Bill Text: MN SF1456 | 2011-2012 | 87th Legislature | Introduced
Bill Title: Commercial vehicles and permits duties transfer from the commissioner of transportation to the commissioner of public safety
Spectrum: Moderate Partisan Bill (Republican 4-1)
Status: (Introduced - Dead) 2011-05-21 - Referred to Transportation [SF1456 Detail]
Download: Minnesota-2011-SF1456-Introduced.html
1.2relating to motor vehicles; transferring certain duties regarding commercial
1.3vehicles and permits from commissioner of transportation to commissioner of
1.4public safety;amending Minnesota Statutes 2010, sections 169.781, subdivisions
1.53, 5, 6; 169.783, subdivision 1; 169.81, subdivision 1; 169.826, subdivisions
1.61, 1a, 2; 169.8261, subdivision 2; 169.86; 169.862, subdivision 1; 169.863;
1.7169.864, subdivisions 1, 2, 4; 169.866, subdivisions 1, 3; 299D.02, by adding a
1.8subdivision.
1.9BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF MINNESOTA:
1.10 Section 1. Minnesota Statutes 2010, section 169.781, subdivision 3, is amended to read:
1.11 Subd. 3. Inspector certification; suspension and revocation; hearing. (a) An
1.12inspection required by this section may be performed only by:
1.13 (1) an employee of the Department of Public Safetyor Transportation who has
1.14been certified by the commissioner after having received training provided by the State
1.15Patrol; or
1.16 (2) another person who has been certified by the commissioner after having received
1.17training provided by the State Patrol or other training approved by the commissioner.
1.18 (b) A person who is not an employee of the Department of Public Safetyor
1.19Transportation may be certified by the commissioner if the person is:
1.20 (1) an owner, or employee of the owner, of one or more commercial motor vehicles
1.21that are power units;
1.22 (2) a dealer licensed under section168.27 and engaged in the business of buying and
1.23selling commercial motor vehicles, or an employee of the dealer;
1.24 (3) engaged in the business of repairing and servicing commercial motor vehicles; or
1.25 (4) employed by a governmental agency that owns commercial vehicles.
2.1 (c) Certification of persons described in paragraph (b), clauses (1) to (4), is effective
2.2for two years from the date of certification. The commissioner may require biennial
2.3retraining of persons holding a certificate under paragraph (b) as a condition of renewal
2.4of the certificate. The commissioner may charge a fee of not more than $10 for each
2.5certificate issued and renewed. A certified person described in paragraph (b), clauses (1)
2.6to (4), may charge a reasonable fee for each inspection of a vehicle not owned by the
2.7person or the person's employer.
2.8 (d) Except as otherwise provided in subdivision 5, the standards adopted by the
2.9commissioner for commercial motor vehicle inspections under sections169.781 to
2.10169.783
must be the standards prescribed in Code of Federal Regulations, title 49, section
2.11396.17
, and in chapter III, subchapter B, appendix G.
2.12 (e) The commissioner may classify types of vehicles for inspection purposes and
2.13may issue separate classes of inspector certificates for each class.
2.14 (f) The commissioner, after notice and an opportunity for a hearing, may suspend a
2.15certificate issued under paragraph (b) for failure to meet annual certification requirements
2.16prescribed by the commissioner or failure to inspect commercial motor vehicles in
2.17accordance with inspection procedures established by the State Patrol. The commissioner
2.18shall revoke a certificate issued under paragraph (b) if the commissioner determines after
2.19notice and an opportunity for a hearing that the certified person issued an inspection decal
2.20for a commercial motor vehicle when the person knew or reasonably should have known
2.21that the vehicle was in such a state of repair that it would have been declared out of service
2.22if inspected by an employee of the State Patrol. Suspension and revocation of certificates
2.23under this subdivision are not subject to sections14.57 to
14.69 .
2.24 Sec. 2. Minnesota Statutes 2010, section 169.781, subdivision 5, is amended to read:
2.25 Subd. 5. Inspection decal; violation, penalty. (a) A person inspecting a
2.26commercial motor vehicle shall issue an inspection decal for the vehicle if each inspected
2.27component of the vehicle complies with federal motor carrier safety regulations. The
2.28decal must state that in the month specified on the decal the vehicle was inspected and
2.29each inspected component complied with federal motor carrier safety regulations. The
2.30decal is valid for 12 months after the month specified on the decal. Thecommissioners
2.31commissioner of public safetyand transportation shall make decals available, at a fee
2.32of not more than $2 for each decal, to persons certified to perform inspections under
2.33subdivision 3, paragraph (b). Decals are issued to inspectors by serial number and are not
2.34transferable unless approved by the commissioner.
3.1 (b) A person who, with the intent to defraud, falsely makes, duplicates, alters, or
3.2forges a decal or other writing or thing purporting to be a Minnesota inspection decal
3.3described in this subdivision is guilty of a gross misdemeanor. A person who, with the
3.4intent to defraud, possesses a decal or other writing or thing falsely purporting to be a
3.5Minnesota inspection decal described in this subdivision is guilty of a gross misdemeanor.
3.6 Sec. 3. Minnesota Statutes 2010, section 169.781, subdivision 6, is amended to read:
3.7 Subd. 6. Record review; random inspection; audit. Employees of the State Patrol
3.8and motor transportation representatives of the Department of Transportation may review
3.9records required to be kept under subdivision 4, paragraph (b), and conduct random
3.10vehicle inspections and audits at the facility of an owner of a commercial motor vehicle.
3.11 Sec. 4. Minnesota Statutes 2010, section 169.783, subdivision 1, is amended to read:
3.12 Subdivision 1. Postcrash inspection. (a) A peace officer responding to an accident
3.13involving a commercial motor vehicle must immediately notify the State Patrol if the
3.14accident results in:
3.15 (1) a fatality;
3.16 (2) bodily injury to a person who, as a result of the injury, immediately receives
3.17medical treatment away from the scene of the accident; or
3.18 (3) one or more motor vehicles incurring disabling damage as a result of the
3.19accident, requiring the motor vehicles to be transported away from the scene by tow
3.20truck or other motor vehicle.
3.21 (b) It is a misdemeanor for a person to drive or cause to be driven a commercial
3.22motor vehicle after such an accident unless the vehicle:
3.23 (1) has been inspected by a state trooper or other person authorized to conduct
3.24inspections under section169.781, subdivision 3 , paragraph (a), who is an employee of
3.25the Department of Public Safetyor Transportation, and the person inspecting the vehicle
3.26has determined that the vehicle may safely be operated; or
3.27 (2) a waiver has been granted under subdivision 2.
3.28 Sec. 5. Minnesota Statutes 2010, section 169.81, subdivision 1, is amended to read:
3.29 Subdivision 1. Height. (a) Except as provided in paragraph (b), no vehicle unladen
3.30or with load shall exceed a height of 13 feet six inches.
3.31(b) A double-deck bus may not exceed a height of 14 feet three inches. Any
3.32carrier operating a double-deck bus exceeding 13 feet six inches shall obtain from the
3.33commissioner of public safety, with respect to state highwaysunder the commissioner's
4.1jurisdiction, and from local authorities, with respect to highways under their jurisdiction,
4.2an annual permit to operate the bus upon any highway under the jurisdiction of the
4.3party granting the permit. Annual permits shall be issued in accordance with applicable
4.4provisions of section169.86 . The fee for an annual permit issued by the commissioner
4.5of public safety is as provided in section169.86, subdivision 5 .
