{"formats":[{"name":"JSON","format":"json","url":"\/downloads\/2025\/code-json\/46.2-1139.json"},{"name":"Plain Text","format":"text","url":"\/downloads\/2025\/code-text\/46.2-1139.txt"},{"name":"XML","format":"xml","url":"\/downloads\/2025\/code-xml\/46.2-1139.xml"},{"name":"HTML","format":"html","url":"\/downloads\/2025\/code-html\/46.2-1139.html"}],"law_id":68738,"edition_id":1,"section_id":68738,"structure_id":14086,"section_number":"46.2-1139","catch_line":"Permits for excessive size and weight generally; penalty","history":"Code 1950, \u00a7 46-339; 1956, c. 476; 1958, c. 541, \u00a7\u00a7 46.1-343, 46.1-343.2; 1959, Ex. Sess., c. 91; 1960, c. 223; 1962, cc. 35, 162; 1966, c. 502; 1968, c. 203; 1972, c. 521; 1974, cc. 145, 252, 556; 1975, c. 599; 1976, c. 744; 1977, c. 632; 1979, c. 263; 1980, c. 328; 1981, c. 187; 1982, c. 256; 1983, cc. 170, 515; 1985, c. 7; 1987, cc. 321, 406, 420, 721; 1988, c. 82; 1989, c. 727; 1993, c. 68; 1996, cc. 36, 87; 1997, c. 70; 2001, c. 151; 2003, c. 314; 2009, c. 456; 2011, cc. 62, 73; 2012, c. 443; 2013, c. 118; 2015, c. 615; 2017, c. 554.","full_text":"A\n\nThe Commissioner and, unless otherwise indicated in this article, local authorities of cities and towns, in their respective jurisdictions, may, upon written application and good cause being shown, and pursuant to the requirements of subsection A1, issue a permit authorizing the applicant to operate on a highway a vehicle of a size or weight exceeding the maximum specified in this title. Any such permit may designate the route to be traversed and contain any other restrictions or conditions deemed necessary by the body granting the permit.A1\n\nAny city or town, as authorized under subsection A, or any county that has withdrawn its roads from the secondary system of state highways that opts to issue permits under this article shall enter into a memorandum of understanding with the Commissioner that:1\n\nAllows the Commissioner to issue permits on behalf of that locality; and2\n\nProvides that the locality shall satisfy the following requirements prior to issuing such permits:\n\t\t\t\ta. The locality shall have applications for each permit type available online.\n\t\t\t\tb. The locality shall have designated telephone and fax lines to address permit requests and inquiries.\n\t\t\t\tc. The locality shall have at least one staff member whose primary function is to issue permits.\n\t\t\t\td. The locality shall have one or more engineers on staff or contracted to perform bridge inspections and provide analysis for overweight vehicles.\n\t\t\t\te. The locality shall maintain maps indicating up-to-date vertical and horizontal clearance locations and limitations.\n\t\t\t\tf. The locality shall provide to the Department an emergency contact phone number and assign a staff person who is authorized to issue the permit or authorized to make a decision regarding the permit request at all times (24 hours a day, seven days a week).\n\t\t\t\tg. The locality shall process a “standard permit” for a “standard vehicle” by the next business day after receiving the completed permit application. Each locality shall define “standard vehicle” and “standard permit” and provide the Department with those definitions. All other requests for permits shall be processed within 10 business days.\n\t\t\t\th. The locality shall retain for at least 36 months all permit data it collects.\n\t\t\t\ti. The locality shall maintain an updated list of all maintenance and construction projects within that locality. The list shall provide starting and ending locations and dates for each project, and shall be updated as those dates change.\n\t\t\t\tj. The locality shall maintain a list of restricted streets. This list shall indicate all times of travel restrictions, oversize restrictions, and weight restrictions for streets within the locality’s jurisdiction.\n\t\t\t\tIf the locality satisfies the requirements in the memorandum of understanding, the locality may issue permits under this article.B\n\nExcept for permits issued under \u00a7 46.2-1141 and permits issued for overweight vehicles transporting irreducible loads, no overweight permit issued by the Commissioner or any local authority under any provision of this article shall be valid for the operation of any vehicle on an interstate highway if the vehicle has:1\n\nA single axle weight in excess of 20,000 pounds; or2\n\nA tandem axle weight in excess of 34,000 pounds; or3\n\nA gross weight, based on axle spacing, greater than that permitted in § 46.2-1127; or4\n\nA gross weight, regardless of axle spacing, in excess of 80,000 pounds.C\n\nThe Commissioner may issue permits to operate or tow one or more travel trailers as defined in § 46.2-1500 or motor homes when any of such vehicles exceed the maximum width specified by law, provided the movement of the vehicle is prior to its retail sale and it complies with the provisions of § 46.2-1105. A copy of each such permit shall be carried in the vehicle for which it is issued.D\n\n1. Every permit issued under this article for the operation of oversize or overweight vehicles shall be carried in the vehicle to which it refers and may be inspected by any officer or size and weight compliance agent. Violation of any term of any permit issued under this article shall constitute a Class 1 misdemeanor. Violation of terms and conditions of any permit issued under this article shall not invalidate the weight allowed on such permit unless (i) the permit vehicle is operating off the route listed on the permit, (ii) the vehicle has fewer axles than required by the permit, (iii) the vehicle has less axle spacing than required by the permit when measured longitudinally from the center of the axle to center axle with any fraction of a foot rounded to the next highest foot, or (iv) the vehicle is transporting multiple items not allowed by the permit.2\n\nAny multi-trip permit authorizing the applicant to operate on a highway a vehicle of a size or weight exceeding the maximum specified in this title may be transferred to another vehicle no more than two times in a 12-month period, provided that the