Skip to main content Skip to office menu Skip to footer
Capital IconMinnesota Legislature

Office of the Revisor of Statutes

Key: (1) language to be deleted (2) new language

CHAPTER 320--S.F.No. 2846

An act

relating to transportation; modifying provisions governing movement of large vehicles on public streets and highways; making technical changes; repealing certain rules related to motor carriers;

amending Minnesota Statutes 2008, sections 169.801, subdivision 5; 169.823, as amended; 169.826, as amended; 169.828, subdivision 1; 169.829; 169.851, subdivision 5; 169.86, subdivisions 1a, 5; 169.862, subdivision 1; 169.863, subdivision 1; 169.864, subdivision 4; 169.871, subdivisions 1, 1a, 1b; Minnesota Statutes 2009 Supplement, sections 169.801, subdivision 10; 169.81, subdivision 3; 169.824, subdivisions 1, 2; 169.8261, subdivisions 1, 2; 169.85, subdivision 2; 169.862, subdivision 2; 169.864, subdivision 2; 169.865, subdivision 1; 169.87, subdivision 2; 221.025; 221.031, subdivision 3; proposing coding for new law in Minnesota Statutes, chapter 169; repealing Minnesota Statutes 2008, section 169.826, subdivision 6; Minnesota Rules, parts 7800.0100, subparts 4, 6, 7, 8, 11, 12, 13, 14; 7800.0200; 7800.0400; 7800.0800; 7800.0900; 7800.1000; 7800.3200, subpart 2; 7800.3300; 7805.0500; 7805.0900; 7805.1300; 8850.7950; 8850.8000; 8850.8050, subpart 2; 8850.8100; 8850.8250; 8850.8300; 8850.8350; 8850.8800; 8850.8850; 8850.9050, subpart 3; 8855.0410; 8855.0600; 8855.0850; 8920.0100; 8920.0150; 8920.0200; 8920.0300; 8920.0400; 8920.0500; 8920.0600; 8920.0700; 8920.0800; 8920.0900; 8920.1000; 8920.1100; 8920.1200; 8920.1300; 8920.1400; 8920.1500; 8920.1550; 8920.1600; 8920.1700; 8920.1800; 8920.1900; 8920.2000; 8920.2100; 8920.2200; 8920.2300; 8920.2400; 8920.2500; 8920.2600; 8920.2700; 8920.2800; 8920.2900; 8920.3000; 8920.3100; 8920.3200; 8920.3300; 8920.3400; 8920.3500; 8920.3600; 8920.3700; 8920.3800; 8920.3900; 8920.4000; 8920.4100; 8920.4200; 8920.4300; 8920.4400; 8920.4500.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF MINNESOTA:

ARTICLE 1

VEHICLE WEIGHTS AND DIMENSIONS

Section 1.

Minnesota Statutes 2008, section 169.801, subdivision 5, is amended to read:

Subd. 5.

Height and width.

A person operatingdeleted text begin ,deleted text end new text begin ornew text end towingdeleted text begin , or transportingdeleted text end an implement of husbandry that is higher than 13 feet six inches or wider than allowed under section 169.80, subdivision 2, must ensure that the operation or transportation does not damage a highway structure, utility line or structure, or other fixture adjacent to or over a public highway.

Sec. 2.

Minnesota Statutes 2009 Supplement, section 169.801, subdivision 10, is amended to read:

Subd. 10.

Brakes.

Notwithstanding section 169.67:

(a) A self-propelled implement of husbandry must be equipped with brakes adequate to control its movement and to stop and hold it and any vehicle it is towing.

(b) A towed implement of husbandry must be equipped with brakes adequate to control its movement and to stop and hold it if:

(1) it has a gross vehicle weight of more than 24,000 pounds and was manufactured and sold after January 1, 1994;

(2) it has a gross vehicle weight of more than 12,000 pounds and is towed by a vehicle other than a self-propelled implement of husbandry; or

(3) it has a gross vehicle weight of more than 3,000 pounds and is being towed by a registered passenger automobile other than a pickup truck as defined in section 168.002, subdivision 26.

(c) If a towed implement of husbandry new text begin with a gross vehicle weight of more than 6,000 pounds, or more than 3,000 pounds if manufactured after January 1, 2011, new text end is required under paragraph (b) to have brakes deleted text begin and was manufactured after January 1, 2011deleted text end , it must also be equipped with brakes deleted text begin as required in section 169.67, subdivision 3, paragraph (b)deleted text end new text begin adequate to stop and hold it if it becomes detached from the towing vehiclenew text end .

Sec. 3.

Minnesota Statutes 2009 Supplement, section 169.81, subdivision 3, is amended to read:

Subd. 3.

Length of vehicle combinations.

(a) Statewide, except on the highways identified under provisions in paragraph (c), no combination of vehicles may exceed a total length of 75 feet.

(b) However, the total length limitation does not apply to combinations of vehicles transporting:

(1) telephone poles, electric light and power poles, piling, or pole-length pulpwood; or

(2) pipe or other objects by a public utility when required for emergency or repair of public service facilities or when operated under special permits as provided in section 169.86.

These combinations of vehicles must be equipped with sufficient clearance markers, or lamps for night transportation, on both sides and upon the extreme ends of a projecting load to clearly mark the dimensions of the load.

(c) The following combination of vehicles regularly engaged in the transportation of commodities may operate only on divided highways having four or more lanes of travel, and on other highways as may be designated by the commissioner of transportation subject to section 169.87, subdivision 1, and subject to the approval of the authority having jurisdiction over the highway, for the purpose of providing reasonable access between the divided highways of four or more lanes of travel and terminals, facilities for food, fuel, repair, and rest, and points of loading and unloading for household goods carriers, livestock carriers, or for the purpose of providing continuity of route:

(1) a truck-tractor and semitrailer exceeding 75 feet in length;

(2) a combination of vehicles including a truck-tractor and semitrailer drawing one additional semitrailer which may be equipped with an auxiliary dolly;

(3) a combination of vehicles including a truck-tractor and semitrailer drawing one full trailer;

(4) a truck-tractor and semitrailer designed and used exclusively for the transportation of motor vehicles or boats and exceeding an overall length of 75 feet including the load; and

(5) a truck or truck-tractor transporting similar vehicles by having the front axle of the transported vehicle mounted onto the center or rear part of the preceding vehicle, defined in Code of Federal Regulations, title 49, sections 390.5 and 393.5 as drive-away saddlemount combinations or drive-away saddlemount vehicle transporter combinations, when the overall length exceeds 75new text begin feet but does not exceed 97new text end feet.

