Fla. Admin. Code Ann. R. 14-26.012 - Movement Conditions and Restrictions

(1) Operational use of permits. The configuration and weight(s) of a vehicle and its load traveling under permit must match the configuration and weight(s) described on the permit and any authorized amendments to that permit. For vehicles traveling under a trip permit, the vehicle or load must match either the truck tag number, trailer tag number, vehicle identification number, the bill of lading number, or the load identification number identified in the permit. An electronic version of a trip permit may be presented, if the trip permit is readily available and legible. The permitted vehicle's size, weight, number of axles, axle spacings, and any unique characteristics must comply with the limits for that item if addressed in the permit or any amendment to that permit. Trip permits are valid only for those routes specified in the permit. Multi-trip permit vehicles are not allowed to travel on any restricted bridges or any restricted roadways identified in the permit or its attachments. No vehicle may cross any posted bridge when the vehicle exceeds the prescribed limits of the bridge.

(2) Escorts accompanying overdimensional loads as required by permit or pursuant to subsection 14-26.012(6), (7) or (8), F.A.C., are limited to:

(a) Law enforcement escorts.

(b) Escorts qualified by another state, provided that the other state has equal or more stringent standards as those required by Florida for qualified escorts and the escort has been qualified or re-qualified within the past four years.

(c) Qualified escorts:

1. Must be at least 18 years of age and must possess a valid driver's license in the state or jurisdiction in which he or she is a resident.

2. Must have successfully completed a minimum eight hour defensive driving course as provided by a National Safety Council qualified instructor or hold a currently valid Commercial Driver's License (Class A, B, or C). The instructor shall not be an employee of the employing escort service.

3. Must have successfully completed a minimum eight hour pilot/escort flagging course provided by a Department vendor.

4. Shall maintain in his or her possession, for prompt presentation upon request by a law enforcement person or Department representative, a copy or copies of the qualification document or documents verifying completion of the required qualification courses.

5. Shall be requalified every four years by successfully completing a four hour refresher course provided by a Department vendor.

(3) Escort Vehicle and Equipment Requirements for Qualified Escorts.

(a) Escort Vehicles.

1. Escort vehicle(s) must be a single unit vehicle with a gross vehicle weight rating of at least 2,000 pounds and less than 26,000 pounds. The vehicle must be properly licensed, registered, and operated by a qualified escort.

2. Identification signs or placards showing the name of the company or the owner or driver of the escort vehicle must be in a conspicuous place on both the right and left sides of the escort vehicle. The signs or placards shall be at least 8 inches x 12 inches, or contain the equivalent square inches, and shall also contain the telephone number of the owner or driver plainly legible and visible to the motoring public.

3. All escort vehicles must be equipped with high visibility rotating, strobe or flashing class 2 amber warning lights mounted so as to be seen by all approaching traffic at a distance of at least 500 feet.

4. Escort vehicles shall display either a bumper mounted or a roof mounted yellow sign (or may display both) reading "OVERSIZE LOAD" with black letters with a minimum brush stroke of 10 inches high and 1 1/2 inches wide, which must be visible from front and rear.

5. Two flags, either red or fluorescent orange in color, which must be at least 18 inches x 18 inches, shall be mounted at approximately a 40 to 70 degree angle on the escort vehicle's roof rack.

(b) On Board Equipment. During escort operations, all escort vehicles shall have on board the following equipment and such equipment shall be in working order:

1. Operable two-way electronic communications. Qualified escorts must have a method for maintaining verbal communication with the driver of the permitted load at all times during movements.

2. One Class ABC fire extinguisher, minimum five pounds.

3. "STOP" and "GO" or "STOP" and "SLOW" paddles a minimum 18 inches in diameter with 6 inch high letters.

4. A high visibility, fluorescent class 2 safety vest for flagging during daytime hours or a high visibility, fluorescent class 3 safety vest when flagging at night.

5. One hand-held flag, either red or fluorescent orange in color, which must be at least 12 inches x 12 inches.

6. Two warning signs (yellow with black lettering) with a minimum brush stroke of 12 inches high and 1 1/2 inches wide. Each warning sign shall have a total dimension of not less than 7 feet long by 18 inches high. These signs shall be used in the event the permitted vehicle or load loses its sign(s).

