{"formats":[{"name":"JSON","format":"json","url":"\/downloads\/2025\/code-json\/46.2-1143.json"},{"name":"Plain Text","format":"text","url":"\/downloads\/2025\/code-text\/46.2-1143.txt"},{"name":"XML","format":"xml","url":"\/downloads\/2025\/code-xml\/46.2-1143.xml"},{"name":"HTML","format":"html","url":"\/downloads\/2025\/code-html\/46.2-1143.html"}],"law_id":77996,"edition_id":1,"section_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","history":"1973, c. 62, \u00a7 46.1-343.3; 1989, c. 727; 1996, cc. 36, 87; 1999, c. 915; 2001, c. 417; 2002, c. 264; 2003, cc. 314, 315; 2005, c. 556; 2007, c. 523; 2008, c. 716; 2009, c. 188; 2010, c. 361; 2011, c. 131; 2012, cc. 443, 569; 2013, cc. 305, 618; 2017, c. 550.","full_text":"A\n\nThe Commissioner upon written application by the owner or operator of vehicles used exclusively for hauling coal or coal byproducts from a mine or other place of production to a preparation plant, electricity-generation facility, loading dock, or railroad shall issue, without a fee, a permit authorizing those vehicles to operate with gross weights in excess of those established in § 46.2-1126 on the conditions set forth in this section.B\n\nVehicles with three axles may have a maximum gross weight, when loaded, of no more than 60,000 pounds, a single axle weight of not more than 24,000 pounds and a tandem axle weight of no more than 45,000 pounds. Vehicles with four axles may have a maximum gross weight, when loaded, of no more than 70,000 pounds, a single axle weight of no more than 24,000 pounds, and a tri-axle weight of no more than 50,000 pounds. Vehicles with five axles having no less than 35 feet of axle space between extreme axles may have a maximum gross weight, when loaded, of no more than 90,000 pounds, a single axle weight of no more than 20,000 pounds, and a tandem axle weight of no more than 40,000 pounds. Vehicles with six axles may have a maximum gross weight, when loaded, of no more than 110,000 pounds, a single axle weight of no more than 24,000 pounds, a tandem axle weight of no more than 44,000 pounds, and a tri-axle weight of no more than 54,500 pounds.C\n\nNo load of any vehicle operating under a permit issued according to this section shall rise above the top of the bed of such vehicle, not including extensions of the bed. Three-axle vehicles shall not carry loads in excess of the maximum bed size in cubic feet for such vehicle which shall be computed by a formula of 60,000 pounds minus the weight of the empty truck divided by the average weight of coal. For the purposes of this section, the average weight of coal shall be 52 pounds per cubic foot. Four-axle vehicles shall not carry loads in excess of the maximum bed size for such vehicle which shall be computed by a formula of 70,000 pounds minus the weight of the truck empty divided by the average weight of coal. Five-axle vehicles shall not carry loads in excess of the maximum bed size for such vehicle, which shall be computed by a formula of 90,000 pounds minus the weight of the truck empty divided by the average weight of coal. Six-axle vehicles shall not carry loads in excess of the maximum bed size for such vehicle, which shall be computed by a formula of 110,000 pounds minus the weight of the truck empty divided by the average weight of coal.D\n\nFor the purposes of this section, “bed” means that part of the vehicle used to haul coal. Bed size shall be based on its interior dimensions, which may be determined by measuring the exterior of the bed, with volume expressed in cubic feet. In order to ensure compliance with this section by visual inspection, if the actual bed size of the vehicle exceeds the maximum as provided above, the owner or operator shall be required to paint a horizontal line two inches wide on the sides of the outside of the bed of the vehicle, clearly visible to indicate the uppermost limit of the maximum bed size applicable to the vehicle as provided in this section. In addition, one hole two inches high and six inches long on each side of the bed shall be cut in the center of the bed and at the top of the painted line. Any vehicle in violation of this section shall subject the vehicle’s owner or operator or both to a penalty of $250 for a first offense, $500 for a second offense within a 12-month period, and $1,000 and revocation of the permit for a third offense within a 12-month period from the first offense.E\n\nIf the bed of any vehicle is enlarged beyond the maximum bed size for which its permit was granted, or if the