(d) Vehicles operated under the provisions of this section must conform to the standards for those vehicles prescribed by the United States Department of Transportation, Federal Highway Administration, Bureau of Motor Carrier Safety, as amended.

(e) For purposes of this paragraph, "total length" means the overall length of the motor vehicle including (1) bumpers and load; and (2) the length of any semitrailer, as defined in section 168.002, subdivision 30, and any trailer, as defined in section 168.002, subdivision 35. The maximum allowable total length of a commercial vehicle combination is 55 feet on that portion of marked Trunk Highway 36 from the intersection with marked Trunk Highway 95 and Washington County State-Aid Highway 23 in Stillwater, to the Stillwater lift bridge, located on marked Trunk Highway 36 over the St. Croix River in Stillwater. This paragraph does not apply to emergency vehicles; motor vehicles while engaged in work on the bridge or on the portion of highway described in this paragraph, including snow and ice removal and flood control; a vehicle carrying an oversize permit issued under section 169.86, subdivision 5, paragraph (d); and vehicles on the Stillwater lift bridge.

Sec. 4.

Minnesota Statutes 2009 Supplement, section 169.824, subdivision 1, is amended to read:

Subdivision 1.

Table of axle weight limits.

(a) No vehicle or combination of vehicles equipped with pneumatic tires shall be operated upon the highways of this state where the total gross weight on any group of two or more consecutive axles of any vehicle or combination of vehicles exceeds that given in the followingnew text begin axle weight limitsnew text end table for the distance between the centers of the first and last axles of any group of two or more consecutive axles under considerationdeleted text begin ;deleted text end new text begin .new text end Unless otherwise noted, the distance between axles deleted text begin beingdeleted text end new text begin must benew text end measured longitudinally to the nearest even foot, and when the measurement is a fraction of exactly one-half foot the next largest whole number in feet shall be used, except that when the distance between axles is more than three feet four inches and less than three feet six inches the distance of four feet shall be useddeleted text begin :deleted text end new text begin .new text end

new text begin Axle Weight Limits new text end
Maximum gross weight in pounds on a group of
2 3 4
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 34,000
5 34,000
6 34,000
7 34,000 deleted text begin 37,000 deleted text end new text begin 34,000 new text end
8 34,000 deleted text begin 38,500 deleted text end new text begin 34,000 new text end
8 plus 34,000 42,000
(38,000)
9 35,000 43,000
(39,000)
10 36,000 43,500 49,000
(40,000)
11 36,000 44,500 49,500
12 45,000 50,000
13 46,000 51,000
14 46,500 51,500
15 47,500 52,000
16 48,000 53,000
17 49,000 53,500
18 49,500 54,000
19 50,500 55,000
20 51,000 55,500
21 52,000 56,000
22 52,500 57,000
23 53,500 57,500
24 54,000 58,000
25 (55,000) 59,000
26 (55,500) 59,500
27 (56,500) 60,000
28 (57,000) 61,000
29 (58,000) 61,500
30 (58,500) 62,000
31 (59,500) 63,000
32 (60,000) 63,500
33 64,000
34 65,000
35 65,500
36 66,000
37 67,000
38 67,500
39 68,000
40 69,000
41 69,500
42 70,000
43 71,000
44 71,500
45 72,000
46 72,500
47 (73,500)
48 (74,000)
49 (74,500)
50 (75,500)
51 (76,000)
52 (76,500)
53 (77,500)
54 (78,000)
55 (78,500)
56 (79,500)
57 (80,000)

new text begin (b) new text end The maximum gross weight on a group of three consecutive axlesnew text begin ,new text end where the distance between centers of foremost and rearmost axles deleted text begin is listed asdeleted text end new text begin of any axle group isnew text end seven feet or eight feetnew text begin ,new text end deleted text begin applies only todeleted text end new text begin is 34,000 pounds, except fornew text end vehicles manufactured before August 1, 1991.new text begin Notwithstanding any lesser weight shown in the axle weight limits table, for vehicles manufactured before August 1, 1991: (1) the maximum gross weight on a group of three consecutive axles, where the distance between centers of foremost and rearmost axles of any axle group is seven feet, is 37,000 pounds; and (2) the maximum gross weight on a group of three consecutive axles, where the distance between centers of foremost and rearmost axles of any axle group is eight feet, is 38,500 pounds.new text end

new text begin (c) new text end "8 plus" refers to any distance greater than eight feet but less than nine feet.

new text begin Axle Weight Limits (continued) new text end
Maximum gross weight in pounds on a group of
5 6 7 8
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
14 57,000
15 57,500
16 58,000
17 59,000
18 59,500
19 60,000
20 60,500 66,000 72,000
21 61,500 67,000 72,500
22 62,000 67,500 73,000
23 62,500 68,000 73,500
24 63,000 68,500 74,000
25 64,000 69,000 75,000
26 64,500 70,000 75,500
27 65,000 70,500 76,000
28 65,500 71,000 76,500
29 66,500 71,500 77,000
30 67,000 72,000 77,500
31 67,500 73,000 78,500
32 68,000 73,500 79,000
33 69,000 74,000 79,500
34 69,500 74,500 80,000
35 70,000 75,000 (80,500) (86,000)
36 70,500 76,000 (81,000) (86,500)
37 71,500 76,500 (81,500) (87,000)
38 72,000 77,000 (82,000) (87,500)
39 72,500 77,500 (82,500) (88,500)
40 73,000 78,000 (83,500) (89,000)
41 74,000 79,000 (84,000) (89,500)
42 74,500 79,500 (84,500) (90,000)
43 75,000 80,000 (85,000) (90,500)
44 75,500 (80,500) (85,500) (91,000)
45 76,500 (81,000) (86,000) (91,500)
46 77,000 (81,500) (87,000) (92,500)
47 77,500 (82,000) (87,500) (93,000)
48 78,000 (83,000) (88,000) (93,500)
49 79,000 (83,500) (88,500) (94,000)
50 79,500 (84,000) (89,000) (94,500)
51 80,000 (84,500) (89,500) (95,000)
52 (80,500) (85,000) (90,500) (95,500)
53 (81,000) (86,000) (91,000) (96,500)
54 (81,500) (86,500) (91,500) (97,000)
55 (82,500) (87,000) (92,000) (97,500)
56 (83,000) (87,500) (92,500) (98,000)
57 (83,500) (88,000) (93,000) (98,500)
58 (84,000) (89,000) (94,000) (99,000)
59 (85,000) (89,500) (94,500) (99,500)
60 (85,500) (90,000) (95,000) (100,500)
61 (95,500) (101,000)
62 (96,000) (101,500)
63 (96,500) (102,000)
64 (97,000) (102,500)
65 (103,000)
66 (103,500)
67 (104,500)
68 (105,000)
69 (105,500)
70 (106,000)
71 (106,500)
72 (107,000)
73 (107,500)
74 (108,000)

new text begin (d) new text end The gross weights shown without parentheses in deleted text begin thisdeleted text end new text begin the axle weight limitsnew text end table are allowed on unpaved streets and highways, unless posted to a lesser weight under section 169.87, subdivision 1. The gross weights shown in this table, whether within or without parentheses, are allowed on paved streets and highways, unless posted to a lesser weight under section 169.87, subdivision 1. Gross weights in excess of 80,000 pounds require an overweight permit under this chapter, unless otherwise allowed under section 169.826.

