RCW ch. 46.44 — Revised Code of Washington Chapter 46.44 RCW — Size, Weight, Load

RCW 46.44.010 Outside width limit. The total outside width of any vehicle or load thereon must not exceed eight and one-half feet; except that an externally mounted rear vision mirror may extend beyond the width limits of the vehicle body to a point that allows the driver a view to the rear of the vehicle along both sides in conformance with Federal National Safety Standard 111 (49 C.F.R. 571.111), and RCW 46.37.400. Excluded from this calculation of width are certain devices that provide added safety, energy conservation, or are otherwise necessary, and are not designed or used to carry cargo. The width-exclusive devices must be identified in rules adopted by the department of transportation under RCW 46.44.101. A width-exclusive device must not extend more than three inches beyond the width limit of the vehicle body. [ 2005 c 189 s 1; 1997 c 63 s 1; 1983 c 278 s 1; 1961 c 12 s 46.44.010. Prior: 1947 c 200 s 4; 1937 c 189 s 47; Rem. Supp. 1947 s 6360-47; 1923 c 181 s 4, part; RRS s 6362-8, part.] RCW 46.44.013 Appurtenances on recreational vehicles. Motor homes, travel trailers, and campers may exceed the maximum width established under RCW 46.44.010 if the excess width is attributable to appurtenances that do not extend beyond the body of the vehicle by more than four inches, or if an awning, by more than six inches. As used in this section, "appurtenance" means an appendage that is installed by a factory or a vehicle dealer and is intended as an integral part of the motor home, travel trailer, or camper. "Appurtenance" does not include an item temporarily affixed or attached to the exterior of a vehicle for the purpose of transporting the item from one location to another. "Appurtenance" does not include an item that obstructs the driver's rearward vision. [ 2005 c 264 s 1.] RCW 46.44.020 Maximum height—Impaired clearance signs. It is unlawful for any vehicle unladen or with load to exceed a height of fourteen feet above the level surface upon which the vehicle stands. This height limitation does not apply to authorized emergency vehicles or repair equipment of a public utility engaged in reasonably necessary operation. The provisions of this section do not relieve the owner or operator of a vehicle or combination of vehicles from the exercise of due care in determining that sufficient vertical clearance is provided upon the public highways where the vehicle or combination of vehicles is being operated; and no liability may attach to the state or to any county, city, town, or other political subdivision by reason of any damage or injury to persons or property by reason of the existence of any structure over or across any public highway where the vertical clearance above the roadway is fourteen feet or more; or, where the vertical clearance is less than fourteen feet, if impaired clearance signs of a design approved by the state department of transportation are erected and maintained on the right side of any such public highway in accordance with the manual of uniform traffic control devices for streets and highways as adopted by the state department of transportation under chapter 47.36 RCW. If any structure over or across any public highway is not owned by the state or by a county, city, town, or other political subdivision, it is the duty of the owner thereof when billed therefor to reimburse the state department of transportation or the county, city, town, or other political subdivision having jurisdiction over the highway for the actual cost of erecting and maintaining the impaired clearance signs, but no liability may attach to the owner by reason of any damage or injury to persons or property caused by impaired vertical clearance above the roadway. [ 1984 c 7 s 52; 1977 c 81 s 1; 1975-'76 2nd ex.s. c 64 s 7; 1971 ex.s. c 248 s 1; 1965 c 43 s 1; 1961 c 12 s 46.44.020. Prior: 1959 c 319 s 26; 1955 c 384 s 1; 1953 c 125 s 1; 1951 c 269 s 20; 1937 c 189 s 48; RRS s 6360-48.] NOTES: Effective dates— RCW 46.44.030 Maximum lengths. (1) It is unlawful for any person to operate upon the public highways of this state any vehicle having an overall length, with or without load, in excess of 40 feet. This restriction does not apply to (a) a municipal transit vehicle, (b) auto stage, private carrier bus, school bus, fifth-wheel travel trailer, travel trailer, or motor home with an overall length not to exceed 46 feet, (c) an articulated auto stage with an overall length not to exceed 61 feet, excluding a bike rack up to four feet in length, or (d) an auto recycling carrier up to 42 feet in length manufactured prior to 2005. (2)(a) It is unlawful for any person to operate upon the public highways of this state any combination consisting of a tractor and semitrailer that has a semitrailer length in excess of 53 feet or a combination consisting of a tractor and two trailers in which the combined length of the trailers exceeds 61 feet, with or without load. (b) The restriction under this subsection does not apply to two trailers or semitrailers with a total weight that does not exceed 26,000 pounds and when the two trailers or semitrailers do not carry property but constitute inventory property of a manufacturer, distributor, or dealer of such trailers. The total combination under this subsection (2)(b) may not exceed 82 feet of overall length. (3) It is unlawful for any person to operate on the highways of this state any combination consisting of a truck and trailer, or log truck and stinger-steered pole trailer, with an overall length, with or without load, in excess of 75 feet. "Stinger-steered," as used in this section, means the coupling device is located behind the tread of the tires of the last axle of the towing vehicle. (4)(a) The length limitations under this section do not apply to vehicles transporting poles, pipe, machinery, or other objects of a structural nature that cannot be dismembered and operated by a public utility when required for emergency repair of public service facilities or properties, but in respect to night transportation every such vehicle and load thereon shall be equipped with a sufficient number of clearance lamps on both sides and marker lamps upon the extreme ends of any projecting load to clearly mark the dimensions of the load. (b) Excluded from the calculation of length under this section are certain devices that provide added safety, energy conservation, or are otherwise necessary, and are not designed or used to carry cargo. The length-exclusive devices must be identified in rules adopted by the department of transportation under RCW 46.44.101. (c) For the purposes of calculating the overall length of a fifth-wheel travel trailer, the measurement is the distance between the centermost point of the kingpin and the rearmost point of the vehicle, generally referred to as the rear bumper or rear cap. (5) For purposes of this section: (a) "Fifth-wheel travel trailer" means a vehicle primarily designed for recreational camping or travel use that does not have its own motive power and is primarily mounted on or hitched within the bed of a pickup truck; (b) "Kingpin" means a metal pin protruding from the bottom of the front of a fifth-wheel travel trailer that is designed to create a pivot point for steering, stability, and connecting the truck and fifth-wheel travel trailer. [ 2026 c 65 s 1; 2020 c 110 s 1; 2018 c 105 s 1; 2017 c 76 s 2; 