NY Veh & Traf L § 385 (2021)
2021 New York Laws VAT - Vehicle and Traffic Title 3 - Safety Responsibility; Financial Security; Equipment; Inspection; Size and Weight; and Other Provisions Article 10 - Dimensions and Weights of Vehicles 385 - Dimensions and Weights of Vehicles.

§  385. Dimensions and weights of vehicles. No person shall operate or move, or cause or knowingly permit  to  be  operated  or  moved  on  any highway  or  bridge  thereon, in any county not wholly included within a city, any vehicle or  combination  of  vehicles  of  a  size  or  weight exceeding  the  limitations  provided  for  in  this  section. Except as otherwise specifically provided in subdivision fifteen of this  section, no  person  shall  operate  or  move, or cause or knowingly permit to be operated or moved on any highway or bridge  thereon,  in  any  city  not wholly  included  within  one  county,  any  vehicle  or  combination of vehicles of a size or weight exceeding the limitations provided  for  in the  rules  and  regulations of the city department of transportation of such city adopted pursuant to section sixteen hundred forty-two of  this chapter.   1.  (a)  (i)  The  width of a vehicle, inclusive of load, shall be not more than ninety-six inches plus safety devices, except that the maximum width of a vehicle, inclusive of load, shall be one hundred two  inches, plus  safety  devices,  on any qualifying or access highway. Except in a city not wholly included within one  county,  the  maximum  width  of  a vehicle, inclusive of load shall not be more than one hundred two inches plus  safety devices on any other highway with traffic lanes designed to be a width of ten feet or more.  (ii) If the legislative body of a county not wholly contained within a city determines that any specific segment of the state highway system is not capable of safely accommodating motor vehicles with a width  of  one hundred  two  inches,  plus  safety  devices,  such  body may notify the commissioner of transportation of such determination  and  request  that the  commissioner designate such segment as one where the width of motor vehicles may not exceed ninety-six inches, plus safety devices.   Before making such notification, such county  legislative  body  shall consult  with  units  of local government within the county in which the specific segment of such system  is  located,  as  well  as  the  county legislative  body  of  any county adjacent to the requesting county that might  be  directly  affected  by  such  exemption.  As  part  of   such consultations, consideration shall be given to any potential alternative route that:  (A)  can safely accommodate motor vehicles having the widths set forth in this paragraph; and  (B) serves the area in which such segment is located.   The county legislative body  shall  transmit  with  such  notification specific  evidence  of  safety problems that supports such determination and the results of consultations regarding any alternative route.   If the commissioner of transportation determines, upon  request  by  a county  legislative  body  or on the commissioner's own initiative, that any segment of the  state  highway  system  is  not  capable  of  safely accommodating  motor  vehicles  having  the  widths  set  forth  in this paragraph,  the  commissioner  shall  exempt  such  segment   from   the provisions of this paragraph.  (b)  The  provisions  of  paragraph  (a) of this subdivision shall not apply to vehicles and  implements  or  combinations  thereof,  not  over twelve  feet in width and used solely for farm purposes, except upon any highway at any time on which operation is prohibited  by  order  of  the department of transportation.  (c)  The  provisions  of  paragraph  (a) of this subdivision shall not apply to vehicles and implements or combinations thereof, between twelve and up to seventeen feet in width, used solely for  farm  purposes  when the following requirements are met:  (i)  the  vehicle  and  implement  or  combination thereof is operated during the period from one-half hour before  sunrise  to  one-half  hour after sunset;  (ii)  red or orange fluorescent flags not smaller than eighteen inches square, and reflectors are placed on the extreme corners of the load;  (iii)  two  flashing  amber  lights  in  compliance  with  regulations prescribed  by  the  commissioner  of transportation are attached to the rear of the load or, if the vehicle hauling such implement  is  equipped with  hazard  lights  which  are visible from the rear of the load, such lights are flashing; and  (iv) if the vehicle or load  extends  beyond  the  center  line  of  a highway or if the vehicle is being operated during any time when, due to rain,  sleet,  snow,  hail,  fog,  insufficient  light, or for any other reason, visibility for a distance of one  thousand  feet  ahead  is  not clear,  the  vehicle  is preceded by an escort vehicle which is equipped with a warning sign and flashing lights in compliance  with  regulations prescribed by the commissioner of transportation.  (d)  The  provisions  of  paragraph  (a) of this subdivision shall not apply to vehicles and  implements  or  combinations  thereof,  not  over thirteen feet in width and designed and intended for use solely for farm purposes  when owned or in the possession of a dealer in farm implements and equipment, during the same period and under the same conditions  and restrictions  as  set  forth  in  paragraph (b) of this subdivision; nor shall paragraph (a) of this subdivision apply to the  transportation  of such  vehicles, implements and combinations thereof as a load on another vehicle, such vehicle and load not to exceed  thirteen  feet  in  width, during the same period and under the same conditions and restrictions as set forth in paragraph (b) of this subdivision.  (e)  The  provisions  of  paragraph  (a) of this subdivision shall not apply to omnibuses or  buses  used  solely  for  the  transportation  of children  to  and from school, but the width of such omnibuses shall not exceed ninety-eight inches.  (f)  Notwithstanding  the  provisions  of  paragraph   (a)   of   this subdivision,  the maximum width for omnibuses or buses having a carrying capacity of more than seven passengers shall not exceed one hundred  two inches,  provided,  however,  that  when omnibuses or buses are operated wholly within a city, such city may,  by  local  law  or  ordinance  but subject  to  paragraph  (h)  of  this  subdivision,  limit  the width of omnibuses or buses to not more than ninety-eight inches.  (g)  Notwithstanding  the  provisions  of  paragraph   (a)   of   this subdivision,  racks for carrying hay, straw or unthreshed grain may have a width of ten feet at the top of the rack. In no case shall  the  width at  the  base  of  the rack exceed one hundred two inches, nor shall the width of a rack exceed one hundred two inches  at  any  portion  thereof while on any qualifying highway.  (h)   Notwithstanding   the   provisions  of  paragraph  (a)  of  this subdivision, a house coach used for non-commercial purposes  may  exceed the  maximum width applicable on the highway upon which such house coach is traveling if such excess width is wholly attributable  to  an  awning and  its  support  hardware that is no less than seven and one-half feet off the ground and extends no more than six inches beyond  the  body  of the vehicle on the passenger side and four inches beyond the body of the vehicle  on the driver's side. A fifth wheel trailer designed to provide temporary living quarters for recreational, camping, or travel  use  not to  exceed  four  hundred  square  feet  in the set-up mode and used for non-commercial purposes may exceed the maximum width applicable  on  the highway  upon which such fifth wheel trailer is traveling if such excess width is wholly attributable to an awning and its support hardware  that  is  no  less  than seven and one-half feet off the ground and extends no more than six inches beyond the body of the  vehicle  on  the  passenger side.  This  provision  shall  not apply to any city not wholly included within  one  county  except  such house coaches and fifth wheel trailers used for non-commercial purposes may be  operated  on  that  portion  of interstate   ninety-five   which   connects   interstate   two   hundred eighty-seven with interstate two hundred ninety-five,  that  portion  of interstate two hundred ninety-five which connects interstate ninety-five with  interstate four hundred ninety-five and that portion of interstate four  hundred  ninety-five  between  interstate  ninety-five   and   the Nassau-Queens county line.  (i)  The  commissioner of transportation may promulgate such rules and regulations as  shall  be  necessary  or  desirable  to  effectuate  the provisions of this subdivision.   2.  The height of a vehicle from under side of tire to top of vehicle, inclusive of load, shall be not more than thirteen  and  one-half  feet. Any damage to highways, bridges or highway structures resulting from the use  of  a  vehicle  exceeding thirteen feet in height where such excess height is the proximate cause of the accident shall be  compensated  for by the owner and operator of such vehicle.   3.  (a) The length of a single vehicle, inclusive of load and bumpers, shall be not more than forty feet  unless  otherwise  provided  in  this subdivision.  (b)   The  length  of  a  semitrailer  or  trailer  shall  not  exceed forty-eight feet provided, however, that the length of  any  trailer  or semitrailer  being  operated  in  combination  with  another  trailer or semitrailer shall not exceed twenty-eight and one-half feet.  A  B-train assembly  shall  be  excluded  from  the  measurement of the length of a semitrailer when such semitrailer is in use between the tractor and  the second  semitrailer  in a tractor-semitrailer-semitrailer combination of vehicles.  (c) The length of buses having a carrying capacity of more than  seven passengers  shall  not exceed forty-five feet, except that the length of articulated buses shall not exceed sixty-two feet.  A house coach  shall not  exceed forty-five feet in length, provided however, that if a house coach exceeds forty feet in length, its  wall-to-wall  turning  diameter shall not exceed ninety feet three inches and moreover, such house coach shall  have  permanently affixed to its body on the front passenger side door jamb, a data-plate on which the house coach manufacturer  indicates the  vehicle identification number and wall-to-wall turning diameter and attests to the fact that the wall-to-wall turning diameter is calculated in accordance with the Society of Automotive Engineers J-695 Standard as such standard existed on  June  first,  two  thousand  three,  regarding turning  capability.  In  the  event  such  a house coach exceeds either twenty-six thousand pounds gross vehicle weight rating, is greater  than forty  feet  in length or exceeds both, the operator of such house coach must have a driver's license with a personal use vehicle endorsement  as set  forth  in subparagraph (vii) of paragraph (b) of subdivision two of section five hundred one of the this chapter. This provision  shall  not apply  to  any  city  not  wholly included within one county except such house coaches and fifth wheel trailers used for non-commercial  purposes may be operated on that portion of interstate ninety-five which connects interstate   two   hundred  eighty-seven  with  interstate  two  hundred ninety-five, that portion of interstate two  hundred  ninety-five  which connects interstate ninety-five with interstate four hundred ninety-five and   that  portion  of  interstate  four  hundred  ninety-five  between interstate ninety-five and the Nassau-Queens county line.  (d) The provisions  of  this  subdivision  shall  not  apply  to  fire vehicles.  (e)  Except  in  any  city  not wholly included within one county, any semitrailer with a  length  in  excess  of  forty-eight  feet,  but  not exceeding fifty-three feet, may be operated on any qualifying highway or specifically  designated  access  highway  if  the  distance between the kingpin of the semitrailer and the centerline of the rear axle does  not exceed  forty-three  feet  and  if  the  semitrailer  is equipped with a rear-end protective device of substantial construction consisting  of  a continuous  lateral  beam extending to within four inches of the lateral extremities of the semitrailer and  located  not  more  than  twenty-two inches  from  the  surface  as  measured with the vehicle empty and on a level surface. In addition,  such  vehicles  may  be  operated  on  that portion  of interstate ninety-five which connects interstate two hundred eighty-seven with interstate two hundred ninety-five,  that  portion  of interstate two hundred ninety-five which connects interstate ninety-five with  interstate four hundred ninety-five and that portion of interstate four  hundred  ninety-five  between  interstate  ninety-five   and   the Nassau-Queens county line.  (f)  The  length  of  any  center panel of an altered livery shall not exceed  one  hundred  inches  unless  the  owner  of  such  vehicle  can demonstrate that the livery conforms to all applicable federal and state motor vehicle safety standards at the time of registration in accordance with section four hundred one of this chapter.  (g)  The  length of a specialized material delivery vehicle, inclusive of load and bumpers,  shall  not  be  more  than  forty  feet  provided, however,  that  the portion of an attached boom or forklift that extends beyond the rear bumper by not more than five feet shall be excluded from the measurement  of  the  length  of  a  specialized  material  delivery vehicle.  