Permits are required when the following dimensions or weights specified by Vermont statutes are exceeded:
- For over eight feet, six inches (8’ 6”) width: ALL HIGHWAYS
- For over thirteen feet, six inches (13’ 6”) height: ALL HIGHWAYS
- For over seventy five feet (75’) in length: ALL HIGHWAYS, COMBINATION VEHICLES
- For over forty-six feet (46’) for single vehicles: ALL HIGHWAYS, SINGLE VEHICLES
Single trip permits are issued for non-divisible loads. For this purpose “non-divisible” means any load or vehicle exceeding applicable dimension or weight limits which, if separated into smaller loads or vehicles, would:
- Compromise the intended use of the vehicle, i.e., make it unable to perform the function for which it was intended.
- Destroy the value of the load or vehicle, i.e., make it unusable for its intended purpose.
- Require more than eight (8) work hours to dismantle using appropriate equipment. The applicant for a non-divisible load permit has the burden of proof as to the number of work hours required to dismantle the load.
PERMITS FOR WEIGHT:
When considering permits for weight up to one hundred fifty thousand (150,000) pounds the Department may consider the application within the Department if there are sufficient axles on the vehicle to distribute the weight at the rate of twenty thousand (20,000) pounds per axle with dual wheels and twelve thousand (12,000) pounds per axle with single wheels, commonly steering axles. If the weight exceeds a total that can be covered by this formula it will be denied. Further consideration may require additional information or an engineering review.
DEFINITION – SINGLE TRIP PERMIT:
A Single Trip Permit is the written or oral authorization granted by the Commissioner of the Department of Motor Vehicles for the movement of a nondivisible load between specified points over a predetermined route prescribed by the Commissioner or his/her authorized representative.
·DEFINITION – NONDIVISIBLE LOADS:
Single trip permits are issued for nondivisible loads. For this purpose “nondivisible” means any load or vehicle exceeding applicable dimension or weight limits which, if separated into smaller loads or vehicles, would:
- Compromise the intended use of the vehicle, i.e., make it unable to perform the function for which it was intended;
- Destroy the value of the load or vehicle, i.e., make it unusable for its intended purpose; or
- Require more than eight (8) work hours to dismantle using appropriate equipment. The applicant for a nondivisible load permit has the burden of proof as to the number of work hours required to dismantle the load.
Note: Nondivisible does not prohibit the movement of more than one piece when the permit is issued for the largest piece and additional pieces do not cause the total load to exceed a dimension already allowed by the permitting of the original piece. For instance a permit issued for an over width wooden truss would remain valid if a number of trusses were piled on but that action did not cause the load to exceed the width of the original truss or cause the load to be overlength, over height, or overweight.
SPECIAL OVERSIZE TRAILERS – DEFINITION; SINGLE TRIP PERMITS AVAILABLE UNDER LIMITED CIRCUMSTANCES:
Special Oversize Trailers or semi-trailers that are over legal length or width. The length or width in excess of legal dimensions is required to move certain oversize loads.
Single Trip Permits are required and are the only permits available for special oversize trailers with two (2) exceptions for which Blanket Permits may be issued.
- Trailers actually registered on September 1, 1994 and subsequently renewed only by that registrant.
If ownership of the trailer is transferred, it no longer falls under the so-called “grandfather” clause. Single Trip Permits would be issued for the delivery of oversize loads that require an oversize trailer and for the dispatch and return of the trailer. Single Trip Permits would also be issued for the movement of empty trailers for repairs or for some similar purposes.
- The second exception is for trailers or semi-trailers designed and used to transport highway building equipment and road making appliances.