2012 c 79 s 1; 2005 c 189 s 2; 2000 c 102 s 1; 1995 c 26 s 1; 1994 c 59 s 2; 1993 c 301 s 1; 1991 c 113 s 1; 1990 c 28 s 1; 1985 c 351 s 1; 1984 c 104 s 1; 1983 c 278 s 2; 1979 ex.s. c 113 s 4; 1977 ex.s. c 64 s 1; 1975-'76 2nd ex.s. c 53 s 1; 1974 ex.s. c 76 s 2; 1971 ex.s. c 248 s 2; 1967 ex.s. c 145 s 61; 1963 ex.s. c 3 s 52; 1961 ex.s. c 21 s 36; 1961 c 12 s 46.44.030. Prior: 1959 c 319 s 25; 1957 c 273 s 14; 1951 c 269 s 22; prior: 1949 c 221 s 1, part; 1947 c 200 s 5, part; 1941 c 116 s 1, part; 1937 c 189 s 49, part; Rem. Supp. 1949 s 6360-49, part.] NOTES: Effective date— RCW 46.44.034 Maximum lengths—Front and rear protrusions. (1) The load, or any portion of any vehicle, operated alone upon the public highway of this state, or the load, or any portion of the front vehicle of a combination of vehicles, shall not extend more than three feet beyond the front wheels of such vehicle, or the front bumper, if equipped with front bumper. This subsection does not apply to a (a) front-loading garbage truck or recycling truck while on route and actually engaged in the collection of solid waste or recyclables at speeds of twenty miles per hour or less or (b) public transit vehicle equipped with a bike rack up to four feet in length. (2) No vehicle shall be operated upon the public highways with any part of the permanent structure or load extending in excess of fifteen feet beyond the center of the last axle of such vehicle. This subsection does not apply to "specialized equipment" designated under 49 U.S.C. Sec. 2311 that is operated on the interstate highway system, those designated portions of the federal-aid primary system, and routes constituting reasonable access from such highways to terminals and facilities for food, fuel, repairs, and rest. [ 2017 c 76 s 1; 1997 c 191 s 1; 1991 c 143 s 1; 1961 c 12 s 46.44.034. Prior: 1957 c 273 s 15; 1951 c 269 s 24; prior: 1949 c 221 s 1, part; 1947 c 200 s 5, part; 1941 c 116 s 1, part; 1937 c 189 s 49, part; Rem. Supp. 1949 s 6360-49, part.] RCW 46.44.036 Combination of units—Limitation. Except as provided in RCW 46.44.037, it is unlawful for any person to operate upon the public highways of this state any combination of vehicles consisting of more than two vehicles. For the purposes of this section a truck tractor-semitrailer or pole trailer combination will be considered as two vehicles but the addition of another axle to the tractor of a truck tractor-semitrailer or pole trailer combination in such a way that it supports a proportional share of the load of the semitrailer or pole trailer shall not be deemed a separate vehicle but shall be considered a part of the truck tractor. For the purposes of this section a converter gear used in converting a semitrailer to a full trailer shall not be deemed a separate vehicle but shall be considered a part of the trailer. [1975-'76 2nd ex.s. c 64 s 8; 1961 c 12 s 46.44.036. Prior: 1955 c 384 s 2; 1951 c 269 s 23; prior: 1949 c 221 s 1, part; 1947 c 200 s 5, part; 1941 c 116 s 1, part; 1937 c 189 s 49, part; Rem. Supp. 1949 s 6360-49, part.] NOTES: Rules of court: RCW 46.44.037 Combination of units—Lawful operations. Notwithstanding the provisions of RCW 46.44.036 and subject to such rules and regulations governing their operation as may be adopted by the state department of transportation, operation of the following combinations is lawful: (1) A combination consisting of a truck tractor, a semitrailer, and another semitrailer or a full trailer. In this combination a converter gear used to convert a semitrailer into a full trailer shall be considered to be a part of the full trailer and not a separate vehicle. A converter gear being pulled without load and not used to convert a semitrailer into a full trailer may be substituted in lieu of a full trailer or a semitrailer in any lawful combination; (2) A combination consisting of a truck tractor carrying a freight compartment no longer than eight feet, a semitrailer, and another semitrailer or full trailer that meets the legal length requirement for a truck and trailer combination set forth in RCW 46.44.030; (3) A motor home or travel trailer with a cargo extension, provided that there are no trailers or secondary cargo extensions or units attached to the cargo extension. [ 2016 c 22 s 7; 2011 c 230 s 1; 1991 c 143 s 2; 1985 c 351 s 2; 1984 c 7 s 53; 1979 ex.s. c 149 s 3; 1975-'76 2nd ex.s. c 64 s 9; 1965 ex.s. c 170 s 37; 1963 ex.s. c 3 s 53; 1961 c 12 s 46.44.037. Prior: 1957 c 273 s 16; 1955 c 384 s 3.] NOTES: Intent— RCW 46.44.041 Maximum gross weights—Wheelbase and axle factors. No vehicle or combination of vehicles shall operate upon the public highways of this state with a gross load on any single axle in excess of twenty thousand pounds, or upon any group of axles in excess of that set forth in the following table, except that two consecutive sets of tandem axles may carry a gross load of thirty-four thousand pounds each, if the overall distance between the first and last axles of such consecutive sets of tandem axles is thirty-six feet or more. The following table is based on the following formula: W = 500((LN/N-1)+12N+36). W is the maximum weight in pounds (to the nearest 500 pounds) carried on any group of two (2) or more consecutive axles. L is the distance in feet between the extremes of any group of two (2) or more consecutive axles. N is the number of axles under consideration. Distance in feet between the extremes of any group of 2 or more consecutive axles Maximum load in pounds carried on any group of 2 or more consecutive axles 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 axles axles axles axles axles axles axles axles 4 34,000 5 34,000 6 34,000 7 34,000 8 & less 34,000 34,000 more than 8 38,000 42,000 9 39,000 42,500 10 40,000 43,500 11 44,000 49,000 12 45,000 50,000 13 45,500 50,500 14 46,500 51,500 56,500 15 47,000 52,000 57,000 16 48,000 52,500 58,000 17 48,500 53,500 58,500 18 49,500 54,000 59,000 64,500 19 50,000 54,500 60,000 65,000 20 51,000 55,500 60,500 66,000 21 51,500 56,000 61,000 66,500 72,000 22 52,500 56,500 61,500 67,000 72,500 23 53,000 57,500 62,500 68,000 73,000 24 54,000 58,000 63,000 68,500 74,000 25 54,500 58,500 63,500 69,000 74,500 80,000 26 55,500 59,500 64,000 69,500 75,000 80,500 27 56,000 60,000 65,000 70,000 75,500 81,000 28 57,000 60,500 65,500 71,000 76,500 82,000 87,500 29 57,500 61,500 66,000 71,500 77,000 82,500 88,000 30 58,500 62,000 66,500 72,000 77,500 83,000 88,500 31 59,000 62,500 67,500 72,500 78,000 83,500 89,000 32 60,000 63,500 68,000 73,000 78,500 84,500 90,000 33 64,000 68,500 74,000 79,000 85,000 90,500 34 64,500 69,000 74,500 80,000 85,500 91,000 35 65,500 70,000 75,000 80,500 86,000 91,500 36 66,000 70,500 75,500 81,000 86,500 92,000 37 66,500 71,000 76,000 81,500 87,000 93,000 38 67,500 71,500 77,000 82,000 87,500 93,500 39 68,000 72,500 77,500 82,500 88,500 94,000 40 68,500 73,000 78,000 83,500 89,000 94,500 41 69,500 73,500 78,500 84,000 89,500 95,000 42 70,000 74,000 79,000 84,500 90,000 95,500 43 70,500 75,000 80,000 85,000 90,500 96,000 44 71,500 75,500 80,500 85,500 91,000 96,500 45 72,000 76,000 81,000 86,000 91,500 97,500 46 72,500 76,500 81,500 87,000 92,500 98,000 47 73,500 77,500 82,000 87,500 93,000 98,500 48 74,000 78,000 83,000 88,000 93,500 99,000 49 74,500 78,500 83,500 88,500 94,000 99,500 50 75,500 79,000 84,000 89,000 94,500 100,000 51 76,000 80,000 84,500 89,500 95,000 100,500 52 76,500 80,500 85,000 90,500 95,500 