Texas Oversize/ Overweight

Oversize/
Overweight
Permit Manual
Texas
Foreword
The Specialized Carriers & Rigging Association is pleased to publish this Oversize/ Overweight Permit Manual.
Each state analysis includes information in a standardized format: contact, legal limits, special permit limits,
general restrictions, types of permits available, fees, escort needs, fines, and restricted travel areas. Telephone
numbers, locations, and hours of operation are listed for ports of entry and permit branches. However, readers
are always advised to check with the state offices on current laws and procedures. This project could not have
been completed without the advice and consultation of many state officials. We thank all of those who provided
permit manuals, maps, laws, regulations, and various other forms of documentation.
Legal Notice
This SC&RA Oversize/Overweight Permit Manual is intended only to provide concise, easily read information,
useful in planning movements of overdimensional and overweight loads. This Permit Manual is not intended to be
an accurate summary of all the applicable laws and regulations. Users of the Permit Manual should confirm the
information contained herein before dispatching vehicles and loads. The SC&RA cautions Permit Manual users
that state laws and regulations are subject to change without notice, and that some time elapses between the
effective date of such changes and the amendment of the Permit Manual to reflect those changes. The SC&RA
assumes no responsibility for accident, injury, loss or claim, penalties or any other damage resulting from
reliance on the contents of this Permit Manual.
Specialized Carriers &
Rigging Association
5870 Trinity Parkway, Suite 200
Centreville, VA 20120
PHONE: (703) 698-0291
Fax: (571) 722-1698
Website: www.scranet.org
Email: [email protected]
TX-1
08/14
Copyright 1987-2014 by the Specialized Carriers & Rigging
Association. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may
be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any
form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying,
recording, scanning, or otherwise, without the prior written
permission of the publisher, Joel M. Dandrea, Executive Vice
President, Specialized Carrier & Rigging Association. Requests to
the publisher for permission should be addressed to Joel M.
Dandrea, Specialized Carriers & Rigging Association, 5870 Trinity
Parkway, Suite 200, Centreville, VA 20120.
SC&RA Oversize/Overweight Permit Manual
TEXAS
CONTACT
Department of Motor Vehicles
Motor Carrier Division
4000 Jackson Ave.
Austin, TX 78731 (mailing address)
4203 Bull Creek
Austin, TX 78731 (physical address)
Website: www.txdmv.gov
Permit Section Hours:
6:00 am – 6:00 pm (Mon–Fri)
6:00 am – 2:00 pm (Saturday)
Motor Carrier Division Business Hours:
8:00 – 5:00 pm (Mon-Fri)
Phone (Permits Section): (800) 299-1700 (option 1)
REMINDER: The toll-free phone line shuts down 15 minutes prior to the end of office hours each day.Phone
(Credentialing Section): (800) 299-1700 (option 7)
Fax: (512) 465-3535
Email: [email protected]
http://www.txdmv.gov
LEGAL LIMITS
GVW
80,000
o
*20,000
oo
*34,000
ooo
*42,000
Quad
50,000
-Federal Bridge Formula applies
Maximum legal weight is based on # of axles
*Cannot exceed manufacturer's tire
weight rating
TOLERANCE:
none.
WIDTH
Width is measured from the outside
points of the widest extremities, excluding safety
devices.
Explanation
Measurement
Legal width limit
8' 6" (102")
Maximum width permitted on
holidays
14', except
for
manufactured
housing
Maximum width permitted on
controlled access highways*
(Interstate Highway System)
16', except
for
manufactured
housing
Maximum width permitted
without route and traffic
studies and certification by
applicant on file
20'
Maximum width permitted for 34'
new houses
Maximum width permitted for 40'
existing houses
Maximum width permitted for 34'
new tanks
Maximum width permitted for 40'
existing tanks
Maximum width permitted for No limit
portable buildings
Maximum width for
No limit
manufactured housing
*Controlled access highways are those highways
that must be entered from an access road, not
from a stop sign. Traffic can cross the highway
only by way of an overpass or underpass.