4.6 Sec. 6. Minnesota Statutes 2010, section 169.826, subdivision 1, is amended to read:
4.7 Subdivision 1. Winter increase amounts. The limitations provided in sections
4.8169.823
to
169.829 are increased by ten percent between the dates set by the commissioner
4.9of transportation for each zone established by the commissioner based on a freezing
4.10index model each winter.
4.11 Sec. 7. Minnesota Statutes 2010, section 169.826, subdivision 1a, is amended to read:
4.12 Subd. 1a. Harvest season increase amount; permit. The limitations provided in
4.13sections169.823 to
169.829 are increased by ten percent from the beginning of harvest to
4.14November 30 each year for the movement of sugar beets, carrots, and potatoes from the
4.15field of harvest to the point of the first unloading. Transfer of the product from a farm
4.16vehicle or small farm trailer, within the meaning of chapter 168, to another vehicle is not
4.17considered to be the first unloading. A permit issued under section169.86, subdivision 1 ,
4.18paragraph (a), is required. The commissioner of public safety shall not issue permits under
4.19this subdivision if to do so will result in a loss of federal highway funding to the state.
4.20 Sec. 8. Minnesota Statutes 2010, section 169.826, subdivision 2, is amended to read:
4.21 Subd. 2. Duration. The duration of a ten percent increase in load limits is subject
4.22to limitation by order of the commissioner of transportation, subject to implementation
4.23of springtime load restrictions.
4.24 Sec. 9. Minnesota Statutes 2010, section 169.8261, subdivision 2, is amended to read:
4.25 Subd. 2. Conditions. (a) A vehicle or combination of vehicles described in
4.26subdivision 1 must:
4.27(1) comply with seasonal load restrictions in effect between the dates set by the
4.28commissioner under section169.87, subdivision 2 ;
4.29 (2) comply with bridge load limits posted under section169.84 ;
4.30 (3) be equipped and operated with six or more axles and brakes on all wheels;
4.31 (4) not exceed 90,000 pounds gross vehicle weight, or 99,000 pounds gross vehicle
4.32weight during the time when seasonal increases are authorized under section169.826 ;
5.1 (5) not be operated on interstate highways;
5.2 (6) obtain an annual permit from the commissioner oftransportation public safety;
5.3 (7) obey all road postings; and
5.4 (8) not exceed 20,000 pounds gross weight on any single axle.
5.5 (b) A vehicle operated under this section may exceed the legal axle weight limits
5.6listed in section169.824 by not more than 12.5 percent; except that, the weight limits may
5.7be exceeded by not more than23.75 percent during the time when seasonal increases are
5.8authorized under section169.826, subdivision 1 .
5.9 Sec. 10. Minnesota Statutes 2010, section 169.86, is amended to read:
5.10169.86 SPECIAL PERMIT TO EXCEED HEIGHT, WIDTH, OR LOAD;
5.11FEES.
5.12 Subdivision 1. Permit authorities; restrictions. (a) The commissioner of public
5.13safety, with respect to state highwaysunder the commissioner's jurisdiction, and local
5.14authorities, with respect to highways under their jurisdiction, may, in their discretion,
5.15upon application in writing and good cause being showntherefor, issue a special permit,
5.16in writing, authorizing the applicant to move a vehicle or combination of vehicles of a
5.17size or weight of vehicle or load exceeding the maximum specified in this chapter, or
5.18otherwise not in conformity with the provisions of this chapter, upon any highway under
5.19the jurisdiction of the party granting such permit and for the maintenance of which such
5.20party is responsible.
5.21(b) Permits relating to over-width, over-length manufactured homes shall not be
5.22issued to persons other than manufactured home dealers or manufacturers for movement
5.23of new units owned by the manufactured home dealer or manufacturer, until the person
5.24has presented a statement from the county auditor and treasurer where the unit is presently
5.25located, stating that all personal and real property taxes have been paid. Upon payment of
5.26the most recent single year delinquent personal property or current year taxes only, the
5.27county auditor or treasurer must issue a taxes paid statement to a manufactured home
5.28dealer or a financial institution desiring to relocate a manufactured home that has been
5.29repossessed. This statement must be dated within 30 days of the contemplated move. The
5.30statement from the county auditor and treasurer where the unit is presently located, stating
5.31that all personal and real property taxes have been paid, may be made by telephone. If
5.32the statement is obtained by telephone, the permit shall contain the date and time of the
5.33telephone call and the names of the persons in the auditor's office and treasurer's office
5.34who verified that all personal and real property taxes had been paid.
6.1(c) The commissioner of public safety may not grant a permit authorizing the
6.2movement, in a three-vehicle combination, of a semitrailer or trailer that exceeds 28-1/2
6.3feet, except that the commissioner (1) may renew a permit that was granted before April
6.416, 1984, for the movement of a semitrailer or trailer that exceeds the length limitation in
6.5section169.81, subdivision 2 , or (2) may grant a permit authorizing the transportation of
6.6empty trailers that exceed 28-1/2 feet when using a B-train hitching mechanism as defined
6.7in Code of Federal Regulations, title 23, section 658.5, paragraph (o), from a point of
6.8manufacture in the state to the state border.
6.9(d) The state as to state trunk highways, a statutory or home rule charter city as
6.10to streets in the city, or a town as to roads in the town, may issue permits authorizing
6.11the transportation of combinations of vehicles exceeding the limitations in section
6.12169.81, subdivisions 2a and 3
, over highways, streets, or roads within its boundaries.
6.13Combinations of vehicles authorized by this paragraph may be restricted as to the use of
6.14state trunk highways by the commissioner of public safety, to the use of streets by the
6.15city road authority, and to the use of roads by the town road authority. Nothing in this
6.16paragraph or section169.81, subdivisions 2a and 3 , alters or changes the authority vested
6.17in local authorities under section169.04 .
6.18 Subd. 1a. Seasonal permits for certain haulers. The commissioner of
6.19transportation public safety, upon application in writing therefor, may issue special
6.20permits annually to any hauler authorizing the hauler to move vehicles or combinations
6.21of vehicles with weights exceeding by not more than ten percent the weight limitations
6.22contained in sections169.823 to
169.829 , on interstate highways during the times and
6.23within the zones specified in sections169.823 to
169.829 .
6.24 Subd. 1b. Permit for snowplowing vehicle. The commissioner of public safety
6.25or a local authority may issue an annual permit to a person that authorizes the person to
6.26operate on any highway under the jurisdiction of the state or grantor of the permit, a motor
6.27vehicle bearing a snowplow blade that when deployed does not exceed ten feet in width.
6.28The permit authorizes operation of the vehicle between October 1 and April 1.
6.29 Subd. 2. Required information. The application for a permit shall specifically
6.30describe in writing the vehicle or vehicles and loads to be moved and the particular
6.31highways and period of time for which a permit is requested.
6.32 Subd. 3. Authority to issue permit; conditions, financial responsibility. The
6.33commissioner of public safety or local authority may issue or withhold such permit; or,
6.34if such permit is issued, limit or prescribe conditions of operation of such vehicle or
6.35vehicles, when necessary to assure against undue damage to the road foundations, surfaces
6.36or structures, and may require such undertaking or other security as may be deemed
7.1necessary to compensate for any injury or damage to any roadway or road structure, and in
7.2addition may require that the operator or owner of such vehicle or vehicles have in effect
7.3with respect to the operation of such vehicle or vehicles a policy of liability insurance or
7.4bond affording substantially the same coverage with respect to injury to persons and
7.5damage to property as is required for proof of financial responsibility under the No-Fault
7.6Automobile Insurance Act, sections65B.14 and
65B.41 to
65B.71 .