line or holes required are altered so that the vehicle exceeds the bed size for which its permit was granted, the owner, operator, or both shall be subject to a penalty of $1,000 for each offense and revocation of the permit. Upon revocation, a permit shall not be reissued for six months. The penalties provided in this section shall be in lieu of those imposed under § 46.2-1135.F\n\nFor any vehicle with a valid permit issued pursuant to the conditions required by this section, when carrying loads which do not rise above the top of the bed or the line indicating the bed’s maximum size, if applicable, it shall be, in the absence of proof to the contrary, prima facie evidence that the load is within the applicable weight limits. If any vehicle is stopped by enforcement officials for carrying a load rising above the top of the bed or the line indicating the bed’s maximum size, the operator of the vehicle shall be permitted to shift his load within the bed to determine whether the load can be contained in the bed without rising above its top or above the line.G\n\nNo such permit shall be valid for the operation of any such vehicle for a distance of more than 85 miles within the Commonwealth of Virginia from the preparation plant, loading dock, or railroad.H\n\nIn counties that impose a severance tax on gases as authorized by § 58.1-3712 or a severance license tax on coal producers as authorized by § 58.1-3741, the Commissioner, upon written application by the owner or operator of vehicles used exclusively for hauling gravel, sand, asphalt, or crushed stone no more than 50 miles from origin to destination, shall issue a permit authorizing those vehicles to operate with the weight limits prescribed in subsection B. Nothing contained in this subsection shall authorize any extension of weight limits provided in § 46.2-1127 for operation on interstate highways. Any weight violation hauling sand, gravel, asphalt, or crushed stone under this subsection shall be subject to the penalties authorized by § 46.2-1135.\n\t\t\tThe fee for a permit issued under this subsection shall be $70, to be allocated as follows: (i) $65 to the Highway Maintenance and Operating Fund established pursuant to § 33.2-1530, with a portion equal to the percentage of the Commonwealth’s total lane miles represented by the lane miles eligible for maintenance payments pursuant to §§ 33.2-319 and 33.2-366 being redistributed on the basis of lane miles to the applicable localities pursuant to §§ 33.2-319 and 33.2-366, to be used to assist in funding needed highway pavement and bridge maintenance and rehabilitation and (ii) a $5 administrative fee to the Department.I\n\nIn counties that impose a severance tax on gases as authorized by § 58.1-3712 or a severance license tax on coal producers as authorized by § 58.1-3741, the weight limits prescribed in subsection B shall also apply to motor vehicles hauling liquids produced from a gas or oil well and water used for drilling and completion of a gas or oil well no more than 50 miles from origin to destination. Nothing contained in this subsection shall authorize any extension of weight limits provided in § 46.2-1127 for operation on interstate highways. Any weight violation involving hauling liquids produced from a gas or oil well and water used for drilling and completion of a gas or oil well under this subsection shall be subject to the penalties authorized by § 46.2-1135.","order_by":null,"text":{"0":{"id":279660,"text":"The Commissioner upon written application by the owner or operator of vehicles used exclusively for hauling coal or coal byproducts from a mine or other place of production to a preparation plant, electricity-generation facility, loading dock, or railroad shall issue, without a fee, a permit authorizing those vehicles to operate with gross weights in excess of those established in § 46.2-1126 on the conditions set forth in this section.","type":"section","prefixes":["A"],"prefix":"A","entire_prefix":"A","prefix_anchor":"A","level":1,"next_prefix":"B"},"1":{"id":279661,"text":"Vehicles with three axles may have a maximum gross weight, when loaded, of no more than 60,000 pounds, a single axle weight of not more than 24,000 pounds and a tandem axle weight of no more than 45,000 pounds. Vehicles with four axles may have a maximum gross weight, when loaded, of no more than 70,000 pounds, a single axle weight of no more than 24,000 pounds, and a tri-axle weight of no more than 50,000 pounds. Vehicles with five axles having no less than 