SECTION 219.13. Time Permits

(a) General information. Applications for time permits issued under Transportation Code, Chapter 623, and this section shall be made in accordance with §219.11(b) and (c) of this title (relating to General Oversize/Overweight Permit Requirements and Procedures). Permits issued under this section are governed by the requirements of §219.11(e)(1) of this title.

(b) 30, 60, and 90 day permits. The following conditions apply to time permits issued for overwidth or overlength loads, or overlength vehicles, under this section.

(1) Fees. The fee for a 30-day permit is $120; the fee for a 60-day permit is $180; and the fee for a 90-day permit is $240. All fees are payable in accordance with §219.11(f) of this title. All fees are non-refundable.

(2) Validity of Permit. Time permits are valid for a period of 30, 60, or 90 calendar days, based on the request of the applicant, and will begin on the effective date stated on the permit.

(3) Weight/height limits. The permitted vehicle may not exceed the weight or height limits set forth by Transportation Code, Chapter 621, Subchapters B and C.

(4) Registration requirements for permitted vehicles. Time permits will not be issued to a vehicle or vehicle combination that is registered with temporary vehicle registration.

(5) Vehicle indicated on permit. The permit will indicate only the truck or truck-tractor transporting the load; however, any properly registered trailer or semi-trailer is covered by the permit.

(6) Permit routes. The permit will allow travel on a statewide basis.

(7) Restrictions.

(A) The permitted vehicle must not cross a load restricted bridge or load restricted road when exceeding the posted capacity of the road or bridge.

(B) The permitted vehicle may travel through highway construction or maintenance areas if the dimensions do not exceed the construction restrictions as published by the department.

(C) The permitted vehicle is subject to the restrictions specified in §219.11(l) of this title, and the permittee is responsible for obtaining from the department information concerning current restrictions.

(8) Escort requirements. Permitted vehicles are subject to the escort requirements specified in §219.11(k) of this title.

(9) Transfer of time permits. Time permits issued under this subsection are non-transferable between permittees or vehicles.

(10) Amendments. With the exception of time permits issued under subsection (e)(4) of this section, time permits issued under this subsection will not be amended except in the case of permit officer error.

(c) Overwidth loads. An overwidth time permit may be issued for the movement of any load or overwidth trailer, subject to subsection (a) of this section and the following conditions:

(1) Width requirements.

(A) A time permit will not be issued for a vehicle with a width exceeding 13 feet.

(B) When multiple items are hauled at the same time, the items may not be loaded in a manner that creates a width greater than the width of the widest item being hauled.

(2) Weight, height, and length requirements.

(A) The permitted vehicle shall not exceed legal weight, height, or length according to Transportation Code, Chapter 621, Subchapters B and C.

(B) When multiple items are hauled at the same time, the items may not be loaded in a manner that creates:

(i) a height greater than 14 feet;

(ii) an overlength load; or

(iii) a gross weight exceeding the legal gross or axle weight of the vehicle hauling the load.

(3) Movement of overwidth trailers. When the permitted vehicle is an overwidth trailer, it will be allowed to:

(A) move empty to and from the job site; and

(B) haul a load from the permitted vehicle's point of origin to pick up a permitted load, and to the permitted vehicle's point of origin or the permittee's place of business after dropping off a permitted load, as long as:

(i) the load does not exceed legal size and weight limits under Transportation Code, Chapters 621 and 622; and

(ii) the transport complies with the permit, including the time period stated on the permit.

(4) Use in conjunction with other permits. An overwidth time permit may be used in conjunction with an overlength time permit.

(d) Overlength loads. An overlength time permit may be issued for the transportation of overlength loads or the movement of an overlength self-propelled vehicle, subject to subsection (a) of this section and the following conditions:

(1) Length requirements.

(A) The maximum overall length for the permitted vehicle may not exceed 110 feet.

(B) The department may issue a permit under Transportation Code, §623.071(a) for an overlength load or an overlength self-propelled vehicle that falls within the definition of a nondivisible load or vehicle.