7.7 Subd. 3a. Denial of permit; manufactured home frames. The commissioner of
7.8public safety or local authority may not deny a permit for the transport to a manufacturing
7.9plant of manufactured home frames not more than 15-1/2 feet in width during periods of
7.10seasonal weight restrictions unless the load exceeds the weight restrictions.
7.11 Subd. 3b. Escort vehicles. The commissioner of public safety or local authority
7.12shall specify in the permit:
7.13(1) the minimum number of escort vehicles required to escort the overdimensional
7.14load; and
7.15(2) whether the operators of the escort vehicles must be certified licensed peace
7.16officers or may be overdimensional load escort drivers who hold a current certificate
7.17under section299D.085 .
7.18 Subd. 4. Display and inspection of permit. Every such permit shall be carried in
7.19the vehicle or combination of vehicles to which it refers and shall be open to inspection by
7.20any police officer or authorized agent of any authority granting such permit, and no person
7.21shall violate any of the terms or conditions of such special permit.
7.22 Subd. 5. Fees; proceeds deposited; appropriation. The commissioner of public
7.23safety, with respect to state highwaysunder the commissioner's jurisdiction, may charge
7.24a fee for each permit issued. All such fees for permits issued by the commissioner of
7.25transportation public safety shall be deposited in the state treasury and credited to the trunk
7.26highway fund. Except for those annual permits for which the permit fees are specified
7.27elsewhere in this chapter, the fees shall be:
7.28 (a) $15 for each single trip permit.
7.29 (b) $36 for each job permit. A job permit may be issued for like loads carried on
7.30a specific route for a period not to exceed two months. "Like loads" means loads of the
7.31same product, weight, and dimension.
7.32 (c) $60 for an annual permit to be issued for a period not to exceed 12 consecutive
7.33months. Annual permits may be issued for:
7.34 (1) motor vehicles used to alleviate a temporary crisis adversely affecting the safety
7.35or well-being of the public;
8.1 (2) motor vehicles which travel on interstate highways and carry loads authorized
8.2under subdivision 1a;
8.3 (3) motor vehicles operating with gross weights authorized under section169.826,
8.4subdivision 1a ;
8.5 (4) special pulpwood vehicles described in section169.863 ;
8.6 (5) motor vehicles bearing snowplow blades not exceeding ten feet in width;
8.7 (6) noncommercial transportation of a boat by the owner or user of the boat;
8.8 (7) motor vehicles carrying bales of agricultural products authorized under section
8.9169.862
; and
8.10(8) special milk-hauling vehicles authorized under section169.867 .
8.11 (d) $120 for an oversize annual permit to be issued for a period not to exceed 12
8.12consecutive months. Annual permits may be issued for:
8.13 (1) mobile cranes;
8.14 (2) construction equipment, machinery, and supplies;
8.15 (3) manufactured homes and manufactured storage buildings;
8.16 (4) implements of husbandry;
8.17 (5) double-deck buses;
8.18 (6) commercial boat hauling;
8.19 (7) three-vehicle combinations consisting of two empty, newly manufactured trailers
8.20for cargo, horses, or livestock, not to exceed 28-1/2 feet per trailer; provided, however,
8.21the permit allows the vehicles to be moved from a trailer manufacturer to a trailer dealer
8.22only while operating on twin-trailer routes designated under section169.81, subdivision 3 ,
8.23paragraph (c); and
8.24(8) vehicles operating on that portion of marked Trunk Highway 36 described in
8.25section169.81, subdivision 3 , paragraph (e).
8.26 (e) For vehicles which have axle weights exceeding the weight limitations of
8.27sections169.823 to
169.829 , an additional cost added to the fees listed above. However,
8.28this paragraph applies to any vehicle described in section168.013, subdivision 3 ,
8.29paragraph (b), but only when the vehicle exceeds its gross weight allowance set forth in
8.30that paragraph, and then the additional cost is for all weight, including the allowance
8.31weight, in excess of the permitted maximum axle weight. The additional cost is equal
8.32to the product of the distance traveled times the sum of the overweight axle group cost
8.33factors shown in the following chart:
9.22The amounts added are rounded to the nearest cent for each axle or axle group. The
9.23additional cost does not apply to paragraph (c), clauses (1) and (3).
9.24For a vehicle found to exceed the appropriate maximum permitted weight, a cost-per-mile
9.25fee of 22 cents per ton, or fraction of a ton, over the permitted maximum weight is imposed
9.26in addition to the normal permit fee. Miles must be calculated based on the distance
9.27already traveled in the state plus the distance from the point of detection to a transportation
9.28loading site or unloading site within the state or to the point of exit from the state.
9.29 (f) As an alternative to paragraph (e), an annual permit may be issued for overweight,
9.30or oversize and overweight, mobile cranes; construction equipment, machinery, and
9.31supplies; implements of husbandry; and commercial boat hauling. The fees for the permit
9.32are as follows:
10.1If the gross weight of the vehicle is more than 145,000 pounds the permit fee is determined
10.2under paragraph (e).
10.3 (g) For vehicles which exceed the width limitations set forth in section169.80 by
10.4more than 72 inches, an additional cost equal to $120 added to the amount in paragraph (a)
10.5when the permit is issued while seasonal load restrictions pursuant to section169.87 are
10.6in effect.
10.7 (h) $85 for an annual permit to be issued for a period not to exceed 12 months, for
10.8refuse-compactor vehicles that carry a gross weight of not more than: 22,000 pounds on
10.9a single rear axle; 38,000 pounds on a tandem rear axle; or, subject to section169.828,
10.10subdivision 2 , 46,000 pounds on a tridem rear axle. A permit issued for up to 46,000
10.11pounds on a tridem rear axle must limit the gross vehicle weight to not more than 62,000
10.12pounds.
10.13 (i) $300 for a motor vehicle described in section169.8261 . The fee under this
10.14paragraph must be deposited as follows:
10.15 (1) in fiscal years 2005 through 2010:
10.16 (i) the first $50,000 in each fiscal year must be deposited in the trunk highway fund
10.17for costs related to administering the permit program and inspecting and posting bridges;
10.18 (ii) all remaining money in each fiscal year must be deposited in a bridge inspection
10.19and signing account in the special revenue fund. Money in the account is appropriated
10.20to the commissioner of transportation for:
10.21 (A) inspection of local bridges and identification of local bridges to be posted,
10.22including contracting with a consultant for some or all of these functions; and
10.23 (B) erection of weight-posting signs on local bridges; and
10.24 (2) in fiscal year 2011 and subsequent years must be deposited in the trunk highway
10.25fund.
10.26 (j) Beginning August 1, 2006, $200 for an annual permit for a vehicle operating
10.27under authority of section169.824, subdivision 2 , paragraph (a), clause (2).
10.28 Subd. 6. Articulated bus. Articulated buses operated by public transit operators
10.29may exceed the length and weight limitations of this chapter, subject only to an annual
10.30permit from the commissioner of public safety for such operation, and shall not be subject
10.31to any city ordinance or to any permit from any local road authority. The application for a
10.32permit shall contain such information as may be required by the commissioner.
