6    (b) new text begin (e) new text end Notwithstanding any lesser weight in pounds shown in this new text begin the axle weight new text end 8.7 new text begin limits new text end table new text begin , new text end but subject to the restrictions on gross vehicle weights in subdivision 2, 8.8paragraph (a), two consecutive sets of tandem axles may carry a gross load of 34,000 8.9pounds each and a combined gross load of 68,000 pounds provided the overall distance 8.10between the first and last axles of the consecutive sets of tandem axles is 36 feet or more. 8.11    Sec. 5. Minnesota Statutes 2009 Supplement, section 169.824, subdivision 2, is 8.12amended to read: 8.13    Subd. 2. Gross vehicle weight of all axles; credit for idle reduction technology. 8.14    (a) The gross vehicle weight of all axles of a vehicle or combination of vehicles must 8.15not exceed: 8.16    (1) 80,000 pounds for any vehicle or combination of vehicles on all streets and 8.17highways, unless posted at a lower axle weight under section 169.87, subdivision 1; and 8.18    (2) 88,000 pounds for any vehicle or combination of vehicles with six or more 8.19axles while exclusively engaged in hauling livestock on all state trunk highways other 8.20than interstate highways, if the vehicle has a permit under section 169.86, subdivision 8.215 , paragraph (k) new text begin (j) new text end . 8.22    (b) Notwithstanding the maximum weight provisions of this section, and in order 8.23to promote the reduction of fuel use and emissions, the maximum gross vehicle weight 8.24limits and the axle weight limits for any motor vehicle subject to sections 169.80 to 8.25169.88 and equipped with idle reduction technology or emissions-reduction technology 8.26must be increased by the amount of weight necessary to compensate for the weight of the 8.27idle reduction technology or emissions-reduction technology, not to exceed 400 pounds. 8.28At the request of an authorized representative of the Department of Transportation or the 8.29Department of Public Safety, the vehicle operator shall provide proof that the vehicle is 8.30equipped with this technology through documentation or demonstration. 8.31    Sec. 6. Minnesota Statutes 2009 Supplement, section 169.8261, subdivision 2, is 8.32amended to read: 8.33    Subd. 2. Conditions. (a) A vehicle or combination of vehicles described in 8.34subdivision 1 must: 9.1(1) comply with seasonal load restrictions in effect between the dates set by the 9.2commissioner under section 169.87, subdivision 2; 9.3    (2) comply with bridge load limits posted under section 169.84; 9.4    (3) be equipped and operated with six new text begin or more new text end axles and brakes on all wheels; 9.5    (4) not exceed 90,000 pounds gross vehicle weight, or 99,000 pounds gross vehicle 9.6weight during the time when seasonal increases are authorized under section 169.826; 9.7    (5) not be operated on interstate highways; 9.8    (6) obtain an annual permit from the commissioner of transportation; 9.9    (7) obey all road postings; and 9.10    (8) not exceed 20,000 pounds gross weight on any single axle. 9.11    (b) A vehicle operated under this section may exceed the legal axle weight limits 9.12listed in section 169.824 by not more than 12.5 percent; except that, the weight limits may 9.13be exceeded by not more than 23.75 percent during the time when seasonal increases are 9.14authorized under section 169.826, subdivision 1. 9.15    Sec. 7. Minnesota Statutes 2008, section 169.86, subdivision 5, is amended to read: 9.16    Subd. 5. Fee; proceeds deposited; appropriation. The commissioner, with respect 9.17to highways under the commissioner's jurisdiction, may charge a fee for each permit 9.18issued. All such fees for permits issued by the commissioner of transportation shall be 9.19deposited in the state treasury and credited to the trunk highway fund. Except for those 9.20annual permits for which the permit fees are specified elsewhere in this chapter, the fees 9.21shall be: 9.22    (a) $15 for each single trip permit. 9.23    (b) $36 for each job permit. A job permit may be issued for like loads carried on 9.24a specific route for a period not to exceed two months. "Like loads" means loads of the 9.25same product, weight, and dimension. 9.26    (c) $60 for an annual permit to be issued for a period not to exceed 12 consecutive 9.27months. Annual permits may be issued for: 9.28    (1) motor vehicles used to alleviate a temporary crisis adversely affecting the safety 9.29or well-being of the public; 9.30    (2) motor vehicles which travel on interstate highways and carry loads authorized 9.31under subdivision 1a; 9.32    (3) motor vehicles operating with gross weights authorized under section 169.826, 9.33subdivision 1a ; 9.34    (4) special pulpwood vehicles described in section 169.863; 9.35    (5) motor vehicles bearing snowplow blades not exceeding ten feet in width; 10.1    (6) noncommercial transportation of a boat by the owner or user of the boat; and 10.2    (7) motor vehicles carrying bales of agricultural products authorized under section 10.3169.862 . 