Vehicles Used Exclusively To Transport Seed Cotton Modules

(1) In accordance with T.C.A. § 55-7-115, a single motor vehicle used exclusively to transport seed cotton modules is authorized to operate on the state highway system without obtaining a special permit under this chapter, except as provided in subparagraph (e) below, subject to the following limitations: (a) The width of the vehicle shall not exceed nine feet (9’); (b) The length of the vehicle shall not exceed a length of fifty-three feet (53’); (c) The overall gross weight of the vehicle shall not exceed 59,400 pounds, and the axle weights shall be limited as follows: 1. The load on any one (1) axle shall not exceed 20,000 pounds; and 2. The tandem axle load shall not exceed 38,000 pounds without van-type cover, or 39,400 pounds with van-type cover; (d) No such vehicle is authorized to operate on the interstate highway system if it exceeds the weight limitations established in 23 U.S.C. § 127, including the axle weight limitations of 20,000 pounds per single axle and 34,000 pounds per tandem axle; and (e) Except by special permit as authorized in Paragraph (2) below, no such vehicle is authorized to operate on the National Network of highways, including all interstate highways and the additional Federal-aid highways set forth in 23 C.F.R. Part 658, Appendix A, if the maximum width of the vehicle exceeds eight feet six inches (8’6”). (2) The Department may grant a special permit to allow a single motor vehicle used exclusively to transport seed cotton modules to travel on the National Network, subject to the following: (a) The special permit may authorize the width of the vehicle to exceed eight feet six inches (8’6”), if: 1. The width of the vehicle does not exceed nine feet (9’); 2. The length of the vehicle does not exceed fifty-three feet (53’); and 3. The weight of the vehicle does not exceed the weight limitations set forth in § 55- 7-203(b)(3), including 20,000 pounds per single axle and 34,000 pounds per tandem axle, if operated on the interstate highway system. (b) The duration of the special permit shall be for one (1) year at a cost of one hundred dollars ($100). (c) Solely during the harvest season for cotton, the movement of any vehicle operating under a special annual permit shall be unrestricted with respect to day of the week, time or holiday observation, but at other times, the movement of the vehicle may be subject to the time and date restrictions in accordance with Rule 1680-07-01-.04.