deleted text begin (b)deleted text end new text begin (e)new text end Notwithstanding any lesser weight deleted text begin in poundsdeleted text end shown in deleted text begin thisdeleted text end new text begin the axle weight limitsnew text end tablenew text begin ,new text end but subject to the restrictions on gross vehicle weights in subdivision 2, paragraph (a), two consecutive sets of tandem axles may carry a gross load of 34,000 pounds each and a combined gross load of 68,000 pounds provided the overall distance between the first and last axles of the consecutive sets of tandem axles is 36 feet or more.

Sec. 5.

Minnesota Statutes 2009 Supplement, section 169.824, subdivision 2, is amended to read:

Subd. 2.

Gross vehicle weight of all axles; credit for idle reduction technology.

(a) The gross vehicle weight of all axles of a vehicle or combination of vehicles must not exceed:

(1) 80,000 pounds for any vehicle or combination of vehicles on all streets and highways, unless posted at a lower axle weight under section 169.87, subdivision 1; and

(2) 88,000 pounds for any vehicle or combination of vehicles with six or more axles while exclusively engaged in hauling livestock on all state trunk highways other than interstate highways, if the vehicle has a permit under section 169.86, subdivision 5, paragraph deleted text begin (k)deleted text end new text begin (j)new text end .

(b) Notwithstanding the maximum weight provisions of this section, and in order to promote the reduction of fuel use and emissions, the maximum gross vehicle weight limits and the axle weight limits for any motor vehicle subject to sections 169.80 to 169.88 and equipped with idle reduction technology or emissions-reduction technology must be increased by the amount of weight necessary to compensate for the weight of the idle reduction technology or emissions-reduction technology, not to exceed 400 pounds. At the request of an authorized representative of the Department of Transportation or the Department of Public Safety, the vehicle operator shall provide proof that the vehicle is equipped with this technology through documentation or demonstration.

Sec. 6.

Minnesota Statutes 2009 Supplement, section 169.8261, subdivision 2, is amended to read:

Subd. 2.

Conditions.

(a) A vehicle or combination of vehicles described in subdivision 1 must:

(1) comply with seasonal load restrictions in effect between the dates set by the commissioner under section 169.87, subdivision 2;

(2) comply with bridge load limits posted under section 169.84;

(3) be equipped and operated with six new text begin or more new text end axles and brakes on all wheels;

(4) not exceed 90,000 pounds gross vehicle weight, or 99,000 pounds gross vehicle weight during the time when seasonal increases are authorized under section 169.826;

(5) not be operated on interstate highways;

(6) obtain an annual permit from the commissioner of transportation;

(7) obey all road postings; and

(8) not exceed 20,000 pounds gross weight on any single axle.

(b) A vehicle operated under this section may exceed the legal axle weight limits listed in section 169.824 by not more than 12.5 percent; except that, the weight limits may be exceeded by not more than 23.75 percent during the time when seasonal increases are authorized under section 169.826, subdivision 1.

Sec. 7.

Minnesota Statutes 2008, section 169.86, subdivision 5, is amended to read:

Subd. 5.

Fee; proceeds deposited; appropriation.

The commissioner, with respect to highways under the commissioner's jurisdiction, may charge a fee for each permit issued. All such fees for permits issued by the commissioner of transportation shall be deposited in the state treasury and credited to the trunk highway fund. Except for those annual permits for which the permit fees are specified elsewhere in this chapter, the fees shall be:

(a) $15 for each single trip permit.

(b) $36 for each job permit. A job permit may be issued for like loads carried on a specific route for a period not to exceed two months. "Like loads" means loads of the same product, weight, and dimension.

(c) $60 for an annual permit to be issued for a period not to exceed 12 consecutive months. Annual permits may be issued for:

(1) motor vehicles used to alleviate a temporary crisis adversely affecting the safety or well-being of the public;

(2) motor vehicles which travel on interstate highways and carry loads authorized under subdivision 1a;

(3) motor vehicles operating with gross weights authorized under section 169.826, subdivision 1a;

(4) special pulpwood vehicles described in section 169.863;

(5) motor vehicles bearing snowplow blades not exceeding ten feet in width;

(6) noncommercial transportation of a boat by the owner or user of the boat; deleted text begin anddeleted text end

(7) motor vehicles carrying bales of agricultural products authorized under section 169.862deleted text begin .deleted text end new text begin ; andnew text end

new text begin (8) special milk hauling vehicles authorized under section 169.867. new text end

(d) $120 for an oversize annual permit to be issued for a period not to exceed 12 consecutive months. Annual permits may be issued for:

(1) mobile cranes;

(2) construction equipment, machinery, and supplies;

(3) manufactured homes and manufactured storage buildings;

(4) implements of husbandry deleted text begin when the movement is not made according to the provisions of paragraph (i)deleted text end ;

(5) double-deck buses;

(6) commercial boat hauling; deleted text begin anddeleted text end

(7) three-vehicle combinations consisting of two empty, newly manufactured trailers for cargo, horses, or livestock, not to exceed 28-1/2 feet per trailer; provided, however, the permit allows the vehicles to be moved from a trailer manufacturer to a trailer dealer only while operating on twin-trailer routes designated under section 169.81, subdivision 3, paragraph (c)deleted text begin .deleted text end new text begin ; andnew text end

new text begin (8) vehicles operating on that portion of marked Trunk Highway 36 described in section 169.81, subdivision 3, paragraph (e). new text end

(e) For vehicles which have axle weights exceeding the weight limitations of sections deleted text begin 169.822deleted text end new text begin 169.823new text end to 169.829, an additional cost added to the fees listed above. However, this paragraph applies to any vehicle described in section 168.013, subdivision 3, paragraph (b), but only when the vehicle exceeds its gross weight allowance set forth in that paragraph, and then the additional cost is for all weight, including the allowance weight, in excess of the permitted maximum axle weight. The additional cost is equal to the product of the distance traveled times the sum of the overweight axle group cost factors shown in the following chart:

Overweight Axle Group Cost Factors
Weight (pounds) Cost Per Mile For Each Group Of:
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
0-2,000 .12 .05 .04
2,001-4,000 .14 .06 .05
4,001-6,000 .18 .07 .06
6,001-8,000 .21 .09 .07
8,001-10,000 .26 .10 .08
10,001-12,000 .30 .12 .09
12,001-14,000 Not permitted .14 .11
14,001-16,000 Not permitted .17 .12
16,001-18,000 Not permitted .19 .15
18,001-20,000 Not permitted Not permitted .16
20,001-22,000 Not permitted Not permitted .20

The amounts added are rounded to the nearest cent for each axle or axle group. The additional cost does not apply to paragraph (c), clauses (1) and (3).