35 feet of axle space between extreme axles may have a maximum gross weight, when loaded, of no more than 90,000 pounds, a single axle weight of no more than 20,000 pounds, and a tandem axle weight of no more than 40,000 pounds. Vehicles with six axles may have a maximum gross weight, when loaded, of no more than 110,000 pounds, a single axle weight of no more than 24,000 pounds, a tandem axle weight of no more than 44,000 pounds, and a tri-axle weight of no more than 54,500 pounds.","type":"section","prefixes":["B"],"prefix":"B","entire_prefix":"B","prefix_anchor":"B","level":1,"prior_prefix":"A","next_prefix":"C"},"2":{"id":279662,"text":"No load of any vehicle operating under a permit issued according to this section shall rise above the top of the bed of such vehicle, not including extensions of the bed. Three-axle vehicles shall not carry loads in excess of the maximum bed size in cubic feet for such vehicle which shall be computed by a formula of 60,000 pounds minus the weight of the empty truck divided by the average weight of coal. For the purposes of this section, the average weight of coal shall be 52 pounds per cubic foot. Four-axle vehicles shall not carry loads in excess of the maximum bed size for such vehicle which shall be computed by a formula of 70,000 pounds minus the weight of the truck empty divided by the average weight of coal. Five-axle vehicles shall not carry loads in excess of the maximum bed size for such vehicle, which shall be computed by a formula of 90,000 pounds minus the weight of the truck empty divided by the average weight of coal. Six-axle vehicles shall not carry loads in excess of the maximum bed size for such vehicle, which shall be computed by a formula of 110,000 pounds minus the weight of the truck empty divided by the average weight of coal.","type":"section","prefixes":["C"],"prefix":"C","entire_prefix":"C","prefix_anchor":"C","level":1,"prior_prefix":"B","next_prefix":"D"},"3":{"id":279663,"text":"For the purposes of this section, “bed” means that part of the vehicle used to haul coal. Bed size shall be based on its interior dimensions, which may be determined by measuring the exterior of the bed, with volume expressed in cubic feet. In order to ensure compliance with this section by visual inspection, if the actual bed size of the vehicle exceeds the maximum as provided above, the owner or operator shall be required to paint a horizontal line two inches wide on the sides of the outside of the bed of the vehicle, clearly visible to indicate the uppermost limit of the maximum bed size applicable to the vehicle as provided in this section. In addition, one hole two inches high and six inches long on each side of the bed shall be cut in the center of the bed and at the top of the painted line. Any vehicle in violation of this section shall subject the vehicle’s owner or operator or both to a penalty of $250 for a first offense, $500 for a second offense within a 12-month period, and $1,000 and revocation of the permit for a third offense within a 12-month period from the first offense.","type":"section","prefixes":["D"],"prefix":"D","entire_prefix":"D","prefix_anchor":"D","level":1,"prior_prefix":"C","next_prefix":"E"},"4":{"id":279664,"text":"If the bed of any vehicle is enlarged beyond the maximum bed size for which its permit was granted, or if the line or holes required are altered so that the vehicle exceeds the bed size for which its permit was granted, the owner, operator, or both shall be subject to a penalty of $1,000 for each offense and revocation of the permit. Upon revocation, a permit shall not be reissued for six months. The penalties provided in this section shall be in lieu of those imposed under § 46.2-1135.","type":"section","prefixes":["E"],"prefix":"E","entire_prefix":"E","prefix_anchor":"E","level":1,"prior_prefix":"D","next_prefix":"F"},"5":{"id":279665,"text":"For any vehicle with a valid permit issued pursuant to the conditions required by this section, when carrying loads which do not rise above the top of the bed or the line indicating the bed’s maximum size, if applicable, it shall be, in the absence of proof to the contrary, prima facie evidence that the load is within the applicable weight limits. If any vehicle is stopped by enforcement officials for carrying a load rising above the top of the bed or the line indicating the bed’s maximum size, the operator of the vehicle shall be permitted to shift his load within the bed to determine whether the load can be contained in the