vehicle to which the permit is transferred is subject to all the limitations set forth in the permit as originally issued. The applicant shall pay the Department an administrative fee of $10 for each transfer.E\n\nAny permit issued by the Commissioner or local authorities pursuant to state law may be restricted so as to prevent travel on any federal-aid highway if the continuation of travel on such highway would result in a loss of federal-aid funds. Before any such permit is restricted by the Commissioner, or local authority, written notice shall be given to the permittee.F\n\nWhen application is made for permits issued by the Commissioner as well as local authorities, any fees imposed therefor by the Commissioner as well as all affected local authorities may be paid by the applicant, at the applicant’s option, to the Commissioner, who shall promptly transmit the local portion of the total fee to the appropriate locality or localities.G\n\nEngineering analysis, performed by the Department of Transportation or local authority, shall be conducted of a proposed routing before the Commissioner or local authority issues any permit under this section when such analysis is required to promote safety and preserve the capacity and structural integrity of highways and bridges. The Commissioner or local authority shall not issue a permit when the Department of Transportation or local authority determines that the roadway and bridges to be traversed cannot sustain a vehicle’s size and weight.","order_by":null,"text":{"0":{"id":248820,"text":"The Commissioner and, unless otherwise indicated in this article, local authorities of cities and towns, in their respective jurisdictions, may, upon written application and good cause being shown, and pursuant to the requirements of subsection A1, issue a permit authorizing the applicant to operate on a highway a vehicle of a size or weight exceeding the maximum specified in this title. Any such permit may designate the route to be traversed and contain any other restrictions or conditions deemed necessary by the body granting the permit.","type":"section","prefixes":["A"],"prefix":"A","entire_prefix":"A","prefix_anchor":"A","level":1,"next_prefix":"A1"},"1":{"id":248821,"text":"Any city or town, as authorized under subsection A, or any county that has withdrawn its roads from the secondary system of state highways that opts to issue permits under this article shall enter into a memorandum of understanding with the Commissioner that:","type":"section","prefixes":["A1"],"prefix":"A1","entire_prefix":"A1","prefix_anchor":"A1","level":1,"prior_prefix":"A","next_prefix":"A11"},"2":{"id":248822,"text":"Allows the Commissioner to issue permits on behalf of that locality; and","type":"section","prefixes":["A1","1"],"prefix":"1","entire_prefix":"A11","prefix_anchor":"A11","level":2,"prior_prefix":"A1","next_prefix":"A12"},"3":{"id":248823,"text":"Provides that the locality shall satisfy the following requirements prior to issuing such permits:\n\t\t\t\ta. The locality shall have applications for each permit type available online.\n\t\t\t\tb. The locality shall have designated telephone and fax lines to address permit requests and inquiries.\n\t\t\t\tc. The locality shall have at least one staff member whose primary function is to issue permits.\n\t\t\t\td. The locality shall have one or more engineers on staff or contracted to perform bridge inspections and provide analysis for overweight vehicles.\n\t\t\t\te. The locality shall maintain maps indicating up-to-date vertical and horizontal clearance locations and limitations.\n\t\t\t\tf. The locality shall provide to the Department an emergency contact phone number and assign a staff person who is authorized to issue the permit or authorized to make a decision regarding the permit request at all times (24 hours a day, seven days a week).\n\t\t\t\tg. The locality shall process a “standard permit” for a “standard vehicle” by the next business day after receiving the completed permit application. Each locality shall define “standard vehicle” and “standard permit” and provide the Department with those definitions. All other requests for permits shall be processed within 10 business days.\n\t\t\t\th. The locality shall retain for at least 36 months all permit data it collects.\n\t\t\t\ti. The locality shall maintain an updated list of all maintenance and construction projects within that locality. The list shall provide starting and ending locations and dates for each project, and shall be updated as those dates change.\n\t\t\t\tj. The locality shall maintain a list of restricted streets. This list shall indicate all times of travel restrictions, oversize restrictions, and weight restrictions for streets within the locality’s jurisdiction.\n\t\t\t\tIf the locality satisfies the requirements in the memorandum of understanding, the locality may issue permits under this article.","type":"section","prefixes":["A1","2"],"prefix":"2","entire_prefix":"A12","prefix_anchor":"A12","level":2,"prior_prefix":"A11","next_prefix":"B"},"4":{"id":248824,"text":"Except for permits issued under \u00a7 46.2-1141 and permits issued for overweight vehicles transporting irreducible loads, no overweight permit issued by the Commissioner or any local authority under any provision of this article shall be valid for the operation of any vehicle on an interstate highway if the vehicle has:","type":"section","prefixes":["B"],"prefix":"B","entire_prefix":"B","prefix_anchor":"B","level":1,"prior_prefix":"A12","next_prefix":"B1"},"5":{"id":248825,"text":"A single axle weight in excess of 20,000 pounds; or","type":"section","prefixes":["B","1"],"prefix":"1","entire_prefix":"B1","prefix_anchor":"B1","level":2,"prior_prefix":"B","next_prefix":"B2"},"6":{"id":248826,"text":"A tandem axle weight in excess of 34,000 pounds; or","type":"section","prefixes":["B","2"],"prefix":"2","entire_prefix":"B2","prefix_anchor":"B2","level":2,"prior_prefix":"B1","next_prefix":"B3"},"7":{"id":248827,"text":"A gross weight, based on axle spacing, greater than that permitted in § 