7. Three 36 inch traffic cones. Traffic cones must be reflective if used at night.

8. For over height loads, the lead vehicle must have a height indicator, i.e., height pole, used to determine vertical clearance. This device must be manufactured of non-conductive and non-destructive material and must be positioned at a height of at least 6 inches above the height of the load being escorted.

(4) Escort Functions. Escorts are required to watch and direct traffic or the load to ensure public safety. Escorts may, when actively escorting permitted loads, perform necessary traffic control functions as defined in section 316.079(2), F.S. No escort or escort vehicle may be used to perform any other function that could distract from the escort responsibilities. The total number of escorts required will be determined based upon safety considerations. If one escort is required for an over width load, the escort shall precede the load on two lane highways or follow the load on four lane divided highways. If two escorts are required, one must precede the load and one must follow. If the load is over length only, the escort vehicle shall be in the rear of the load at all times. Escorts shall operate no more than 300 feet in front of or behind the load unless road conditions or permit stipulations dictate otherwise. Escorts equipped with a vertical height indicator must precede the load at a distance which allows the permitted vehicle to take evasive action when approaching overhead obstructions. Escort vehicles in the process of escorting a permitted vehicle or load must proceed through weigh stations and must not bypass such stations. The Permittee is responsible for providing the escort with a copy of the permit prior to the move.

(5) Safety Requirements and Restrictions for Permitted Load and Vehicle.

(a) Flags. Flags shall be clean, have high visibility, and be at least 18 inches x 18 inches. They shall be displayed so as to wave freely on all four corners of the vehicle and at the extreme ends of all protrusions, projections, or overhangs.

(b) Warning Lights.

Required Display. Vehicles or loads exceeding 10 feet in width, 80 feet in length (or over 3 feet of front overhang for self-propelled equipment), or 14 feet 6 inches in height shall have warning lights which shall:

1. Be class 2 high visibility rotating, strobe or flashing amber warning lights; and,

2. Be mounted so as to be seen by all approaching traffic at a distance of at least 500 feet.

(c) Warning Signs.

1. Required Display. Vehicles or loads exceeding 10 feet in width, 80 feet in length, or 14 feet 6 inches in height.

2. Each warning sign shall:

a. Consist of black letters 12 inches high with a brush stroke of not less than 1 1/2 inches wide on a yellow background.

b. State "OVERSIZE LOAD."

c. Have a total dimension of not less than 7 feet long by 18 inches high.

d. Be either bumper mounted or roof mounted. If one of the signs is roof mounted then, the other sign must be at the rear of the towed unit or at the rear of the load. Voids (holes) may be cut in warning signs as signs must not cover any vehicle light or reflector.

(d) Movement During Periods of Poor Visibility. No travel is allowed when horizontal visibility is less than 1,000 feet. Vehicles which are underway when inclement weather occurs must exit the road at the first available location and park until the weather clears or until road conditions improve.

(e) Movements on Weekends and Holidays. Unless otherwise noted on the permit, movements are prohibited on weekends and holidays. A government entity, meeting the criteria of Rule 14-26.00425, F.A.C., shall be allowed to travel all days, all hours with a valid permit.

(f) Nighttime movement. When the criteria of Rules 14-26.00425 and 14-26.012, F.A.C., are met, trip or multi-trip permits shall be issued providing:

1. Nighttime travel is recommended by the Department's District Traffic Engineering Office(s) or determined to be a requirement of the permit by the Office of Maintenance.

2. Law enforcement escort(s) are used.

3. Warning lights shall delineate the shape and size of the load.

4. The sides and rear of trailers and loads shall be lighted in the manner prescribed in 49 C.F.R. sections 393.11 through 393.26, F.S., as required by section 316.302(1)(a), F.S.

(6) All vehicles, including vehicles equipped with an automatic vehicle identification system, must stop at open weigh stations. Vehicles operating under an internal (inner) bridge permit may bypass an open weigh station when a Department approved electronic credentialing device instructs the vehicle to proceed.

(7) Width Limitations.