10.4    (d) $120 for an oversize annual permit to be issued for a period not to exceed 12 10.5consecutive months. Annual permits may be issued for: 10.6    (1) mobile cranes; 10.7    (2) construction equipment, machinery, and supplies; 10.8    (3) manufactured homes and manufactured storage buildings; 10.9    (4) implements of husbandry when the movement is not made according to the 10.10provisions of paragraph (i); 10.11    (5) double-deck buses; 10.12    (6) commercial boat hauling; and 10.13    (7) three-vehicle combinations consisting of two empty, newly manufactured trailers 10.14for cargo, horses, or livestock, not to exceed 28-1/2 feet per trailer; provided, however, 10.15the permit allows the vehicles to be moved from a trailer manufacturer to a trailer dealer 10.16only while operating on twin-trailer routes designated under section 169.81, subdivision 3, 10.17paragraph (c). new text begin ; and new text end 10.18 new text begin (8) vehicles operating on that portion of marked Trunk Highway 36 described in new text end 10.19 new text begin section 169.81, subdivision 3, paragraph (e). new text end 10.20    (e) For vehicles which have axle weights exceeding the weight limitations of 10.21sections 169.822 new text begin 169.823 new text end to 169.829, an additional cost added to the fees listed above. 10.22However, this paragraph applies to any vehicle described in section 168.013, subdivision 10.233 , paragraph (b), but only when the vehicle exceeds its gross weight allowance set forth 10.24in that paragraph, and then the additional cost is for all weight, including the allowance 10.25weight, in excess of the permitted maximum axle weight. The additional cost is equal 10.26to the product of the distance traveled times the sum of the overweight axle group cost 10.27factors shown in the following chart: 10.28 Overweight Axle Group Cost Factors 10.29 Weight (pounds) Cost Per Mile For Each Group Of: 10.30 10.31 10.32 10.33 10.34 exceeding weight limitations on axles Two consecutive axles spaced within 8 feet or less Three consecutive axles spaced within 9 feet or less Four consecutive axles spaced within 14 feet or less 10.35 0-2,000 .12 .05 .04 10.36 2,001-4,000 .14 .06 .05 10.37 4,001-6,000 .18 .07 .06 10.38 6,001-8,000 .21 .09 .07 11.1 8,001-10,000 .26 .10 .08 11.2 10,001-12,000 .30 .12 .09 11.3 11.4 12,001-14,000 Not permitted .14 .11 11.5 11.6 14,001-16,000 Not permitted .17 .12 11.7 11.8 16,001-18,000 Not permitted .19 .15 11.9 11.10 18,001-20,000 Not permitted Not permitted .16 11.11 11.12 20,001-22,000 Not permitted Not permitted .20 11.13The amounts added are rounded to the nearest cent for each axle or axle group. The 11.14additional cost does not apply to paragraph (c), clauses (1) and (3). 11.15For a vehicle found to exceed the appropriate maximum permitted weight, a cost-per-mile 11.16fee of 22 cents per ton, or fraction of a ton, over the permitted maximum weight is imposed 11.17in addition to the normal permit fee. Miles must be calculated based on the distance 11.18already traveled in the state plus the distance from the point of detection to a transportation 11.19loading site or unloading site within the state or to the point of exit from the state. 11.20    (f) As an alternative to paragraph (e), an annual permit may be issued for overweight, 11.21or oversize and overweight, new text begin mobile cranes; new text end construction equipment, machinery, and 11.22supplies new text begin ; implements of husbandry; and commercial boat hauling new text end . The fees for the permit 11.23are as follows: 11.24 Gross Weight (pounds) of Vehicle Annual Permit Fee 11.25 90,000 or less $200 11.26 90,001 - 100,000 $300 11.27 100,001 - 110,000 $400 11.28 110,001 - 120,000 $500 11.29 120,001 - 130,000 $600 11.30 130,001 - 140,000 $700 11.31 140,001 - 145,000 $800 11.32If the gross weight of the vehicle is more than 145,000 pounds the permit fee is determined 11.33under paragraph (e). 11.34    (g) For vehicles which exceed the width limitations set forth in section 169.80 by 11.35more than 72 inches, an additional cost equal to $120 added to the amount in paragraph (a) 11.36when the permit is issued while seasonal load restrictions pursuant to section 169.87 are 11.37in effect. 11.38    (h) $85 for an annual permit to be issued for a period not to exceed 12 months, for 11.39refuse-compactor vehicles that carry a gross weight of not more than: 22,000 pounds on 12.1a single rear axle; 38,000 pounds on a tandem rear axle; or, subject to section 169.828, 12.2subdivision 2 , 46,000 pounds on a tridem rear axle. A permit issued for up to 46,000 12.3pounds on a tridem rear axle must limit the gross vehicle weight to not more than 62,000 12.4pounds. 12.5    (i) For vehicles exclusively transporting implements of husbandry, an annual permit 12.6fee of $24. A vehicle operated under a permit authorized by this paragraph may be moved 12.7at the discretion of the permit holder without prior route approval by the commissioner if: 12.8    (1) the total width of the transporting vehicle, including load, does not exceed 14 feet; 12.9    (2) the vehicle is operated only between sunrise and 30 minutes after sunset, and is 12.10not operated at any time after 12:00 noon on Sundays or holidays; 12.11    (3) the vehicle is not operated when visibility is impaired by weather, fog, or other 12.12conditions that render persons and other vehicles not clearly visible at 500 feet; 12.13    (4) the vehicle displays at the front and rear of the load or vehicle a pair of flashing 12.14amber lights, as provided in section 169.59, subdivision 4, whenever the overall width of 12.15the vehicle exceeds 126 inches; and 12.16    (5) the vehicle is not operated on a trunk highway with a surfaced roadway width of 12.17less than 24 feet unless such operation is authorized by the permit. 