For a vehicle found to exceed the appropriate maximum permitted weight, a cost-per-mile fee of 22 cents per ton, or fraction of a ton, over the permitted maximum weight is imposed in addition to the normal permit fee. Miles must be calculated based on the distance already traveled in the state plus the distance from the point of detection to a transportation loading site or unloading site within the state or to the point of exit from the state.

(f) As an alternative to paragraph (e), an annual permit may be issued for overweight, or oversize and overweight, new text begin mobile cranes; new text end construction equipment, machinery, and suppliesnew text begin ; implements of husbandry; and commercial boat haulingnew text end . The fees for the permit are as follows:

Gross Weight (pounds) of Vehicle Annual Permit Fee
90,000 or less $200
90,001 - 100,000 $300
100,001 - 110,000 $400
110,001 - 120,000 $500
120,001 - 130,000 $600
130,001 - 140,000 $700
140,001 - 145,000 $800

If the gross weight of the vehicle is more than 145,000 pounds the permit fee is determined under paragraph (e).

(g) For vehicles which exceed the width limitations set forth in section 169.80 by more than 72 inches, an additional cost equal to $120 added to the amount in paragraph (a) when the permit is issued while seasonal load restrictions pursuant to section 169.87 are in effect.

(h) $85 for an annual permit to be issued for a period not to exceed 12 months, for refuse-compactor vehicles that carry a gross weight of not more than: 22,000 pounds on a single rear axle; 38,000 pounds on a tandem rear axle; or, subject to section 169.828, subdivision 2, 46,000 pounds on a tridem rear axle. A permit issued for up to 46,000 pounds on a tridem rear axle must limit the gross vehicle weight to not more than 62,000 pounds.

deleted text begin (i) For vehicles exclusively transporting implements of husbandry, an annual permit fee of $24. A vehicle operated under a permit authorized by this paragraph may be moved at the discretion of the permit holder without prior route approval by the commissioner if: deleted text end

deleted text begin (1) the total width of the transporting vehicle, including load, does not exceed 14 feet; deleted text end

deleted text begin (2) the vehicle is operated only between sunrise and 30 minutes after sunset, and is not operated at any time after 12:00 noon on Sundays or holidays; deleted text end

deleted text begin (3) the vehicle is not operated when visibility is impaired by weather, fog, or other conditions that render persons and other vehicles not clearly visible at 500 feet; deleted text end

deleted text begin (4) the vehicle displays at the front and rear of the load or vehicle a pair of flashing amber lights, as provided in section 169.59, subdivision 4, whenever the overall width of the vehicle exceeds 126 inches; and deleted text end

deleted text begin (5) the vehicle is not operated on a trunk highway with a surfaced roadway width of less than 24 feet unless such operation is authorized by the permit. deleted text end

deleted text begin A permit under this paragraph authorizes movements of the permitted vehicle on an interstate highway, and movements of 75 miles or more on other highways. deleted text end

deleted text begin (j)deleted text end new text begin (i) new text end $300 for a motor vehicle described in section 169.8261. The fee under this paragraph must be deposited as follows:

(1) in fiscal years 2005 through 2010:

(i) the first $50,000 in each fiscal year must be deposited in the trunk highway fund for costs related to administering the permit program and inspecting and posting bridges;

(ii) all remaining money in each fiscal year must be deposited in a bridge inspection and signing account in the special revenue fund. Money in the account is appropriated to the commissioner for:

(A) inspection of local bridges and identification of local bridges to be posted, including contracting with a consultant for some or all of these functions; and

(B) erection of weight-posting signs on local bridges; and

(2) in fiscal year 2011 and subsequent years must be deposited in the trunk highway fund.

deleted text begin (k)deleted text end new text begin (j) new text end Beginning August 1, 2006, $200 for an annual permit for a vehicle operating under authority of section 169.824, subdivision 2, paragraph (a), clause (2).

Sec. 8.

Minnesota Statutes 2008, section 169.862, subdivision 1, is amended to read:

Subdivision 1.

Annual permit authority; restrictions.

The commissioner of transportation with respect to highways under the commissioner's jurisdiction, and local authorities with respect to highways under their jurisdiction, may issue an annual permit to enable a vehicle carrying bales of hay, straw, or cornstalks, with a total outside width of the vehicle or the load not exceeding 12 feet, and a total height of the loaded vehicle not exceeding deleted text begin 14-1/2deleted text end new text begin 15 new text end feet, to be operated on public streets and highways. new text begin Loaded vehicles operating on interstate highways within the seven-county metropolitan area may not exceed a total height of 14-1/2 feet.new text end

Sec. 9.

Minnesota Statutes 2009 Supplement, section 169.862, subdivision 2, is amended to read:

Subd. 2.

Additional restrictions.

Permits issued under this section are governed by the applicable provisions of section 169.86 except as otherwise provided herein and, in addition, carry the following restrictions:

(a) The vehicles may not be operated between sunset and sunrise, when visibility is impaired by weather, fog, or other conditions rendering persons and vehicles not clearly visible at a distance of 500 feet, or on Sunday from noon until sunset, or on the days the following holidays are observed: New Year's Day, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving Day, and Christmas Day.

(b) The vehicles may not be operated on a trunk highway with a pavement less than 24 feet wide.

(c) A vehicle operated under the permit must be equipped with a retractable or removable mirror on the left side so located that it will reflect to the driver a clear view of the highway for a distance of at least 200 feet to the rear of the vehicle.

(d) A vehicle operated under the permit must display red, orange, or yellow flags, 18 inches square, as markers at the front and rear and on both sides of the load. The load must be securely bound to the transporting vehicle.