10.33 Subd. 7. Agreement with other state. (a) On behalf of the state of Minnesota, the
10.34commissioner of public safety may enter into agreements with authorized representatives
10.35of other states for the reciprocal administration and granting of permits to allow the
10.36movement of vehicles of sizes and weights that do not conform to Minnesota law. The
11.1agreement may authorize representatives of other states to issue permits to allow vehicles
11.2that do not conform to the size and weight provisions of this chapter to travel on state
11.3highwaysunder the jurisdiction of the commissioner.
11.4(b) An agreement entered into under paragraph (a), and all amendments to it, must
11.5be in writing and may provide for exchanging information for audit and enforcement
11.6activities, collecting fees established under this chapter, and distributing fees collected
11.7under the agreement. It must state that no permit issued under the agreement excuses a
11.8vehicle operator from compliance with a law of this state other than the laws governing
11.9size and weight of vehicles.
11.10(c) For purposes of paragraphs (a) and (b), "state" means a state, territory, or
11.11possession of the United States, the District of Columbia, a foreign country, and a state
11.12or province of a foreign country.
11.13(d) Fees collected under authority of the agreement must be deposited in the
11.14Minnesota state treasury and credited to the trunk highway fund.
11.15 Subd. 8. Tow truck permit. The commissioner of public safety may issue permits
11.16to an applicant who pays a single $300 annual fee to cover all tow trucks and towing
11.17vehicles owned by the applicant and meets any other conditions prescribed by the
11.18commissioner. The permit authorizes the tow truck or towing vehicle, when towing a
11.19disabled or damaged vehicle to a place of repair or to a place of safekeeping, to exceed the
11.20length and weight limitations of this chapter.
11.21 Sec. 11. Minnesota Statutes 2010, section 169.862, subdivision 1, is amended to read:
11.22 Subdivision 1. Annual permit authority; restrictions. The commissioner of
11.23transportation public safety with respect to state highways under the commissioner's
11.24jurisdiction, and local authorities with respect to highways under their jurisdiction, may
11.25issue an annual permit to enable a vehicle carrying bales of hay, straw, or cornstalks, with
11.26a total outside width of the vehicle or the load not exceeding 12 feet, and a total height of
11.27the loaded vehicle not exceeding 15 feet, to be operated on public streets and highways.
11.28Loaded vehicles operating on interstate highways within the seven-county metropolitan
11.29area may not exceed a total height of 14-1/2 feet.
11.30 Sec. 12. Minnesota Statutes 2010, section 169.863, is amended to read:
11.31169.863 SPECIAL PULPWOOD VEHICLE PERMIT.
11.32 Subdivision 1. Special vehicle. The commissioner of public safety may issue a
11.33permit for a vehicle that meets the following requirements:
12.1(a) There must be no more than two support points for the vehicle or for each vehicle
12.2of a vehicle combination. The support point of each axle group must be capable of
12.3distributing the load equally to each axle of the group with a variance of no more than
12.43,000 pounds between any two axles of the group.
12.5(b) The maximum wheel load may not exceed the tire manufacturer's recommended
12.6load or the following weight limits, whichever is less:
12.7(1) front steering axles, 550 pounds per inch;
12.8(2) other single axles, 500 pounds per inch;
12.9(3) tandem axles, 450 pounds per inch; and
12.10(4) tridem or quad axle groups, 425 pounds per inch.
12.11(c) The axle group weights must comply with the limitations of section169.824 .
12.12(d) The vehicle may not be equipped with a variable load axle, unless the variable
12.13load axle cannot be operated from the cab of the vehicle.
12.14(e) The vehicle transports pole-length pulpwood, carries a gross vehicle weight of
12.15not more than 82,000 pounds, and has six or more axles.
12.16 Subd. 2. Permit restrictions. A vehicle operating under a permit issued under this
12.17section may not travel on an interstate highway. The permit does not authorize the vehicle
12.18to exceed allowable gross weights that restrict travel on a highway or bridge under the
12.19authority of the commissioner of transportation or a local road authority.
12.20 Sec. 13. Minnesota Statutes 2010, section 169.864, subdivision 1, is amended to read:
12.21 Subdivision 1. Special three-unit vehicle permit. The commissioner of public
12.22safety may issue a permit for a vehicle that meets the following requirements:
12.23 (1) is a combination of vehicles, including a truck-tractor and a semitrailer drawing
12.24one additional semitrailer, which may be equipped with an auxiliary dolly, and no
12.25semitrailer used in the three-vehicle combination has an overall length in excess of 28-1/2
12.26feet;
12.27 (2) has a maximum gross vehicle weight of 108,000 pounds;
12.28 (3) complies with the axle weight limits in section169.824 ;
12.29 (4) complies with the tire weight limits in section169.823 or the tire manufacturers'
12.30recommended load, whichever is less;
12.31 (5) is operated only in this state on Trunk Highway marked 2 between Grand Rapids
12.32and the port of Duluth; on Trunk Highway marked 169 between Grand Rapids and its
12.33junction with Trunk Highway marked 53; on Trunk Highway marked 194 between Trunk
12.34Highway marked 2 and Trunk Highway marked 53; and on Trunk Highway marked 53
12.35between Virginia and the port of Duluth; and
13.1 (6) the seasonal weight increases authorized under section169.826, subdivision 1 ,
13.2do not apply.
13.3 Sec. 14. Minnesota Statutes 2010, section 169.864, subdivision 2, is amended to read:
13.4 Subd. 2. Special two-unit vehicle permit. The commissioner of public safety may
13.5issue a permit for a vehicle that meets the following requirements:
13.6 (1) is a combination of vehicles consisting of a truck-tractor and a single semitrailer
13.7that may exceed 48 feet, but not 53 feet, if the distance from the kingpin to the centerline
13.8of the rear axle group of the semitrailer does not exceed 43 feet;
13.9 (2) has a maximum gross vehicle weight of 90,000 pounds if the vehicle combination
13.10has a total of six or more axles or 97,000 pounds if the vehicle combination has a total
13.11of seven or more axles;
13.12 (3) has a maximum gross vehicle weight of 99,000 pounds during the time when
13.13seasonal weight increases authorized under section169.826, subdivision 1 , are in effect;
13.14 (4) complies with the axle weight limits in section169.824 ;
13.15 (5) complies with the tire weight limits in section169.823 or the tire manufacturers'
13.16recommended load, whichever is less; and
13.17 (6) is operated only on the highways specified in subdivision 1, clause (5).
13.18 Sec. 15. Minnesota Statutes 2010, section 169.864, subdivision 4, is amended to read:
13.19 Subd. 4. Permit fee; appropriation. Vehicle permits issued under subdivision
13.201, clause (1), must be annual permits. The fee is $850 for each vehicle combination
13.21and must be deposited in the trunk highway fund. The fee for annual permits issued
13.22under subdivision 2 is $300 for a 90,000-pound vehicle combination or $500 for a
13.2397,000-pound vehicle combination. An amount sufficient to administer the permit
13.24program is appropriated from the trunk highway fund to the commissioner of public safety
13.25for the costs of administering the permit program.
13.26 Sec. 16. Minnesota Statutes 2010, section 169.866, subdivision 1, is amended to read:
13.27 Subdivision 1. Special three-unit vehicle permit. The commissioner of public
13.28safety may issue a permit for a vehicle that meets the following requirements:
13.29 (1) is a combination of vehicles, including a truck-tractor and a semitrailer
13.30drawing one additional trailer or semitrailer, and no semitrailer used in the three-vehicle
13.31combination has an overall length in excess of 28-1/2 feet;
13.32 (2) has a maximum gross vehicle weight of 105,500 pounds;
13.33 (3) complies with the axle weight limits in section169.824 ;
14.1 (4) complies with the tire weight limits in section169.823 , or the tire manufacturers'
14.2recommended load, whichever is less;
14.3 (5) is operated only in this state on marked Trunk Highway 175 from Hallock to the
14.4North Dakota border, on U.S. Highway 75 from Hallock to Donaldson, and on marked
14.5Trunk Highway 11 from Donaldson to the North Dakota border; and
14.6 (6) the seasonal weight increases authorized under section169.826, subdivision 1 ,
14.7do not apply.