12.18A permit under this paragraph authorizes movements of the permitted vehicle on an 12.19interstate highway, and movements of 75 miles or more on other highways. 12.20    (j) new text begin (i) new text end $300 for a motor vehicle described in section 169.8261. The fee under this 12.21paragraph must be deposited as follows: 12.22    (1) in fiscal years 2005 through 2010: 12.23    (i) the first $50,000 in each fiscal year must be deposited in the trunk highway fund 12.24for costs related to administering the permit program and inspecting and posting bridges; 12.25    (ii) all remaining money in each fiscal year must be deposited in a bridge inspection 12.26and signing account in the special revenue fund. Money in the account is appropriated 12.27to the commissioner for: 12.28    (A) inspection of local bridges and identification of local bridges to be posted, 12.29including contracting with a consultant for some or all of these functions; and 12.30    (B) erection of weight-posting signs on local bridges; and 12.31    (2) in fiscal year 2011 and subsequent years must be deposited in the trunk highway 12.32fund. 12.33    (k) new text begin (j) new text end Beginning August 1, 2006, $200 for an annual permit for a vehicle operating 12.34under authority of section 169.824, subdivision 2, paragraph (a), clause (2). 12.35    Sec. 8. Minnesota Statutes 2008, section 169.862, subdivision 1, is amended to read: 13.1    Subdivision 1. Annual permit authority; restrictions. The commissioner of 13.2transportation with respect to highways under the commissioner's jurisdiction, and local 13.3authorities with respect to highways under their jurisdiction, may issue an annual permit 13.4to enable a vehicle carrying bales of hay, straw, or cornstalks, with a total outside width 13.5of the vehicle or the load not exceeding 12 feet, and a total height of the loaded vehicle 13.6not exceeding 14-1/2 new text begin 15 new text end feet, to be operated on public streets and highways. new text begin Loaded new text end 13.7 new text begin vehicles operating on interstate highways within the seven-county metropolitan area may new text end 13.8 new text begin not exceed a total height of 14 1/2 feet. new text end 13.9    Sec. 9. Minnesota Statutes 2009 Supplement, section 169.862, subdivision 2, is 13.10amended to read: 13.11    Subd. 2. Additional restrictions. Permits issued under this section are governed by 13.12the applicable provisions of section 169.86 except as otherwise provided herein and, in 13.13addition, carry the following restrictions: 13.14    (a) The vehicles may not be operated between sunset and sunrise, when visibility is 13.15impaired by weather, fog, or other conditions rendering persons and vehicles not clearly 13.16visible at a distance of 500 feet, or on Sunday from noon until sunset, or on the days the 13.17following holidays are observed: New Year's Day, Memorial Day, Independence Day, 13.18Labor Day, Thanksgiving Day, and Christmas Day. 13.19    (b) The vehicles may not be operated on a trunk highway with a pavement less 13.20than 24 feet wide. 13.21    (c) A vehicle operated under the permit must be equipped with a retractable or 13.22removable mirror on the left side so located that it will reflect to the driver a clear view of 13.23the highway for a distance of at least 200 feet to the rear of the vehicle. 13.24    (d) A vehicle operated under the permit must display red, orange, or yellow flags, 18 13.25inches square, as markers at the front and rear and on both sides of the load. The load 13.26must be securely bound to the transporting vehicle. 13.27    (e) Farm vehicles not for hire carrying round baled hay new text begin , straw, or cornstalks new text end less than 13.2820 miles are exempt from the requirement to obtain a permit. All other requirements of 13.29this section apply to vehicles transporting round baled hay new text begin , straw, or cornstalks new text end . 13.30    Sec. 10. Minnesota Statutes 2008, section 169.863, subdivision 1, is amended to read: 13.31    Subdivision 1. Special vehicle. The commissioner may issue a permit for a vehicle 13.32that meets the following requirements: 13.33(a) There must be no more than two support points for the vehicle or for each vehicle 13.34of a vehicle combination. The support point of each axle group must be capable of 14.1distributing the load equally to each axle of the group with a variance of no more than 14.23,000 pounds between any two axles of the group. 14.3(b) The maximum wheel load may not exceed the tire manufacturer's recommended 14.4load or the following weight limits, whichever is less: 14.5(1) front steering axles, 550 pounds per inch; 14.6(2) other single axles, 500 pounds per inch; 14.7(3) tandem axles, 450 pounds per inch; and 14.8(4) tridem or quad axle groups, 425 pounds per inch. 14.9(c) The axle group weights must comply with the limitations of section 169.824. 14.10(d) The vehicle may not be equipped with a variable load axle, unless the variable 14.11load axle cannot be operated from the cab of the vehicle. 14.12(e) The vehicle transports pole-length pulpwood, carries a gross vehicle weight of 14.13not more than 82,000 pounds, and has six new text begin or more new text end axles. 