(e) Farm vehicles not for hire carrying deleted text begin rounddeleted text end baled haynew text begin , straw, or cornstalks new text end less than 20 miles are exempt from the requirement to obtain a permit. All other requirements of this section apply to vehicles transporting deleted text begin rounddeleted text end baled haynew text begin , straw, or cornstalksnew text end .

Sec. 10.

Minnesota Statutes 2008, section 169.863, subdivision 1, is amended to read:

Subdivision 1.

Special vehicle.

The commissioner may issue a permit for a vehicle that meets the following requirements:

(a) There must be no more than two support points for the vehicle or for each vehicle of a vehicle combination. The support point of each axle group must be capable of distributing the load equally to each axle of the group with a variance of no more than 3,000 pounds between any two axles of the group.

(b) The maximum wheel load may not exceed the tire manufacturer's recommended load or the following weight limits, whichever is less:

(1) front steering axles, 550 pounds per inch;

(2) other single axles, 500 pounds per inch;

(3) tandem axles, 450 pounds per inch; and

(4) tridem or quad axle groups, 425 pounds per inch.

(c) The axle group weights must comply with the limitations of section 169.824.

(d) The vehicle may not be equipped with a variable load axle, unless the variable load axle cannot be operated from the cab of the vehicle.

(e) The vehicle transports pole-length pulpwood, carries a gross vehicle weight of not more than 82,000 pounds, and has six new text begin or more new text end axles.

Sec. 11.

Minnesota Statutes 2009 Supplement, section 169.864, subdivision 2, is amended to read:

Subd. 2.

Special two-unit vehicle permit.

The commissioner may issue a permit for a vehicle that meets the following requirements:

(1) is a combination of vehicles consisting of a truck-tractor and a single semitrailer that may exceed 48 feet, but not 53 feet, if the distance from the kingpin to the centerline of the rear axle group of the semitrailer does not exceed 43 feet;

(2) has a maximum gross vehicle weight of 90,000 pounds new text begin if the vehicle combination has a total of six or more axles new text end or 97,000 pounds if the deleted text begin truckdeleted text end new text begin vehicle combination new text end has new text begin a total of new text end seven new text begin or more new text end axles;

(3) has a maximum gross vehicle weight of 99,000 pounds during the time when seasonal weight increases authorized under section 169.826, subdivision 1, are in effect;

(4) complies with the axle weight limits in section 169.824;

(5) complies with the tire weight limits in section 169.823 or the tire manufacturers' recommended load, whichever is less; and

(6) is operated only on the highways specified in subdivision 1, clause (5).

Sec. 12.

Minnesota Statutes 2008, section 169.864, subdivision 4, is amended to read:

Subd. 4.

Permit fee; appropriation.

Vehicle permits issued under subdivision 1, clause (1), must be annual permits. The fee is $850 for each vehicle new text begin combination new text end and must be deposited in the trunk highway fund. new text begin The fee for annual permits issued under subdivision 2 is $300 for a 90,000-pound vehicle combination or $500 for a 97,000-pound vehicle combination. new text end An amount sufficient to administer the permit program is appropriated from the trunk highway fund to the commissioner for the costs of administering the permit program.

Sec. 13.

Minnesota Statutes 2009 Supplement, section 169.865, subdivision 1, is amended to read:

Subdivision 1.

Six-axle vehicles.

(a) A road authority may issue an annual permit authorizing a vehicle or combination of vehicles with a total of six or more axles to haul raw or unprocessed agricultural products and be operated with a gross vehicle weight of up to:

(1) 90,000 pounds; and

(2) 99,000 pounds during the period set by the commissioner under section 169.826, subdivision 1.

(b) Notwithstanding subdivision deleted text begin 4deleted text end new text begin 3new text end , paragraph (a), clause (4), a vehicle or combination of vehicles operated under this subdivision and transporting only sealed intermodal containers may be operated on an interstate highway if allowed by the United States Department of Transportation.

(c) The fee for a permit issued under this subdivision is $300.

Sec. 14.

new text begin [169.867] SPECIAL MILK HAULING PERMIT. new text end

new text begin Subdivision 1. new text end

new text begin Permit. new text end

new text begin A road authority may issue an annual permit authorizing a single-unit vehicle to haul milk at weights that exceed the limitations provided in sections 169.823 and 169.824 by ten percent. The fee for this permit is as provided in section 169.86, subdivision 5, paragraph (c). new text end

new text begin Subd. 2. new text end

new text begin Expiration. new text end

new text begin A permit under subdivision 1 may only be issued before August 1, 2012. new text end

new text begin Subd. 3. new text end

new text begin Requirements; restrictions. new text end

new text begin A vehicle operating under a permit under subdivision 1: new text end

new text begin (1) is subject to seasonal load restrictions under section 169.87; new text end

new text begin (2) may not take advantage of seasonal weight increases authorized by section 169.826; new text end

new text begin (3) is subject to bridge load limits posted under section 169.84; new text end

new text begin (4) may not be operated on the interstate highway system; and new text end

new text begin (5) may not be operated with a load that exceeds the manufacturer's gross vehicle weight rating as affixed to the vehicle, or other certification of gross vehicle weight rating complying with Code of Federal Regulations, title 49, parts 567.4 to 567.7. new text end

Sec. 15.

Minnesota Statutes 2008, section 169.871, subdivision 1, is amended to read:

Subdivision 1.

Civil liability.

(a) The owner or lessee of a vehicle that is operated with a gross weight in excess of a weight limit imposed under sections deleted text begin 169.822deleted text end new text begin 169.823 new text end to 169.829, deleted text begin 169.832deleted text end new text begin 169.84 new text end to 169.851, and 169.87 or a shipper who ships or tenders goods for shipment in a single truck or combination vehicle that exceeds a weight limit imposed under sections deleted text begin 169.822deleted text end new text begin 169.823 new text end to 169.829, deleted text begin 169.832deleted text end new text begin 169.84 new text end to 169.851, and 169.87 is liable for a civil penalty as follows:

(1) if the total gross excess weight is not more than 1,000 pounds, one cent per pound for each pound in excess of the legal limit;

(2) if the total gross excess weight is more than 1,000 pounds but not more than 3,000 pounds, $10 plus five cents per pound for each pound in excess of 1,000 pounds;

(3) if the total gross excess weight is more than 3,000 pounds but not more than 5,000 pounds, $110 plus ten cents per pound for each pound in excess of 3,000 pounds;

(4) if the total gross excess weight is more than 5,000 pounds but not more than 7,000 pounds, $310 plus 15 cents per pound for each pound in excess of 5,000 pounds;

(5) if the total gross excess weight is more than 7,000 pounds, $610 plus 20 cents per pound for each pound in excess of 7,000 pounds.