(a) Vehicles up to 10 feet. When the criteria of Rule 14-26.00425, F.A.C., are met, trip or multi-trip permits shall be issued. Movement is permitted all days, during daytime hours only. Flags are required.

(b) Vehicles over 10 feet up to 12 feet. When the criteria of Rule 14-26.00425, F.A.C., are met, trip or multi-trip permits shall be issued. Movement permitted daytime hours only, excluding holidays. Flags, warning signs, and warning lights are required. Except for local moves, this is the maximum width allowed on a straight truck.

(c) Vehicles over 12 feet up to 14 feet. When the criteria of Rule 14-26.00425, F.A.C., are met, trip or multi-trip permits shall be issued. Movement is permitted during daytime hours only, excluding holidays. Flags, warning signs, and warning lights are required. A minimum of one escort vehicle, with escort, is required at all times.

1. All manufactured buildings, manufactured homes, mobile homes, modular buildings, sheds, and swimming pools shall use a minimum of four warning lights mounted, with two on the front and two on the rear at each corner of the towed or hauled unit.

2. All other loads shall have a minimum of two warning lights mounted with one on the front and one on the rear of the load.

3. On roadway lanes less than 12 feet wide, bridges with less than 30 feet curb to curb, and in rural areas with traffic volume greater than 12,000 Average Daily Traffic (ADT) per lane or in urbanized areas (more than 50,000 population) with ADT greater than 8,000 vehicles per lane, two qualified escorts are required except on loads with a minimum of four warning lights mounted two in front and two in the rear of the towed or hauled unit.

4. No movement will be allowed in congested areas during peak traffic hours unless specifically authorized by permit.

(d) Vehicles over 14 feet up to 16 feet. When the criteria of Rule 14-26.00425, F.A.C., are met, trip permits only shall be issued. Movement is permitted daytime hours only, excluding holidays. Flags, warning signs, and warning lights are required. Two qualified escorts are required at all times during the move, one in the front and one in the rear of the load.

1. All loads consisting of manufactured buildings, manufactured homes, mobile homes, modular buildings, sheds, and swimming pools shall use a minimum of four warning lights mounted with two on the front and two on the rear at each corner of the towed or hauled unit.

2. All other loads shall have a minimum of two warning lights mounted with one on the front and one on the rear of the load.

3. Two lane roadways shall not be used as a connector route whenever viable four lane routes are available. Requests for two lane roadways as connector routes may require justification from the customer and ultimate approval from the Department. No movement will be allowed in congested areas during peak traffic hours.

4. The maximum width for manufactured buildings is 16 feet.

(e) Vehicles over 16 feet. When the criteria of Rule 14-26.00425, F.A.C., are met, only trip permits shall be issued. Same as criteria for "Vehicles over 14 feet up to 16 feet" except movement will be restricted to local moves. Applications for permits over 16 feet wide are subject to review by the Department's District Traffic Engineering Office(s).

1. Two qualified escorts are required when travelling on a limited access facility during daytime hours only.

2. One law enforcement escort and one qualified escort are required when travelling on a limited access facility during nighttime hours.

3. Two law enforcement escorts are required at all times when travelling on state maintained roadways (excluding limited access facilities).

4. Items must be moved by rail, air, or water when possible.

5. Trip permit requests for vehicles over 22 feet wide will require an affidavit verifying that the proposed route has adequate horizontal clearance to accommodate the requested width in addition to two feet on each side.

(8) Height Limitations.

(a) Vehicles up to 14 feet 6 inches. When the criteria of Rule 14-26.00425, F.A.C., are met, trip or multi-trip permits shall be issued. Movement is permitted all days and all hours. Except for local moves, this is the maximum height for loads hauled on straight trucks.

(b) Vehicles over 14 feet 6 inches up to 16 feet. When the criteria of Rule 14-26.00425, F.A.C., are met, trip or multi-trip permits shall be issued. Movement is permitted daytime hours only, excluding holidays. Flags, warning signs, and warning lights are required. A minimum of two warning lights are required; one mounted on the front and one on the rear of the load. An escort vehicle with a vertical height indicator is required to precede the load at a distance which allows the permitted vehicle to take evasive actions when approaching overhead obstructions.