14.14    Sec. 11. Minnesota Statutes 2009 Supplement, section 169.864, subdivision 2, is 14.15amended to read: 14.16    Subd. 2. Special two-unit vehicle permit. The commissioner may issue a permit 14.17for a vehicle that meets the following requirements: 14.18    (1) is a combination of vehicles consisting of a truck-tractor and a single semitrailer 14.19that may exceed 48 feet, but not 53 feet, if the distance from the kingpin to the centerline 14.20of the rear axle group of the semitrailer does not exceed 43 feet; 14.21    (2) has a maximum gross vehicle weight of 90,000 pounds new text begin if the vehicle combination new text end 14.22 new text begin has a total of six or more axles new text end or 97,000 pounds if the truck new text begin vehicle combination new text end has new text begin a new text end 14.23 new text begin total of new text end seven new text begin or more new text end axles; 14.24    (3) has a maximum gross vehicle weight of 99,000 pounds during the time when 14.25seasonal weight increases authorized under section 169.826, subdivision 1, are in effect; 14.26    (4) complies with the axle weight limits in section 169.824; 14.27    (5) complies with the tire weight limits in section 169.823 or the tire manufacturers' 14.28recommended load, whichever is less; and 14.29    (6) is operated only on the highways specified in subdivision 1, clause (5). 14.30    Sec. 12. Minnesota Statutes 2008, section 169.864, subdivision 4, is amended to read: 14.31    Subd. 4. Permit fee; appropriation. Vehicle permits issued under subdivision 14.321, clause (1), must be annual permits. The fee is $850 for each vehicle new text begin combination new text end 14.33and must be deposited in the trunk highway fund. new text begin The fee for annual permits issued new text end 14.34 new text begin under subdivision 2 is $300 for a 90,000-pound vehicle combination or $500 for a new text end 15.1 new text begin 97,000-pound vehicle combination. new text end An amount sufficient to administer the permit 15.2program is appropriated from the trunk highway fund to the commissioner for the costs of 15.3administering the permit program. 15.4    Sec. 13. Minnesota Statutes 2009 Supplement, section 169.865, subdivision 1, is 15.5amended to read: 15.6    Subdivision 1. Six-axle vehicles. (a) A road authority may issue an annual permit 15.7authorizing a vehicle or combination of vehicles with a total of six or more axles to haul 15.8raw or unprocessed agricultural products and be operated with a gross vehicle weight 15.9of up to: 15.10    (1) 90,000 pounds; and 15.11    (2) 99,000 pounds during the period set by the commissioner under section 169.826, 15.12subdivision 1 . 15.13    (b) Notwithstanding subdivision 4 new text begin 3 new text end , paragraph (a), clause (4), a vehicle or 15.14combination of vehicles operated under this subdivision and transporting only sealed 15.15intermodal containers may be operated on an interstate highway if allowed by the United 15.16States Department of Transportation. 15.17    (c) The fee for a permit issued under this subdivision is $300. 15.18    Sec. 14. Minnesota Statutes 2008, section 169.871, subdivision 1, is amended to read: 15.19    Subdivision 1. Civil liability. (a) The owner or lessee of a vehicle that is operated 15.20with a gross weight in excess of a weight limit imposed under sections new text begin 169.823 new text end to 15.21169.829 , new text begin 169.84 new text end to 169.851, and 169.87 or a shipper who ships or tenders goods 15.22for shipment in a single truck or combination vehicle that exceeds a weight limit imposed 15.23under sections new text begin 169.823 new text end to 169.829, new text begin 169.84 new text end to 169.851, and 169.87 is 15.24liable for a civil penalty as follows: 15.25(1) if the total gross excess weight is not more than 1,000 pounds, one cent per 15.26pound for each pound in excess of the legal limit; 15.27(2) if the total gross excess weight is more than 1,000 pounds but not more than 15.283,000 pounds, $10 plus five cents per pound for each pound in excess of 1,000 pounds; 15.29(3) if the total gross excess weight is more than 3,000 pounds but not more than 15.305,000 pounds, $110 plus ten cents per pound for each pound in excess of 3,000 pounds; 15.31(4) if the total gross excess weight is more than 5,000 pounds but not more than 15.327,000 pounds, $310 plus 15 cents per pound for each pound in excess of 5,000 pounds; 15.33(5) if the total gross excess weight is more than 7,000 pounds, $610 plus 20 cents per 15.34pound for each pound in excess of 7,000 pounds. 16.1(b) Notwithstanding any other law to the contrary, if a person found guilty of 16.2a violation of a weight limit imposed under this section or sections new text begin 169.823 new text end 16.3to 169.829, new text begin 169.84 new text end to 169.851, or 169.87 is also found by the court to have 16.4knowingly and contemporaneously attempted to evade a fixed weigh station or to otherwise 16.5avoid weighing by means of stationary scales under section 169.85 or other law, the court 16.6shall impose a penalty of twice the amount otherwise authorized under paragraph (a). 