For  the  purposes  of  this  paragraph, "specialized material delivery vehicle" shall mean a single unit truck having an attached boom or forklift for the purpose of hoisting, swinging, loading or  unloading material  from  such truck. The provisions of this paragraph authorizing the exclusion from the  measurement  of  the  length  of  a  specialized material  delivery  vehicle  shall not apply unless the operator of such vehicle  holds  a  valid  commercial  driver's  license  as  defined  by subdivision one of section five hundred one-a of this chapter.   * NB There are 2 par (g)'s   * (g)  The length of a tow truck or car carrier, inclusive of load and bumpers, shall be not more than forty feet, except that  a  car  carrier may  have  an  overhang  that extends beyond the rear bumper of such car carrier by not more than three feet and except, further,  that  a  wheel lift  that  is less than fifteen feet in length shall not be included as part of the length of a tow truck or car carrier when such wheel lift is in use by such tow truck or car carrier to tow another motor vehicle.   * NB There are 2 par (g)'s  (h) The commissioner  of  motor  vehicles  in  consultation  with  the commissioner of transportation may promulgate such rules and regulations as  shall be necessary or desirable to effectuate the provisions of this subdivision.   4. (a) The total length of a combination  of  vehicles,  inclusive  of load and bumpers, shall not be more than sixty-five feet.  (b)  The  provisions  of  paragraph  (a) of this subdivision shall not apply to:   1. A combination of vehicles being operated on any qualifying  highway or access highway;   2.  Vehicles  of a corporation which is subject to the jurisdiction of the interstate commerce commission, the  public  service  commission  or  other   regulatory   body  and  which  are  used  in  the  construction, reconstruction, repair or maintenance of  its  property  or  facilities, provided  that any such vehicle complies with the safety requirements of the  laws  and  regulations  of  the  United  States  and  of this state pertaining to overlength vehicles;   3. Vehicles hauling poles, girders, columns, or other similar  objects of  great length provided that any such vehicle complies with the safety requirements of the laws and regulations of the  United  States  and  of this state pertaining to such overlength vehicles;   4. Fire vehicles;   5.  A  vehicle or combination of vehicles which is disabled and unable to proceed under its own power and is being towed for a distance not  in excess  of  ten  miles  for  the  purpose of repairs or removal from the highway,  except  that  the  distance  to  the   nearest   exit   of   a controlled-access  highway  shall  not be considered in determining such ten mile distance;   6. Stinger-steered automobile  transporters  or  stinger-steered  boat transporters,   while  operating  on  qualifying  and  access  highways. Stinger-steered   boat   transporters   shall   not,   however,   exceed seventy-five  feet  exclusive of an overhang of not more than three feet on  the  front  and  four  feet  on  the  rear  of   the   vehicle   and stinger-steered  automobile  transporters  shall  not exceed eighty feet exclusive of an overhang of not more than four feet on the front and six feet on the rear of the vehicle; and   7. A combination of vehicles operating on  any  qualifying  or  access highways  consisting  of  a  power unit and two trailers or semitrailers with a total weight that shall not  exceed  twenty-six  thousand  pounds when  the  overall  length is greater than sixty-five feet but shall not exceed eighty-two feet in which the trailers or  semitrailers  carry  no property   and   constitute   inventory   property  of  a  manufacturer, distributor, or dealer of such trailers or semitrailers.  (c)  Notwithstanding  the  provisions  of  paragraph   (a)   of   this subdivision,  an  overhang  of not more than three feet on the front and four feet on the rear of an automobile transporter or an overhang of not more than four feet on  the  front  and  six  feet  on  the  rear  of  a stinger-steered  automobile  transporter or an overhang of not more than three feet on the front and four feet on the rear of a boat  transporter or stinger-steered boat transporter shall be permitted.   5.  In  determining  the  number of wheels and axles on any vehicle or combination of vehicles within the meaning of  this  section,  only  two wheels  shall  be  counted  for each axle, and axles which are less than forty-six inches apart, from center to center, shall be counted  as  one axle. However, in the case of multiple tires or multiple wheels, the sum of the widths of all the tires on a wheel or combination of wheels shall be taken in determining tire width.   