Iowa Has New Overweight Permit Law for Emergencies
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Iowa has a new law on its books allowing state and local officials to exempt overweight permits from load limits so truckers can move heavier loads in emergencies.
Gov. Kim Reynolds on Feb. 15 signed into law a Senate bill (SF 153) enabling single-trip permits for vehicles of excessive size and weight during special or emergency situations to transport heavier loads when helping with economic development.
Calling the legislation a simple bill that “would make a world of difference during times of crisis or in an emergency situation,” House Rep. Shannon Latham (R) testified Feb. 9. “This change would give the Iowa DOT and local agencies the flexibility to issue permits for special or emergency situations such as flooding, tornadoes and severe snow storms."
She noted that state department of transportation officials, prior to issuing permits, would work with county engineers to map out the best routes being proposed to ensure safety and that thoroughfares could handle greater loads.
Reynolds
“This bill would add gross weight, axle weight and dolly axle distance to the items that the permit-issuing authority can exempt when issuing overweight permits for special or emergency situations,” Latham added.
Sen. Dan Zumbach (R), who shepherded the legislation through the Senate for its successful passage there, told legislators, “The people of Iowa are extraordinary people, and when we’re in extraordinary situations we need extraordinary legislation to help us work through it. This bill will allow us to fix problems in those situations.”
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