46.2-1127; or","type":"section","prefixes":["B","3"],"prefix":"3","entire_prefix":"B3","prefix_anchor":"B3","level":2,"prior_prefix":"B2","next_prefix":"B4"},"8":{"id":248828,"text":"A gross weight, regardless of axle spacing, in excess of 80,000 pounds.","type":"section","prefixes":["B","4"],"prefix":"4","entire_prefix":"B4","prefix_anchor":"B4","level":2,"prior_prefix":"B3","next_prefix":"C"},"9":{"id":248829,"text":"The Commissioner may issue permits to operate or tow one or more travel trailers as defined in § 46.2-1500 or motor homes when any of such vehicles exceed the maximum width specified by law, provided the movement of the vehicle is prior to its retail sale and it complies with the provisions of § 46.2-1105. A copy of each such permit shall be carried in the vehicle for which it is issued.","type":"section","prefixes":["C"],"prefix":"C","entire_prefix":"C","prefix_anchor":"C","level":1,"prior_prefix":"B4","next_prefix":"D"},"10":{"id":248830,"text":"1. Every permit issued under this article for the operation of oversize or overweight vehicles shall be carried in the vehicle to which it refers and may be inspected by any officer or size and weight compliance agent. Violation of any term of any permit issued under this article shall constitute a Class 1 misdemeanor. Violation of terms and conditions of any permit issued under this article shall not invalidate the weight allowed on such permit unless (i) the permit vehicle is operating off the route listed on the permit, (ii) the vehicle has fewer axles than required by the permit, (iii) the vehicle has less axle spacing than required by the permit when measured longitudinally from the center of the axle to center axle with any fraction of a foot rounded to the next highest foot, or (iv) the vehicle is transporting multiple items not allowed by the permit.","type":"section","prefixes":["D"],"prefix":"D","entire_prefix":"D","prefix_anchor":"D","level":1,"prior_prefix":"C","next_prefix":"D2"},"11":{"id":248831,"text":"Any multi-trip permit authorizing the applicant to operate on a highway a vehicle of a size or weight exceeding the maximum specified in this title may be transferred to another vehicle no more than two times in a 12-month period, provided that the vehicle to which the permit is transferred is subject to all the limitations set forth in the permit as originally issued. The applicant shall pay the Department an administrative fee of $10 for each transfer.","type":"section","prefixes":["D","2"],"prefix":"2","entire_prefix":"D2","prefix_anchor":"D2","level":2,"prior_prefix":"D","next_prefix":"E"},"12":{"id":248832,"text":"Any permit issued by the Commissioner or local authorities pursuant to state law may be restricted so as to prevent travel on any federal-aid highway if the continuation of travel on such highway would result in a loss of federal-aid funds. Before any such permit is restricted by the Commissioner, or local authority, written notice shall be given to the permittee.","type":"section","prefixes":["E"],"prefix":"E","entire_prefix":"E","prefix_anchor":"E","level":1,"prior_prefix":"D2","next_prefix":"F"},"13":{"id":248833,"text":"When application is made for permits issued by the Commissioner as well as local authorities, any fees imposed therefor by the Commissioner as well as all affected local authorities may be paid by the applicant, at the applicant’s option, to the Commissioner, who shall promptly transmit the local portion of the total fee to the appropriate locality or localities.","type":"section","prefixes":["F"],"prefix":"F","entire_prefix":"F","prefix_anchor":"F","level":1,"prior_prefix":"E","next_prefix":"G"},"14":{"id":248834,"text":"Engineering analysis, performed by the Department of Transportation or local authority, shall be conducted of a proposed routing before the Commissioner or local authority issues any permit under this section when such analysis is required to promote safety and preserve the capacity and structural integrity of highways and bridges. The Commissioner or local authority shall not issue a permit when the Department of Transportation or local authority determines that the roadway and bridges to be traversed cannot sustain a vehicle’s size and weight.","type":"section","prefixes":["G"],"prefix":"G","entire_prefix":"G","prefix_anchor":"G","level":1,"prior_prefix":"F"}},"ancestry":[{"id":14086,"edition_id":1,"name":"Permits for Excessive Size and Weight","identifier":"18","label":"article","depth":4,"order_by":1,"parent_id":12828,"metadata":{},"date_created":"2026-06-26 03:46:50","date_modified":"2026-06-26 03:46:50","permalink":{"id":228991,"object_type":"structure","relational_id":14086,"identifier":"18","token":"46.2\/III\/10\/18","url":"\/46.2\/III\/10\/18\/","edition_id":1,"permalink":0,"preferred":1}},{"id":12828,"edition_id":1,"name":"Motor Vehicle and Equipment Safety","identifier":"10","label":"chapter","depth":3,"order_by":1,"parent_id":12827,"metadata":{},"date_created":"2026-06-26 03:43:55","date_modified":"2026-06-26 03:43:55","permalink":{"id":228599,"object_type":"structure","relational_id":12828,"identifier":"10","token":"46.2\/III\/10","url":"\/46.2\/III\/10\/","edition_id":1,"permalink":0,"preferred":1}},{"id":12827,"edition_id":1,"name":"Operation","identifier":"III","label":"subtitle","depth":2,"order_by":1,"parent_id":12770,"metadata":{},"date_created":"2026-06-26 03:43:55","date_modified":"2026-06-26 03:43:55","permalink":{"id":228597,"object_type":"structure","relational_id":12827,"identifier":"III","token":"46.2\/III","url":"\/46.2\/III\/","edition_id":1,"permalink":0,"preferred":1}},{"id":12770,"edition_id":1,"name":"Motor Vehicles","identifier":"46.2","label":"title","depth":1,"order_by":1,"parent_id":null,"metadata":{},"date_created":"2026-06-26 03:43:52","date_modified":"2026-06-26 03:43:52","permalink":{"id":225289,"object_type":"structure","relational_id":12770,"identifier":"46.2","token":"46.2","url":"\/46.2\/","edition_id":1,"permalink":0,"preferred":1}}],"structure_contents":[{"id":68738,"structure_id":14086,"section_number":"46.2-1139","catch_line":"Permits for excessive size and weight