(b) Notwithstanding any other law to the contrary, if a person found guilty of a violation of a weight limit imposed under this section or sections deleted text begin 169.822deleted text end new text begin 169.823 new text end to 169.829, deleted text begin 169.832deleted text end new text begin 169.84 new text end to 169.851, or 169.87 is also found by the court to have knowingly and contemporaneously attempted to evade a fixed weigh station or to otherwise avoid weighing by means of stationary scales under section 169.85 or other law, the court shall impose a penalty of twice the amount otherwise authorized under paragraph (a).

(c) Any penalty imposed upon a defendant under this subdivision shall not exceed the penalty prescribed by this subdivision. Any fine paid by the defendant in a criminal overweight action that arose from the same overweight violation shall be applied toward payment of the civil penalty under this subdivision. A peace officer or Department of Public Safety employee described in section 299D.06 who cites a driver for a violation of the weight limitations established by sections 169.81 to 169.851 and 169.87 shall give written notice to the driver that the driver or another may also be liable for the civil penalties provided herein in the same or separate proceedings.

(d) A penalty imposed upon the owner or lessee of a vehicle that is based on violations identified by the use of shippers' weight records under section 169.872 must not exceed an aggregate of $10,000.

Sec. 16.

Minnesota Statutes 2008, section 169.871, subdivision 1a, is amended to read:

Subd. 1a.

Special permit violations.

(a) The owner or lessee of a vehicle that is operated with a gross weight in excess of deleted text begin adeleted text end new text begin an adjustednew text end weight limit deleted text begin imposed by permit under sections 169.86 and 169.862deleted text end and a shipper who ships or tenders goods for shipment in a single truck or combination vehicle that exceeds deleted text begin adeleted text end new text begin an adjustednew text end weight limit deleted text begin permitted under section 169.86 or 169.862deleted text end is liable for a civil penaltynew text begin . The civil penalty is the greater of (1) as calculatednew text end at a rate of five cents per pound for each pound in excess of thenew text begin highestnew text end weight deleted text begin permitted under section 169.86 or 169.862deleted text end new text begin allowed by the permit or under section 169.826, subdivision 1new text end , or new text begin (2) new text end $100deleted text begin , whichever is greaterdeleted text end .

(b) Any penalty imposed upon a defendant under this subdivision shall not exceed the penalty prescribed by this subdivision. Any fine paid by the defendant in a criminal overweight action that arose from the same overweight violation may not be applied toward payment of the civil penalty under this subdivision. A peace officer or Department of Public Safety employee described in section 299D.06 who cites a driver for a violation of thenew text begin adjustednew text end weightnew text begin limitnew text end deleted text begin limitations established by permit pursuant to section 169.86 or 169.862deleted text end shall give written notice to the driver that the driver or another may also be liable for the civil penalty provided in this subdivision in the same or separate proceedings.

new text begin (c) For purposes of this subdivision, "adjusted weight limit" means a weight limit (1) imposed by a permit issued under this chapter, or (2) imposed under section 169.826, subdivision 1. new text end

Sec. 17.

Minnesota Statutes 2008, section 169.871, subdivision 1b, is amended to read:

Subd. 1b.

Civil penalty for first two violations.

Notwithstanding subdivision 1, paragraph (a), clauses (1) to (5), a civil penalty under subdivision 1 for a violation in a motor vehicle in the course of a first haul as defined in section 168.013, subdivision 3, paragraph (d)(3), of a weight limit imposed under sections deleted text begin 169.822deleted text end new text begin 169.823 new text end to 169.829, deleted text begin 169.832deleted text end new text begin 169.84 new text end to 169.851, and 169.87 that is not preceded by two or more violations of the gross weight limits in those sections in that motor vehicle within the previous 12 months, may not exceed $150.

Sec. 18.

Minnesota Statutes 2009 Supplement, section 221.025, is amended to read:

221.025 EXEMPTIONS.

The provisions of this chapter requiring a certificate or permit to operate as a motor carrier do not apply to the intrastate transportation described below:

(1) the transportation of students to or from school or school activities in a school bus inspected and certified under section 169.451 and the transportation of children or parents to or from a Head Start facility or Head Start activity in a Head Start bus inspected and certified under section 169.451;

(2) the transportation of solid waste, as defined in section 116.06, subdivision 22, including recyclable materials and waste tires, except that the term "hazardous waste" has the meaning given it in section 221.012, subdivision 18;

(3) a commuter van as defined in section 221.012, subdivision 9;

(4) authorized emergency vehicles as defined in section 169.011, subdivision 3, including ambulances; and tow trucks equipped with proper and legal warning devices when picking up and transporting (i) disabled or wrecked motor vehicles or (ii) vehicles towed or transported under a towing order issued by a public employee authorized to issue a towing order;

(5) the transportation of grain samples under conditions prescribed by the commissioner;

(6) the delivery of agricultural lime;

(7) the transportation of dirt and sod within an area having a 50-mile radius from the home post office of the person performing the transportation;

(8) the transportation of sand, gravel, bituminous asphalt mix, concrete ready mix, concrete blocks or tile and the mortar mix to be used with the concrete blocks or tile, or crushed rock to or from the point of loading or a place of gathering within an area having a 50-mile radius from that person's home post office or a 50-mile radius from the site of construction or maintenance of public roads and streets;

(9) the transportation of pulpwood, cordwood, mining timber, poles, posts, decorator evergreens, wood chips, sawdust, shavings, and bark from the place where the products are produced to the point where they are to be used or shipped;

(10) the transportation of fresh vegetables from farms to canneries or viner stations, from viner stations to canneries, or from canneries to canneries during the harvesting, canning, or packing season, or transporting sugar beets, wild rice, or rutabagas from the field of production to the first place of delivery or unloading, including a processing plant, warehouse, or railroad siding;

deleted text begin (11) the transportation of property or freight, other than household goods and petroleum products in bulk, entirely within the corporate limits of a city or between contiguous cities; deleted text end

deleted text begin (12)deleted text end new text begin (11) new text end the transportation of unprocessed dairy products in bulk within an area having a 100-mile radius from the home post office of the person providing the transportation;

deleted text begin (13)deleted text end new text begin (12) new text end the transportation of agricultural, horticultural, dairy, livestock, or other farm products within an area having a 100-mile radius from the person's home post office and the carrier may transport other commodities within the 100-mile radius if the destination of each haul is a farm;

deleted text begin (14)deleted text end new text begin (13) new text end the transportation of newspapers, as defined in section 331A.01, subdivision 5, telephone books, handbills, circulars, or pamphlets in a vehicle with a gross vehicle weight of 10,000 pounds or less; and

deleted text begin (15)deleted text end new text begin (14) new text end transportation of potatoes from the field of production, or a storage site owned or otherwise controlled by the producer, to the first place of processing.