101,000 53 77,500 81,000 86,000 91,000 96,500 102,000 54 78,000 81,500 86,500 91,500 97,000 102,500 55 78,500 82,500 87,000 92,000 97,500 103,000 56 79,500 83,000 87,500 92,500 98,000 103,500 57 80,000 83,500 88,000 93,000 98,500 104,000 58 84,000 89,000 94,000 99,000 104,500 59 85,000 89,500 94,500 99,500 105,500 60 85,500 90,000 95,000 100,500 105,500 61 86,000 90,500 95,500 101,000 105,500 62 86,500 91,000 96,000 101,500 105,500 63 87,500 92,000 96,500 102,000 105,500 64 88,000 92,500 97,500 102,500 105,500 65 88,500 93,000 98,000 103,000 105,500 66 89,000 93,500 98,500 103,500 105,500 67 90,000 94,000 99,000 104,500 105,500 68 90,500 95,000 99,500 105,000 105,500 69 91,000 95,500 100,000 105,500 105,500 70 91,500 96,000 101,000 105,500 105,500 71 92,500 96,500 101,500 105,500 105,500 72 93,000 97,000 102,000 105,500 105,500 73 93,500 98,000 102,500 105,500 105,500 74 94,000 98,500 103,000 105,500 105,500 75 95,000 99,000 103,500 105,500 105,500 76 95,500 99,500 104,500 105,500 105,500 77 96,000 100,000 105,000 105,500 105,500 78 96,500 101,000 105,500 105,500 105,500 79 97,500 101,500 105,500 105,500 105,500 80 98,000 102,000 105,500 105,500 105,500 81 98,500 102,500 105,500 105,500 105,500 82 99,000 103,000 105,500 105,500 105,500 83 100,000 104,000 105,500 105,500 105,500 84 104,500 105,500 105,500 105,500 85 105,000 105,500 105,500 105,500 86 or more 105,500 105,500 105,500 105,500 When inches are involved: Under six inches take lower, six inches or over take higher. The maximum load on any axle in any group of axles shall not exceed the single axle or tandem axle allowance as set forth in the table above. The maximum axle and gross weights specified in this section are subject to the braking requirements set up for the service brakes upon any motor vehicle or combination of vehicles as provided by law. Loads of not more than eighty thousand pounds which may be legally hauled in the state bordering this state which also has a sales tax, are legal in this state when moving to a port district within four miles of the bordering state except on the interstate system. This provision does not allow the operation of a vehicle combination consisting of a truck tractor and three trailers. Notwithstanding anything contained herein, a vehicle or combination of vehicles in operation on January 4, 1975, may operate upon the public highways of this state, including the interstate system within the meaning of section 127 of Title 23, United States Code, with an overall gross weight upon a group of two consecutive sets of dual axles which was lawful in this state under the laws, regulations, and procedures in effect in this state on January 4, 1975. [ 2016 c 24 s 1; 1997 c 198 s 1; 1995 c 171 s 1. Prior: 1993 c 246 s 1; 1993 c 102 s 3; prior: 1988 c 229 s 1; 1988 c 6 s 2; 1985 c 351 s 3; 1977 c 81 s 2; 1975-'76 2nd ex.s. c 64 s 22.] NOTES: Effective date of 1993 c 102 and c 123— RCW 46.44.042 Maximum gross weights—Axle and tire factors. Subject to the maximum gross weights specified in RCW 46.44.041, it is unlawful to operate any vehicle upon the public highways with a gross weight, including load, upon any tire concentrated upon the surface of the highway in excess of six hundred pounds per inch width of such tire. An axle manufactured after July 31, 1993, carrying more than ten thousand pounds gross weight must be equipped with four or more tires. An axle carrying more than ten thousand pounds gross weight must have four or more tires, regardless of date of manufacture. Instead of the four or more tires per axle requirements of this section, an axle may be equipped with two tires limited to five hundred pounds per inch width of tire. This section does not apply to vehicles operating under oversize or overweight permits, or both, issued under RCW 46.44.090, while carrying a nonreducible load. The following equipment may operate at six hundred pounds per inch width of tire: (1) A nonliftable steering axle or axles on the power unit; (2) a tiller axle on firefighting apparatus; (3) a rear booster trailing axle equipped with two tires on a ready-mix concrete transit truck; and (4) a straddle trailer manufactured before January 1, 1996, equipped with single-tire axles or a single axle using a walking beam supported by two in-line single tires and used exclusively for the transport of fruit bins between field, storage, and processing. A straddle trailer manufactured after January 1, 1996, meeting this use criteria may carry five hundred fifteen pounds per inch width of tire on sixteen and one-half inch wide tires. For the purpose of this section, the width of tire in case of solid rubber or hollow center cushion tires, so long as the use thereof may be permitted by the law, shall be measured between the flanges of the rim. For the purpose of this section, the width of tires in case of pneumatic tires shall be the maximum overall normal inflated width as stipulated by the manufacturer when inflated to the pressure specified and without load thereon. The department of transportation, by rule with respect to state highways, and a local authority, with respect to a public highway under its jurisdiction, may extend the weight table in RCW 46.44.041 to one hundred fifteen thousand pounds. However, the extension must be in compliance with federal law, and vehicles operating under the extension must be in full compliance with the 1997 axle and tire requirements under this section. [ 2006 c 334 s 15; 1996 c 116 s 1; 1993 c 103 s 1; 1985 c 351 s 4; 1975-'76 2nd ex.s. c 64 s 10; 1961 c 12 s 46.44.042. Prior: 1959 c 319 s 27; 1951 c 269 s 27; prior: 1949 c 221 s 2, part; 1947 c 200 s 6, part; 1941 c 116 s 2, part; 1937 c 189 s 50, part; Rem. Supp. 1949 s 6360-50, part; 1929 c 180 s 3, part; 1927 c 309 s 8, part; 1923 c 181 s 4, part; 1921 c 96 s 20, part; RRS s 6362-8, part.] NOTES: Effective date— RCW 46.44.043 Cement trucks—Axle loading controls. The switch that controls the raising and lowering of the retractable rear booster or tag axle on a ready-mix cement truck may be located within the reach of the driver's compartment as long as the variable control, used to adjust axle loadings by regulating air pressure or by other means, is out of the reach of the driver's compartment. [ 1994 c 305 s 1.] RCW 46.44.047 Excess weight—Logging trucks—Special permits—County or city permits—Fees—Discretion of arresting officer. A three axle truck tractor and a two axle pole trailer combination engaged in the operation of hauling logs may exceed by not more than six thousand eight hundred pounds the legal gross weight of the combination of vehicles when licensed, as permitted by law, for sixty-eight thousand pounds: PROVIDED, That the distance between the first and last axle of the vehicles in combination shall have a total wheelbase of not less than thirty-seven feet, and the weight upon two axles spaced less than seven feet apart shall not exceed thirty-three thousand six hundred pounds. Such additional allowances shall be permitted by a special permit to be issued by the department of transportation valid only on state primary or secondary highways authorized by the department and under such rules, regulations, terms, and conditions prescribed by the department. The fee for such special permit shall be fifty dollars for a twelve-month period beginning and ending on April 1st of each calendar year. Permits may be issued at any time, but if issued after July 1st of any year