Controlled access highways are usually
considered to be the Interstate Highway System.
TX-2
08/14
SC&RA Oversize/Overweight Permit Manual
HEIGHT 14' Maximum height permitted on
holidays is 16’ and maximum height permitted
without a route and traffic study and route
certification on file is less than 19’
LENGTH
Vehicle(s) Type
Legal
Truck or single vehicle 45'
Truck and trailer
combination
overall
unlimited,
59'
2
trailers
28', 6"
Front overhang
3'
25'
Rear overhang
4'
30'
Maximum overall
length
180'
180'
Maximum length
125'
permitted without
route and traffic study
and route certification
by applicant on file
125'
Combinations such as 65'
truck, travel trailer &
boat or motor home,
boat and towing a car
unlimited
Single
unit
75'
Commercial truck and 75'
stinger-steered semitrailer combination
transporting
automobiles or boats
Truck-tractor
combination
Semitrailer
Maximum
65'
Truck-tractor
trailer
limited to
59'
unlimited
Maximum length permitted on holidays is 110’
OVERHANG
3' front, 4' rear
Maximum overall length is 180’
Maximum length permitted without route and
traffic study & route certification on file is 125’
PERMIT LIMITS
Maximum Axle Weight Limits
o
25,000
oo
46,000
ooo
60,000
4 axles 70,000 – with a 4' spacing
5 axles 81,400 – with a 4’ spacing *
6 axles 94,200 - with a 4’ spacing * (*)
7 axles Depends on configuration
(*)
8 axles Depends on configuration
(*)
* May have more weight depending on
configuration
(*) Must be steerable or articulating axles
WIDTH
HEIGHT
20'
18'11"
LENGTH
180' Maximum
REAR OVERHANG - 30'
FRONT OVERHANG – 25’
WEIGHT
254,300 lbs..
Permits may be obtained for higher limits, but
route analysis will be required. For more
information, visit the MCD website at
http://www.txdmv.gov
TRUNNION TANDEM
60,000 lbs. – A minimum of a 10’ wide gauge
with a 5’ spacing and 8 tires on each axle (30,000
lbs. each axle)
Maximum Height, Width, Length and Weight
Requirements
PERMIT RESTRICTIONS
Daylight and Night Movement Restrictions – A paper copy of the permit must be in the permitted
vehicle through one day after expiration.
A permitted vehicle may only be moved during daylight hours unless: 1) The permitted vehicle is
overweight only; 2) The permitted vehicle is traveling on an interstate highway and does not exceed 10 feet
wide and 100 feet long, with legal front and rear overhangs; 3) The permitted vehicle meets the criteria of
(2) above and is overweight.
Railroad Crossing Hot Line 800-772-7677
TX-3
08/14
SC&RA Oversize/Overweight Permit Manual
Holiday – Oversize/overweight permit loads are restricted from movement on the six major holidays if the
load exceeds:
14' width
16' height; and/or
110' in length
The following six major holidays are included in the above holiday restrictions:
New Year's Day, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day
By law, all manufactured housing are prohibited from moving on the above listed holidays.
Inclement Weather – No movement when travel is hazardous due to rain, sleet, snow, ice, wind or when
visibility is reduced to less than 2/10 of one mile.
Moving Authority
All motor carriers "for hire" or "private" performing Intrastate movement must be registered as a Texas
Motor Carrier when the gross weight, registered weight, or gross weight rating exceeds 26,000 lbs. as
defined by 43 Texas Administrative Code, Chapter 18, Section 18:
A commercial motor vehicle includes any motor vehicle or combination of vehicles with a gross weight,
registered weight, or gross weight rating in excess of 26,000 pounds, that is designed or used for the
transportation of cargo in furtherance of any commercial enterprise; any vehicle, including buses, designed
or used to transport more than 15 passengers, including the driver; any vehicle used in the transportation of
hazardous materials in a quantity requiring placarding under the regulations issued under the federal
Hazardous Materials Transportation Act (49 USC §§5101-5127); a commercial motor vehicle, as defined by
49 CFR §390.5, owned or controlled by a person or entity that is domiciled in or a citizen of a country other
than the United States; and any vehicle transporting household goods for compensation, regardless of the
gross weight rating, registered weight or gross weight.