16.7(c) Any penalty imposed upon a defendant under this subdivision shall not exceed 16.8the penalty prescribed by this subdivision. Any fine paid by the defendant in a criminal 16.9overweight action that arose from the same overweight violation shall be applied toward 16.10payment of the civil penalty under this subdivision. A peace officer or Department of 16.11Public Safety employee described in section 299D.06 who cites a driver for a violation 16.12of the weight limitations established by sections 169.81 to 169.851 and 169.87 shall 16.13give written notice to the driver that the driver or another may also be liable for the civil 16.14penalties provided herein in the same or separate proceedings. 16.15(d) A penalty imposed upon the owner or lessee of a vehicle that is based on 16.16violations identified by the use of shippers' weight records under section 169.872 must not 16.17exceed an aggregate of $10,000. 16.18    Sec. 15. Minnesota Statutes 2008, section 169.871, subdivision 1a, is amended to read: 16.19    Subd. 1a. Special permit violations. (a) The owner or lessee of a vehicle that is 16.20operated with a gross weight in excess of a new text begin an adjusted new text end weight limit imposed by permit 16.21under sections and and a shipper who ships or tenders goods for shipment 16.22in a single truck or combination vehicle that exceeds a new text begin an adjusted new text end weight limit permitted 16.23under section or is liable for a civil penalty new text begin . The civil penalty is the greater new text end 16.24 new text begin of (1) as calculated new text end at a rate of five cents per pound for each pound in excess of the new text begin highest new text end 16.25weight permitted under section or new text begin allowed by the permit or under section new text end 16.26 new text begin 169.826, subdivision 1 new text end , or new text begin (2) new text end $100, whichever is greater. 16.27    (b) Any penalty imposed upon a defendant under this subdivision shall not exceed 16.28the penalty prescribed by this subdivision. Any fine paid by the defendant in a criminal 16.29overweight action that arose from the same overweight violation may not be applied 16.30toward payment of the civil penalty under this subdivision. A peace officer or Department 16.31of Public Safety employee described in section 299D.06 who cites a driver for a violation 16.32of the new text begin adjusted new text end weight limitations established by permit pursuant to section or 16.33 new text begin limit new text end shall give written notice to the driver that the driver or another may also be 16.34liable for the civil penalty provided in this subdivision in the same or separate proceedings. 17.1     new text begin (c) For purposes of this subdivision, "adjusted weight limit" means a weight limit new text end 17.2 new text begin (1) imposed by a permit issued under this chapter, or (2) imposed under section 169.826, new text end 17.3 new text begin subdivision 1. new text end 17.4    Sec. 16. Minnesota Statutes 2008, section 169.871, subdivision 1b, is amended to read: 17.5    Subd. 1b. Civil penalty for first two violations. Notwithstanding subdivision 1, 17.6paragraph (a), clauses (1) to (5), a civil penalty under subdivision 1 for a violation in a 17.7motor vehicle in the course of a first haul as defined in section 168.013, subdivision 3, 17.8paragraph (d)(3), of a weight limit imposed under sections new text begin 169.823 new text end to 169.829, 17.9169.832 new text begin 169.84 new text end to 169.851, and 169.87 that is not preceded by two or more violations 17.10of the gross weight limits in those sections in that motor vehicle within the previous 12 17.11months, may not exceed $150. 17.12    Sec. 17. Minnesota Statutes 2009 Supplement, section 221.025, is amended to read: 17.13221.025 EXEMPTIONS. 17.14The provisions of this chapter requiring a certificate or permit to operate as a motor 17.15carrier do not apply to the intrastate transportation described below: 17.16(1) the transportation of students to or from school or school activities in a school 17.17bus inspected and certified under section 169.451 and the transportation of children or 17.18parents to or from a Head Start facility or Head Start activity in a Head Start bus inspected 17.19and certified under section 169.451; 17.20(2) the transportation of solid waste, as defined in section 116.06, subdivision 22, 17.21including recyclable materials and waste tires, except that the term "hazardous waste" has 17.22the meaning given it in section 221.012, subdivision 18; 17.23(3) a commuter van as defined in section 221.012, subdivision 9; 17.24(4) authorized emergency vehicles as defined in section 169.011, subdivision 3, 17.25including ambulances; and tow trucks equipped with proper and legal warning devices 17.26when picking up and transporting (i) disabled or wrecked motor vehicles or (ii) vehicles 17.27towed or transported under a towing order issued by a public employee authorized to 17.28issue a towing order; 17.29(5) the transportation of grain samples under conditions prescribed by the 17.30commissioner; 17.31(6) the delivery of agricultural lime; 17.32(7) the transportation of dirt and sod within an area having a 50-mile radius from the 17.33home post office of the person performing the transportation; 18.1(8) the transportation of sand, gravel, bituminous asphalt mix, concrete ready mix, 18.2concrete blocks or tile and the mortar mix to be used with the concrete blocks or tile, or 18.3crushed rock to or from the point of loading or a place of gathering within an area having