the fee shall be thirty-seven dollars and fifty cents. If issued on or after October 1st the fee shall be twenty-five dollars, and if issued on or after January 1st the fee shall be twelve dollars and fifty cents. A copy of such special permit covering the vehicle involved shall be carried in the cab of the vehicle at all times. Upon the third offense within the duration of the permit for violation of the terms and conditions of the special permit, the special permit shall be canceled. The vehicle covered by such canceled special permit shall not be eligible for a new special permit until thirty days after the cancellation of the special permit issued to said vehicle. The fee for such renewal shall be at the same rate as set forth in this section which covers the original issuance of such special permit. Each special permit shall be assigned to a three-axle truck tractor in combination with a two-axle pole trailer. When the department issues a duplicate permit to replace a lost or destroyed permit and where the department transfers a permit, a fee of fourteen dollars shall be charged for each such duplicate issued or each such transfer. All fees collected hereinabove shall be deposited with the state treasurer and credited to the motor vehicle fund. Permits involving city streets or county roads or using city streets or county roads to reach or leave state highways, authorized for permit by the department may be issued by the city or county or counties involved. A fee of five dollars for such city or county permit may be assessed by the city or by the county legislative authority which shall be deposited in the city or county road fund. The special permit provided for herein shall be known as a "log tolerance permit" and shall designate the route or routes to be used, which shall first be approved by the city or county engineer involved. Authorization of additional route or routes may be made at the discretion of the city or county by amending the original permit or by issuing a new permit. Said permits shall be issued on a yearly basis expiring on March 31st of each calendar year. Any person, firm, or corporation who uses any city street or county road for the purpose of transporting logs with weights authorized by state highway log tolerance permits, to reach or leave a state highway route, without first obtaining a city or county permit when required by the city or the county legislative authority shall be subject to the penalties prescribed by RCW 46.44.105. For the purpose of determining gross weight the actual scale weight taken by the officer shall be prima facie evidence of such total gross weight. In the event the gross weight is in excess of the weight permitted by law, the officer may, within his or her discretion, permit the operator to proceed with his or her vehicles in combination. The chief of the state patrol, with the advice of the department, may make reasonable rules and regulations to aid in the enforcement of the provisions of this section. [ 2010 c 8 s 9058; 1994 c 172 s 1; 1979 ex.s. c 136 s 74; 1975-'76 2nd ex.s. c 64 s 11; 1973 1st ex.s. c 150 s 2; 1971 ex.s. c 249 s 2; 1961 ex.s. c 21 s 35; 1961 c 12 s 46.44.047. Prior: 1955 c 384 s 19; 1953 c 254 s 10; 1951 c 269 s 31.] NOTES: Effective date— RCW 46.44.049 Effect of weight on highways—Study authorized. The department of transportation may make and enter into agreements with the federal government or any state or group of states or agencies thereof, or any nonprofit association, on a joint or cooperative basis, to study, analyze, or test the effects of weight on highway construction. The studies or tests may be made either by designating existing highways or the construction of test strips including natural resource roads to the end that a proper solution of the many problems connected with the imposition on highways of motor vehicle weights may be determined. The studies may include the determination of values to be assigned various highway-user groups according to their gross weight or use. [ 1984 c 7 s 54; 1961 c 12 s 46.44.049. Prior: 1951 c 269 s 47.] RCW 46.44.050 Minimum length of wheelbase. It shall be unlawful to operate any vehicle upon public highways with a wheelbase between any two axles thereof of less than three feet, six inches when weight exceeds that allowed for one axle under RCW 46.44.042 or 46.44.041. It shall be unlawful to operate any motor vehicle upon the public highways of this state with a wheelbase between the frontmost axle and the rearmost axle of less than three feet, six inches. For the purposes of this section, wheelbase shall be measured upon a straight line from center to center of the vehicle axles designated. [ 2009 c 275 s 6; 1979 ex.s. c 213 s 7; 1975-'76 2nd ex.s. c 64 s 12; 1961 c 12 s 46.44.050. Prior: 1941 c 116 s 3; 1937 c 189 s 51; Rem. Supp. 1941 s 6360-51; 1929 c 180 s 3, part; 1927 c 309 s 8, part; 1923 c 181 s 4, part; RRS s 6362-8, part.] NOTES: Effective dates— RCW 46.44.060 Outside load limits for passenger vehicles. No passenger type vehicle shall be operated on any public highway with any load carried thereon extending beyond the line of the fenders on the left side of such vehicle nor extending more than six inches beyond the line of the fenders on the right side thereof. [ 1961 c 12 s 46.44.060. Prior: 1937 c 189 s 52; RRS s 6360-52; 1929 c 180 s 5, part; 1927 c 309 s 10, part; RRS s 6362-10, part.] RCW 46.44.070 Drawbar requirements—Trailer whipping or weaving—Towing flag. The drawbar or other connection between vehicles in combination shall be of sufficient strength to hold the weight of the towed vehicle on any grade where operated. No trailer shall whip, weave or oscillate or fail to follow substantially in the course of the towing vehicle. When a disabled vehicle is being towed by means of bar, chain, rope, cable or similar means and the distance between the towed vehicle and the towing vehicle exceeds fifteen feet there shall be fastened on such connection in approximately the center thereof a white flag or cloth not less than twelve inches square. [ 1961 c 12 s 46.44.070. Prior: 1937 c 189 s 53; RRS s 6360-53; 1929 c 180 s 5, part; 1927 c 309 s 10, part; RRS s 6362-10, part; 1923 c 181 s 4, part.] RCW 46.44.080 Local regulations—State highway regulations. Local authorities with respect to public highways under their jurisdiction may prohibit the operation thereon of motor trucks or other vehicles or may impose limits as to the weight thereof, or any other restrictions as may be deemed necessary, whenever any such public highway by reason of rain, snow, climatic or other conditions, will be seriously damaged or destroyed unless the operation of vehicles thereon be prohibited or restricted or the permissible weights thereof reduced: PROVIDED, That whenever a highway has been closed generally to vehicles or specified classes of vehicles, local authorities shall by general rule or by special permit authorize the operation thereon of school buses, emergency vehicles, and motor trucks transporting perishable commodities or commodities necessary for the health and welfare of local residents under such weight and speed restrictions as the local authorities deem necessary to protect the highway from undue damage: PROVIDED FURTHER, That the governing authorities of incorporated cities and towns shall not prohibit the use of any city street designated a part of the route of any primary state highway through any such