Conditions For Movement Of Fixed Load Vehicles

(1) For the purposes of this rule, “fixed load vehicle” means any vehicle not designed or used to carry, convey or move any freight, property, article or thing over the highways, except the weight of any equipment, appliance or apparatus constructed as a part of, or permanently attached to, the body of the vehicle itself. “Fixed load vehicle” includes, e.g., well-drilling apparatus, cranes, and portable feed mills, as well as other vehicles meeting the general definition in this subparagraph, but it does not include vehicles designed to deliver ready mixed concrete or tow trucks (see Rule 1680-07-01-.19). (2) Special permits may be issued for the operation of fixed load vehicles on the state highway system, including that portion designated as the interstate system, provided that in addition to all other applicable provisions of these rules, the following conditions are met: (a) The weight of the fixed load vehicle must travel on pneumatic or solid tires, as defined in T.C.A. § 55-1-110. No tracked vehicle shall be allowed to operate on the highway. (b) Generally, no single load bearing axle, or single axle in a tandem group, shall exceed 24,000 pounds; provided, however, that an axle weight in excess of 24,000 pounds may be permitted if approved by the TDOT Structures Division after conducting a bridge analysis. Any applicant requesting to load more than 24,000 pounds on any single axle, or single axle in a tandem group, shall submit the design schematics of the vehicle to the TDOT Structures Division for review. (c) In any event, no single axle, or single axle in a tandem group, shall exceed 30,000 pounds. OVERWEIGHT AND OVERDIMENSIONAL MOVEMENTS CHAPTER 1680-07-01 ON TENNESSEE HIGHWAYS (d) The maximum gross weight of the vehicle shall not exceed 150,000 pounds. (e) Routing shall not include any bridge with a posted gross vehicle weight restriction, or axle weight restriction, that is less than the gross vehicle weight, or axle weights, of the permitted vehicle. (f) The permit may require that the vehicle shall not exceed crawl speed when crossing any bridge. (g) The permit may require that no other traffic shall be permitted on the bridge while it is being crossed by the fixed load vehicle. (h) The permit may require that the permittee shall provide necessary flagging. (i) Each category of size (height, width, or length) or weight in which the vehicle exceeds the size and weight limits established by law and set forth in Rule 1680-07-01-.01 shall be included in the permit and shall be subject to the applicable fee for each category. (j) The permit may require the front and rear of the movement to be signed and marked as set forth in Rule 1680-07-01-.20.