An Act to Improve Maine's Economy by Changing the Hours of Operation for Oversize Loads
Maine Legislature, Session 131, LD 1025
Committee: Transportation
Sponsors: UNDERWOOD, STEWART, CYRWAY, WHITE
Amends: 29-A MRSA §2382

Legislative Document
No. 1025
H.P. 661
House of Representatives, March 7, 2023
An Act to Improve Maine's Economy by Changing the Hours of 
Operation for Oversize Loads
(EMERGENCY)
Reference to the Committee on Transportation suggested and ordered printed.
ROBERT B. HUNT
Clerk
Presented by Representative UNDERWOOD of Presque Isle.
Cosponsored by Senator STEWART of Aroostook and
Representatives: CYRWAY of Albion, WHITE of Guilford.
Emergency preamble.  Whereas, acts and resolves of the Legislature do not 
become effective until 90 days after adjournment unless enacted as emergencies; and
Whereas, this legislation allows for nondivisible objects to be transported 1/2 hour 
before sunrise to 10 p.m. on any day, including a holiday, other than Sunday and directs 
the Secretary of State to allow long-term permits for vehicles up to 12 feet in width; and
Whereas, this legislation needs to take effect as soon as possible to allow for the most 
efficient transport of goods in and out of the State in order to improve the State’s economy; 
and
Whereas, in the judgment of the Legislature, these facts create an emergency within 
the meaning of the Constitution of Maine and require the following legislation as 
immediately necessary for the preservation of the public peace, health and safety; now, 
therefore,
Be it enacted by the People of the State of Maine as follows:
Sec. 1.  29-A MRSA §2382, sub-§1, as enacted by PL 1993, c. 683, Pt. A, §2 and 
affected by Pt. B, §5, is amended to read:
1.  Overlimit movement permits issued by State.  The Secretary of State, acting 
under guidelines and advice of the Commissioner of Transportation, may grant permits to 
move nondivisible objects having a length, width, height or weight greater than specified 
in this Title over a way or bridge maintained by the Department of Transportation. Permits 
issued under this subsection must allow the movement of the nondivisible objects from 1/2 
hour before sunrise to 10 p.m. on any day, including a holiday, other than Sunday.
Sec. 2.  29-A MRSA §2382, sub-§3, as amended by PL 2003, c. 452, Pt. Q, §73 
and affected by Pt. X, §2, is further amended to read:
3.  County and municipal permits.  A county commissioner or municipal officer may 
grant a permit, for a reasonable fee, for travel over a way or bridge maintained by that 
county or municipality. Permits issued under this subsection must allow the travel from 1/2 
hour before sunrise to 10 p.m. on any day, including a holiday, other than Sunday.
Sec. 3.  29-A MRSA §2382, sub-§5, as amended by PL 2019, c. 335, §9, is further 
amended to read:
5.  Long-term permits.  The Secretary of State may grant permits for up to one year 
for trucks, truck tractors, semitrailers, heavy duty recovery vehicles and Class A special 
mobile equipment.   Notwithstanding Title 5, section 8071, subsection 2, paragraph A, the 
Secretary of State, in consultation with the Commissioner of Transportation, shall establish 
the permit terms and limitations and fee schedule by rule.  Rules adopted pursuant to this 
subsection must provide for permits to be issued to vehicles up to 12 feet in width and must 
allow travel by any permitted vehicle between 1/2 hour before sunrise and 10 p.m. on any 
day, including a holiday, other than Sunday. Rules adopted pursuant to this subsection are 
routine technical rules as defined in Title 5, chapter 375, subchapter 2‑A.
Emergency clause.  In view of the emergency cited in the preamble, this legislation 
takes effect when approved.
SUMMARY
This bill directs the Secretary of State to adopt rules regarding overlimit movement 
permits to allow movement on any day of the week, including a holiday, other than Sunday. 
The bill directs the Secretary of State to adopt rules allowing for permitted overlimit moves 
1/2 hour before sunrise until 10 p.m. The bill directs the Secretary of State to adopt rules 
to allow vehicles up to 12 feet in width to be issued long-term permits.