incorporated city or town by vehicles or any class of vehicles or impose any restrictions or reductions in permissible weights unless such restriction, limitation, or prohibition, or reduction in permissible weights be first approved in writing by the department of transportation. The local authorities imposing any such restrictions or limitations, or prohibiting any use or reducing the permissible weights shall do so by proper ordinance or resolution and shall erect or cause to be erected and maintained signs designating the provisions of the ordinance or resolution in each end of the portion of any public highway affected thereby, and no such ordinance or resolution shall be effective unless and until such signs are erected and maintained. The department shall have the same authority as hereinabove granted to local authorities to prohibit or restrict the operation of vehicles upon state highways. The department shall give public notice of closure or restriction. The department may issue special permits for the operation of school buses and motor trucks transporting perishable commodities or commodities necessary for the health and welfare of local residents under specified weight and speed restrictions as may be necessary to protect any state highway from undue damage. [ 2006 c 334 s 16; 1977 ex.s. c 151 s 29; 1973 2nd ex.s. c 15 s 1; 1961 c 12 s 46.44.080. Prior: 1937 c 189 s 54; RRS s 6360-54.] NOTES: Rules of court: RCW 46.44.090 Special permits for oversize or overweight movements. The department of transportation, pursuant to its rules with respect to state highways, and local authorities, with respect to public highways under their jurisdiction, may, upon application in writing and good cause being shown therefor, issue a special permit in writing, or electronically, authorizing the applicant to operate or move a vehicle or combination of vehicles of a size, weight of vehicle, or load exceeding the maximum set forth in RCW 46.44.010, 46.44.020, 46.44.030, 46.44.034, and 46.44.041 upon any public highway under the jurisdiction of the authority granting such permit and for the maintenance of which such authority is responsible. [ 2006 c 334 s 17; 2001 c 262 s 1; 1977 ex.s. c 151 s 30; 1975-'76 2nd ex.s. c 64 s 13; 1961 c 12 s 46.44.090. Prior: 1951 c 269 s 34; prior: 1949 c 221 s 3, part; 1947 c 200 s 7, part; 1945 c 177 s 1, part; 1937 c 189 s 55, part; Rem. Supp. 1949 s 6360-55, part.] NOTES: Effective date— RCW 46.44.091 Special permits—Gross weight limit. (1) Except as otherwise provided in subsections (3) and (4) of this section, no special permit shall be issued for movement on any state highway or route of a state highway within the limits of any city or town where the gross weight, including load, exceeds the following limits: (a) Twenty-two thousand pounds on a single axle or on dual axles with a wheelbase between the first and second axles of less than three feet six inches; (b) Forty-three thousand pounds on dual axles having a wheelbase between the first and second axles of not less than three feet six inches but less than seven feet; (c) On any group of axles or in the case of a vehicle employing two single axles with a wheel base between the first and last axle of not less than seven feet but less than ten feet, a weight in pounds determined by multiplying six thousand five hundred times the distance in feet between the center of the first axle and the center of the last axle of the group; (d) On any group of axles with a wheel base between the first and last axle of not less than ten feet but less than thirty feet, a weight in pounds determined by multiplying two thousand two hundred times the sum of twenty and the distance in feet between the center of the first axle and the center of the last axle of the group; (e) On any group of axles with a wheel base between the first and last axle of thirty feet or greater, a weight in pounds determined by multiplying one thousand six hundred times the sum of forty and the distance in feet between the center of the first axle and the center of the last axle of the group. (2) The total weight of a vehicle or combination of vehicles allowable by special permit under subsection (1) of this section shall be governed by the lesser of the weights obtained by using the total number of axles as a group or any combination of axles as a group. (3) The weight limitations pertaining to single axles may be exceeded to permit the movement of equipment operating upon single pneumatic tires having a rim width of twenty inches or more and a rim diameter of twenty-four inches or more or dual pneumatic tires having a rim width of sixteen inches or more and a rim diameter of twenty-four inches or more and specially designed vehicles manufactured and certified for special permits prior to July 1, 1975. (4) Permits may be issued for weights in excess of the limitations contained in subsection (1) of this section on highways or sections of highways which have been designed and constructed for weights in excess of such limitations, or for any shipment duly certified as necessary by military officials, or by officials of public or private power facilities, or when in the opinion of the department of transportation the movement or action is a necessary movement or action: PROVIDED, That in the judgment of the department of transportation the structures and highway surfaces on the routes involved are capable of sustaining weights in excess of such limitations and it is not reasonable for economic or operational considerations to transport such excess weights by rail or water for any substantial distance of the total mileage applied for. (5) Application shall be made in writing on special forms provided by the department of transportation and shall be submitted at least thirty-six hours in advance of the proposed movement. An application for a special permit for a gross weight of any combination of vehicles exceeding two hundred thousand pounds shall be submitted in writing to the department of transportation at least thirty days in advance of the proposed movement. [ 2001 c 262 s 2; 1989 c 52 s 1; 1977 ex.s. c 151 s 31; 1975-'76 2nd ex.s. c 64 s 14; 1975 1st ex.s. c 168 s 1; 1969 ex.s. c 281 s 30; 1961 c 12 s 46.44.091. Prior: 1959 c 319 s 28; 1953 c 254 s 12; 1951 c 269 s 35; prior: 1949 c 221 s 3, part; 1947 c 200 s 7, part; 1945 c 177 s 1, part; 1937 c 189 s 55, part; Rem. Supp. 1949 s 6360-55, part.] NOTES: Federal requirements— RCW 46.44.0915 Heavy haul industrial corridors—Overweight sealed containers and vehicles. (1)(a) Except as provided in (b) and (c) of this subsection, the department of transportation, with respect to state highways maintained within port district property, may, at the request of a port commission, make and enter into agreements with port districts and adjacent jurisdictions or agencies of the districts, for the purpose of identifying, managing, and maintaining short heavy haul industrial corridors within port district property for the movement of overweight sealed containers used in international trade. (b) The department of transportation shall designate that portion of state route number 97 from the Canadian border to milepost 331.12 as a heavy haul industrial corridor for the movement of overweight vehicles to and from the Oroville railhead. The department may issue special permits to vehicles operating in the heavy haul industrial corridor to carry weight in excess of weight