a 18.450-mile radius from that person's home post office or a 50-mile radius from the site of 18.5construction or maintenance of public roads and streets; 18.6(9) the transportation of pulpwood, cordwood, mining timber, poles, posts, decorator 18.7evergreens, wood chips, sawdust, shavings, and bark from the place where the products 18.8are produced to the point where they are to be used or shipped; 18.9(10) the transportation of fresh vegetables from farms to canneries or viner stations, 18.10from viner stations to canneries, or from canneries to canneries during the harvesting, 18.11canning, or packing season, or transporting sugar beets, wild rice, or rutabagas from the 18.12field of production to the first place of delivery or unloading, including a processing 18.13plant, warehouse, or railroad siding; 18.14(11) the transportation of property or freight, other than household goods and 18.15petroleum products in bulk, entirely within the corporate limits of a city or between 18.16contiguous cities; 18.17(12) new text begin (11) new text end the transportation of unprocessed dairy products in bulk within an 18.18area having a 100-mile radius from the home post office of the person providing the 18.19transportation; 18.20(13) new text begin (12) new text end the transportation of agricultural, horticultural, dairy, livestock, or other 18.21farm products within an area having a 100-mile radius from the person's home post 18.22office and the carrier may transport other commodities within the 100-mile radius if the 18.23destination of each haul is a farm; 18.24(14) new text begin (13) new text end the transportation of newspapers, as defined in section 331A.01, 18.25subdivision 5 , telephone books, handbills, circulars, or pamphlets in a vehicle with a gross 18.26vehicle weight of 10,000 pounds or less; and 18.27(15) new text begin (14) new text end transportation of potatoes from the field of production, or a storage site 18.28owned or otherwise controlled by the producer, to the first place of processing. 18.29The exemptions provided in this section apply to a person only while the person is 18.30exclusively engaged in exempt transportation. 18.31    Sec. 18. Minnesota Statutes 2009 Supplement, section 221.031, subdivision 3, is 18.32amended to read: 18.33    Subd. 3. Vehicle over 10,000 pounds not exempt. (a) This subdivision applies to 18.34persons engaged in intrastate commerce who operate vehicles providing transportation 19.1described in section 221.025 with a gross vehicle weight in excess of 10,000 pounds, 19.2except school buses, commuter vans, and authorized emergency vehicles. 19.3(b) Persons providing transportation described in section 221.025, clause (6), (10), 19.4(12) new text begin (11) new text end , or (13) new text begin (12) new text end , must comply with the rules for driving of motor vehicles and for 19.5parts and accessories necessary for safe operation. 19.6(c) Persons providing transportation described in section 221.025, except for persons 19.7providing transportation described in clause (6), (10), (12) new text begin (11) new text end , or (13) new text begin (12) new text end , must comply 19.8with the rules for driving of motor vehicles; parts and accessories necessary for safe 19.9operation; and the rules for driver qualifications. 19.10    Sec. 19. new text begin REPEALER. new text end 19.11 new text begin (a) Minnesota Statutes 2008, section 169.826, subdivision 6, new text end new text begin is repealed. new text end 19.12 new text begin (b) Minnesota Rules, parts 7800.0100, subparts 4, 6, 7, 8, 11, 12, 13, and 14; new text end 19.13 new text begin 7800.0200; 7800.0400; 7800.0800; 7800.0900; 7800.1000; 7800.3200, subpart 2; new text end 19.14 new text begin 7800.3300; 7805.0500; 7805.0900; 7805.1300; 8850.7950; 8850.8000; 8850.8050, new text end 19.15 new text begin subpart 2; 8850.8100; 8850.8250; 8850.8300; 8850.8350; 8850.8800; 8850.8850; new text end 19.16 new text begin 8850.9050, subpart 3; 8855.0410; 8855.0600; 8855.0850; 8920.0100; 8920.0150; new text end 19.17 new text begin 8920.0200; 8920.0300; 8920.0400; 8920.0500; 8920.0600; 8920.0700; 8920.0800; new text end 19.18 new text begin 8920.0900; 8920.1000; 8920.1100; 8920.1200; 8920.1300; 8920.1400; 8920.1500; new text end 19.19 new text begin 8920.1550; 8920.1600; 8920.1700; 8920.1800; 8920.1900; 8920.2000; 8920.2100; new text end 19.20 new text begin 8920.2200; 8920.2300; 8920.2400; 8920.2500; 8920.2600; 8920.2700; 8920.2800; new text end 19.21 new text begin 8920.2900; 8920.3000; 8920.3100; 8920.3200; 8920.3300; 8920.3400; 8920.3500; new text end 19.22 new text begin 8920.3600; 8920.3700; 8920.3800; 8920.3900; 8920.4000; 8920.4100; 8920.4200; new text end 19.23 new text begin 8920.4300; 8920.4400; and 8920.4500, new text end new text begin are repealed. new text end 19.24ARTICLE 2 19.25CROSS REFERENCES 19.26    Section 1. Minnesota Statutes 2008, section 169.823, as amended by Laws 2009, 19.27chapter 64, section 5, is amended to read: 19.28169.823 TIRE WEIGHT LIMITS. 