generally; penalty","url":"\/46.2-1139\/","token":"46.2\/III\/10\/18\/46.2-1139","metadata":false},{"id":63206,"structure_id":14086,"section_number":"46.2-1139.1","catch_line":"Delegation of permitting authority","url":"\/46.2-1139.1\/","token":"46.2\/III\/10\/18\/46.2-1139.1","metadata":false},{"id":58608,"structure_id":14086,"section_number":"46.2-1140","catch_line":"Authority to use certain streets and highways in cities and towns","url":"\/46.2-1140\/","token":"46.2\/III\/10\/18\/46.2-1140","metadata":false},{"id":59875,"structure_id":14086,"section_number":"46.2-1140.1","catch_line":"Annual overweight permits; fees","url":"\/46.2-1140.1\/","token":"46.2\/III\/10\/18\/46.2-1140.1","metadata":false},{"id":74273,"structure_id":14086,"section_number":"46.2-1141","catch_line":"Overweight permits for containerized freight and fluid milk","url":"\/46.2-1141\/","token":"46.2\/III\/10\/18\/46.2-1141","metadata":false},{"id":85947,"structure_id":14086,"section_number":"46.2-1142","catch_line":"Overweight permits for concrete haulers","url":"\/46.2-1142\/","token":"46.2\/III\/10\/18\/46.2-1142","metadata":false},{"id":84732,"structure_id":14086,"section_number":"46.2-1142.1","catch_line":"Extensions of overweight limits authorized under \u00a7 46.2-1142 for vehicles used to haul concrete; fees","url":"\/46.2-1142.1\/","token":"46.2\/III\/10\/18\/46.2-1142.1","metadata":false},{"id":77996,"structure_id":14086,"section_number":"46.2-1143","catch_line":"Overweight permits for coal haulers; trucks hauling gravel, sand, asphalt, crushed stone, or liquids produced from gas or oil wells in certain counties; penalties","url":"\/46.2-1143\/","token":"46.2\/III\/10\/18\/46.2-1143","metadata":false},{"id":55208,"structure_id":14086,"section_number":"46.2-1143.1","catch_line":"Overweight permits for haulers of excavated material","url":"\/46.2-1143.1\/","token":"46.2\/III\/10\/18\/46.2-1143.1","metadata":false},{"id":62856,"structure_id":14086,"section_number":"46.2-1144","catch_line":"Overweight permits for solid waste haulers","url":"\/46.2-1144\/","token":"46.2\/III\/10\/18\/46.2-1144","metadata":false},{"id":70997,"structure_id":14086,"section_number":"46.2-1144.1","catch_line":"Overweight permits for tank wagons","url":"\/46.2-1144.1\/","token":"46.2\/III\/10\/18\/46.2-1144.1","metadata":false},{"id":70491,"structure_id":14086,"section_number":"46.2-1144.2","catch_line":"Overweight permits for haulers of farm animal feed","url":"\/46.2-1144.2\/","token":"46.2\/III\/10\/18\/46.2-1144.2","metadata":false},{"id":83443,"structure_id":14086,"section_number":"46.2-1145","catch_line":"Overweight permits for certain trucks operated by Arlington County","url":"\/46.2-1145\/","token":"46.2\/III\/10\/18\/46.2-1145","metadata":false},{"id":73819,"structure_id":14086,"section_number":"46.2-1145.1","catch_line":"Overweight permits for certain trucks operated by electric utilities","url":"\/46.2-1145.1\/","token":"46.2\/III\/10\/18\/46.2-1145.1","metadata":false},{"id":59305,"structure_id":14086,"section_number":"46.2-1146","catch_line":"Excess height and length permits for haulers of certain imported goods","url":"\/46.2-1146\/","token":"46.2\/III\/10\/18\/46.2-1146","metadata":false},{"id":60603,"structure_id":14086,"section_number":"46.2-1147","catch_line":"Permits for excessive size and weight for articulated buses","url":"\/46.2-1147\/","token":"46.2\/III\/10\/18\/46.2-1147","metadata":false},{"id":75045,"structure_id":14086,"section_number":"46.2-1148","catch_line":"Overweight permit for hauling Virginia-grown farm produce","url":"\/46.2-1148\/","token":"46.2\/III\/10\/18\/46.2-1148","metadata":false},{"id":65296,"structure_id":14086,"section_number":"46.2-1148.1","catch_line":"Overweight permit for hauling forest products","url":"\/46.2-1148.1\/","token":"46.2\/III\/10\/18\/46.2-1148.1","metadata":false},{"id":55633,"structure_id":14086,"section_number":"46.2-1149","catch_line":"Unladen, oversize and overweight, rubber-tired, self-propelled haulers and loaders; permits; engineering analysis; costs","url":"\/46.2-1149\/","token":"46.2\/III\/10\/18\/46.2-1149","metadata":false},{"id":81466,"structure_id":14086,"section_number":"46.2-1149.1","catch_line":"Excess tandem axle weight permits for cotton module haulers","url":"\/46.2-1149.1\/","token":"46.2\/III\/10\/18\/46.2-1149.1","metadata":false},{"id":84246,"structure_id":14086,"section_number":"46.2-1149.2","catch_line":"Permit authorizing transportation of tree-length logs","url":"\/46.2-1149.2\/","token":"46.2\/III\/10\/18\/46.2-1149.2","metadata":false},{"id":60257,"structure_id":14086,"section_number":"46.2-1149.3","catch_line":"Payment of fees into special fund","url":"\/46.2-1149.3\/","token":"46.2\/III\/10\/18\/46.2-1149.3","metadata":false},{"id":78882,"structure_id":14086,"section_number":"46.2-1149.4","catch_line":"Overweight permits for specialized mobile equipment","url":"\/46.2-1149.4\/","token":"46.2\/III\/10\/18\/46.2-1149.4","metadata":false},{"id":74492,"structure_id":14086,"section_number":"46.2-1149.5","catch_line":"Overweight permits for underground pipe cleaning, hydroexcavating, and water blasting equipment","url":"\/46.2-1149.5\/","token":"46.2\/III\/10\/18\/46.2-1149.5","metadata":false},{"id":63116,"structure_id":14086,"section_number":"46.2-1149.6","catch_line":"Permits for truck cranes","url":"\/46.2-1149.6\/","token":"46.2\/III\/10\/18\/46.2-1149.6","metadata":false},{"id":76864,"structure_id":14086,"section_number":"46.2-1149.7","catch_line":"Specialized construction equipment; permits; engineering analysis; costs","url":"\/46.2-1149.7\/","token":"46.2\/III\/10\/18\/46.2-1149.7","metadata":false},{"id":63427,"structure_id":14086,"section_number":"46.2-1149.8","catch_line":"Excess width permits for vehicles transporting watercraft","url":"\/46.2-1149.8\/","token":"46.2\/III\/10\/18\/46.2-1149.8","metadata":false}],"next_section":{"id":63206,"structure_id":14086,"section_number":"46.2-1139.1","catch_line":"Delegation of permitting authority","url":"\/46.2-1139.1\/","token":"46.2\/III\/10\/18\/46.2-1139.1","metadata":false},"metadata":false,"official_url":"https:\/\/law.lis.virginia.gov\/vacode\/46.2-1139\/","history_text":"

