13.40.040 Size, weight, load requirements on county roads.
(1) Movements Requiring a Permit. Chapter 46.44 RCW specifies size, weight and load requirements for public streets and highways of the state (including county roads). Movements which involve vehicles in excess of the following dimensions require a special permit since they exceed the limits for weight and size established by law. This special permit can be either a Type B2 or B3 permit if the movement takes place entirely on county roads. In lieu of issuing a permit, the engineer may endorse a special permit obtained from the state department of transportation if a portion of the movement involves state right-of-way. Movements on county roads under an endorsed state permit are subject to the same conditions that apply to a Type B2 or B3 permit:
(a) Width: Over 8 1/2 feet (RCW 46.44.010)
(b) Height: Over 14 feet (RCW 46.44.020)
(c) Length: (RCW 46.44.030)
Single unit: Over 40 feet
Single trailer: Over 53 feet
Combination:
Truck and trailer: Over 75 feet
Two trailing units: Over 61 feet
(d) Weight: (RCW 46.44.041)
Single axle: Over 20,000 lbs
Tandem axle: Over 34,000 lbs
The maximum load table contained within RCW 46.44.041 shall apply for groups of two or more consecutive axles, except that two consecutive sets of tandem axles may carry 34,000 lbs each if the overall distance between the first and last axles of such consecutive sets of tandem axles is thirty-six feet or more.
(2) Non-reducible Loads. To qualify for a permit, the hauler must show that the load cannot reasonably be dismantled or disassembled. If a load can be reduced, even if that would require the use of additional vehicles, no special permit will be issued. (WAC 468-38-050).
(3) Information Required for Permit. Information about the vehicle, the owner, insurance, the load, the route to be traveled, and the need for the move, shall be required when requesting a permit. Misrepresentation of any such information is an infraction. (RCW 46.44.105).
An operator who moves an over-legal load without a valid permit may incur a fine as well as other penalties prescribed by law. (RCW 46.44.105).
(4) Liability of Permittee. The person responsible for the movement is liable for any damage to the highway or structures caused by his or his employee’s negligence or illegal operation of the vehicle. (RCW 46.44.110).
(5) Operation Under Permit. Only the owner of the hauling vehicle or a person operating it under lease may be issued a permit. Specific limitations may be added regarding highways uses, patrolling, flagging, and hours of operation. These are conditions attached to each permit, and the permit is valid only if the conditions are met. If a state patrol officer, a commercial vehicle enforcement officer, or local law enforcement officer finds a person operating a vehicle in violation of the conditions of the permit, the officer may confiscate the permit. (RCW 46.44.105). In addition, if an enforcement officer finds that the load exceeds the permitted size or weight, the officer may issue a citation and require some of the load be transferred to another vehicle. (RCW 46.44.105).
(6) Monetary penalties may also be assessed against a carrier who operates a vehicle that does not meet legal requirements or that does not conform to the conditions of the permit.
(7) Specific Size, Weight, Load Requirements. In addition to the requirements of this title, chapter 46.44 RCW shall be consulted for specific details regarding size, weight and load requirements for movements on county roads. (Added by Ord. 85-051 § 3, July 3, 1985; Amended by Ord. 95-004 § 24, Feb. 15, 1995, Eff date Feb. 27, 1995; Amended by Ord. 96-028 § 28, June 12, 1996, Eff date June 29, 1996; Amended by Amended Ord. 12-001, Feb. 15, 2012, Eff date Feb. 26, 2012).