limits established in RCW 46.44.041, but not to exceed a gross vehicle weight of 139,994 pounds. (c) The department of transportation shall designate that portion of state route number 128 from the Idaho border from milepost .51 to 2.24 and continuing on to state route number 193 from milepost .51 to 2.32 ending at the Port of Wilma as a heavy haul industrial corridor for the movement of overweight vehicles. The department may issue special permits to vehicles operating in the heavy haul industrial corridor to carry weight in excess of weight limits established in RCW 46.44.041, but not to exceed a gross vehicle weight of 129,000 pounds. Such vehicles operating in the heavy haul industrial corridor must comply with the federal bridge gross weight formula in 23 C.F.R. Part 658 as it existed on January 1, 2017, or such subsequent date as may be provided by the department by rule, consistent with the purposes of this subsection (1)(c), with axle and tire size weight limitations established in RCW 46.44.042 and length limitations established in RCW 46.44.030 and 46.44.0941. (2) Except as provided in subsection (1)(b) and (c) of this section, the department may issue special permits to vehicles operating in a heavy haul industrial corridor to carry weight in excess of weight limits established in RCW 46.44.041. However, the excess weight on a single axle, tandem axle, or any axle group must not exceed that allowed by RCW 46.44.091 (1) and (2), weight per tire must not exceed six hundred pounds per inch width of tire, and gross vehicle weight must not exceed one hundred five thousand five hundred pounds. (3) The entity operating or hiring vehicles under subsection (1)(b) of this section or moving overweight sealed containers used in international trade must pay a fee for each special permit of one hundred dollars per month or one thousand dollars annually, beginning from the date of issue, for all movements under the special permit made on state highways within a heavy haul industrial corridor. Within a port district property, under no circumstances are the for hire carriers or rail customers responsible for the purchase or cost of the permits. All funds collected, except the amount retained by authorized agents of the department under RCW 46.44.096, must be forwarded to the state treasurer and deposited in the motor vehicle fund. (4) For purposes of this section, an overweight sealed container used in international trade, including its contents, is considered nondivisible when transported within a heavy haul industrial corridor defined by the department. (5) Any agreement entered into by the department as authorized under this section with a port district adjacent to Puget Sound and located within a county that has a population of more than seven hundred thousand, but less than one million, must limit the applicability of any established heavy haul corridor to that portion of state route no. 509 beginning at milepost 0.25 in the vicinity of East 'D' Street and ending at milepost 5.7 in the vicinity of Norpoint Way Northeast. (6) The department of transportation may adopt reasonable rules to implement this section. [ 2016 c 26 s 1; 2013 c 115 s 1; 2012 c 86 s 804; 2011 c 115 s 1; 2008 c 89 s 1; 2005 c 311 s 1.] NOTES: Effective date— RCW 46.44.092 Special permits—Overall width limits, exceptions—Application for permit. Special permits may not be issued for movements on any state highway outside the limits of any city or town in excess of the following widths: On two-lane highways, fourteen feet; On multiple-lane highways where a physical barrier serving as a median divider separates opposing traffic lanes, twenty feet; On multiple-lane highways without a physical barrier serving as a median divider, thirty-two feet. These limits apply except under the following conditions: (1) In the case of buildings, the limitations referred to in this section for movement on any two lane state highway other than the national system of interstate and defense highways may be exceeded under the following conditions: (a) Controlled vehicular traffic shall be maintained in one direction at all times; (b) the maximum distance of movement shall not exceed five miles; additional contiguous permits shall not be issued to exceed the five-mile limit: PROVIDED, That when the department of transportation determines a hardship would result, this limitation may be exceeded upon approval of the department of transportation; (c) prior to issuing a permit a qualified transportation department employee shall make a visual inspection of the building and route involved determining that the conditions listed herein shall be complied with and that structures or overhead obstructions may be cleared or moved in order to maintain a constant and uninterrupted movement of the building; (d) special escort or other precautions may be imposed to assure movement is made under the safest possible conditions, and the Washington state patrol shall be advised when and where the movement is to be made; (2) Permits may be issued for widths of vehicles in excess of the preceding limitations on highways or sections of highways which have been designed and constructed for width in excess of such limitations; (3) Permits may be issued for vehicles with a total outside width, including the load, of nine feet or less when the vehicle is equipped with a mechanism designed to cover the load pursuant to RCW 46.61.655; (4) These limitations may be rescinded when certification is made by military officials, or by officials of public or private power facilities, or when in the opinion of the department of transportation the movement or action is a necessary movement or action: PROVIDED FURTHER, That in the judgment of the department of transportation the structures and highway surfaces on the routes involved are capable of sustaining widths in excess of such limitation; (5) These limitations shall not apply to movement during daylight hours on any two lane state highway where the gross weight, including load, does not exceed eighty thousand pounds and the overall width of load does not exceed sixteen feet: PROVIDED, That the minimum and maximum speed of such movements, prescribed routes of such movements, the times of such movements, limitation upon frequency of trips (which limitation shall be not less than one per week), and conditions to assure safety of traffic may be prescribed by the department of transportation or local authority issuing such special permit. The applicant for any special permit shall specifically describe the vehicle or vehicles and load to be operated or moved and the particular state highways for which permit to operate is requested and whether such permit is requested for a single trip or for continuous operation. [ 2006 c 334 s 18; 1989 c 398 s 2; 1981 c 63 s 1; 1977 ex.s. c 151 s 32; 1975-'76 2nd ex.s. c 64 s 15; 1970 ex.s. c 9 s 1; 1969 ex.s. c 281 s 60; 1965 ex.s. c 170 s 39; 1963 ex.s. c 3 s 54; 1961 c 12 s 46.44.092. Prior: 1959 c 319 s 29; 1955 c 146 s 2; 1951 c 269 s 36; prior: 1949 c 221 s 3, part; 1947 c 200 s 7, part; 1945 c 177 s 1, part; 1937 c 189 s 55, part; Rem. Supp. 1949 s 6360-55, part.] NOTES: Effective date— RCW 46.44.093 Special permits—Discretion of issuer—Conditions. The department of transportation or the local authority is authorized to issue or withhold such special permit at its discretion, although where a mobile home is being moved, the verification of a