Definition:
A Special Excess Weight Permit is the annual written authorization granted by the Commissioner of Motor Vehicles for the movement of a vehicle or combination vehicle and its divisible load up to specific weight limits over state highways. These permits may be further restricted by the vehicle configuration and/or commodity being transported.
Expiration:
Special Excess Weight Permits will expire coincidentally with the vehicle’s registration except for vehicles not registered in Vermont, in which case the permit shall expire at midnight December 31st (12/31) following the date of issue.
Upgrade to heavier weights:
A truck owner with a permit may upgrade through purchase of additional permits by paying the difference in fees for each permit bought rather than the full fee for each permit. Permits of a lesser weight for the same vehicle or combination of vehicles may be purchased for an administrative fee.
Vehicles Registered In Another State:
To qualify for a Special Excess Weight Permit a vehicle registered in another state must meet all weight and size requirements of this state and be registered or hold a permit in the other state for the permitted weight requested. In addition, overweight permits shall not be issued to vehicles registered in another state and province unless that state or province issues similar permits on a reciprocal basis to vehicles registered in Vermont.
All Products Permits:
The following conditions apply:
3-Axle Straight Trucks:
- With a single steering axle and rear tandem axles, both powered and braked, registered to the minimum of fifty-five thousand (55,000) pounds may obtain a permit to gross sixty thousand (60,000) pounds.
4-Axle Straight Trucks:
- With a single steering axle and rear tri-axle group with two axles of the tri-axle group powered and braked, registered to the minimum of sixty thousand (60,000) pounds may obtain a permit to gross sixty-nine thousand (69,000) pounds.
4-Axle Truck/Tractor Semi-Trailer Combination:
- With a maximum gross weight of not more than seventy-two thousand (72,000) pounds, provided the distance between the second axle of the tractor and the rear axle of the trailer is at least twenty-four feet (24’) measured to the nearest foot.
- For each foot or fraction of a foot less than twenty-four feet (24’) measured to the nearest foot, a reduction of two thousand [2,000] pounds in the maximum gross weight shall be made.
5 or more Axle Truck/Tractor Semi-Trailer or Truck Trailer Combination:
- With a maximum gross weight of not more than seventy-six thousand (76,000) pounds provided that the distance between the first and last axle of two (2) consecutive sets of tandem axles is at least twenty-four feet (24’) measured to the nearest foot.
- For each foot or fraction of a foot less than twenty-four feet (24’) measured to the nearest foot, a reduction of two thousand (2,000) pounds in the maximum gross weight shall be made.
Ninety Thousand (90,000) Pound Permits:
- Must meet the axle and distance provisions of 23 VSA §1392(4).
- A minimum of fifty-one feet (51’) between centers of the first and last axle is required for a five (5) or more axle combination.
Ninety-Nine Thousand (99,000) Pound Permits:
- Requires six (6) or more axles, and fifty-one feet (51’) between centers of the extreme axles. Must be registered to eighty thousand (80,000) pounds.