(2) Weight, height and width requirements.

(A) The permitted vehicle may not exceed legal weight, height, or width according to Transportation Code, Chapter 621, Subchapters B and C.

(B) A permit will not be issued when the load has more than 25 feet front overhang, or more than 30 feet rear overhang.

(3) Use in conjunction with other permits. An overlength time permit may be used in conjunction with an overwidth time permit.

(4) Emergency movement. A permitted vehicle transporting utility poles will be allowed emergency night movement for restoring electrical utility service, provided the permitted vehicle is accompanied by a rear escort flag vehicle.

(e) Annual permits.

(1) General information. All permits issued under this subsection are subject to the following conditions.

(A) Fees for permits issued under this subsection are payable as described in §219.11(f) of this title.

(B) Permits issued under this subsection are not transferable.

(C) Vehicles permitted under this subsection shall be operated according to the restrictions described in §219.11(l) of this title. The permittee is responsible for obtaining information concerning current restrictions from the department.

(D) Vehicles permitted under this subsection may not travel over a load restricted bridge or load restricted road when exceeding the posted capacity of the road or bridge.

(E) Vehicles permitted under this subsection may travel through any highway construction or maintenance area provided the dimensions do not exceed the construction restrictions as published by the department.

(F) With the exception of permits issued under paragraph (5) of this subsection, vehicles permitted under this subsection shall be operated according to the escort requirements described in §219.11(k) of this title.

(2) Implements of husbandry. An annual permit may be issued for an implement of husbandry being moved by a dealer in those implements, and for harvesting equipment being moved as part of an agricultural operation. Permits issued under this paragraph are subject to the conditions described in paragraph (1) of this subsection.

(A) The fee for a permit issued under this paragraph is $270, plus the highway maintenance fee specified in Transportation Code, §623.077.

(B) The time period will be for one year and will start on the effective date stated on the permit.

(C) The maximum width may not exceed 16 feet; maximum height may not exceed 16 feet; maximum length may not exceed 110 feet; and maximum weight may not exceed the limits stated in §219.11(d) of this title.

(D) Unless stated otherwise on the permit, the permitted vehicle must travel in the outside traffic lane on multi-lane highways, when the width of the load exceeds 12 feet.

(E) The permitted vehicle must be registered in accordance with Transportation Code, Chapter 502, for maximum weight for the vehicle or vehicle combination, as set forth by Transportation Code, Chapter 621.

(3) Water well drilling machinery. The department may issue annual permits under Transportation Code, §623.071, for water well drilling machinery and equipment that fall within the definition of a nondivisible load or vehicle. Permits issued under this paragraph are subject to the conditions described in paragraph (1) of this subsection.

(A) The fee for a permit issued under this paragraph is $270, plus the highway maintenance fee specified in Transportation Code, §623.077 for an overweight load.

(B) A water well drilling machinery permit is valid for one year from the effective date stated on the permit.

(C) The maximum dimensions may not exceed 16 feet wide, 14 feet 6 inches high, 110 feet long, and maximum weight may not exceed the limits stated in §219.11(d) of this title.

(D) The permitted vehicle must be registered in accordance with Transportation Code, Chapter 502, for the maximum weight of the vehicle, as set forth by Transportation Code, Chapter 621.

(E) A permit issued under this section authorizes a permitted vehicle to operate only on the state highway system.

(4) Envelope vehicle permits.

(A) The department may issue an annual permit under Transportation Code, §623.071(c), to a specific vehicle, for the movement of superheavy or oversize equipment that falls within the definition of a nondivisible load. This permit may not be used for a container, including a trailer or an intermodal container, loaded with divisible cargo. Unless otherwise noted, permits issued under this paragraph are subject to the conditions described in paragraph (1) of this subsection.

(i) Superheavy or oversize equipment operating under an annual envelope vehicle permit may not exceed:

(I) 12 feet in width;

(II) 14 feet in height;

(III) 110 feet in length; or

(IV) 120,000 pounds gross weight.