A commercial motor vehicle does not include a farm vehicle with a gross weight, registered weight, and
gross weight rating of less than 48,000 pounds; a motor vehicle registered as a cotton vehicle under
Transportation Code, §504.505; a vehicle registered with the Railroad Commission under Natural Resources
Code, §113.131 and §116.072; a vehicle transporting liquor under a private carrier permit issued in
accordance with Alcoholic Beverage Code, Chapter 42; a motor vehicle used to transport passengers and
operated by an entity whose primary function is not the transportation of passengers, such as a vehicle
operated by a hotel, day-care center, public or private school, nursing home, or similar organization; a
vehicle operated by a governmental entity; a motor vehicle exempt from registration by the Unified Carrier
Registration Act of 2005 (49 U.S.C. Section 14504a); and a tow truck, as defined by Occupation Code
Section 2308.002 and permitted under Occupation Code, Chapter 2308, Subchapter C.
Unified Carrier Registration
Any motor carrier that operates in interstate or international commerce is subject to Unified Carrier
Registration (UCR). This includes private carriers, exempt carriers, brokers, freight forwarders and leasing
companies. Carriers based in Canada and Mexico that operate in the United States are subject to UCR.
An interstate or international motor carrier currently registered under UCR that also operates intrastate can convert
existing Texas Department of Motor Vehicles (TxDMV) Motor Carrier Registration to a non-expiring certificate. All
motor carriers must maintain active insurance filing with TxDMV at all times.
This does not include charter bus carriers, for-hire household goods carriers, or recyclable materials and/or waste
carriers. These types must continue to renew TxDMV Motor Carrier Registration.
For additional information, visit the TxDMV website at www.txdmv.gov.
US DOT
All motor carriers operating a Commercial Motor Vehicle in interstate or foreign commerce must be assigned
and display a US DOT Number before interstate operations begin. This includes all interstate private,
exempt, for hire and passenger motor carriers. Motor Carriers operating intrastate transporting any
placarded hazardous materials must also comply.
Definition of Commercial Motor Vehicle as per Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations Part 390.5 for the
purpose of compliance with DOT Marking Requirement 390.21:
Commercial Motor Vehicle means any self-propelled or towed motor vehicle used on a highway in interstate
commerce to transport passengers or property when the vehicle:
TX-4
08/14
SC&RA Oversize/Overweight Permit Manual
Has a gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) or gross combination weight rating (GCWR) or gross vehicle
weight (GVW) or gross combination weight of 10,001 pounds or more;
Is designed to transport more than 8 passengers (including the driver) for compensation;
Is designed to transport 16 or more people including the driver, and is not used to transport passengers for
compensation;
Are transporting hazardous materials in quantities requiring the vehicle to be placarded. (There is no weight
threshold for placarded vehicles and applies to both intrastate and interstate operations.)
Bonds
Prior to obtaining an oversize/overweight permit, an applicant permitted under the provisions of
Transportation Code, Chapter 623, Subchapter D, must be registered as a commercial motor carrier or, if
not required to obtain a motor carrier registration, file a $10,000 surety bond issued to the Texas
Department of Transportation with the TxDMV.
To comply with new TxDMV requirements, surety bonds and insurance certificates are to be mailed and
filed with TxDMV but remain payable to TxDOT and other entities as prescribed in Texas Traffic Code.
Customers mailing a surety bond and/or insurance certificate with a permit application, should mail them
to the respective P.O. Box referenced on the permit application.