valid license under chapter 46.70 RCW as a mobile home dealer or manufacturer, or under chapter 46.76 RCW as a transporter, shall be done by the department or local government. If the permit is issued, the department or local authority may limit the number of trips, establish seasonal or other time limitations within which the vehicle described may be operated on the public highways indicated, or otherwise limit or prescribe conditions of operation of the vehicle or vehicles when necessary to assure against undue damage to the road foundation, surfaces, or structures or safety of traffic and may require such undertaking or other security as may be deemed necessary to compensate for injury to any roadway or road structure. [ 1988 c 239 s 3; 1984 c 7 s 55; 1961 c 12 s 46.44.093. Prior: 1951 c 269 s 37; prior: 1949 c 221 s 3, part; 1947 c 200 s 7, part; 1945 c 177 s 1, part; 1937 c 189 s 55, part; Rem. Supp. 1949 s 6360-55, part.] RCW 46.44.0941 Special permits—Fees. The following fees, in addition to the regular license and tonnage fees, shall be paid for all movements under special permit made upon state highways. All funds collected, except the amount retained by authorized agents of the department as provided in RCW 46.44.096, shall be forwarded to the state treasury and shall be deposited in the motor vehicle fund: All overlegal loads, except overweight, single trip. . . .$ 10.00 Continuous operation of overlegal loads having either overwidth or overheight features only, for a period not to exceed 30 days. . . .$ 20.00 Continuous operations of overlegal loads having overlength features only, for a period not to exceed 30 days. . . .$ 10.00 Continuous operation of a combination of vehicles having one trailing unit that exceeds 53 feet and is not more than 56 feet in length, for a period of one year. . . .$ 100.00 Continuous operation of a combination of vehicles having two trailing units which together exceed 61 feet and are not more than 68 feet in length, for a period of one year. . . .$ 100.00 Continuous operation of a combination of vehicles having two trailing units hauling fluid/liquid nondivisible milk, which together exceed 61 feet and are not more than 85 feet in length, for a period of one year. . . .$ 300.00 Continuous operation of a three-axle fixed load vehicle having less than 65,000 pounds gross weight, for a period not to exceed 30 days. . . .$ 70.00 Continuous operation of a four-axle fixed load vehicle meeting the requirements of RCW 46.44.091(1) and weighing less than 86,000 pounds gross weight, not to exceed 30 days. . . .$ 90.00 Continuous movement of a mobile home or manufactured home having nonreducible features not to exceed 85 feet in total length and 14 feet in width, for a period of one year. . . .$ 150.00 Continuous operation of a class C tow truck or a class E tow truck with a class C rating while performing emergency and nonemergency tows of oversize or overweight, or both, vehicles and vehicle combinations, under rules adopted by the transportation commission, for a period of one year. . . .$ 150.00 Continuous operation of a class B tow truck or a class E tow truck with a class B rating while performing emergency and nonemergency tows of oversize or overweight, or both, vehicles and vehicle combinations, under rules adopted by the transportation commission, for a period of one year. . . .$ 75.00 Continuous operation of a two or three-axle collection truck, actually engaged in the collection of solid waste or recyclables, or both, under chapter 81.77 or 35.21 RCW or by contract under RCW 36.58.090, for one year with an additional 6,000 pounds more than the weight authorized in RCW 46.16A.455 on the rear axle of a two-axle truck or 8,000 pounds for the tandem axles of a three-axle truck. RCW 46.44.041 and 46.44.091 notwithstanding, the tire limits specified in RCW 46.44.042 apply, but none of the excess weight is valid or may be permitted on any part of the federal interstate highway system. . . .$ 42.00 per thousand pounds The department may issue any of the above-listed permits that involve height, length, or width for an expanded period of consecutive months, not to exceed one year. Continuous operation of farm implements under a permit issued as authorized by RCW 46.44.140 by: (1) Farmers in the course of farming activities, for any three-month period. . . .$ 10.00 (2) Farmers in the course of farming activities, for a period not to exceed one year. . . .$ 25.00 (3) Persons engaged in the business of the sale, repair, or maintenance of such farm implements, for any three-month period. . . .$ 25.00 (4) Persons engaged in the business of the sale, repair, or maintenance of such farm implements, for a period not to exceed one year. . . .$ 100.00 Overweight Fee Schedule Excess weight over legal capacity, as provided in RCW 46.44.041. Cost per mile. 0- 9,999 pounds . . . . $ .07 10,000-14,999 pounds . . . . $ .14 15,000-19,999 pounds . . . . $ .21 20,000-24,999 pounds . . . . $ .28 25,000-29,999 pounds . . . . $ .35 30,000-34,999 pounds . . . . $ .49 35,000-39,999 pounds . . . . $ .63 40,000-44,999 pounds . . . . $ .79 45,000-49,999 pounds . . . . $ .93 50,000-54,999 pounds . . . . $ 1.14 55,000-59,999 pounds . . . . $ 1.35 60,000-64,999 pounds . . . . $ 1.56 65,000-69,999 pounds . . . . $ 1.77 70,000-74,999 pounds . . . . $ 2.12 75,000-79,999 pounds . . . . $ 2.47 80,000-84,999 pounds . . . . $ 2.82 85,000-89,999 pounds . . . . $ 3.17 90,000-94,999 pounds . . . . $ 3.52 95,000-99,999 pounds . . . . $ 3.87 100,000 pounds . . . . $ 4.25 The fee for weights in excess of 100,000 pounds is $4.25 plus 50 cents for each 5,000 pound increment or portion thereof exceeding 100,000 pounds. PROVIDED: (a) The minimum fee for any overweight permit shall be $14.00, (b) the fee for issuance of a duplicate permit shall be $14.00, (c) when computing overweight fees prescribed in this section or in RCW 46.44.095 that result in an amount less than even dollars the fee shall be carried to the next full dollar if 50 cents or over and shall be reduced to the next full dollar if 49 cents or under. The fees levied in this section and RCW 46.44.095 do not apply to vehicles owned and operated by the state of Washington, a county within the state, a city or town or metropolitan municipal corporation within the state, or the federal government. [ 2023 c 281 s 1; 2010 c 161 s 1117; 2004 c 109 s 1; 1995 c 171 s 2. Prior: 1994 c 172 s 2; 1994 c 59 s 1; 1993 c 102 s 4; 1990 c 42 s 107; 1989 c 398 s 1; 1985 c 351 s 5; 1983 c 278 s 3; 1979 ex.s. c 113 s 5; 1975-'76 2nd ex.s. c 64 s 16; 1975 1st ex.s. c 168 s 2; 1973 1st ex.s. c 1 s 3; 1971 ex.s. c 248 s 3; 1967 c 174 s 8; 1965 c 137 s 2.] NOTES: Effective date— RCW 46.44.095 Temporary additional tonnage permits—Fees. When a combination of vehicles has been licensed to a total gross weight of 80,000 pounds or when a three or more axle single unit vehicle has been licensed to a total gross weight of 40,000 pounds, a temporary additional tonnage permit to haul loads in excess of these limits may be issued. This permit is valid for periods of not less than five days at two dollars and eighty cents per day for each two thousand pounds or fraction thereof. The fee may not be prorated. The permits shall authorize the movement of loads not exceeding the weight limits set forth in RCW 46.44.041 and 46.44.042. [ 1993 c 102 s 5; 1990 c 42 s 108; 1989 c 398 s 3; 1988 c 55 s 1; 1983 c 68 s 2; 1979 c 158 s 159; 