bed without rising above its top or above the line.","type":"section","prefixes":["F"],"prefix":"F","entire_prefix":"F","prefix_anchor":"F","level":1,"prior_prefix":"E","next_prefix":"G"},"6":{"id":279666,"text":"No such permit shall be valid for the operation of any such vehicle for a distance of more than 85 miles within the Commonwealth of Virginia from the preparation plant, loading dock, or railroad.","type":"section","prefixes":["G"],"prefix":"G","entire_prefix":"G","prefix_anchor":"G","level":1,"prior_prefix":"F","next_prefix":"H"},"7":{"id":279667,"text":"In counties that impose a severance tax on gases as authorized by § 58.1-3712 or a severance license tax on coal producers as authorized by § 58.1-3741, the Commissioner, upon written application by the owner or operator of vehicles used exclusively for hauling gravel, sand, asphalt, or crushed stone no more than 50 miles from origin to destination, shall issue a permit authorizing those vehicles to operate with the weight limits prescribed in subsection B. Nothing contained in this subsection shall authorize any extension of weight limits provided in § 46.2-1127 for operation on interstate highways. Any weight violation hauling sand, gravel, asphalt, or crushed stone under this subsection shall be subject to the penalties authorized by § 46.2-1135.\n\t\t\tThe fee for a permit issued under this subsection shall be $70, to be allocated as follows: (i) $65 to the Highway Maintenance and Operating Fund established pursuant to § 33.2-1530, with a portion equal to the percentage of the Commonwealth’s total lane miles represented by the lane miles eligible for maintenance payments pursuant to §§ 33.2-319 and 33.2-366 being redistributed on the basis of lane miles to the applicable localities pursuant to §§ 33.2-319 and 33.2-366, to be used to assist in funding needed highway pavement and bridge maintenance and rehabilitation and (ii) a $5 administrative fee to the Department.","type":"section","prefixes":["H"],"prefix":"H","entire_prefix":"H","prefix_anchor":"H","level":1,"prior_prefix":"G","next_prefix":"I"},"8":{"id":279668,"text":"In counties that impose a severance tax on gases as authorized by § 58.1-3712 or a severance license tax on coal producers as authorized by § 58.1-3741, the weight limits prescribed in subsection B shall also apply to motor vehicles hauling liquids produced from a gas or oil well and water used for drilling and completion of a gas or oil well no more than 50 miles from origin to destination. Nothing contained in this subsection shall authorize any extension of weight limits provided in § 46.2-1127 for operation on interstate highways. Any weight violation involving hauling liquids produced from a gas or oil well and water used for drilling and completion of a gas or oil well under this subsection shall be subject to the penalties authorized by § 46.2-1135.","type":"section","prefixes":["I"],"prefix":"I","entire_prefix":"I","prefix_anchor":"I","level":1,"prior_prefix":"H"}},"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}],"previous_section":{"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},"next_section":{"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},"metadata":false,"official_url":"https:\/\/law.lis.virginia.gov\/vacode\/46.2-1143\/","history_text":"

This law was first created in 1973. The record of its establishment is cataloged in chapter 62 of that year\u2019s edition of \u201cActs of Assembly,\u201d the annual state publication listing all changes made to the Code of Virginia in that year. Unfortunately, the 1973 \u201cActs\u201d aren\u2019t available online. It has been modified 15 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 1989, chapter 727; in 1996, chapters 36<\/a> and 87<\/a>; in 1999, chapter 915<\/a>; in 2001, chapter 417<\/a>; in 2002, chapter 264<\/a>; in 2003, chapters 314<\/a> and 315<\/a>; in 2005, chapter 556<\/a>; in 2007, chapter 523<\/a>; in 2008, chapter 716<\/a>; in 2009, chapter 188<\/a>; in 2010, chapter 361<\/a>; in 2011, chapter 131<\/a>; in 2012, chapters 443<\/a> and 569<\/a>; in 2013, chapters 305<\/a> and 618<\/a>; in 2017, chapter 550<\/a>.