6.  The  weight  per  inch  width of tire on any one wheel of a single vehicle or a combination of vehicles equipped with pneumatic tires, when loaded, shall be not more than eight hundred pounds.   7. The weight on any one wheel of a single vehicle or a combination of vehicles, equipped with pneumatic tires, when loaded, shall be not  more than eleven thousand two hundred pounds.   8.  The weight on any one axle of a single vehicle or a combination of vehicles, equipped with pneumatic tires, when loaded, shall be not  more than twenty-two thousand four hundred pounds.   9.  The  weight  on any two consecutive axles of a single vehicle or a combination of vehicles, equipped with pneumatic tires, when loaded, and when such axles are spaced less than eight feet from center  to  center, shall  be  not  more than thirty-six thousand pounds, except where axles  are spaced eight feet or greater, but less than ten feet, the weight  on those  two  axles  shall  not  exceed that permitted by paragraph (b) of subdivision ten of this section and, in addition, shall not exceed forty thousand  pounds. Axles to be counted as provided in subdivision five of this section.   10. A single vehicle or a combination of vehicles having  three  axles or more and equipped with pneumatic tires, when loaded, may have a total weight  on all axles not to exceed thirty-four thousand pounds, plus one thousand pounds for each foot and  major  fraction  of  a  foot  of  the distance  from  the  center  of  the  foremost axle to the center of the rearmost axle. Axles to be counted as provided in  subdivision  five  of this  section. In no case, however, shall the total weight exceed eighty thousand pounds except for a vehicle if operated  by  an  engine  fueled primarily  by natural gas which may have a maximum gross weight of up to eighty-two thousand pounds. For any vehicle or combination  of  vehicles having  a  total gross weight less than seventy-one thousand pounds, the higher of the following shall apply:  (a) the total  weight  on  all  axles  shall  not  exceed  thirty-four thousand  pounds  plus  one  thousand  pounds  for  each  foot and major fraction of a foot of the distance from the center of the foremost  axle to the center of the rearmost axle, or  (b)  the  overall  gross  weight on a group of two or more consecutive axles shall not  exceed  the  weight  produced  by  application  of  the following formula:                      W = 500 ((LxN)/(N-1) + (12xN)+36) where  W  equals  overall  gross  weight  on  any  group  of two or more consecutive axles to the nearest five hundred pounds, L equals  distance in  feet  from  the  center  of  the  foremost axle to the center of the rearmost axle of any group of two  or  more  consecutive  axles,  and  N equals  number  of  axles  in group under consideration, except that two consecutive sets of tandem axles may carry a gross load  of  thirty-four thousand  pounds  each  providing the overall distance between the first and last axles of such consecutive sets of tandem  axles  is  thirty-six feet or more.   For any vehicle or combination of vehicles having a total gross weight of  seventy-one thousand pounds or greater, paragraph (b) shall apply to determine maximum gross weight which is permitted hereunder.   10-a. (a) Notwithstanding the provisions of subdivisions seven, eight, nine, ten, eleven and twelve of this section, the calculation of  weight pursuant  to  such  subdivisions shall exclude the actual weight, not to exceed four hundred pounds, of a fully-functioning idle reduction device installed on a vehicle or combination of vehicles that  are  subject  to such  subdivisions,  provided  that  the  operator  of such vehicle: (i) maintains written certification of the actual weight of such device  and acceptable  proof  that  it  is fully functional; and (ii) provides such certification and proof, upon request, to a law enforcement  officer  or any  other  officer  or  employee  authorized  to  enforce this section. Acceptable proof of the functionality of such device  shall  consist  of written  certification  from  the  manufacturer  of  such idle reduction device, physical demonstration, or any other documentation acceptable to the commissioner of transportation as may be set  forth  in  regulations promulgated   by   such   commissioner   after   consultation  with  the commissioner of environmental conservation.  (b) For the purposes of this subdivision, the  following  terms  shall have  the  following  meanings: (i) "auxiliary power unit" shall mean an integrated system that  (A)  provides  heat,  air  conditioning,  engine warming,  or  electricity to components on a vehicle which is subject to the  provisions  of  this  section  and  (B)  is  certified  under  part  eighty-nine  of  title  forty of the code of federal regulations (as may from time to time be amended) as meeting applicable emission  standards; and  (ii)  "idle reduction device" shall mean an auxiliary power unit or other  technology  that  is used to reduce long-duration idling (as such term is defined in paragraph seven of subdivision (a) of  section  16104 of  the  United  States  code  as  may from time to time be amended) and allows for the main drive engine or auxiliary refrigeration engine to be shut down.   11. A vehicle or combination  of  vehicles  equipped  with  any  solid rubber tires shall not have weights more than eighty per centum of those permitted  in  this  section  for  pneumatic  tires. Notwithstanding the provisions of this section, vehicles equipped with  solid  rubber  tires and  registered  in  this state prior to January first, nineteen hundred thirty-two shall be permitted to operate until January  first,  nineteen hundred  thirty-three under tire and axle loadings prescribed by chapter four hundred ninety-eight of the laws of nineteen hundred thirty.   12. Motor vehicles or vehicles drawn by motor vehicles  when  equipped with  metal  tires  shall not have weights more than forty per centum of those permitted in this section for pneumatic tires.   13. For the purpose of this section,  the  width  of  pneumatic  tires shall  be ascertained by measuring the greatest width of the tire casing when tire is  inflated.  The  width  of  solid  rubber  tires  shall  be ascertained  by  measuring the width of the tire base channel or between the flanges of the metal rim, provided that  no  vehicle  equipped  with solid rubber tires shall be operated upon a public highway, which has at any  point  less  than  one  inch  of rubber above the top or beyond the flange or rim.   The width  of  metal  tires  shall  be  ascertained  by measuring the width of contact of the tire with the road surface.   14.  No  person  shall  operate  or move a vehicle or a combination of vehicles over, on or through any bridge or structure on any  highway  if the  weight  of  such  vehicle, or combination of vehicles, and load, is greater than the posted capacity of the structure or exceeds the  height of the posted clearance as shown by an official sign.   15. Except where inconsistent with federal law, rules and regulations: (a)  The commissioner of transportation is hereby authorized to continue to grant permits, and to charge fees  therefor,  for  the  operation  or movement  of  a  vehicle  or  combination  of vehicles having weights or dimensions which exceed the limitations provided  for  in  this  section upon  any  highway under his or her jurisdiction except that such permit shall not be valid for the operation or movement of such vehicles on any state or other highway within any city not wholly  included  within  one county.  Such  permits  shall be issued in accordance with the terms and conditions contained in rules and regulations governing special  hauling permits  which  have been or shall be promulgated by the commissioner of transportation  and  which  may  include,  but  not  be  limited  to,  a requirement  that  a  vehicle  or combination of vehicles being issued a permit shall be accompanied by one or  more  escort  vehicles  which  is being operated by an individual having a valid escort certificate issued by the commissioner. The commissioner of transportation is authorized to promulgate  rules  and  regulations  governing  the  operation,  use and equipment of escort vehicles and the duties and responsibilities of  the operator  of  an  escort  vehicle.  Any  finding  by the commissioner of transportation  that  an  individual  has  violated   such   rules   and regulations  shall  be  grounds  for the cancellation of an individual's escort certificate and a penalty not to exceed five hundred dollars  per occurrence  for  the  first  violation  and  not  to exceed one thousand dollars per occurrence for each subsequent violation. Prior  to  issuing such  a  finding,  the  commissioner  of  transportation shall afford an  individual the right to  a  hearing  pursuant  to  section  one  hundred forty-five  of  the transportation law. Such rules and regulations shall take into consideration, but shall not be limited to, the safety of  the traveling public and the protection of the highways and the environment. Such  rules  and