Customers mailing a surety bond or insurance certificate only (no application), should mail it to:
TxDMV - Attn: MCD-BC
4000 Jackson Avenue
Austin, TX 78731
or by overnight mail (FedEx, UPS, or Lone Star) to:
TxDMV Attn: MCD-BC
4203 Bull Creek Road
Austin, TX 78731
Annual Timber Permits - Prior to permit issuance, an original copy of a Timber Permit Bond is the amount of
$15,000 or a irrevocable Letter of Credit must be on file with TxDMV.
Reminder:
All bonds are to be made payable to TxDOT and other entities as prescribed in Texas Traffic Code.
Texas Department of Motor Vehicles
Motor Carrier Division (MCD) Help Desk
1-800-299-1700, options, 1-5-1
E-mail: [email protected]
Visit the TxDMV website at www.txdmv.gov
Important:
TxDOT will no longer accept insurance certificates, surety bonds or permit fees through the mail.
Permit Information Required — Company information, payment method, operating authority, load
description, make and model of tractor, VIN and license number; overall dimensions; axle spacings; axle
weights; tire sizes; gross weight; origin and destination; routes to be traveled; effective dates.
PERMIT TYPES
Single-Trip
Single-trip permits are valid for the time specified on the permit, up to five days. Travel is permitted
beginning one-half hour before sunrise and ending one-half hour after sunset.
The permit is valid for one movement from a specific point of origin to a specific destination listed on the
permit.
DMV issues multi-state, single-trip permits under the Western Regional Permitting Agreement (WASHTO).
The State of Texas participates in the "Western Regional Agreement for the Issuance of Permits for Oversize
and Overweight Vehicles Involved in Interstate Travel." Under this agreement, each member state may
issue regional permits allowing operations on designated routes in multiple member states. The following
states are currently members of the Western Regional Agreement: Arizona, Idaho, Montana, Oregon, Utah,
Washington, Texas, New Mexico, Colorado, Oklahoma, Louisiana and Nevada.
TX-5
08/14
SC&RA Oversize/Overweight Permit Manual
Multi-state permits are issued for nondivisible loads and may not exceed 14’ wide, 14’ high, 110’ overall
length and 160,000 lbs. gross weight. Visit the TxDMV website for more information.
Time-Based Permits - Valid for an unlimited number of moves on state-maintained roadways within the
time period specified on the permit. Carriers operating under Time Permits are responsible for routing and
obtaining current restrictions and information concerning hazardous weather-related road conditions from
TxDMV’s website at www.txdmv.gov or by using the Time Period Route feature in the Texas Permitting and
Routing Optimization System (TxPROS).
Time-based permits include:
30/60/90-Day Length or Width Permits (Up to 13’ wide or 110’ long)
Company Specific Envelope (Up to 12’ wide, 14’ high, 110’ long and 120,000 lbs. GVW)
Crane & Well Service Unit Mileage
Fracing Trailer
Hay
Quarterly Hubometer
Implements of Husbandry
Mobile Crane (Unladen Lift Equipment)
Oil Well Servicing Unit
Over Axle/Over Gross Weight Tolerance
Rig-up Truck
Utility Pole
Vehicle Specific Envelope
Water Well Drilling Machinery and Equipment
Effective November1, 2013, the Texas Department of Motor Vehicles will offer two new oversize/overweight
permits to its customers: an Annual Timber Permit and an Annual Ready-Mixed Concrete Truck Permit.
Ready-Mixed Concrete Truck Permit (RMTC) – Only applies to ready-mixed concrete trucks operating
on three axles. Allows a truck to exceed single and tandem axle weights by 10 percent (25,300 pounds
maximum on a single axle and 50,600 pounds maximum on a tandem axle, provided the gross weight does
not exceed 69,000 pounds.
Permit holders may travel on any Texas road except the Interstate Highway System. Travel is allowed on
state, municipal or county roads, including county roads that are load-zoned for less than 69,000 pounds.
Trucks may cross a load-posted bridge when exceeding the posted capacity.
Permit stickers must be affixed to the windshield of permitted vehicles. RMCT Permits are mailed to
applicants; they are not available at TxDMV offices.