<\/p>","references":[{"id":67094,"section_number":"33.2-1530","catch_line":"Highway Maintenance and Operating Fund","order_by":null,"url":"\/33.2-1530\/"}],"refers_to":[{"id":67094,"section_number":"33.2-1530","catch_line":"Highway Maintenance and Operating Fund","order_by":null,"url":"\/33.2-1530\/"},{"id":56954,"section_number":"33.2-319","catch_line":"Payments to cities and certain towns for maintenance of certain highways","order_by":null,"url":"\/33.2-319\/"},{"id":56905,"section_number":"33.2-366","catch_line":"Funds for counties that have withdrawn or elect to withdraw from the secondary state highway system","order_by":null,"url":"\/33.2-366\/"},{"id":75488,"section_number":"46.2-1126","catch_line":"Maximum gross weight, generally","order_by":null,"url":"\/46.2-1126\/"},{"id":79744,"section_number":"46.2-1127","catch_line":"Weight limits for vehicles using interstate highways","order_by":null,"url":"\/46.2-1127\/"},{"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":70681,"section_number":"58.1-3712","catch_line":"Counties and cities authorized to levy severance tax on gases","order_by":null,"url":"\/58.1-3712\/"},{"id":76655,"section_number":"58.1-3741","catch_line":"Counties and cities authorized to levy severance license tax on the sale of coal","order_by":null,"url":"\/58.1-3741\/"}],"permalink":{"id":229021,"object_type":"law","relational_id":77996,"identifier":"46.2-1143","token":"46.2\/III\/10\/18\/46.2-1143","url":"\/46.2-1143\/","edition_id":1,"permalink":0,"preferred":1},"url":"\/46.2-1143\/","token":"46.2\/III\/10\/18\/46.2-1143","dublin_core":{"Title":"Overweight permits for coal haulers; trucks hauling gravel, sand, asphalt, crushed stone, or liquids produced from gas or oil wells in certain counties; penalties","Type":"Text","Format":"text\/html","Identifier":"\u00a7 46.2-1143","Relation":"Code of Virginia"},"html":"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

A.<\/span> The Commissioner<\/span> upon written application by the owner<\/span> or operator<\/span> of vehicles<\/span> used exclusively for hauling coal or coal byproducts from a mine or other place of production to a preparation plant, electricity-generation facility, loading dock, or railroad shall issue<\/span>, without a fee, a permit authorizing those vehicles<\/span> to operate with gross weights<\/span> in excess of those established in § 46.2-1126<\/a> on the conditions set forth in this section. <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

B.<\/span> Vehicles<\/span> with three axles may have a maximum gross weight<\/span>, when loaded, of no more than 60,000 pounds, a single axle weight of not more than 24,000 pounds and a tandem axle weight of no more than 45,000 pounds. Vehicles<\/span> with four axles may have a maximum gross weight<\/span>, when loaded, of no more than 70,000 pounds, a single axle weight of no more than 24,000 pounds, and a tri-axle weight of no more than 50,000 pounds. Vehicles<\/span> with five axles having no less than 35 feet of axle space between extreme axles may have a maximum gross weight<\/span>, when loaded, of no more than 90,000 pounds, a single axle weight of no more than 20,000 pounds, and a tandem axle weight of no more than 40,000 pounds. Vehicles<\/span> with six axles may have a maximum gross weight<\/span>, when loaded, of no more than 110,000 pounds, a single axle weight of no more than 24,000 pounds, a tandem axle weight of no more than 44,000 pounds, and a tri-axle weight of no more than 54,500 pounds. <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

C.<\/span> No load of any vehicle<\/span> operating under a permit issued according to this section shall rise above the top of the bed<\/span> of such vehicle<\/span>, not including extensions of the bed<\/span>. Three-axle vehicles<\/span> shall not carry loads in excess of the maximum bed<\/span> size in cubic feet for such vehicle<\/span> which shall be computed by a formula of 60,000 pounds minus the weight of the empty truck<\/span> divided by the average weight of coal. For the purposes of this section, the average weight of coal shall be 52 pounds per cubic foot. Four-axle vehicles<\/span> shall not carry loads in excess of the maximum bed<\/span> size for such vehicle<\/span> which shall be computed by a formula of 70,000 pounds minus the weight of the truck<\/span> empty divided by the average weight of coal. Five-axle vehicles<\/span> shall not carry loads in excess of the maximum bed<\/span> size for such vehicle<\/span>, which shall be computed by a formula of 90,000 pounds minus the weight of the truck<\/span> empty divided by the average weight of coal. Six-axle vehicles<\/span> shall not carry loads in excess of the maximum bed<\/span> size for such vehicle<\/span>, which shall be computed by a formula of 110,000 pounds minus the weight of the truck<\/span> empty divided by the average weight of coal. <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