The record of this law\u2019s original creation isn\u2019t available online. It has been modified 31 times. Those modifications are cataloged by \u201cThe Acts of Assembly,\u201d a state publication, by year and chapter. Those modifications that can be read on the General Assembly\u2019s website will be linked accordingly. Those modifications are as follows: in 1956, chapter 476; in 1958, chapter 541; in 1960, chapter 223; in 1962, chapters 35 and 162; in 1966, chapter 502; in 1968, chapter 203; in 1972, chapter 521; in 1974, chapters 145, 252, and 556; in 1975, chapter 599; in 1976, chapter 744; in 1977, chapter 632; in 1979, chapter 263; in 1980, chapter 328; in 1981, chapter 187; in 1982, chapter 256; in 1983, chapters 170 and 515; in 1985, chapter 7; in 1987, chapters 321, 406, 420, and 721; in 1988, chapter 82; in 1989, chapter 727; in 1993, chapter 68; in 1996, chapters 36<\/a> and 87<\/a>; in 1997, chapter 70<\/a>; in 2001, chapter 151<\/a>; in 2003, chapter 314<\/a>; in 2009, chapter 456<\/a>; in 2011, chapters 62<\/a> and 73<\/a>; in 2012, chapter 443<\/a>; in 2013, chapter 118<\/a>; in 2015, chapter 615<\/a>; in 2017, chapter 554<\/a>.<\/p>","references":[{"id":79262,"section_number":"46.2-1026","catch_line":"Flashing high-intensity amber warning lights","order_by":null,"url":"\/46.2-1026\/"},{"id":83278,"section_number":"46.2-1043.1","catch_line":"Tire loading","order_by":null,"url":"\/46.2-1043.1\/"},{"id":79786,"section_number":"46.2-1135","catch_line":"(Contingent effective date -- see note*) Liquidated damages for violation of weight limits","order_by":null,"url":"\/46.2-1135\/"},{"id":63116,"section_number":"46.2-1149.6","catch_line":"Permits for truck cranes","order_by":null,"url":"\/46.2-1149.6\/"},{"id":85108,"section_number":"46.2-2900","catch_line":"Definitions","order_by":null,"url":"\/46.2-2900\/"},{"id":83651,"section_number":"46.2-2901","catch_line":"Certificate required","order_by":null,"url":"\/46.2-2901\/"},{"id":55667,"section_number":"46.2-613.1","catch_line":"Civil penalty for violation of license, registration, and tax requirements and vehicle size limitations","order_by":null,"url":"\/46.2-613.1\/"},{"id":71068,"section_number":"46.2-828.2","catch_line":"Impeding or disrupting vehicles operating under a valid highway hauling permit","order_by":null,"url":"\/46.2-828.2\/"},{"id":58764,"section_number":"46.2-872","catch_line":"Maximum speed limits for vehicles operating under special permits","order_by":null,"url":"\/46.2-872\/"}],"refers_to":[{"id":65386,"section_number":"46.2-1105","catch_line":"Width of vehicles generally; exceptions","order_by":null,"url":"\/46.2-1105\/"},{"id":79744,"section_number":"46.2-1127","catch_line":"Weight limits for vehicles using interstate highways","order_by":null,"url":"\/46.2-1127\/"},{"id":74273,"section_number":"46.2-1141","catch_line":"Overweight permits for containerized freight and fluid milk","order_by":null,"url":"\/46.2-1141\/"},{"id":84929,"section_number":"46.2-1500","catch_line":"Definitions","order_by":null,"url":"\/46.2-1500\/"}],"permalink":{"id":228993,"object_type":"law","relational_id":68738,"identifier":"46.2-1139","token":"46.2\/III\/10\/18\/46.2-1139","url":"\/46.2-1139\/","edition_id":1,"permalink":0,"preferred":1},"url":"\/46.2-1139\/","token":"46.2\/III\/10\/18\/46.2-1139","dublin_core":{"Title":"Permits for excessive size and weight generally; penalty","Type":"Text","Format":"text\/html","Identifier":"\u00a7 46.2-1139","Relation":"Code of Virginia"},"html":"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