Apply using TxPROS
http://txpros.txdmv.gov/
Annual Timber Permits – Only applies to vehicles hauling unrefined timber, wood chips and woody
biomass in timber producing counties identified in the current Texas A&M Forest Service’s Harvest Trend
Report. Allows a truck to carry up to 44,000 pounds on a tandem axle provided the gross weight of the
vehicle or vehicle combination does not exceed 84,000 pounds.
Permit holders may travel on county roads and state-maintained roadways, excluding the Interstate
Highway System, in timber counties selected on the permit application. This includes county roads that are
load-zoned less than 69,000 pounds. Trucks may not cross a load-posted bridge when exceeding the posted
capacity.
At least two business days prior to movement, the permit holder must electronically notify TxDOT and
affected counties through the TxDMV website of the address or geographical area where the carrier intends
to operate, including the name or number of each county or state road and the dates or duration of
movement.
Permit stickers must be affixed to the windshield of permitted vehicles. Timber Permits are mailed to
applicants; they are not available at TxDMV offices.
Prior to permit issuance, an original copy of a Timber Permit Bond is the amount of $15,000 or an
irrevocable Letter of Credit must be on file with TxDMV.
Apply using TxPROS
TX-6
08/14
http://txpros.txdmv.gov/
SC&RA Oversize/Overweight Permit Manual
FEES
Single Trip Permit —
Permit Fee $60
In addition to the permit fee, a highway maintenance fee is required for loads exceeding 80,000 pounds.
Highway maintenance fees are listed in the table below:
Gross Weight in
Pounds
Highway
Maintenance Fee
Permit
Fee
Total
Fee
80,001
$150
$60
$210
120,001 - 160,000
$225
$60
$285
160,001 - 200,000
$300
$60
$360
200,001 - above*
$375
$60
$435
Vehicles in excess of 200,000 pounds are assessed a vehicle supervision fee to include bridge analysis and
monitoring fees.
Manufactured Housing Single-Trip Permit Permit Fee $40
Portable Building Permit Permit Fee $15
Multi-State (WASHTO) Permit – Permit fee varies according to states traveled. Fees are calculated and
collected by the issuing jurisdiction based on the fee schedules of each jurisdiction (state) in route.
However, fees are the same as if ordered directly from each state.
Time-Based Permits
Type
30-Day
60-Day
90-Day
Annual Envelope (Company or Vehicle Specific)
Crane & Well Service Unit Mileage
Fracing Trailer
Quarterly Hubometer
Implements of Husbandry
Mobile Crane (Annual)
Oil Well Servicing Unit (Annual)
Rig-Up Truck
Utility Pole
Water Well Drilling Machinery and Equipment
Fee
$120
$180
$240
$4,000
Per mile fee based on size and weight
$240
Per mile fee based on size and weight
$270 + Highway Maintenance Fee
$100
$52 per axle
$52
$120
$270 + Highway Maintenance Fee
Over Axle /Over Gross Weight Tolerance Annual Permit – Allows divisible commodities
Non-Ag
Allow 5% over gross vehicular weight and/or 10% over an axle; provided the 10% over the axles does not
exceed 5% gross. An “Over Axle and Over Gross Weight Tolerance Permit Bond” or an “Irrevocable Letter of
Credit” must be on file prior to the issuance of this permit.
Ag – Agricultural products in their natural state
Allow 5% over gross vehicular weight and/or 12% over an axle; provided the 12% over the axles does not
exceed 5% gross. No bond or letter of credit required for permit issuance.
Base Permit Fee $90
Administrative Fee $5
A fee based on the number of counties chosen for
travel is added to the base & administrative fee.
TX-7
08/14
SC&RA Oversize/Overweight Permit Manual
Number of Counties
1-5
6-20
21-40
41-60
61-80
81-100
101-254
County Fee
$175
$250
$450
$625
$800
$900
$1,000
NEW Total Fee
$270
$345
$545
$720
$895
$995
$1,095
Permit Issuance
Permits may be ordered online through the TxDMV website at www.txdmv.gov or by phone at 1-800-299-1700.