The exemptions provided in this section apply to a person only while the person is exclusively engaged in exempt transportation.

Sec. 19.

Minnesota Statutes 2009 Supplement, section 221.031, subdivision 3, is amended to read:

Subd. 3.

Vehicle over 10,000 pounds not exempt.

(a) This subdivision applies to persons engaged in intrastate commerce who operate vehicles providing transportation described in section 221.025 with a gross vehicle weight in excess of 10,000 pounds, except school buses, commuter vans, and authorized emergency vehicles.

(b) Persons providing transportation described in section 221.025, clause (6), (10), deleted text begin (12)deleted text end new text begin (11)new text end , or deleted text begin (13)deleted text end new text begin (12)new text end , must comply with the rules for driving of motor vehicles and for parts and accessories necessary for safe operation.

(c) Persons providing transportation described in section 221.025, except for persons providing transportation described in clause (6), (10), deleted text begin (12)deleted text end new text begin (11)new text end , or deleted text begin (13)deleted text end new text begin (12)new text end , must comply with the rules for driving of motor vehicles; parts and accessories necessary for safe operation; and the rules for driver qualifications.

Sec. 20.

new text begin REPEALER. new text end

new text begin (a) Minnesota Statutes 2008, section 169.826, subdivision 6, new text end new text begin is repealed. new text end

new text begin (b) Minnesota Rules, parts 7800.0100, subparts 4, 6, 7, 8, 11, 12, 13, and 14; 7800.0200; 7800.0400; 7800.0800; 7800.0900; 7800.1000; 7800.3200, subpart 2; 7800.3300; 7805.0500; 7805.0900; 7805.1300; 8850.7950; 8850.8000; 8850.8050, subpart 2; 8850.8100; 8850.8250; 8850.8300; 8850.8350; 8850.8800; 8850.8850; 8850.9050, subpart 3; 8855.0410; 8855.0600; 8855.0850; 8920.0100; 8920.0150; 8920.0200; 8920.0300; 8920.0400; 8920.0500; 8920.0600; 8920.0700; 8920.0800; 8920.0900; 8920.1000; 8920.1100; 8920.1200; 8920.1300; 8920.1400; 8920.1500; 8920.1550; 8920.1600; 8920.1700; 8920.1800; 8920.1900; 8920.2000; 8920.2100; 8920.2200; 8920.2300; 8920.2400; 8920.2500; 8920.2600; 8920.2700; 8920.2800; 8920.2900; 8920.3000; 8920.3100; 8920.3200; 8920.3300; 8920.3400; 8920.3500; 8920.3600; 8920.3700; 8920.3800; 8920.3900; 8920.4000; 8920.4100; 8920.4200; 8920.4300; 8920.4400; and 8920.4500, new text end new text begin are repealed. new text end

ARTICLE 2

CROSS REFERENCES

Section 1.

Minnesota Statutes 2008, section 169.823, as amended by Laws 2009, chapter 64, section 5, is amended to read:

169.823 TIRE WEIGHT LIMITS.

Subdivision 1.

Pneumatic-tired vehicle.

No vehicle or combination of vehicles equipped with pneumatic tires shall be operated upon the highways of this state:

(1) where the gross weight on any wheel exceeds 9,000 pounds on an unpaved street or highway or 10,000 pounds on a paved street or highway, unless posted to a lesser weight under section 169.87, subdivision 1;

(2) where the gross weight on any single axle exceeds 18,000 pounds on an unpaved street or highway or 20,000 pounds on a paved street or highway, unless posted to a lesser weight under section 169.87, subdivision 1;

(3) where the maximum wheel load:

(i) on the foremost and rearmost steering axles, exceeds 600 pounds per inch of tire width or the manufacturer's recommended load, whichever is less; or

(ii) on other axles, exceeds 500 pounds per inch of tire width or the manufacturer's recommended load, whichever is less; or

(4) where the gross weight on any group of axles exceeds the weights permitted under sections deleted text begin 169.822deleted text end new text begin 169.823new text end to 169.829 with any or all of the interior axles disregarded, and with an exterior axle disregarded if the exterior axle is a variable load axle that is not carrying its intended weight, and their gross weights subtracted from the gross weight of all axles of the group under consideration.

Subd. 2.

Vehicle not equipped with pneumatic tires.

A vehicle or combination of vehicles not equipped with pneumatic tires shall be governed by the provisions of sections deleted text begin 169.822deleted text end new text begin 169.823new text end to 169.829, except that the gross weight limitations shall be reduced by 40 percent.

Sec. 2.

Minnesota Statutes 2008, section 169.826, as amended by Laws 2009, chapter 64, section 57, is amended to read:

169.826 GROSS WEIGHT SEASONAL INCREASES.

Subdivision 1.

Winter increase amounts.

The limitations provided in sections deleted text begin 169.822deleted text end new text begin 169.823new text end to 169.829 are increased by ten percent between the dates set by the commissioner for each zone established by the commissioner based on a freezing index model each winter.

Subd. 1a.

Harvest season increase amount; permit.

The limitations provided in sections deleted text begin 169.822deleted text end new text begin 169.823new text end to 169.829 are increased by ten percent from the beginning of harvest to November 30 each year for the movement of sugar beets, carrots, and potatoes from the field of harvest to the point of the first unloading. Transfer of the product from a farm vehicle or small farm trailer, within the meaning of chapter 168, to another vehicle is not considered to be the first unloading. A permit issued under section 169.86, subdivision 1, paragraph (a), is required. The commissioner shall not issue permits under this subdivision if to do so will result in a loss of federal highway funding to the state.

Subd. 2.

Duration.

The duration of a ten percent increase in load limits is subject to limitation by order of the commissioner, subject to implementation of springtime load restrictions.

Subd. 3.

Excess weight permit.

When the ten percent increase is in effect, a permit is required for a motor vehicle, trailer, or semitrailer combination that has a gross weight in excess of 80,000 pounds, an axle group weight in excess of that prescribed in section 169.824, or a single axle weight in excess of 20,000 pounds and which travels on interstate routes.

Subd. 4.

Weight limits set by other law.

In cases where gross weights in an amount less than that set forth in sections deleted text begin 169.822deleted text end new text begin 169.823new text end to 169.829 are fixed, limited, or restricted on a highway or bridge by or under another section of this chapter, the lesser gross weight as fixed, limited, or restricted may not be exceeded and must control instead of the gross weights set forth in sections deleted text begin 169.822deleted text end new text begin 169.823new text end to 169.829.