(ii) Superheavy or oversize equipment operating under an annual envelope vehicle permit may not transport a load that has more than 25 feet front overhang, or more than 30 feet rear overhang.

(iii) The fee for an annual envelope vehicle permit is $4,000, and is non-refundable.

(iv) The time period will be for one year and will start on the effective date stated on the permit.

(v) This permit authorizes operation of the permitted vehicle only on the state highway system.

(vi) The permitted vehicle must comply with §219.11(d)(2) and (3) of this title.

(vii) The permitted vehicle or vehicle combination must be registered in accordance with Transportation Code, Chapter 502, for maximum weight as set forth by Transportation Code, Chapter 621.

(viii) A permit issued under this paragraph is non-transferable between permittees.

(ix) A permit issued under this paragraph may be transferred from one vehicle to another vehicle in the permittee's fleet provided:

(I) the permitted vehicle is destroyed or otherwise becomes permanently inoperable, to an extent that it will no longer be utilized, and the permittee presents proof that the negotiable certificate of title or other qualifying documentation has been surrendered to the department; or

(II) the certificate of title to the permitted vehicle is transferred to someone other than the permittee, and the permittee presents proof that the negotiable certificate of title or other qualifying documentation has been transferred from the permittee.

(x) A single-trip permit, as described in §219.12 of this title (relating to Single-Trip Permits Issued Under Transportation Code, Chapter 623, Subchapter D), may be used in conjunction with an annual permit issued under this paragraph for the movement of vehicles or loads exceeding the height or width limits established in subparagraph (A) of this paragraph. The department will indicate the annual permit number on any single-trip permit to be used in conjunction with a permit issued under this paragraph, and permittees will be assessed a fee of $60 for the single-trip permit.

(B) The department may issue an annual permit under Transportation Code, §623.071(d), to a specific motor carrier, for the movement of superheavy or oversize equipment that falls within the definition of a nondivisible load. This permit may not be used for a container, including a trailer or an intermodal container, loaded with divisible cargo. Unless otherwise noted, permits issued under this paragraph are subject to the conditions described in paragraph (1) of this subsection and subparagraphs (A)(i)-(viii) of this paragraph. A permit issued under this paragraph may be transferred from one vehicle to another vehicle in the permittee's fleet provided:

(i) that no more than one vehicle is operated at a time; and

(ii) the original certified permit is carried in the vehicle that is being operated under the terms of the permit.

(C) An annual envelope permit issued under subparagraph (B) of this paragraph will be sent to the permittee via registered mail, or at the permittee's request and expense overnight delivery service. This permit may not be duplicated. This permit will be replaced only if:

(i) the permittee did not receive the original permit within seven business days after its date of issuance;

(ii) a request for replacement is submitted to the department within 10 business days after the original permit's date of issuance; and

(iii) the request for replacement is accompanied by a notarized statement signed by a principle or officer of the permittee acknowledging that the permittee understands the permit may not be duplicated and that if the original permit is located, the permittee must return either the original or replacement permit to the department.

(D) A request for replacement of a permit issued under subparagraph (B) of this paragraph will be denied if the department can verify that the permittee received the original.

(E) Lost, misplaced, damaged, destroyed, or otherwise unusable permits will not be replaced. A new permit will be required.

(5) Annual manufactured housing permit. The department may issue an annual permit for the transportation of new manufactured homes from a manufacturing facility to a temporary storage location, not to exceed 20 miles from the point of manufacture, in accordance with Transportation Code, §623.094. Permits issued under this paragraph are subject to the requirements of paragraph (1), subparagraphs (A), (B), (C), (D), (E), and (G), of this subsection.

(A) A permit shall contain the name of the company or person authorized to be issued permits by Transportation Code, Chapter 623, Subchapter E.

(B) The fee for a permit issued under this paragraph is $1,500. Fees are non-refundable, and shall be paid in accordance with §219.11(f) of this title.

(C) The time period will be for one year from the effective date stated on the permit.