The permit types listed below may be self-issued online:
Single-Trip permits - Select single-trip permits may be self-issued through TxPROS provided the user accepts the
route generated and the vehicle size/weight does not exceed 16’ wide, 16’6” high, 110’ long, and 180,000 lbs.
GVW.
30/60/90 – Day width and length
Utility Pole (Annual)
Cylindrical Bales of Hay (Annual)
Annual Envelope (Vehicle Specific)
Mobile Crane (Annual)
Oil Well Servicing Unit (Annual)
Ready-Mixed Concrete Truck Permits – Annual permit fee is $1,000.
Annual Timber Permits – Annual permit fee is $1,500.
ESCORTS AND SIGNS
Labeling — Warning flags must be either red or orange fluorescent material, at least 12 inches square,
securely mounted on a staff or securely fastened by at least one corner to the widest extremities of an
overwidth permitted vehicle, and at the rear of an overlength permitted vehicle or a permitted vehicle with a
rear overhang in excess of four feet. An escort vehicle must display a sign, on either the roof of the vehicle,
or the front and [or] rear of the vehicle, with the words "OVERSIZE LOAD” or "WIDE LOAD."
The sign must be visible from the front and rear of the vehicle while escorting the permitted load. The sign
must meet the following specifications:
(i) at least five feet, but not more than seven feet in length, and at least 12 inches, but not more than 18
inches in height;
(ii) the sign must have a yellow background with black lettering;
(iii) letters must be at least eight inches, but not more than 10 inches high with a brush stroke at least 1.41
inches wide;
and
(iv) the sign must be visible from the front or rear of the vehicle while escorting the permitted vehicle and
the signs must not be used at any other time.
Communication -An escort vehicle must maintain two-way communications with the permitted vehicle and
other escort vehicles involved with the movement of the permitted vehicle.
Escort Vehicles and Personnel — An escort vehicle must be equipped with two flashing amber lights or
one rotating amber beacon of not less than eight inches in diameter, affixed to the roof of the escort vehicle,
which must be visible to the front, sides, and rear of the escort vehicle while actively engaged in escort
duties for the permitted vehicle. An “OVERSIZE LOAD” or “WIDE LOAD” sign must be visible from the front
and rear of the vehicle while escorting the permitted load. Red or orange 12 inch square flags must be
securely mounted on a staff or securely fastened by at least one corner to the widest extremities of an overwidth permitted vehicle, and at the rear of an over-length permitted vehicle or a permitted vehicle with a
rear overhang in excess of four feet.
An escort must follow a vehicle over 110', but not exceeding 125’, in length or exceeding 20’ front or rear
overhang.
TX-8
08/14
SC&RA Oversize/Overweight Permit Manual
One escort is required for all loads exceeding 14' up to 16' wide. Two escorts are required for all loads
exceeding 16' wide. The escort must precede the load on a two-lane highway to warn oncoming traffic of the
approaching overwidth load. The escort must follow the load on a roadway of four or more lanes to warn
approaching traffic of the overwidth load ahead.
Loads exceeding 20' in width must physically inspect a proposed route and certify to the Motor Carrier
Division by letter or facsimile that the overwidth load can safely negotiate the route.
There are special requirements for manufactured housing.
One escort is required for loads exceeding 17' in height. The escort must be equipped with a height pole to
accurately measure overhead obstructions.
Front and rear escorts are required for loads exceeding 18' in height.
Loads 19' or higher must physically inspect a proposed route and certify to the Motor Carrier Division by
letter or facsimile that the overheight load can safely negotiate all power, communication, and cable
television lines, and all other low vertical obstructions.
If a load exceeds escort requirements in two dimensions, front and rear escorts are required. For example, if
a load is 16-feet wide and 112-feet long, one escort is required for the width and one escort is required for
the length. This rule does not apply if the two dimensions are length and overhang.
