Special Permit Required For Projecting Loads

A. A special permit is required for a projecting load that extends: (1) more than three feet beyond the foremost part of a vehicle or the foremost part of the front vehicle of a vehicle combination; or (2) more than seven feet beyond the rearmost part of a vehicle or the rearmost part of the rear vehicle of a vehicle combination. B. This section applies even if the overall length of the vehicle, combination or load would not require a special permit for movement. C. A projecting load or overhang shall not cause excessive axle weight that would diminish the effectiveness of the steering axle or axles and shall not constitute a hazard. D. When the substitution of an articulated vehicle for a single vehicle would make the load a smaller dimension, then the load shall be considered reducible and such substitution shall be made. E. The DOT may require an escort as a condition of issuing a special permit for movements with a projecting load. [18.19.8.39 NMAC - Rp, 18.19.8.47 NMAC, 2/12/2016; A, 6/1/2022] 18.19.8.40 ENGINEERING ANALYSIS FOR VEHICLES OR LOADS IN EXCESS OF ONE HUNDRED SEVENTY THOUSAND POUNDS: A. An application for a special permit for a vehicle, combination or load with a gross weight in excess of 170,000 pounds shall be forwarded to the DOT of transportation for approval. B. No special permit shall be issued for a vehicle, combination or load with a gross weight in excess of 170,000 pounds unless an engineering analysis has been conducted for the proposed route and the move has been approved by the DOT. C. An engineering analysis shall determine if the roads on the proposed route, including any bridges, culverts, overpasses and other structures, are adequate and capable of handling the overweight movement. The analysis may require specific restrictions to be imposed on the movement, such as requiring the overweight vehicle, combination or load to significantly reduce its speed at certain structures, requiring a different route or requiring other maneuvers. D. Data required from the applicant for an engineering analysis includes: (1) tire sizes; (2) axle loads; (3) axle spacings; (4) desired route to be traveled; (5) clearance documents if movement is overheight or overwide; and (6) any additional information requested by the DOT. E. Unless an applicant submits an engineering analysis of the route to be traveled that is satisfactory to the DOT, the DOT shall perform its own analysis. The DOT may assess a fee for the cost of performing the analysis and such a fee shall be charged to the applicant as an added cost to the permit fee. F. Once an engineering analysis has been conducted and the movement approved, the DOT may issue a special permit upon payment of the proper fee.