14.8 Sec. 17. Minnesota Statutes 2010, section 169.866, subdivision 3, is amended to read:
14.9 Subd. 3. Permit fee; appropriation. Vehicle permits issued under subdivision
14.101 must be annual permits. The fee is $850 for each vehicle and must be deposited in
14.11the trunk highway fund. An amount sufficient to administer the permit program is
14.12appropriated from the trunk highway fund to the commissioner of public safety for the
14.13costs of administering the permit program.
14.14 Sec. 18. Minnesota Statutes 2010, section 299D.02, is amended by adding a
14.15subdivision to read:
14.16 Subd. 3. Commissioner's powers and duties; commercial vehicles and permits.
14.17All powers, duties, and responsibilities now assigned to and vested in the commissioner of
14.18transportation under chapter 169, relating to commercial vehicles and permits, are hereby
14.19transferred to and vested in the commissioner of public safety.
14.20 Sec. 19. EFFECTIVE DATE.
14.21Sections 1 to 18 are effective July 1, 2012.
1.3vehicles and permits from commissioner of transportation to commissioner of
1.4public safety;amending Minnesota Statutes 2010, sections 169.781, subdivisions
1.53, 5, 6; 169.783, subdivision 1; 169.81, subdivision 1; 169.826, subdivisions
1.61, 1a, 2; 169.8261, subdivision 2; 169.86; 169.862, subdivision 1; 169.863;
1.7169.864, subdivisions 1, 2, 4; 169.866, subdivisions 1, 3; 299D.02, by adding a
1.8subdivision.
1.9BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF MINNESOTA:
1.10 Section 1. Minnesota Statutes 2010, section 169.781, subdivision 3, is amended to read:
1.11 Subd. 3. Inspector certification; suspension and revocation; hearing. (a) An
1.12inspection required by this section may be performed only by:
1.13 (1) an employee of the Department of Public Safety
1.14been certified by the commissioner after having received training provided by the State
1.15Patrol; or
1.16 (2) another person who has been certified by the commissioner after having received
1.17training provided by the State Patrol or other training approved by the commissioner.
1.18 (b) A person who is not an employee of the Department of Public Safety
1.19
1.20 (1) an owner, or employee of the owner, of one or more commercial motor vehicles
1.21that are power units;
1.22 (2) a dealer licensed under section
1.23selling commercial motor vehicles, or an employee of the dealer;
1.24 (3) engaged in the business of repairing and servicing commercial motor vehicles; or
1.25 (4) employed by a governmental agency that owns commercial vehicles.
2.1 (c) Certification of persons described in paragraph (b), clauses (1) to (4), is effective
2.2for two years from the date of certification. The commissioner may require biennial
2.3retraining of persons holding a certificate under paragraph (b) as a condition of renewal
2.4of the certificate. The commissioner may charge a fee of not more than $10 for each
2.5certificate issued and renewed. A certified person described in paragraph (b), clauses (1)
2.6to (4), may charge a reasonable fee for each inspection of a vehicle not owned by the
2.7person or the person's employer.
2.8 (d) Except as otherwise provided in subdivision 5, the standards adopted by the
2.9commissioner for commercial motor vehicle inspections under sections
2.12 (e) The commissioner may classify types of vehicles for inspection purposes and
2.13may issue separate classes of inspector certificates for each class.
2.14 (f) The commissioner, after notice and an opportunity for a hearing, may suspend a
2.15certificate issued under paragraph (b) for failure to meet annual certification requirements
2.16prescribed by the commissioner or failure to inspect commercial motor vehicles in
2.17accordance with inspection procedures established by the State Patrol. The commissioner
2.18shall revoke a certificate issued under paragraph (b) if the commissioner determines after
2.19notice and an opportunity for a hearing that the certified person issued an inspection decal
2.20for a commercial motor vehicle when the person knew or reasonably should have known
2.21that the vehicle was in such a state of repair that it would have been declared out of service
2.22if inspected by an employee of the State Patrol. Suspension and revocation of certificates
2.23under this subdivision are not subject to sections
2.24 Sec. 2. Minnesota Statutes 2010, section 169.781, subdivision 5, is amended to read:
2.25 Subd. 5. Inspection decal; violation, penalty. (a) A person inspecting a
2.26commercial motor vehicle shall issue an inspection decal for the vehicle if each inspected
2.27component of the vehicle complies with federal motor carrier safety regulations. The
2.28decal must state that in the month specified on the decal the vehicle was inspected and
2.29each inspected component complied with federal motor carrier safety regulations. The
2.30decal is valid for 12 months after the month specified on the decal. The
2.31commissioner of public safety
2.32of not more than $2 for each decal, to persons certified to perform inspections under
2.33subdivision 3, paragraph (b). Decals are issued to inspectors by serial number and are not
2.34transferable unless approved by the commissioner.
3.1 (b) A person who, with the intent to defraud, falsely makes, duplicates, alters, or
3.2forges a decal or other writing or thing purporting to be a Minnesota inspection decal
3.3described in this subdivision is guilty of a gross misdemeanor. A person who, with the
3.4intent to defraud, possesses a decal or other writing or thing falsely purporting to be a
3.5Minnesota inspection decal described in this subdivision is guilty of a gross misdemeanor.
3.6 Sec. 3. Minnesota Statutes 2010, section 169.781, subdivision 6, is amended to read:
3.7 Subd. 6. Record review; random inspection; audit. Employees of the State Patrol
3.8
3.9records required to be kept under subdivision 4, paragraph (b), and conduct random
3.10vehicle inspections and audits at the facility of an owner of a commercial motor vehicle.
3.11 Sec. 4. Minnesota Statutes 2010, section 169.783, subdivision 1, is amended to read:
3.12 Subdivision 1. Postcrash inspection. (a) A peace officer responding to an accident
3.13involving a commercial motor vehicle must immediately notify the State Patrol if the
3.14accident results in:
3.15 (1) a fatality;
3.16 (2) bodily injury to a person who, as a result of the injury, immediately receives
3.17medical treatment away from the scene of the accident; or
3.18 (3) one or more motor vehicles incurring disabling damage as a result of the
3.19accident, requiring the motor vehicles to be transported away from the scene by tow
3.20truck or other motor vehicle.
3.21 (b) It is a misdemeanor for a person to drive or cause to be driven a commercial
3.22motor vehicle after such an accident unless the vehicle:
3.23 (1) has been inspected by a state trooper or other person authorized to conduct
3.24inspections under section
3.25the Department of Public Safety
3.26has determined that the vehicle may safely be operated; or
3.27 (2) a waiver has been granted under subdivision 2.
3.28 Sec. 5. Minnesota Statutes 2010, section 169.81, subdivision 1, is amended to read:
3.29 Subdivision 1. Height. (a) Except as provided in paragraph (b), no vehicle unladen
3.30or with load shall exceed a height of 13 feet six inches.