D.<\/span> For the purposes of this section, “bed<\/span>” means that part of the vehicle<\/span> used to haul coal. Bed<\/span> size shall be based on its interior dimensions, which may be determined by measuring the exterior of the bed<\/span>, with volume expressed in cubic feet. In order<\/span> to ensure compliance with this section by visual inspection, if the actual bed<\/span> size of the vehicle<\/span> exceeds the maximum as provided above, the owner<\/span> or operator<\/span> shall be required to paint a horizontal line two inches wide on the sides of the outside of the bed<\/span> of the vehicle<\/span>, clearly visible to indicate the uppermost limit of the maximum bed<\/span> size applicable to the vehicle<\/span> as provided in this section. In addition, one hole two inches high and six inches long on each side of the bed<\/span> shall be cut in the center of the bed<\/span> and at the top of the painted line. Any vehicle<\/span> in violation of this section shall subject the vehicle<\/span>’s owner<\/span> or operator<\/span> or both to a penalty<\/span> of $250 for a first offense<\/span>, $500 for a second offense<\/span> within a 12-month period, and $1,000 and revocation<\/span> of the permit for a third offense<\/span> within a 12-month period from the first offense<\/span>. <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

E.<\/span> If the bed<\/span> of any vehicle<\/span> is enlarged beyond the maximum bed<\/span> size for which its permit was granted, or if the line or holes required are altered so that the vehicle<\/span> exceeds the bed<\/span> size for which its permit was granted, the owner<\/span>, operator<\/span>, or both shall be subject to a penalty<\/span> of $1,000 for each offense<\/span> and revocation<\/span> of the permit. Upon revocation<\/span>, a permit shall not be reissued for six months. The penalties provided in this section shall be in lieu of those imposed under § 46.2-1135<\/a>. <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

F.<\/span> For any vehicle<\/span> with a valid permit issued pursuant to the conditions required by this section, when carrying loads which do not rise above the top of the bed<\/span> or the line indicating the bed<\/span>’s maximum size, if applicable, it shall be, in the absence of proof to the contrary, prima facie evidence<\/span> that the load is within the applicable weight limits. If any vehicle<\/span> is stopped by enforcement officials for carrying a load rising above the top of the bed<\/span> or the line indicating the bed<\/span>’s maximum size, the operator<\/span> of the vehicle<\/span> shall be permitted to shift his load within the bed<\/span> to determine whether the load can be contained in the bed<\/span> without rising above its top or above the line. <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

G.<\/span> No such permit shall be valid for the operation of any such vehicle<\/span> for a distance of more than 85 miles within the Commonwealth of Virginia from the preparation plant, loading dock, or railroad. <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

H.<\/span> In counties that impose a severance tax on gases as authorized by § 58.1-3712<\/a> or a severance license tax on coal producers as authorized by § 58.1-3741<\/a>, the Commissioner<\/span>, upon written application by the owner<\/span> or operator<\/span> of vehicles<\/span> used exclusively for hauling gravel, sand, asphalt, or crushed stone no more than 50 miles from origin to destination, shall issue<\/span> a permit authorizing those vehicles<\/span> to operate with the weight limits prescribed in subsection B. Nothing contained in this subsection shall authorize any extension of weight limits provided in § 46.2-1127<\/a> for operation on interstate highways<\/span><\/span>. Any weight violation hauling sand, gravel, asphalt, or crushed stone under this subsection shall be subject to the penalties authorized by § 46.2-1135<\/a>.\n\t\t\tThe fee for a permit issued under this subsection shall be $70, to be allocated as follows: (i) $65 to the Highway<\/span> Maintenance and Operating Fund established pursuant to § 33.2-1530<\/a>, with a portion equal to the percentage of the Commonwealth’s total lane<\/span> miles represented by the lane<\/span> miles eligible for maintenance payments pursuant to §§ 33.2-319<\/a> and 33.2-366<\/a> being redistributed on the basis of lane<\/span> miles to the applicable localities pursuant to §§ 33.2-319<\/a> and 33.2-366<\/a>, to be used to assist in funding needed highway<\/span> pavement and bridge maintenance and rehabilitation and (ii) a $5 administrative fee to the Department<\/span>. <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