A.<\/span> The Commissioner<\/span> and, unless otherwise indicated in this article, local authorities of cities and towns, in their respective jurisdictions<\/span>, may, upon written application and good cause being shown, and pursuant to the requirements of subsection A1, issue<\/span> a permit authorizing the applicant to operate on a highway<\/span> a vehicle<\/span> of a size or weight exceeding the maximum specified in this title. Any such permit may designate the route to be traversed and contain any other restrictions or conditions deemed necessary by the body granting the permit. <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

A1.<\/span> Any city or town, as authorized under subsection A, or any county that has withdrawn its roads from the secondary system of state highways<\/span><\/span> that opts to issue<\/span> permits under this article shall enter into a memorandum<\/span> of understanding with the Commissioner<\/span> that: <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

1.<\/span> Allows the Commissioner<\/span> to issue<\/span> permits on behalf of that locality; and <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

2.<\/span> Provides that the locality shall satisfy the following requirements prior to issuing such permits:\n\t\t\t\ta. The locality shall have applications for each permit type available online.\n\t\t\t\tb. The locality shall have designated telephone and fax lines to address permit requests and inquiries.\n\t\t\t\tc. The locality shall have at least one staff member whose primary function is to issue<\/span> permits.\n\t\t\t\td. The locality shall have one or more engineers on staff or contracted to perform bridge inspections and provide analysis for overweight vehicles<\/span>.\n\t\t\t\te. The locality shall maintain maps indicating up-to-date vertical and horizontal clearance locations and limitations.\n\t\t\t\tf. The locality shall provide to the Department<\/span> an emergency contact phone number and assign a staff person who is authorized to issue<\/span> the permit or authorized to make a decision regarding the permit request at all times (24 hours a day, seven days a week).\n\t\t\t\tg. The locality shall process a “standard permit” for a “standard vehicle<\/span>” by the next business day after receiving the completed permit application. Each locality shall define “standard vehicle<\/span>” and “standard permit” and provide the Department<\/span> with those definitions. All other requests for permits shall be processed within 10 business days.\n\t\t\t\th. The locality shall retain for at least 36 months all permit data it collects.\n\t\t\t\ti. The locality shall maintain an updated list of all maintenance and construction projects within that locality. The list shall provide starting and ending locations and dates for each project, and shall be updated as those dates change.\n\t\t\t\tj. The locality shall maintain a list of restricted streets. This list shall indicate all times of travel restrictions, oversize restrictions, and weight restrictions for streets within the locality’s jurisdiction<\/span>.\n\t\t\t\tIf the locality satisfies the requirements in the memorandum<\/span> of understanding, the locality may issue<\/span> permits under this article. <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

B.<\/span> Except for permits issued under \u00a7 46.2-1141<\/a> and permits issued for overweight vehicles<\/span> transporting irreducible loads, no overweight permit issued by the Commissioner<\/span> or any local authority under any provision of this article shall be valid for the operation of any vehicle<\/span> on an interstate highway<\/span> if the vehicle<\/span> has: <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