(D) The permitted vehicle must travel in the outside traffic lane on multi-lane highways when the width of the load exceeds 12 feet.

(E) The permitted vehicle must be registered in accordance with Transportation Code, Chapter 502.

(F) Authorized movement for a vehicle permitted under this section shall be valid during daylight hours only as defined by Transportation Code, §541.401.

(G) The permitted vehicle must be operated in accordance with the escort requirements described in §219.14(f) of this title (relating to Manufactured Housing, and Industrialized Housing and Building Permits).

(H) Permits issued under this section are non-transferable between permittees.

(6) Power line poles. An annual permit will be issued under Transportation Code, Chapter 622, Subchapter E, for the movement of poles required for the maintenance of electric power transmission and distribution lines. Permits issued under this paragraph are subject to the conditions described in paragraph (1) of this subsection.

(A) The fee for the permit is $120.

(B) The time period will be for one year and will start on the effective date stated on the permit.

(C) The maximum length of the permitted vehicle may not exceed 75 feet.

(D) The width, height and gross weight of the permitted vehicle may not exceed the limits set forth by Transportation Code, Chapter 621.

(E) Vehicles permitted under this paragraph may not travel over a load restricted bridge or load zoned road when exceeding posted limits.

(F) The permitted vehicle must be registered in accordance with Transportation Code, Chapter 502, for maximum weight as set forth by Transportation Code, Chapter 621.

(G) Movement will be between the hours of sunrise and sunset; however, the limitation on hours of operation does not apply to a vehicle being operated to prevent interruption or impairment of electric service, or to restore electric service that has been interrupted. When operated at night, a vehicle permitted under this subsection must be accompanied by a rear escort flag vehicle.

(H) The speed of the permitted vehicle may not exceed 50 miles per hour.

(I) The permitted vehicle must display on the extreme end of the load:

(i) two red lamps visible at a distance of at least 500 feet from the rear;

(ii) two red reflectors that indicate the maximum width and are visible, when light is insufficient or atmospheric conditions are unfavorable, at all distances from 100 to 600 feet from the rear when directly in front of lawful lower beams of headlamps; and

(iii) two red lamps, one on each side, that indicate the maximum overhang, and are visible at a distance of at least 500 feet from the side of the vehicle.

(7) Cylindrically shaped bales of hay. An annual permit may be issued under Transportation Code, §623.017, for the movement of vehicles transporting cylindrically shaped bales of hay. Permits issued under this paragraph are subject to the conditions described in paragraph (1) of this subsection.

(A) The permit fee is $10.

(B) The time period will be for one year, and will start on the effective date stated on the permit.

(C) The maximum width of the permitted vehicle may not exceed 12 feet.

(D) The length, height, and gross weight of the permitted vehicle may not exceed the limits set forth by Transportation Code, Chapter 621.

(E) Movement is restricted to daylight hours only.

(F) The permitted vehicle must be registered in accordance with Transportation Code, Chapter 502, for maximum weight, as set forth by Transportation Code, Chapter 621.

(8) Overlength load or vehicles. An annual overlength permit may be issued for the transportation of a nondivisible overlength load or the movement of a nondivisible overlength vehicle or combination of vehicles under Transportation Code, §623.071(c-1). This permit is subject to the portions of subsections (a), (b), and (d) of this section that are not limited to the fee or duration for the 30, 60, and 90 day permits.

Source Note: The provisions of this §219.13 adopted to be effective February 21, 1999, 24 TexReg 1221; amended to be effective November 21, 1999, 24 TexReg 10142; amended to be effective December 5, 2001, 26 TexReg 9920; amended to be effective June 1, 2008, 33 TexReg 3776; transferred effective January 1, 2012, as published in the Texas Register January 27, 2012, 37 TexReg 359; amended to be effective June 28, 2015, 40 TexReg 4003; amended to be effective December 14, 2015, 40 TexReg 8900; amended to be effective December 30, 2020, 45 TexReg 9582; amended to be effective January 4, 2024, 48 TexReg 8383