I.<\/span> In counties that impose a severance tax on gases as authorized by § 58.1-3712<\/a> or a severance license tax on coal producers as authorized by § 58.1-3741<\/a>, the weight limits prescribed in subsection B shall also apply to motor vehicles<\/span> hauling liquids produced from a gas or oil well and water used for drilling and completion of a gas or oil well no more than 50 miles from origin to destination. Nothing contained in this subsection shall authorize any extension of weight limits provided in § 46.2-1127<\/a> for operation on interstate highways<\/span><\/span>. Any weight violation involving hauling liquids produced from a gas or oil well and water used for drilling and completion of a gas or oil well under this subsection shall be subject to the penalties authorized by § 46.2-1135<\/a>. <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>","plain_text":" CODE OF VIRGINIA\n\nOVERWEIGHT PERMITS FOR COAL HAULERS; TRUCKS HAULING GRAVEL, SAND, ASPHALT,\nCRUSHED STONE, OR LIQUIDS PRODUCED FROM GAS OR OIL WELLS IN CERTAIN COUNTIES;\nPENALTIES (\u00a7 46.2-1143)\n\nA. The Commissioner upon written application by the owner or operator of\nvehicles used exclusively for hauling coal or coal byproducts from a mine or\nother place of production to a preparation plant, electricity-generation\nfacility, loading dock, or railroad shall issue, without a fee, a permit\nauthorizing those vehicles to operate with gross weights in excess of those\nestablished in § 46.2-1126 on the conditions set forth in this section.\n\nB. Vehicles with three axles may have a maximum gross weight, when loaded, of no\nmore than 60,000 pounds, a single axle weight of not more than 24,000 pounds and\na tandem axle weight of no more than 45,000 pounds. Vehicles with four axles may\nhave a maximum gross weight, when loaded, of no more than 70,000 pounds, a\nsingle axle weight of no more than 24,000 pounds, and a tri-axle weight of no\nmore than 50,000 pounds. Vehicles with five axles having no less than 35 feet of\naxle space between extreme axles may have a maximum gross weight, when loaded,\nof no more than 90,000 pounds, a single axle weight of no more than 20,000\npounds, and a tandem axle weight of no more than 40,000 pounds. Vehicles with\nsix axles may have a maximum gross weight, when loaded, of no more than 110,000\npounds, a single axle weight of no more than 24,000 pounds, a tandem axle weight\nof no more than 44,000 pounds, and a tri-axle weight of no more than 54,500\npounds.\n\nC. No load of any vehicle operating under a permit issued according to this\nsection shall rise above the top of the bed of such vehicle, not including\nextensions of the bed. Three-axle vehicles shall not carry loads in excess of\nthe maximum bed size in cubic feet for such vehicle which shall be computed by a\nformula of 60,000 pounds minus the weight of the empty truck divided by the\naverage weight of coal. For the purposes of this section, the average weight of\ncoal shall be 52 pounds per cubic foot. Four-axle vehicles shall not carry loads\nin excess of the maximum bed size for such vehicle which shall be computed by a\nformula of 70,000 pounds minus the weight of the truck empty divided by the\naverage weight of coal. Five-axle vehicles shall not carry loads in excess of\nthe maximum bed size for such vehicle, which shall be computed by a formula of\n90,000 pounds minus the weight of the truck empty divided by the average weight\nof coal. Six-axle vehicles shall not carry loads in excess of the maximum bed\nsize for such vehicle, which shall be computed by a formula of 110,000 pounds\nminus the weight of the truck empty divided by the average weight of coal.