1.<\/span> A single axle weight in excess of 20,000 pounds; or <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

2.<\/span> A tandem axle weight in excess of 34,000 pounds; or <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

3.<\/span> A gross weight<\/span>, based on axle spacing, greater than that permitted in § 46.2-1127<\/a>; or <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

4.<\/span> A gross weight<\/span>, regardless of axle spacing, in excess of 80,000 pounds. <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

C.<\/span> The Commissioner<\/span> may issue<\/span> permits to operate or tow one or more travel trailers<\/span> as defined in § 46.2-1500<\/a> or motor homes<\/span> when any of such vehicles<\/span> exceed the maximum width specified by law<\/span>, provided the movement of the vehicle<\/span> is prior to its retail sale and it complies with the provisions of § 46.2-1105<\/a>. A copy of each such permit shall be carried in the vehicle<\/span> for which it is issued. <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

D.<\/span> 1. Every permit issued under this article for the operation of oversize or overweight vehicles<\/span> shall be carried in the vehicle<\/span> to which it refers and may be inspected by any officer or size and weight compliance agent<\/span>. Violation of any term of any permit issued under this article shall constitute a Class 1 misdemeanor<\/span>. Violation of terms and conditions of any permit issued under this article shall not invalidate the weight allowed on such permit unless (i) the permit vehicle<\/span> is operating off the route listed on the permit, (ii) the vehicle<\/span> has fewer axles than required by the permit, (iii) the vehicle<\/span> has less axle spacing than required by the permit when measured longitudinally from the center of the axle to center axle with any fraction of a foot rounded to the next highest foot, or (iv) the vehicle<\/span> is transporting multiple items not allowed by the permit. <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

2.<\/span> Any multi-trip permit authorizing the applicant to operate on a highway<\/span> a vehicle<\/span> of a size or weight exceeding the maximum specified in this title may be transferred to another vehicle<\/span> no more than two times in a 12-month period, provided that the vehicle<\/span> to which the permit is transferred is subject to all the limitations set forth in the permit as originally issued. The applicant shall pay the Department<\/span> an administrative fee of $10 for each transfer. <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

E.<\/span> Any permit issued by the Commissioner<\/span> or local authorities pursuant to state law<\/span> may be restricted so as to prevent travel on any federal-aid highway<\/span> if the continuation of travel on such highway<\/span> would result in a loss of federal-aid funds. Before any such permit is restricted by the Commissioner<\/span>, or local authority, written notice shall be given to the permittee. <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

F.<\/span> When application is made for permits issued by the Commissioner<\/span> as well as local authorities, any fees imposed therefor by the Commissioner<\/span> as well as all affected local authorities may be paid by the applicant, at the applicant’s option, to the Commissioner<\/span>, who shall promptly transmit the local portion of the total fee to the appropriate locality or localities. <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