Subd. 6.

Permit extension.

The commissioner may, after determining the ability of the highway structure and frost condition to support additional loads, grant a permit extending seasonal increases for vehicles using portions of routes falling within two miles of the southern boundary of the zone described under subdivision 1, clause (2).

Sec. 3.

Minnesota Statutes 2009 Supplement, section 169.8261, subdivision 1, is amended to read:

Subdivision 1.

Exemption.

(a) For purposes of this section, "raw or unfinished forest products" include wood chips, paper, pulp, oriented strand board, laminated strand lumber, hardboard, treated lumber, untreated lumber, or barrel staves.

(b) In compliance with this section, a person may operate a vehicle or combination of vehicles to haul raw or unfinished forest products by the most direct route to the nearest paved highway on any highway with gross weights permitted under sections deleted text begin 169.822deleted text end new text begin 169.823new text end to 169.829.

Sec. 4.

Minnesota Statutes 2008, section 169.828, subdivision 1, is amended to read:

Subdivision 1.

Consecutive axle weight and number of axles.

No vehicle alone nor any single vehicle of a combination of vehicles shall be equipped with more than four axles unless the additional axles are steering axles or castering axles; provided that the limitation on the number of axles as provided in sections deleted text begin 169.822deleted text end new text begin 169.823new text end to 169.829 shall not apply to any vehicle operated under permit pursuant to section 169.86. No vehicle alone nor any single vehicle of a combination of vehicles shall exceed the posted weight limit for a single vehicle.

Sec. 5.

Minnesota Statutes 2008, section 169.829, is amended to read:

169.829 WEIGHT LIMITS NOT APPLICABLE TO CERTAIN VEHICLES.

Subdivision 1.

City vehicle except on trunk highway.

(a) The provisions of sections deleted text begin 169.822deleted text end new text begin 169.823new text end to 169.828 do not apply to vehicles operated exclusively in any city in this state which has in effect an ordinance regulating the gross weight of vehicles operated within that city.

(b) This subdivision does not apply to trunk highways.

Subd. 2.

Tow truck.

Sections deleted text begin 169.822deleted text end new text begin 169.823new text end to 169.828 do not apply to a tow truck or towing vehicle when towing a disabled or damaged vehicle, when the movement is urgent, and when the movement is for the purpose of removing the disabled vehicle from the roadway to a place of safekeeping or to a place of repair.

Subd. 3.

Utility vehicle.

Sections deleted text begin 169.822deleted text end new text begin 169.823new text end to 169.828 do not apply to a utility vehicle that does not exceed a weight of 20,000 pounds per axle and is owned by:

(1) a public utility, as defined in section 216B.02;

(2) a municipality or municipal utility that operates that vehicle for its municipal electric, gas, or water system; and

(3) a cooperative electric association organized under chapter 308A.

Sec. 6.

Minnesota Statutes 2009 Supplement, section 169.85, subdivision 2, is amended to read:

Subd. 2.

Unloading.

(a) Upon weighing a vehicle and load, as provided in this section, an officer may require the driver to stop the vehicle in a suitable place and remain standing until a portion of the load is removed that is sufficient to reduce the gross weight of the vehicle to the limit permitted under either section 168.013, subdivision 3, paragraph (b), or sections deleted text begin 169.822deleted text end new text begin 169.823new text end to 169.829, whichever is the lesser violation, if any. A suitable place is a location where loading or tampering with the load is not prohibited by federal, state, or local law, rule, or ordinance.

(b) Except as provided in paragraph (c), a driver may be required to unload a vehicle only if the weighing officer determines that (1) on routes subject to the provisions of sections deleted text begin 169.822deleted text end new text begin 169.823new text end to 169.829, the weight on an axle exceeds the lawful gross weight prescribed by sections deleted text begin 169.822deleted text end new text begin 169.823new text end to 169.829, by 2,000 pounds or more, or the weight on a group of two or more consecutive axles in cases where the distance between the centers of the first and last axles of the group under consideration is ten feet or less exceeds the lawful gross weight prescribed by sections deleted text begin 169.822deleted text end new text begin 169.823new text end to 169.829, by 4,000 pounds or more; or (2) the weight is unlawful on an axle or group of consecutive axles on a road restricted in accordance with section 169.87. Material unloaded must be cared for by the owner or driver of the vehicle at the risk of the owner or driver.

(c) If the gross weight of the vehicle does not exceed the vehicle's registered gross weight plus the weight allowance set forth in section 168.013, subdivision 3, paragraph (b), and plus, if applicable, the weight allowance permitted under section 169.826, then the driver is not required to unload under paragraph (b).

Sec. 7.

Minnesota Statutes 2008, section 169.851, subdivision 5, is amended to read:

Subd. 5.

Exception for farm and forest products.

Subdivision 4 does not apply to the first haul of unprocessed or raw farm products and the transportation of raw and unfinished forest products, including wood chips, when the maximum weight limitations permitted under sections deleted text begin 169.822deleted text end new text begin 169.823new text end to 169.829 are not exceeded by more than ten percent.

Sec. 8.

Minnesota Statutes 2008, section 169.86, subdivision 1a, is amended to read:

Subd. 1a.

Seasonal permits for certain haulers.

The commissioner of transportation, upon application in writing therefor, may issue special permits annually to any hauler authorizing the hauler to move vehicles or combinations of vehicles with weights exceeding by not more than ten percent the weight limitations contained in sections deleted text begin 169.822deleted text end new text begin 169.823new text end to 169.829, on interstate highways during the times and within the zones specified in sections deleted text begin 169.822deleted text end new text begin 169.823new text end to 169.829.

Sec. 9.

Minnesota Statutes 2009 Supplement, section 169.87, subdivision 2, is amended to read:

Subd. 2.

Seasonal load restriction.

(a) Unless restricted as provided in subdivision 1, between the dates set by the commissioner of transportation each year, the weight on any single axle shall not exceed:

(1) five tons on an unpaved street or highway; or

(2) ten tons on a paved street or highway.

(b) The gross weight on consecutive axles on an unpaved street or highway shall not exceed the gross weight allowed in sections deleted text begin 169.822deleted text end new text begin 169.823new text end to 169.829 multiplied by a factor of five divided by nine. This reduction shall not apply to the gross vehicle weight.

Presented to the governor May 10, 2010

Signed by the governor May 13, 2010, 9:25 a.m.

Official Publication of the State of Minnesota
Revisor of Statutes