Overlength loads may convoy and share escorts under the following conditions:

110 feet to 150 feet long – Convoy up to four loads with one front and one rear escort

150 feet, 1 inch to 180 feet long – Convoy two loads with one front and one rear escort
Each permitted load in the convoy must:

Travel at least 1,000 feet, but not more than 2,000 feet, from any other load in the convoy.

Have a rotating amber beacon or an amber pulsating light not less than eight inches in diameter
mounted at the top, rear of the load.
Vehicle Requirement — An escort vehicle must be a single unit with a gross vehicular weight (GVW) of not
less than 1,000 pounds and not more than 10,000 pounds.
Lighting on Manufactured Housing - Manufactured housing over 12' wide shall have one rotating amber
beacon of not less than 8" mounted on the roof at the rear of the manufactured home. Instead of a roof
beacon, two 5" flashing amber lights may be mounted approximately 6' from ground level at the rear
corners of the manufactured home. The beacon/lights must be operational and lighted during any permitted
move over the highway system.
Special Escort Requirements –Manufactured housing and portable buildings have special escort
requirements when moved under the provisions of permit types specific to these load types.
The number of required escorts and escort placement are as follows:

If the load exceeds 16 feet wide, but does not exceed 18-feet wide, one escort is required. If
traveling on a two-lane highway, the escort must be in the front of the load. If traveling on a highway
with four or more lanes, the escort must be in the rear.

If the load exceeds 18 feet wide, two escorts are required: one in the front and one in the rear.

Two manufactured homes or two sections of a multi-section manufactured home may be moved in a
convoy and share the required escorts if the distance between the two units does not exceed 1,000
feet.
TX-9
08/14
SC&RA Oversize/Overweight Permit Manual
Lights
A manufactured house over 12 feet wide must have one rotating amber beacon not less than eight inches in
diameter mounted somewhere on the roof at the rear of the manufactured house. Or, instead of a roof
beacon, two five-inch flashing amber lights may be mounted approximately six feet from ground level at the
rear corners of the manufactured house.
The towing vehicle is required to have one rotating amber beacon not less than eight inches in diameter
mounted on the top of the cab. These beacons are to be operational and luminous during any permitted
move over the highway.
Certification – Pilot Car Escort Certification is not currently required.
CUSTOMER RESPONSIBILITY
Permit Restrictions - Purchasers of non-routed, time-based permits are responsible for routing and
obtaining current restrictions and information concerning hazardous weather related road conditions. This
information is available on TxDMV’s website at www.txdmv.gov
Notification of Utility Companies - It is the responsibility of the permit holder to contact utility
companies, telephone companies, television cable companies, or other entities when it is necessary to raise
or lower an overhead wire, traffic signal, street light, cable, sign, or other overhead obstruction. The permit
holder is responsible for providing the advance notice and coordination required by each entity.
It is expressly understood that The Texas Department of Transportation shall not be responsible in any way
for any damage of whatever nature that my result from the movement of an oversize/overweight vehicle
and load over Texas highways, and that all such responsibility is hereby accepted on behalf of the applicant
and/or permit holder.
FINES
All violations are considered misdemeanors. Overweight fines range from $100 to $1,000. Fines for repeat
offenses may be as high as $2,000.
Operators may be cited for all violations, including over-axle and over-gross violations. Drivers may not shift
load to avoid an over-axle citation.
For additional information, visit the Texas Department of Public Safety website at http://www.txdps.state.tx.us/.
ADMINSTRATIVE SANCTIONS
The Texas Department of Motor Vehicles may impose administrative sanctions against a motor carrier, which
may include the revocation of registrations and permits and/or assessment of administrative penalties for
violation of provisions of Texas Transportation Code, Chapters 621, 622, 623, 643 or 645, or rules and
regulations prescribed under 43 Texas Administrative Code, Chapters 18 or 28.
A penalty for each violation may be in an amount not to exceed $5,000. If it is found that the motor carrier
knowingly committed a violation, the penalty for that violation may be in an amount not to exceed $15,000.