(c) Vehicles over 16 feet. When the criteria of Rule 14-26.00425, F.A.C., are met, trip or multi-trip permits shall be issued. Multi-trip permits shall be limited to vehicles up to 18 feet. Trip permit requests for movement of vehicles over 18 feet high will require an affidavit verifying the proposed route has clearance to accommodate the request height plus six inches. Movement is permitted during daytime hours only, excluding holidays. Flags, warning signs, and warning lights are required. A minimum of two warning lights are required with one mounted on the front and one on the rear of the load. In addition, movement is restricted to local moves only.

1. One law enforcement escort in addition to one qualified escort is required. The qualified escort must precede the load with a vertical height indicator at a distance which allows the permitted vehicle to take evasive actions when approaching overhead obstructions.

2. Appropriate utility personnel will also be required whenever the load will encounter low barriers such as overhead structures, traffic signals, and low wires.

(9) Length Limitations.

(a) Vehicles up to 80 feet. When the criteria of Rule 14-26.00425, F.A.C., are met, trip or multi-trip permits shall be issued. Movement is permitted all days and all hours.

1. Rear overhang is limited to a maximum of 10 feet during nighttime movement unless otherwise stated on the permit.

2. When overhang exceeds 4 feet, a warning light is required on the top of the vehicle. At the extreme rear of the load there must be two red lamps and two red reflectors on each side of the load. Each required warning lamp shall be visible from a distance of at least 500 feet.

(b) Vehicles over 80 feet. When the criteria of Rule 14-26.00425, F.A.C., are met, trip or multi-trip permits shall be issued. Movement is permitted during daytime hours only, excluding holidays. Flags, warning signs, and warning lights are required. A minimum of two warning lights are required to be mounted: one on the front and one on the rear of load.

1. No movement will be allowed in congested areas during peak traffic hours for vehicles over 85 feet in length unless specifically authorized by permit.

2. Truck tractor semi-trailers with three points of articulation are allowed up to 105 feet in length without an escort.

3. One qualified escort is required when the length exceeds 95 feet.

4. Two qualified escorts are required when the length exceeds 150 feet unless the vehicle is traveling on a limited access facility, then only one qualified escort is required.

5. One law enforcement escort and one qualified escort are required when the length exceeds 250 feet.

6. Maximum length for a manufactured homes, modular units and portable buildings is 120 feet provided the length of the towed housing does not exceed 81 feet, including all overhangs and tongue.

7. Maximum length of multiple sections or single units of manufactured buildings on a trailer is 80 feet.

(c) Self-Propelled Equipment Length Limitations. When the criteria of Rule 14-26.00425, F.A.C., are met, trip or multi-trip permits shall be issued. For all self-propelled equipment, the boom must be fully retracted. Nightime movement requires that the front overhang has a minimum of 80 inches clearance above the roadway. In addition, no movement is allowed on limited access facilities with units designed for off road use. In addition the following restrictions will apply:

1. Total length up to 80 feet.

a. Front Overhang over 3 feet up to 9 feet. Movement is permitted on all days, all hours. A warning light is required to be mounted at the extreme end of the protrusion in such a way as to be seen by all approaching traffic.

b. Front Overhang over 9 feet. Movement is permitted all days, during daytime hours only. A warning light is required to be mounted at the extreme end of the protrusion in such a way as to be seen by all approaching traffic.

2. Total Length over 80 feet. Movement is permitted daytime hours only, excluding holidays. Flags and warning signs are required. A warning light is required to be mounted at the extreme end of the protrusion in such a way as to be seen by all approaching traffic.

(10) Multiple Loading. When the criteria of Rule 14-26.00425, F.A.C., are met, trip or multi-trip permits shall be issued providing:

(a) Multiple loading does not cause the dimensions of the load to exceed those limits established in section 316.515, F.S.; and,

(b) Multiple loading does not cause the gross vehicle weight to exceed those limits established in section 316.535, F.S.

(c) Vehicles will only be allowed to exceed the gross vehicle weight limits established in section 316.535, F.S., when:

1. Attachments (e.g. blade, rake, bucket, counterweights) that are a normal part of the equipment have been removed to reduce the size of the load for safety reasons. A maximum of two attachments may be transported if they are attachable to the equipment and necessary for operation.