3.31(b) A double-deck bus may not exceed a height of 14 feet three inches. Any
3.32carrier operating a double-deck bus exceeding 13 feet six inches shall obtain from the
3.33commissioner of public safety, with respect to state highways
4.1
4.2an annual permit to operate the bus upon any highway under the jurisdiction of the
4.3party granting the permit. Annual permits shall be issued in accordance with applicable
4.4provisions of section
4.5of public safety is as provided in section
4.6 Sec. 6. Minnesota Statutes 2010, section 169.826, subdivision 1, is amended to read:
4.7 Subdivision 1. Winter increase amounts. The limitations provided in sections
4.9of transportation for each zone established by the commissioner based on a freezing
4.10index model each winter.
4.11 Sec. 7. Minnesota Statutes 2010, section 169.826, subdivision 1a, is amended to read:
4.12 Subd. 1a. Harvest season increase amount; permit. The limitations provided in
4.13sections
4.14November 30 each year for the movement of sugar beets, carrots, and potatoes from the
4.15field of harvest to the point of the first unloading. Transfer of the product from a farm
4.16vehicle or small farm trailer, within the meaning of chapter 168, to another vehicle is not
4.17considered to be the first unloading. A permit issued under section
4.18paragraph (a), is required. The commissioner of public safety shall not issue permits under
4.19this subdivision if to do so will result in a loss of federal highway funding to the state.
4.20 Sec. 8. Minnesota Statutes 2010, section 169.826, subdivision 2, is amended to read:
4.21 Subd. 2. Duration. The duration of a ten percent increase in load limits is subject
4.22to limitation by order of the commissioner of transportation, subject to implementation
4.23of springtime load restrictions.
4.24 Sec. 9. Minnesota Statutes 2010, section 169.8261, subdivision 2, is amended to read:
4.25 Subd. 2. Conditions. (a) A vehicle or combination of vehicles described in
4.26subdivision 1 must:
4.27(1) comply with seasonal load restrictions in effect between the dates set by the
4.28commissioner under section
4.29 (2) comply with bridge load limits posted under section
4.30 (3) be equipped and operated with six or more axles and brakes on all wheels;
4.31 (4) not exceed 90,000 pounds gross vehicle weight, or 99,000 pounds gross vehicle
4.32weight during the time when seasonal increases are authorized under section
5.1 (5) not be operated on interstate highways;
5.2 (6) obtain an annual permit from the commissioner of
5.3 (7) obey all road postings; and
5.4 (8) not exceed 20,000 pounds gross weight on any single axle.
5.5 (b) A vehicle operated under this section may exceed the legal axle weight limits
5.6listed in section
5.7be exceeded by not more than
5.8authorized under section
5.9 Sec. 10. Minnesota Statutes 2010, section 169.86, is amended to read:
5.10169.86 SPECIAL PERMIT TO EXCEED HEIGHT, WIDTH, OR LOAD;
5.11FEES.
5.12 Subdivision 1. Permit authorities; restrictions. (a) The commissioner of public
5.13safety, with respect to state highways
5.14authorities, with respect to highways under their jurisdiction, may, in their discretion,
5.15upon application in writing and good cause being shown
5.16in writing, authorizing the applicant to move a vehicle or combination of vehicles of a
5.17size or weight of vehicle or load exceeding the maximum specified in this chapter, or
5.18otherwise not in conformity with the provisions of this chapter, upon any highway under
5.19the jurisdiction of the party granting such permit and for the maintenance of which such
5.20party is responsible.
5.21(b) Permits relating to over-width, over-length manufactured homes shall not be
5.22issued to persons other than manufactured home dealers or manufacturers for movement
5.23of new units owned by the manufactured home dealer or manufacturer, until the person
5.24has presented a statement from the county auditor and treasurer where the unit is presently
5.25located, stating that all personal and real property taxes have been paid. Upon payment of
5.26the most recent single year delinquent personal property or current year taxes only, the
5.27county auditor or treasurer must issue a taxes paid statement to a manufactured home
5.28dealer or a financial institution desiring to relocate a manufactured home that has been
5.29repossessed. This statement must be dated within 30 days of the contemplated move. The
5.30statement from the county auditor and treasurer where the unit is presently located, stating
5.31that all personal and real property taxes have been paid, may be made by telephone. If
5.32the statement is obtained by telephone, the permit shall contain the date and time of the
5.33telephone call and the names of the persons in the auditor's office and treasurer's office
5.34who verified that all personal and real property taxes had been paid.
6.1(c) The commissioner of public safety may not grant a permit authorizing the
6.2movement, in a three-vehicle combination, of a semitrailer or trailer that exceeds 28-1/2
6.3feet, except that the commissioner (1) may renew a permit that was granted before April
6.416, 1984, for the movement of a semitrailer or trailer that exceeds the length limitation in
6.5section
6.6empty trailers that exceed 28-1/2 feet when using a B-train hitching mechanism as defined
6.7in Code of Federal Regulations, title 23, section 658.5, paragraph (o), from a point of
6.8manufacture in the state to the state border.
6.9(d) The state as to state trunk highways, a statutory or home rule charter city as
6.10to streets in the city, or a town as to roads in the town, may issue permits authorizing
6.11the transportation of combinations of vehicles exceeding the limitations in section
6.13Combinations of vehicles authorized by this paragraph may be restricted as to the use of
6.14state trunk highways by the commissioner of public safety, to the use of streets by the
6.15city road authority, and to the use of roads by the town road authority. Nothing in this
6.16paragraph or section
6.17in local authorities under section
6.18 Subd. 1a. Seasonal permits for certain haulers. The commissioner of
6.19
6.20permits annually to any hauler authorizing the hauler to move vehicles or combinations
6.21of vehicles with weights exceeding by not more than ten percent the weight limitations
6.22contained in sections
6.23within the zones specified in sections
6.24 Subd. 1b. Permit for snowplowing vehicle. The commissioner of public safety
6.25or a local authority may issue an annual permit to a person that authorizes the person to
6.26operate on any highway under the jurisdiction of the state or grantor of the permit, a motor
6.27vehicle bearing a snowplow blade that when deployed does not exceed ten feet in width.
6.28The permit authorizes operation of the vehicle between October 1 and April 1.
6.29 Subd. 2. Required information. The application for a permit shall specifically
6.30describe in writing the vehicle or vehicles and loads to be moved and the particular
6.31highways and period of time for which a permit is requested.
6.32 Subd. 3. Authority to issue permit; conditions, financial responsibility. The
6.33commissioner of public safety or local authority may issue or withhold such permit; or,
6.34if such permit is issued, limit or prescribe conditions of operation of such vehicle or
6.35vehicles, when necessary to assure against undue damage to the road foundations, surfaces
6.36or structures, and may require such undertaking or other security as may be deemed
7.1necessary to compensate for any injury or damage to any roadway or road structure, and in
7.2addition may require that the operator or owner of such vehicle or vehicles have in effect
7.3with respect to the operation of such vehicle or vehicles a policy of liability insurance or
7.4bond affording substantially the same coverage with respect to injury to persons and
7.5damage to property as is required for proof of financial responsibility under the No-Fault
7.6Automobile Insurance Act, sections
7.7 Subd. 3a. Denial of permit; manufactured home frames. The commissioner of
7.8public safety or local authority may not deny a permit for the transport to a manufacturing
7.9plant of manufactured home frames not more than 15-1/2 feet in width during periods of
7.10seasonal weight restrictions unless the load exceeds the weight restrictions.