19.29    Subdivision 1. Pneumatic-tired vehicle. No vehicle or combination of vehicles 19.30equipped with pneumatic tires shall be operated upon the highways of this state: 19.31    (1) where the gross weight on any wheel exceeds 9,000 pounds on an unpaved street 19.32or highway or 10,000 pounds on a paved street or highway, unless posted to a lesser 19.33weight under section 169.87, subdivision 1; 20.1    (2) where the gross weight on any single axle exceeds 18,000 pounds on an unpaved 20.2street or highway or 20,000 pounds on a paved street or highway, unless posted to a lesser 20.3weight under section 169.87, subdivision 1; 20.4    (3) where the maximum wheel load: 20.5    (i) on the foremost and rearmost steering axles, exceeds 600 pounds per inch of tire 20.6width or the manufacturer's recommended load, whichever is less; or 20.7    (ii) on other axles, exceeds 500 pounds per inch of tire width or the manufacturer's 20.8recommended load, whichever is less; or 20.9    (4) where the gross weight on any group of axles exceeds the weights permitted 20.10under sections new text begin 169.823 new text end to 169.829 with any or all of the interior axles disregarded, 20.11and with an exterior axle disregarded if the exterior axle is a variable load axle that is not 20.12carrying its intended weight, and their gross weights subtracted from the gross weight of 20.13all axles of the group under consideration. 20.14    Subd. 2. Vehicle not equipped with pneumatic tires. A vehicle or combination 20.15of vehicles not equipped with pneumatic tires shall be governed by the provisions of 20.16sections new text begin 169.823 new text end to 169.829, except that the gross weight limitations shall 20.17be reduced by 40 percent. 20.18    Sec. 2. Minnesota Statutes 2008, section 169.826, as amended by Laws 2009, chapter 20.1964, section 57, is amended to read: 20.20169.826 GROSS WEIGHT SEASONAL INCREASES. 20.21    Subdivision 1. Winter increase amounts. The limitations provided in sections 20.22169.822 new text begin 169.823 new text end to 169.829 are increased by ten percent between the dates set by the 20.23commissioner for each zone established by the commissioner based on a freezing index 20.24model each winter. 20.25    Subd. 1a. Harvest season increase amount; permit. The limitations provided in 20.26sections new text begin 169.823 new text end to 169.829 are increased by ten percent from the beginning of 20.27harvest to November 30 each year for the movement of sugar beets, carrots, and potatoes 20.28from the field of harvest to the point of the first unloading. Transfer of the product 20.29from a farm vehicle or small farm trailer, within the meaning of chapter 168, to another 20.30vehicle is not considered to be the first unloading. A permit issued under section 169.86, 20.31subdivision 1 , paragraph (a), is required. The commissioner shall not issue permits under 20.32this subdivision if to do so will result in a loss of federal highway funding to the state. 20.33    Subd. 2. Duration. The duration of a ten percent increase in load limits is subject to 20.34limitation by order of the commissioner, subject to implementation of springtime load 20.35restrictions. 21.1    Subd. 3. Excess weight permit. When the ten percent increase is in effect, a 21.2permit is required for a motor vehicle, trailer, or semitrailer combination that has a gross 21.3weight in excess of 80,000 pounds, an axle group weight in excess of that prescribed in 21.4section 169.824, or a single axle weight in excess of 20,000 pounds and which travels 21.5on interstate routes. 21.6    Subd. 4. Weight limits set by other law. In cases where gross weights in an 21.7amount less than that set forth in sections new text begin 169.823 new text end to 169.829 are fixed, limited, 21.8or restricted on a highway or bridge by or under another section of this chapter, the lesser 21.9gross weight as fixed, limited, or restricted may not be exceeded and must control instead 21.10of the gross weights set forth in sections new text begin 169.823 new text end to 169.829. 21.11    Subd. 6. Permit extension. The commissioner may, after determining the ability 21.12of the highway structure and frost condition to support additional loads, grant a permit 21.13extending seasonal increases for vehicles using portions of routes falling within two miles 21.14of the southern boundary of the zone described under subdivision 1, clause (2). 21.15    Sec. 3. Minnesota Statutes 2009 Supplement, section 169.8261, subdivision 1, is 21.16amended to read: 21.17    Subdivision 1. Exemption. (a) For purposes of this section, "raw or unfinished 21.18forest products" include wood chips, paper, pulp, oriented strand board, laminated strand 21.19lumber, hardboard, treated lumber, untreated lumber, or barrel staves. 21.20    (b) In compliance with this section, a person may operate a vehicle or combination 21.21of vehicles to haul raw or unfinished forest products by the most direct route to the nearest 21.22paved highway on any highway with gross weights permitted under sections new text begin new text end 21.23 new text begin 169.823 new text end to 169.829. 21.24    Sec. 4. Minnesota Statutes 2008, section 169.828, subdivision 1, is amended to read: 21.25    Subdivision 1. Consecutive axle weight and number of axles. No vehicle alone 21.26nor any single vehicle of a combination of vehicles shall be equipped with more than four 21.27axles unless the additional axles are steering axles or castering axles; provided that the 21.28limitation on the number of axles as provided in sections new text begin 169.823 new text end to 169.829 21.29shall not apply to any vehicle operated under permit pursuant to section 169.86. No 21.30vehicle alone nor any single vehicle of a combination of vehicles shall exceed the posted 21.31weight limit for a single vehicle. 