2. The gross vehicle weight does not exceed 100,000 pounds and no more than two overlength items are being hauled.

3. Operating under a divisible load permit.

(11) Designated Permits.

(a) "Implements of Husbandry," farm equipment, agricultural trailers, and forestry equipment are exempt pursuant to section 316.515, F.S., from certain size requirements. However, these vehicles are not exempt from any overweight limitations set forth in section 316.535, F.S. When the vehicle configurations exceed any of the weight limits described in section 316.535, F.S., an overweight permit must be obtained from the Department.

(b) Movement of an empty truck tractor semi-trailer up to 11 feet in width and not over 105 feet in length, traveling on or within five miles of limited access roadways, when operating with an existing valid permit will be allowed to travel during nighttime hours. Warning lights, flags, signs, and escorts will be required as permit conditions based upon the dimensions of the load when traveling empty during nighttime hours. Extra axles and stingers may be hauled on the trailer to reduce overall dimensions for safety purposes.

(c) Semi-trailers with a kingpin greater than 41 feet and a trailer length up to 57 feet 6 inches may haul a divisible load when operating in a truck tractor semi-trailer combination with a valid trip or multi-trip permit.

(d) Truck tractor semi-trailer combinations hauling automobiles or boats may obtain a trip or multi-trip permit, regardless of trailer length, when the overall length does not exceed 80 feet excluding overhang. This applies to both stinger and non-stinger steered vehicles.

(e) Straight truck and trailer combinations hauling automobiles/boat may obtain a trip or multi-trip permit when the overall length does not exceed 80 feet including overhang.

(f) Trip or multi-trip permits will be issued to truck tractor semi-trailer combinations to deviate from inner-bridge requirements when traveling on interstate highways and when the criteria of Rule 14-26.00425, F.A.C., are met. These vehicles are not allowed to exceed the external bridge or axle weight limitations described in section 316.535, F.S.

(g) A vehicle operating under a valid permit with a law enforcement escort, may enter Florida at the Alabama Line on I-10 and proceed to the eastbound Pensacola Weigh Station or exit Florida at the Alabama Line on I-10 when leaving the westbound Pensacola Weigh Station during nighttime hours.

(12) Wrecker Permits.

(a) When the combined weight of the wrecker and disabled vehicle being towed exceeds the maximum weight limits established by Section 316.535, F.S., trip or multi-trip permits shall be issued if all the criteria of Rule 14-26.00425, F.A.C., are met.

(b) Escort requirements for towing disabled permitted vehicles shall be as prescribed in the original permit or amendment thereto for the towed vehicle.

(c) It is the responsibility of the wrecker operator to secure permits necessary to cover the attached load.

(d) In all instances where legal weight is exceeded, all available brakes on the towed vehicle will be functional and in operation at all times while being towed.

(e) An illegally loaded vehicle shall not become legal by being attached to a permitted wrecker.

(f) The combined gross vehicle weight of the wrecker and towed vehicle shall not exceed 140,000 pounds.

(g) The combined length of the wrecker and the towed vehicle shall not exceed 135 feet.

(h) The permitted vehicle combination must be operated with attached map(s) showing acceptable routes for specific axle and vehicle configurations.

Notes

Fla. Admin. Code Ann. R. 14-26.012

Rulemaking Authority 316.515, 316.550, 334.044(2) FS. Law Implemented 316.228, 316.515, 316.550, 334.044(28) FS.

New 8-26-82, Amended 12-6-83, Formerly 14-26.12, Amended 9-15-87, 5-2-90, 7-21-91, 6-23-96, 11-10-98, 2-1-10, 10-4-10, 2-5-13, Amended by Florida Register Volume 42, Number 154, August 9, 2016 effective 8/23/2016, Amended by Florida Register Volume 43, Number 035, February 21, 2017 effective 3/9/2017, Amended by Florida Register Volume 44, Number 070, April 10, 2018 effective 4/24/2018.

New 8-26-82, Amended 12-6-83, Formerly 14-26.12, Amended 9-15-87, 5-2-90, 7-21-91, 6-23-96, 11-10-98, 2-1-10, 10-4-10, 2-5-13, 8-23-16, 3-9-17, 4-24-18.