1977 ex.s. c 151 s 33; 1975-'76 2nd ex.s. c 64 s 17; 1974 ex.s. c 76 s 1; 1973 1st ex.s. c 150 s 3; 1969 ex.s. c 281 s 55; 1967 ex.s. c 94 s 15; 1967 c 32 s 51; 1965 ex.s. c 170 s 38; 1961 ex.s. c 7 s 15; 1961 c 12 s 46.44.095. Prior: 1959 c 319 s 31; 1957 c 273 s 18; 1955 c 185 s 1; 1953 c 254 s 13; 1951 c 269 s 39; prior: 1949 c 221 s 3, part; 1947 c 200 s 7, part; 1945 c 177 s 1, part; 1937 c 189 s 55, part; Rem. Supp. 1949 s 6360-55, part.] NOTES: Effective date of 1993 c 102 and c 123— RCW 46.44.096 Special permits—Determining fee—To whom paid. In determining fees according to RCW 46.44.0941, mileage on state primary and secondary highways shall be determined from the planning survey records of the department of transportation, and the gross weight of the vehicle or vehicles, including load, shall be declared by the applicant. Overweight on which fees shall be paid will be gross loadings in excess of loadings authorized by law or axle loadings in excess of loadings authorized by law, whichever is the greater. Loads which are overweight and oversize shall be charged the fee for the overweight permit without additional fees being assessed for the oversize features. Special permits issued under RCW 46.44.047, 46.44.0941, or 46.44.095, may be obtained from offices of the department of transportation, ports of entry, or other agents appointed by the department. The department may appoint agents for the purposes of selling special motor vehicle permits, temporary additional tonnage permits, and log tolerance permits. Agents so appointed may retain three dollars and fifty cents for each permit sold to defray expenses incurred in handling and selling the permits. If the fee is collected by the department of transportation, the department shall certify the fee so collected to the state treasurer for deposit to the credit of the motor vehicle fund. The department may select a third party contractor, by means of competitive bid, to perform the department's permit issuance function, as provided under RCW 46.44.090. Factors the department shall consider, but is not limited to, in the selection of a third party contractor are economic benefit to both the department and the motor carrier industry, and enhancement of the overall level of permit service. For purposes of this section, "third party contractor" means a business entity that is authorized by the department to issue special permits. The department of transportation may adopt rules specifying the criteria that a business entity must meet in order to qualify as a third party contractor under this section. Fees established in RCW 46.44.0941 shall be paid to the political body issuing the permit if the entire movement is to be confined to roads, streets, or highways for which that political body is responsible. When a movement involves a combination of state highways, county roads, and/or city streets the fee shall be paid to the department of transportation. When a movement is confined within the city limits of a city or town upon city streets, including routes of state highways on city streets, all fees shall be paid to the city or town involved. A permit will not be required from city or town authorities for a move involving a combination of city or town streets and state highways when the move through a city or town is being confined to the route of the state highway. When a move involves a combination of county roads and city streets the fee shall be paid to the county authorities, but the fee shall not be collected nor the county permit issued until valid permits are presented showing that the city or town authorities approve of the move in question. When the movement involves only county roads the fees collected shall be paid to the county involved. Fees established shall be paid to the political body issuing the permit if the entire use of the vehicle during the period covered by the permit shall be confined to the roads, streets, or highways for which that political body is responsible. [ 2006 c 334 s 19; 1996 c 92 s 1; 1993 c 102 s 6; 1989 c 398 s 4; 1984 c 7 s 56; 1975-'76 2nd ex.s. c 64 s 18; 1971 ex.s. c 248 s 4; 1969 ex.s. c 281 s 31; 1961 c 12 s 46.44.096. Prior: 1955 c 185 s 2; 1951 c 269 s 40; prior: 1949 c 221 s 3, part; 1947 c 200 s 7, part; 1945 c 177 s 1, part; 1937 c 189 s 55, part; Rem. Supp. 1949 s 6360-55, part.] NOTES: Effective date— RCW 46.44.098 Increase in federal limits on sizes and weights—Increases by commission. If the congress of the United States further amends section 127, Title 23 of the United States Code, authorizing increased sizes and weights, the Washington state department of transportation may authorize the operation of vehicles and combinations of vehicles upon completed portions of the interstate highway system and other designated state highways if determined to be capable of accommodating the increased sizes and weights in excess of those prescribed in RCW 46.44.041, or as provided in RCW 46.44.010 and 46.44.037. The permitted increases shall not in any way exceed the federal limits which would jeopardize the state's allotment of federal funds. [ 1984 c 7 s 57; 1975-'76 2nd ex.s. c 64 s 19; 1965 c 38 s 1.] NOTES: Effective dates— RCW 46.44.101 Interstate travel by specialized equipment. The department of transportation may, within the provisions set forth in this chapter, adopt rules for size and weight criteria relating to vehicles considered to be specialized equipment by the federal highway administration for interstate travel or as determined by the department for intrastate travel. [ 2005 c 189 s 3.] RCW 46.44.105 Enforcement procedures—Penalties—Exception—Rules. (1)(a) Except as provided in (c) of this subsection, a violation of any of the provisions of this chapter is a traffic infraction, and upon the first finding thereof shall be assessed a basic penalty of not less than fifty dollars; and upon a second finding thereof shall be assessed a basic penalty of not less than seventy-five dollars; and upon a third or subsequent finding shall be assessed a basic penalty of not less than one hundred dollars. (b)(i) Except as provided in (c) of this subsection, in addition to the penalties imposed in (a) of this subsection, any person violating RCW 46.44.041, 46.44.042, 46.44.047, 46.44.090, 46.44.091, or 46.44.095 shall be assessed a penalty for each pound overweight, as follows: (A) One pound through four thousand pounds overweight is three cents for each pound; (B) Four thousand one pounds through ten thousand pounds overweight is one hundred twenty dollars plus twelve cents per pound for each additional pound over four thousand pounds overweight; (C) Ten thousand one pounds through fifteen thousand pounds overweight is eight hundred forty dollars plus sixteen cents per pound for each additional pound over ten thousand pounds overweight; (D) Fifteen thousand one pounds through twenty thousand pounds overweight is one thousand six hundred forty dollars plus twenty cents per pound for each additional pound over fifteen thousand pounds overweight; (E) Twenty thousand one pounds and more is two thousand six hundred forty dollars plus thirty cents per pound for each additional pound over twenty thousand pounds overweight. (ii) Upon a first violation in any calendar year, the court may suspend the penalty for five hundred pounds of excess weight for each axle on any vehicle or combination of vehicles, not to exceed a two thousand pound suspension. Except