21.32    Sec. 5. Minnesota Statutes 2008, section 169.829, is amended to read: 21.33169.829 WEIGHT LIMITS NOT APPLICABLE TO CERTAIN VEHICLES. 22.1    Subdivision 1. City vehicle except on trunk highway. (a) The provisions of 22.2sections new text begin 169.823 new text end to 169.828 do not apply to vehicles operated exclusively in any 22.3city in this state which has in effect an ordinance regulating the gross weight of vehicles 22.4operated within that city. 22.5    (b) This subdivision does not apply to trunk highways. 22.6    Subd. 2. Tow truck. Sections new text begin 169.823 new text end to 169.828 do not apply to a tow 22.7truck or towing vehicle when towing a disabled or damaged vehicle, when the movement 22.8is urgent, and when the movement is for the purpose of removing the disabled vehicle 22.9from the roadway to a place of safekeeping or to a place of repair. 22.10    Subd. 3. Utility vehicle. Sections new text begin 169.823 new text end to 169.828 do not apply to a 22.11utility vehicle that does not exceed a weight of 20,000 pounds per axle and is owned by: 22.12    (1) a public utility, as defined in section 216B.02; 22.13    (2) a municipality or municipal utility that operates that vehicle for its municipal 22.14electric, gas, or water system; and 22.15    (3) a cooperative electric association organized under chapter 308A. 22.16    Sec. 6. Minnesota Statutes 2009 Supplement, section 169.85, subdivision 2, is 22.17amended to read: 22.18    Subd. 2. Unloading. (a) Upon weighing a vehicle and load, as provided in this 22.19section, an officer may require the driver to stop the vehicle in a suitable place and remain 22.20standing until a portion of the load is removed that is sufficient to reduce the gross weight 22.21of the vehicle to the limit permitted under either section 168.013, subdivision 3, paragraph 22.22(b), or sections new text begin 169.823 new text end to 169.829, whichever is the lesser violation, if any. A 22.23suitable place is a location where loading or tampering with the load is not prohibited by 22.24federal, state, or local law, rule, or ordinance. 22.25    (b) Except as provided in paragraph (c), a driver may be required to unload a vehicle 22.26only if the weighing officer determines that (1) on routes subject to the provisions of 22.27sections new text begin 169.823 new text end to 169.829, the weight on an axle exceeds the lawful gross 22.28weight prescribed by sections new text begin 169.823 new text end to 169.829, by 2,000 pounds or more, 22.29or the weight on a group of two or more consecutive axles in cases where the distance 22.30between the centers of the first and last axles of the group under consideration is ten feet or 22.31less exceeds the lawful gross weight prescribed by sections new text begin 169.823 new text end to 169.829, 22.32by 4,000 pounds or more; or (2) the weight is unlawful on an axle or group of consecutive 22.33axles on a road restricted in accordance with section 169.87. Material unloaded must be 22.34cared for by the owner or driver of the vehicle at the risk of the owner or driver. 23.1    (c) If the gross weight of the vehicle does not exceed the vehicle's registered gross 23.2weight plus the weight allowance set forth in section 168.013, subdivision 3, paragraph 23.3(b), and plus, if applicable, the weight allowance permitted under section 169.826, then 23.4the driver is not required to unload under paragraph (b). 23.5    Sec. 7. Minnesota Statutes 2008, section 169.851, subdivision 5, is amended to read: 23.6    Subd. 5. Exception for farm and forest products. Subdivision 4 does not apply 23.7to the first haul of unprocessed or raw farm products and the transportation of raw and 23.8unfinished forest products, including wood chips, when the maximum weight limitations 23.9permitted under sections new text begin 169.823 new text end to 169.829 are not exceeded by more than 23.10ten percent. 23.11    Sec. 8. Minnesota Statutes 2008, section 169.86, subdivision 1a, is amended to read: 23.12    Subd. 1a. Seasonal permits for certain haulers. The commissioner of 23.13transportation, upon application in writing therefor, may issue special permits annually 23.14to any hauler authorizing the hauler to move vehicles or combinations of vehicles with 23.15weights exceeding by not more than ten percent the weight limitations contained in 23.16sections new text begin 169.823 new text end to 169.829, on interstate highways during the times and within 23.17the zones specified in sections new text begin 169.823 new text end to 169.829. 23.18    Sec. 9. Minnesota Statutes 2009 Supplement, section 169.87, subdivision 2, is 23.19amended to read: 23.20    Subd. 2. Seasonal load restriction. (a) Unless restricted as provided in subdivision 23.211, between the dates set by the commissioner of transportation each year, the weight on 23.22any single axle shall not exceed: 23.23    (1) five tons on an unpaved street or highway; or 23.24    (2) ten tons on a paved street or highway. 23.25    (b) The gross weight on consecutive axles on an unpaved street or highway shall not 23.26exceed the gross weight allowed in sections new text begin 169.823 new text end to 169.829 multiplied by a 23.27factor of five divided by nine. This reduction shall not apply to the gross vehicle weight.