G.<\/span> Engineering analysis, performed by the Department<\/span> of Transportation or local authority, shall be conducted of a proposed routing before the Commissioner<\/span> or local authority issues<\/span> any permit under this section when such analysis is required to promote safety and preserve the capacity and structural integrity of highways<\/span><\/span> and bridges. The Commissioner<\/span> or local authority shall not issue<\/span> a permit when the Department<\/span> of Transportation or local authority determines that the roadway<\/span> and bridges to be traversed cannot sustain<\/span> a vehicle<\/span>’s size and weight. <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>","plain_text":" CODE OF VIRGINIA\n\nPERMITS FOR EXCESSIVE SIZE AND WEIGHT GENERALLY; PENALTY (\u00a7 46.2-1139)\n\nA. The Commissioner and, unless otherwise indicated in this article, local\nauthorities of cities and towns, in their respective jurisdictions, may, upon\nwritten application and good cause being shown, and pursuant to the requirements\nof subsection A1, issue a permit authorizing the applicant to operate on a\nhighway a vehicle of a size or weight exceeding the maximum specified in this\ntitle. Any such permit may designate the route to be traversed and contain any\nother restrictions or conditions deemed necessary by the body granting the\npermit.\n\nA1. Any city or town, as authorized under subsection A, or any county that has\nwithdrawn its roads from the secondary system of state highways that opts to\nissue permits under this article shall enter into a memorandum of understanding\nwith the Commissioner that:\n\n 1. Allows the Commissioner to issue permits on behalf of that locality; and\n\n 2. Provides that the locality shall satisfy the following requirements prior\n to issuing such permits:\n \t\t\t\ta. The locality shall have applications for each permit type available\n online.\n \t\t\t\tb. The locality shall have designated telephone and fax lines to address\n permit requests and inquiries.\n \t\t\t\tc. The locality shall have at least one staff member whose primary\n function is to issue permits.\n \t\t\t\td. The locality shall have one or more engineers on staff or contracted to\n perform bridge inspections and provide analysis for overweight vehicles.\n \t\t\t\te. The locality shall maintain maps indicating up-to-date vertical and\n horizontal clearance locations and limitations.\n \t\t\t\tf. The locality shall provide to the Department an emergency contact phone\n number and assign a staff person who is authorized to issue the permit or\n authorized to make a decision regarding the permit request at all times (24\n hours a day, seven days a week).\n \t\t\t\tg. The locality shall process a “standard permit” for a\n “standard vehicle” by the next business day after receiving the\n completed permit application. Each locality shall define “standard\n vehicle” and “standard permit” and provide the Department\n with those definitions. All other requests for permits shall be processed\n within 10 business days.\n \t\t\t\th. The locality shall retain for at least 36 months all permit data it\n collects.\n \t\t\t\ti. The locality shall maintain an updated list of all maintenance and\n construction projects within that locality. The list shall provide starting\n and ending locations and dates for each project, and shall be updated as those\n dates change.\n \t\t\t\tj. The locality shall maintain a list of restricted streets. This list\n shall indicate all times of travel restrictions, oversize restrictions, and\n weight restrictions for streets within the locality’s jurisdiction.\n \t\t\t\tIf the locality satisfies the requirements in the memorandum of\n understanding, the locality may issue permits under this article.\n\nB. Except for permits issued under \u00a7 46.2-1141 and permits issued for\noverweight vehicles transporting irreducible loads, no overweight permit issued\nby the Commissioner or any local authority under any provision of this article\nshall be valid for the operation of any vehicle on an interstate highway if the\nvehicle has:\n\n 1. A single axle weight in excess of 20,000 pounds; or\n\n 2. A tandem axle weight in excess of 34,000 pounds; or\n\n 3. A gross weight, based on axle spacing, greater than that permitted in\n § 46.2-1127; or\n\n 4. A gross weight, regardless of axle spacing, in excess of 80,000 pounds.\n\nC. The Commissioner may issue permits to operate or tow one or more travel\ntrailers as defined in § 46.2-1500 or motor homes when any of such vehicles\nexceed the maximum width specified by law, provided the movement of the vehicle\nis prior to its retail sale and it complies with the provisions of §\n46.2-1105. A copy of each such permit shall be carried in the vehicle for which\nit is issued.\n\nD. 1. Every permit issued under this article for the operation of oversize or\noverweight vehicles shall be carried in the vehicle to which it refers and may\nbe inspected by any officer or size and weight compliance agent. Violation of\nany term of any permit issued under this article shall constitute a Class 1\nmisdemeanor. Violation of terms and conditions of any permit issued under this\narticle shall not invalidate the weight allowed on such permit unless (i) the\npermit vehicle is operating off the route listed on the permit, (ii) the vehicle\nhas fewer axles than required by the permit, (iii) the vehicle has less axle\nspacing than required by the permit when measured longitudinally from the center\nof the axle to center axle with any fraction of a foot rounded to the next\nhighest foot, or (iv) the vehicle is transporting multiple items not allowed by\nthe permit.\n\n 2. Any multi-trip permit authorizing the applicant to operate on a highway a\n vehicle of a size or weight exceeding the maximum specified in this title may\n be transferred to another vehicle no more than two times in a 12-month period,\n provided that the vehicle to which the permit is transferred is subject to all\n the limitations set forth in the permit as originally issued. The applicant\n shall pay the Department an administrative fee of $10 for each transfer.\n\nE. Any permit issued by the Commissioner or local authorities pursuant to state\nlaw may be restricted so as to prevent travel on any federal-aid highway if the\ncontinuation of travel on such highway would result in a loss of federal-aid\nfunds. Before any such permit is restricted by the Commissioner, or local\nauthority, written notice shall be given to the permittee.\n\nF. When application is made for permits issued by the Commissioner as well as\nlocal authorities, any fees imposed therefor by the Commissioner as well as all\naffected local authorities may be paid by the applicant, at the\napplicant’s option, to the Commissioner, who shall promptly transmit the\nlocal portion of the total fee to the appropriate locality or localities.\n\nG. Engineering analysis, performed by the Department of Transportation or local\nauthority, shall be conducted of a proposed routing before the Commissioner or\nlocal authority issues any permit under this section when such analysis is\nrequired to promote safety and preserve the capacity and structural integrity of\nhighways and bridges. The Commissioner or local authority shall not issue a\npermit when the Department of Transportation or local authority determines that\nthe roadway and bridges to be traversed cannot sustain a vehicle’s size\nand weight.\n\nHISTORY: Code 1950, \u00a7 46-339; 1956, c. 476; 1958, c. 541, \u00a7\u00a7 46.1-343,\n46.1-343.2; 1959, Ex. Sess., c. 91; 1960, c. 223; 1962, cc. 35, 162; 1966, c.\n502; 1968, c. 203; 1972, c. 521; 1974, cc. 145, 252, 556; 1975, c. 599; 1976, c.\n744; 1977, c. 632; 1979, c. 263; 1980, c. 328; 1981, c. 187; 1982, c. 256; 1983,\ncc. 170, 515; 1985, c. 7; 1987, cc. 321, 406, 420, 721; 1988, c. 82; 1989, c.\n727; 1993, c. 68; 1996, cc. 36, 87; 1997, c. 70; 2001, c. 151; 2003, c. 314;\n2009, c. 456; 2011, cc. 62, 73; 2012, c. 443; 2013, c. 118; 2015, c. 615; 2017,\nc. 554.","edition":{"id":1,"name":"2025","slug":"2025","date_created":"2026-06-21 22:39:22","date_modified":"2026-06-21 22:39:22","current":1,"order_by":1,"last_import":null}}