7.11 Subd. 3b. Escort vehicles. The commissioner of public safety or local authority
7.12shall specify in the permit:
7.13(1) the minimum number of escort vehicles required to escort the overdimensional
7.14load; and
7.15(2) whether the operators of the escort vehicles must be certified licensed peace
7.16officers or may be overdimensional load escort drivers who hold a current certificate
7.17under section
7.18 Subd. 4. Display and inspection of permit. Every such permit shall be carried in
7.19the vehicle or combination of vehicles to which it refers and shall be open to inspection by
7.20any police officer or authorized agent of any authority granting such permit, and no person
7.21shall violate any of the terms or conditions of such special permit.
7.22 Subd. 5. Fees; proceeds deposited; appropriation. The commissioner of public
7.23safety, with respect to state highways
7.24a fee for each permit issued. All such fees for permits issued by the commissioner of
7.25
7.26highway fund. Except for those annual permits for which the permit fees are specified
7.27elsewhere in this chapter, the fees shall be:
7.28 (a) $15 for each single trip permit.
7.29 (b) $36 for each job permit. A job permit may be issued for like loads carried on
7.30a specific route for a period not to exceed two months. "Like loads" means loads of the
7.31same product, weight, and dimension.
7.32 (c) $60 for an annual permit to be issued for a period not to exceed 12 consecutive
7.33months. Annual permits may be issued for:
7.34 (1) motor vehicles used to alleviate a temporary crisis adversely affecting the safety
7.35or well-being of the public;
8.1 (2) motor vehicles which travel on interstate highways and carry loads authorized
8.2under subdivision 1a;
8.3 (3) motor vehicles operating with gross weights authorized under section
8.4subdivision 1a
8.5 (4) special pulpwood vehicles described in section
8.6 (5) motor vehicles bearing snowplow blades not exceeding ten feet in width;
8.7 (6) noncommercial transportation of a boat by the owner or user of the boat;
8.8 (7) motor vehicles carrying bales of agricultural products authorized under section
8.10(8) special milk-hauling vehicles authorized under section
8.11 (d) $120 for an oversize annual permit to be issued for a period not to exceed 12
8.12consecutive months. Annual permits may be issued for:
8.13 (1) mobile cranes;
8.14 (2) construction equipment, machinery, and supplies;
8.15 (3) manufactured homes and manufactured storage buildings;
8.16 (4) implements of husbandry;
8.17 (5) double-deck buses;
8.18 (6) commercial boat hauling;
8.19 (7) three-vehicle combinations consisting of two empty, newly manufactured trailers
8.20for cargo, horses, or livestock, not to exceed 28-1/2 feet per trailer; provided, however,
8.21the permit allows the vehicles to be moved from a trailer manufacturer to a trailer dealer
8.22only while operating on twin-trailer routes designated under section
8.23paragraph (c); and
8.24(8) vehicles operating on that portion of marked Trunk Highway 36 described in
8.25section
8.26 (e) For vehicles which have axle weights exceeding the weight limitations of
8.27sections
8.28this paragraph applies to any vehicle described in section
8.29paragraph (b), but only when the vehicle exceeds its gross weight allowance set forth in
8.30that paragraph, and then the additional cost is for all weight, including the allowance
8.31weight, in excess of the permitted maximum axle weight. The additional cost is equal
8.32to the product of the distance traveled times the sum of the overweight axle group cost
8.33factors shown in the following chart:
9.22The amounts added are rounded to the nearest cent for each axle or axle group. The
9.23additional cost does not apply to paragraph (c), clauses (1) and (3).
9.24For a vehicle found to exceed the appropriate maximum permitted weight, a cost-per-mile
9.25fee of 22 cents per ton, or fraction of a ton, over the permitted maximum weight is imposed
9.26in addition to the normal permit fee. Miles must be calculated based on the distance
9.27already traveled in the state plus the distance from the point of detection to a transportation
9.28loading site or unloading site within the state or to the point of exit from the state.
9.29 (f) As an alternative to paragraph (e), an annual permit may be issued for overweight,
9.30or oversize and overweight, mobile cranes; construction equipment, machinery, and
9.31supplies; implements of husbandry; and commercial boat hauling. The fees for the permit
9.32are as follows:
10.1If the gross weight of the vehicle is more than 145,000 pounds the permit fee is determined
10.2under paragraph (e).
10.3 (g) For vehicles which exceed the width limitations set forth in section
10.4more than 72 inches, an additional cost equal to $120 added to the amount in paragraph (a)
10.5when the permit is issued while seasonal load restrictions pursuant to section
10.6in effect.
10.7 (h) $85 for an annual permit to be issued for a period not to exceed 12 months, for
10.8refuse-compactor vehicles that carry a gross weight of not more than: 22,000 pounds on
10.9a single rear axle; 38,000 pounds on a tandem rear axle; or, subject to section
10.10subdivision 2
10.11pounds on a tridem rear axle must limit the gross vehicle weight to not more than 62,000
10.12pounds.
10.13 (i) $300 for a motor vehicle described in section
10.14paragraph must be deposited as follows:
10.15 (1) in fiscal years 2005 through 2010:
10.16 (i) the first $50,000 in each fiscal year must be deposited in the trunk highway fund
10.17for costs related to administering the permit program and inspecting and posting bridges;
10.18 (ii) all remaining money in each fiscal year must be deposited in a bridge inspection
10.19and signing account in the special revenue fund. Money in the account is appropriated
10.20to the commissioner of transportation for:
10.21 (A) inspection of local bridges and identification of local bridges to be posted,
10.22including contracting with a consultant for some or all of these functions; and
10.23 (B) erection of weight-posting signs on local bridges; and
10.24 (2) in fiscal year 2011 and subsequent years must be deposited in the trunk highway
10.25fund.
10.26 (j) Beginning August 1, 2006, $200 for an annual permit for a vehicle operating
10.27under authority of section
10.28 Subd. 6. Articulated bus. Articulated buses operated by public transit operators
10.29may exceed the length and weight limitations of this chapter, subject only to an annual
10.30permit from the commissioner of public safety for such operation, and shall not be subject
10.31to any city ordinance or to any permit from any local road authority. The application for a
10.32permit shall contain such information as may be required by the commissioner.
10.33 Subd. 7. Agreement with other state. (a) On behalf of the state of Minnesota, the
10.34commissioner of public safety may enter into agreements with authorized representatives
10.35of other states for the reciprocal administration and granting of permits to allow the
10.36movement of vehicles of sizes and weights that do not conform to Minnesota law. The
11.1agreement may authorize representatives of other states to issue permits to allow vehicles
11.2that do not conform to the size and weight provisions of this chapter to travel on state
11.3highways
11.4(b) An agreement entered into under paragraph (a), and all amendments to it, must
11.5be in writing and may provide for exchanging information for audit and enforcement
11.6activities, collecting fees established under this chapter, and distributing fees collected
11.7under the agreement. It must state that no permit issued under the agreement excuses a
11.8vehicle operator from compliance with a law of this state other than the laws governing
11.9size and weight of vehicles.
11.10(c) For purposes of paragraphs (a) and (b), "state" means a state, territory, or
11.11possession of the United States, the District of Columbia, a foreign country, and a state
11.12or province of a foreign country.
11.13(d) Fees collected under authority of the agreement must be deposited in the
11.14Minnesota state treasury and credited to the trunk highway fund.