If it is found that the motor carrier knowingly committed multiple violations, the aggregate penalty for the
multiple violations may be in an amount not to exceed $30,000. Multiple violations are all violations arising
during a single episode pursuant to one scheme or course of conduct.
RESTRICTED TRAVEL
The MCD Permit Section is closed on:








TX-10
Sundays,
New Year's Day,
Memorial Day,
Independence Day
Labor Day
Thanksgiving Day and the Friday following Thanksgiving Day,
Christmas Eve and Christmas Day,
Saturday prior to any of the holidays listed above that fall on a Monday, except the Saturday before
Christmas Eve when Christmas Eve falls on Monday,
08/14
SC&RA Oversize/Overweight Permit Manual


Saturday after any of the holidays listed above that fall on Friday, except for the Saturday following
Thanksgiving Day and the Saturday following Christmas Day when Christmas Day falls on a Friday,
and
Other times deemed necessary by the department's administration, such as in the case of
emergency weather conditions.
Moving heavy equipment at railroad grade crossings.
No rule on file.
PORTS OF ENTRY
Addison Airport-(User Fee Airport)
- Alliance Airport-(User Fee Airport)
- Amarillo
- Austin
- Brownsville/Los Indios
- Corpus Christi
- Dallas/Ft. Worth-(Service Port)
- Del Rio/Amistad Dam
- Eagle Pass
- El Paso-(Service Port)
- Fabens
- Freeport
- Hidalgo/Pharr/Anzalduas
- Houston Airport-(Service Port)
- Houston Sea Port
- Laredo-(Service Port)
- Lubbock
- Midland-(User Fee Airport)
- McKinney-(User Fee Airport)
- Port Arthur-Beaumont
- Port Lavaca-Point Comfort
- Presidio
- Progreso/Donna
- Rio Grande City/Los Ebanos
- Roma/Falcon Dam
- Sabine
TX-11
08/14
SC&RA Oversize/Overweight Permit Manual
- San Antonio
- Sugarland-(User Fee Airport)
- Valley International Airport-(User Fee Airport)
PERMIT ORDERING
Order permits online through TxPROS (http://TxPROS TxDMV.gov), or call (800) 299-1700 for toll-free
customer service. Please review the Telephone Menu for Motor Carriers. Permit applications are not accepted
via email, but you can contact us by email for information.
See system URL change noted below under “Recent Changes”.
SPECIAL NOTES
Recent Changes –
Effective November1, 2013, the Texas Department of Motor Vehicles will offer two new oversize/overweight
permits to its customers: an Annual Timber Permit and an Annual Ready-Mixed Concrete Truck Permit.
MCD’s Oversize/Overweight Permits Section moved from the Texas Department of Transportation to the
Texas Department of Motor Vehicles on Jan. 1, 2012, as the result of Legislative action in 2011.
Re: TxPROS Domain name change
Texas Permitting and Routing Optimization System (TxPROS) users,
Please be aware that a technical change to the Texas Permitting and Routing Optimization System (TxPROS)
occurred after business hours on Tuesday, March 5th.
To make the system’s address consistent with its home at the Texas Department of Motor Vehicles (TxDMV),
the TxPROS access URL changed from http://TxPROS.TxDOT.gov to http://TxPROS.TxDMV.gov .
•
TxPROS users should update their browser bookmarks;
•
The TxDOT-based TxPROS address will continue to work for the foreseeable future, but eventually
will be turned off.
•
TxPROS service and functionality will not be interrupted by the change.
Background Information
TxPROS was launched with a Texas Department of Transportation domain name because the system was
developed at that agency. Now that Motor Carrier size and weight permitting functions are with the Texas
Department of Motor Vehicles, the TxPROS application page address has switched to a TxDMV domain.
If you have questions about the switch, please contact the Motor Carrier Division by email to
[email protected] , or by phone 1-800-299-1700, Option 1, then 5.
Pending Changes – None Noted.
TX-12
08/14
SC&RA Oversize/Overweight Permit Manual