\n\nD. For the purposes of this section, “bed” means that part of the\nvehicle used to haul coal. Bed size shall be based on its interior dimensions,\nwhich may be determined by measuring the exterior of the bed, with volume\nexpressed in cubic feet. In order to ensure compliance with this section by\nvisual inspection, if the actual bed size of the vehicle exceeds the maximum as\nprovided above, the owner or operator shall be required to paint a horizontal\nline two inches wide on the sides of the outside of the bed of the vehicle,\nclearly visible to indicate the uppermost limit of the maximum bed size\napplicable to the vehicle as provided in this section. In addition, one hole two\ninches high and six inches long on each side of the bed shall be cut in the\ncenter of the bed and at the top of the painted line. Any vehicle in violation\nof this section shall subject the vehicle’s owner or operator or both to a\npenalty of $250 for a first offense, $500 for a second offense within a 12-month\nperiod, and $1,000 and revocation of the permit for a third offense within a\n12-month period from the first offense.\n\nE. If the bed of any vehicle is enlarged beyond the maximum bed size for which\nits permit was granted, or if the line or holes required are altered so that the\nvehicle exceeds the bed size for which its permit was granted, the owner,\noperator, or both shall be subject to a penalty of $1,000 for each offense and\nrevocation of the permit. Upon revocation, a permit shall not be reissued for\nsix months. The penalties provided in this section shall be in lieu of those\nimposed under § 46.2-1135.\n\nF. For any vehicle with a valid permit issued pursuant to the conditions\nrequired by this section, when carrying loads which do not rise above the top of\nthe bed or the line indicating the bed’s maximum size, if applicable, it\nshall be, in the absence of proof to the contrary, prima facie evidence that the\nload is within the applicable weight limits. If any vehicle is stopped by\nenforcement officials for carrying a load rising above the top of the bed or the\nline indicating the bed’s maximum size, the operator of the vehicle shall\nbe permitted to shift his load within the bed to determine whether the load can\nbe contained in the bed without rising above its top or above the line.\n\nG. No such permit shall be valid for the operation of any such vehicle for a\ndistance of more than 85 miles within the Commonwealth of Virginia from the\npreparation plant, loading dock, or railroad.\n\nH. In counties that impose a severance tax on gases as authorized by §\n58.1-3712 or a severance license tax on coal producers as authorized by §\n58.1-3741, the Commissioner, upon written application by the owner or operator\nof vehicles used exclusively for hauling gravel, sand, asphalt, or crushed stone\nno more than 50 miles from origin to destination, shall issue a permit\nauthorizing those vehicles to operate with the weight limits prescribed in\nsubsection B. Nothing contained in this subsection shall authorize any extension\nof weight limits provided in § 46.2-1127 for operation on interstate\nhighways. Any weight violation hauling sand, gravel, asphalt, or crushed stone\nunder this subsection shall be subject to the penalties authorized by §\n46.2-1135.\n\t\t\tThe fee for a permit issued under this subsection shall be $70, to be\nallocated as follows: (i) $65 to the Highway Maintenance and Operating Fund\nestablished pursuant to § 33.2-1530, with a portion equal to the percentage\nof the Commonwealth’s total lane miles represented by the lane miles\neligible for maintenance payments pursuant to §§ 33.2-319 and 33.2-366\nbeing redistributed on the basis of lane miles to the applicable localities\npursuant to §§ 33.2-319 and 33.2-366, to be used to assist in funding\nneeded highway pavement and bridge maintenance and rehabilitation and (ii) a $5\nadministrative fee to the Department.\n\nI. In counties that impose a severance tax on gases as authorized by §\n58.1-3712 or a severance license tax on coal producers as authorized by §\n58.1-3741, the weight limits prescribed in subsection B shall also apply to\nmotor vehicles hauling liquids produced from a gas or oil well and water used\nfor drilling and completion of a gas or oil well no more than 50 miles from\norigin to destination. Nothing contained in this subsection shall authorize any\nextension of weight limits provided in § 46.2-1127 for operation on\ninterstate highways. Any weight violation involving hauling liquids produced\nfrom a gas or oil well and water used for drilling and completion of a gas or\noil well under this subsection shall be subject to the penalties authorized by\n§ 46.2-1135.\n\nHISTORY: 1973, c. 62, \u00a7 46.1-343.3; 1989, c. 727; 1996, cc. 36, 87; 1999, c.\n915; 2001, c. 417; 2002, c. 264; 2003, cc. 314, 315; 2005, c. 556; 2007, c. 523;\n2008, c. 716; 2009, c. 188; 2010, c. 361; 2011, c. 131; 2012, cc. 443, 569;\n2013, cc. 305, 618; 2017, c. 550.","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}}