11.15 Subd. 8. Tow truck permit. The commissioner of public safety may issue permits
11.16to an applicant who pays a single $300 annual fee to cover all tow trucks and towing
11.17vehicles owned by the applicant and meets any other conditions prescribed by the
11.18commissioner. The permit authorizes the tow truck or towing vehicle, when towing a
11.19disabled or damaged vehicle to a place of repair or to a place of safekeeping, to exceed the
11.20length and weight limitations of this chapter.
11.21 Sec. 11. Minnesota Statutes 2010, section 169.862, subdivision 1, is amended to read:
11.22 Subdivision 1. Annual permit authority; restrictions. The commissioner of
11.23
11.24
11.25issue an annual permit to enable a vehicle carrying bales of hay, straw, or cornstalks, with
11.26a total outside width of the vehicle or the load not exceeding 12 feet, and a total height of
11.27the loaded vehicle not exceeding 15 feet, to be operated on public streets and highways.
11.28Loaded vehicles operating on interstate highways within the seven-county metropolitan
11.29area may not exceed a total height of 14-1/2 feet.
11.30 Sec. 12. Minnesota Statutes 2010, section 169.863, is amended to read:
11.31169.863 SPECIAL PULPWOOD VEHICLE PERMIT.
11.32 Subdivision 1. Special vehicle. The commissioner of public safety may issue a
11.33permit for a vehicle that meets the following requirements:
12.1(a) There must be no more than two support points for the vehicle or for each vehicle
12.2of a vehicle combination. The support point of each axle group must be capable of
12.3distributing the load equally to each axle of the group with a variance of no more than
12.43,000 pounds between any two axles of the group.
12.5(b) The maximum wheel load may not exceed the tire manufacturer's recommended
12.6load or the following weight limits, whichever is less:
12.7(1) front steering axles, 550 pounds per inch;
12.8(2) other single axles, 500 pounds per inch;
12.9(3) tandem axles, 450 pounds per inch; and
12.10(4) tridem or quad axle groups, 425 pounds per inch.
12.11(c) The axle group weights must comply with the limitations of section
12.12(d) The vehicle may not be equipped with a variable load axle, unless the variable
12.13load axle cannot be operated from the cab of the vehicle.
12.14(e) The vehicle transports pole-length pulpwood, carries a gross vehicle weight of
12.15not more than 82,000 pounds, and has six or more axles.
12.16 Subd. 2. Permit restrictions. A vehicle operating under a permit issued under this
12.17section may not travel on an interstate highway. The permit does not authorize the vehicle
12.18to exceed allowable gross weights that restrict travel on a highway or bridge under the
12.19authority of the commissioner of transportation or a local road authority.
12.20 Sec. 13. Minnesota Statutes 2010, section 169.864, subdivision 1, is amended to read:
12.21 Subdivision 1. Special three-unit vehicle permit. The commissioner of public
12.22safety may issue a permit for a vehicle that meets the following requirements:
12.23 (1) is a combination of vehicles, including a truck-tractor and a semitrailer drawing
12.24one additional semitrailer, which may be equipped with an auxiliary dolly, and no
12.25semitrailer used in the three-vehicle combination has an overall length in excess of 28-1/2
12.26feet;
12.27 (2) has a maximum gross vehicle weight of 108,000 pounds;
12.28 (3) complies with the axle weight limits in section
12.29 (4) complies with the tire weight limits in section
12.30recommended load, whichever is less;
12.31 (5) is operated only in this state on Trunk Highway marked 2 between Grand Rapids
12.32and the port of Duluth; on Trunk Highway marked 169 between Grand Rapids and its
12.33junction with Trunk Highway marked 53; on Trunk Highway marked 194 between Trunk
12.34Highway marked 2 and Trunk Highway marked 53; and on Trunk Highway marked 53
12.35between Virginia and the port of Duluth; and
13.1 (6) the seasonal weight increases authorized under section
13.2do not apply.
13.3 Sec. 14. Minnesota Statutes 2010, section 169.864, subdivision 2, is amended to read:
13.4 Subd. 2. Special two-unit vehicle permit. The commissioner of public safety may
13.5issue a permit for a vehicle that meets the following requirements:
13.6 (1) is a combination of vehicles consisting of a truck-tractor and a single semitrailer
13.7that may exceed 48 feet, but not 53 feet, if the distance from the kingpin to the centerline
13.8of the rear axle group of the semitrailer does not exceed 43 feet;
13.9 (2) has a maximum gross vehicle weight of 90,000 pounds if the vehicle combination
13.10has a total of six or more axles or 97,000 pounds if the vehicle combination has a total
13.11of seven or more axles;
13.12 (3) has a maximum gross vehicle weight of 99,000 pounds during the time when
13.13seasonal weight increases authorized under section
13.14 (4) complies with the axle weight limits in section
13.15 (5) complies with the tire weight limits in section
13.16recommended load, whichever is less; and
13.17 (6) is operated only on the highways specified in subdivision 1, clause (5).
13.18 Sec. 15. Minnesota Statutes 2010, section 169.864, subdivision 4, is amended to read:
13.19 Subd. 4. Permit fee; appropriation. Vehicle permits issued under subdivision
13.201, clause (1), must be annual permits. The fee is $850 for each vehicle combination
13.21and must be deposited in the trunk highway fund. The fee for annual permits issued
13.22under subdivision 2 is $300 for a 90,000-pound vehicle combination or $500 for a
13.2397,000-pound vehicle combination. An amount sufficient to administer the permit
13.24program is appropriated from the trunk highway fund to the commissioner of public safety
13.25for the costs of administering the permit program.
13.26 Sec. 16. Minnesota Statutes 2010, section 169.866, subdivision 1, is amended to read:
13.27 Subdivision 1. Special three-unit vehicle permit. The commissioner of public
13.28safety may issue a permit for a vehicle that meets the following requirements:
13.29 (1) is a combination of vehicles, including a truck-tractor and a semitrailer
13.30drawing one additional trailer or semitrailer, and no semitrailer used in the three-vehicle
13.31combination has an overall length in excess of 28-1/2 feet;
13.32 (2) has a maximum gross vehicle weight of 105,500 pounds;
13.33 (3) complies with the axle weight limits in section
14.1 (4) complies with the tire weight limits in section
14.2recommended load, whichever is less;
14.3 (5) is operated only in this state on marked Trunk Highway 175 from Hallock to the
14.4North Dakota border, on U.S. Highway 75 from Hallock to Donaldson, and on marked
14.5Trunk Highway 11 from Donaldson to the North Dakota border; and
14.6 (6) the seasonal weight increases authorized under section
14.7do not apply.
14.8 Sec. 17. Minnesota Statutes 2010, section 169.866, subdivision 3, is amended to read:
14.9 Subd. 3. Permit fee; appropriation. Vehicle permits issued under subdivision
14.101 must be annual permits. The fee is $850 for each vehicle and must be deposited in
14.11the trunk highway fund. An amount sufficient to administer the permit program is
14.12appropriated from the trunk highway fund to the commissioner of public safety for the
14.13costs of administering the permit program.
14.14 Sec. 18. Minnesota Statutes 2010, section 299D.02, is amended by adding a
14.15subdivision to read:
14.16 Subd. 3. Commissioner's powers and duties; commercial vehicles and permits.
14.17All powers, duties, and responsibilities now assigned to and vested in the commissioner of
14.18transportation under chapter 169, relating to commercial vehicles and permits, are hereby
14.19transferred to and vested in the commissioner of public safety.
14.20 Sec. 19. EFFECTIVE DATE.
14.21Sections 1 to 18 are effective July 1, 2012.