regulations shall also contain a schedule of fees to be charged for the issuance of such permits which  fees  shall  cover,  but shall  not  be limited to, the costs to the department of transportation for the administration of the  permit  program,  and  shall  permit  the commissioner  of  transportation  to  levy  a  surcharge of up to twenty dollars for the issuance and distribution of special hauling permits  at regional offices of the department of transportation. The annual vehicle fee  for a permit issued pursuant to subparagraphs (i), (ii), (ii-a) and (iii) of paragraph (f) of this subdivision shall be three hundred  sixty dollars  for  vehicles  with  less  than five axles, seven hundred fifty dollars for vehicles with five or six axles and nine hundred dollars for vehicles with seven or more axles. The annual vehicle fee for  a  permit issued pursuant to subparagraphs (iv), (v), and (vi) of paragraph (f) of this  subdivision shall be four hundred eighty dollars for vehicles with less than five axles and one thousand dollars for vehicles with five  or more  axles.  Additionally,  the  commissioner  shall  establish  a  fee schedule for the permitting of extra non-power  combination  units  that may  not  exceed twenty-five dollars per vehicle and may offer discounts for multi-trailer registrations. Such  fees  shall  not  be  charged  to municipalities  in  this state. A permit issued by the commissioner to a municipality pursuant to  this  subdivision,  that  would  otherwise  be annual,  shall not expire until such municipality removes such permitted vehicle from operation; provided, however, that any  amendment  to  such permit  shall  remain subject to the commissioner's approval and nothing contained in this paragraph shall be deemed to alter  the  authority  of the  commissioner  to  revoke  any  such  permit  as  authorized by this chapter.  If  the  permit  has  routing  requirements,  such  rules  and regulations  shall  provide  that  if the routing anticipates the use of highways  not  under   the   jurisdiction   of   the   commissioner   of transportation, then he or she shall immediately notify the municipality or  municipalities,  having  jurisdiction  over  such  highway  that  an application for a permit has been received and request comment  thereon. Said  municipality  or  municipalities  shall not have less than fifteen days to comment. Such rules and regulations shall also contain any other requirements deemed necessary by the commissioner of transportation.  (b) Upon application in  writing  and  good  cause  being  shown,  the department  of  transportation  may  issue  a  permit  pursuant  to this subdivision to operate or move a vehicle or a combination  of  vehicles, the  weights  or the dimensions of which exceed the limitations provided for in this section upon any highway under its jurisdiction except  that such  permit  shall  not  be valid for the operation or movement of such vehicles on any state or  other  highway  within  any  city  not  wholly included  within  one county. For any other public highway in any county not wholly included within a city which is not on the  state  system  of highways the authority having jurisdiction over same may issue a similar permit,  provided  that the fee charged for such permit shall not exceed ten dollars.  (c) Upon application in writing and good cause being shown,  the  city department  of  transportation  of a city not wholly included within one county may issue a permit pursuant to this  subdivision  to  operate  or move  a  vehicle  or  a  combination  of  vehicles  the  weights  or the dimensions of which exceed the limitations provided for in the rules and regulations of the city department of transportation of such  city  upon all  highways within such city including highways which are on the state  system of highways. The rules and regulations of such city department of transportation shall contain a schedule of fees to be  charged  for  the issuance  of  such  permits  which  fees  shall  cover, but shall not be limited  to,  the costs to the city for the administration of the permit program. Such  rules  and  regulations  shall  also  contain  any  other requirements    deemed   necessary   by   the   city   commissioner   of transportation.  (d) Except during storms, floods, fires or other  public  emergencies, no  such  permit  may  be issued to include a towing operation involving more than two vehicles except three vehicle combinations consisting of a tractor, semitrailer and trailer or a tractor and  two  trailers  within legal  weight  and  width  limits  proceeding  to or from any qualifying highway or access highway. Every such permit may designate the route  to be  traversed  and  contain  any other restrictions or conditions deemed necessary by the issuing authority. Every such permit shall  be  carried on the vehicle to which it refers and shall be open to the inspection of any  peace  officer,  acting  pursuant  to his special duties, or police officer, or any other officer or employee  authorized  to  enforce  this section.  All permits issued shall be revocable by the authority issuing them at the discretion  of  the  authority  without  a  hearing  or  the necessity  of showing cause. Except for a vehicle having a maximum gross weight not exceeding eighty thousand pounds without regard to  any  axle weight   limitation  set  forth  herein  or  the  maximum  gross  weight established by the formula commonly referred to as the bridge formula as set forth in subdivision ten of this section and  except  for  state  or municipally-owned  single  vehicles  engaged  in  snow  and  ice control operations, or designed or fitted for snow and  ice  control  operations while  engaged in other public works operations on public highways which do not exceed the weight limits contained in subdivision seventeen-a  of this  section,  no permit shall be issued to allow operation or movement of any vehicle or combination  of  vehicles  whose  weight  exceeds  the limitations  otherwise  prescribed  in this section other than an annual permit issued pursuant to paragraph (f) of this subdivision except  upon a  finding  by  the  department  of  transportation  or  the appropriate authority, as the case may be, that the load proposed is of one piece or item or  otherwise  cannot  be  separated  into  units  of  less  weight provided,  however,  that any such permit issued upon such finding shall not be valid for the operation or movement of such vehicles on any state or other highway within any city not wholly included within one  county. Bulk milk may be considered one piece or item.  (e)  The department of transportation or the issuing authority, as the case may be, shall establish criteria by rule or regulation under  which any  vehicle, combination of vehicles, or specified cargoes in specified circumstances or specified sites, routing or projects may be  considered one piece or item for the purpose of a permit under this subdivision.  (f)  The department of transportation, or other issuing authority, may issue an annual permit for a vehicle designed and constructed  to  carry loads  that  are  not  of one piece or item, which is registered in this state. Motor carriers having apportioned vehicles registered  under  the international  registration  plan  must  either  have  a currently valid permit at the time  this  provision  becomes  effective  or  shall  have designated   New  York  as  its  base  state  or  one  of  the  eligible jurisdictions of operation under the international registration plan  in order to be eligible to receive a permit issued pursuant to subparagraph (i), (ii) or (ii-a) of this paragraph. No permit issued pursuant to this paragraph  shall  be  valid for the operation or movement of vehicles on any state or other highway within any city not  wholly  included  within  one  county  unless  such  permit  was  issued by the city department of transportation of such city.   Effective  January first, two thousand five, no vehicle or combination of vehicles issued a permit pursuant to this  paragraph  shall  cross  a bridge   designated  as  an  R-posted  bridge  by  the  commissioner  of transportation  or  any  other  permit  issuing   authority   absent   a determination  by such commissioner or permit issuing authority that the permit applicant has demonstrated special circumstances  warranting  the crossing  of  such  bridge  or  bridges  and  a  determination  by  such commissioner or permit issuing authority that such bridge or bridges may be crossed safely, provided, however, that in no event shall  a  vehicle or  combination  of  vehicles  issued  a  permit under this paragraph be permitted to cross a bridge designated as an  R-posted  bridge  if  such vehicle  or combination of vehicles has a maximum gross weight exceeding one hundred two thousand pounds, and  provided  further,  however,  that nothing  contained  herein  shall  be deemed to authorize any vehicle or combination of vehicles to cross any such bridge  within  any  city  not wholly  included within one county unless such vehicle or combination of vehicles has been issued a  valid  permit  by  the  city  department  of transportation of such city pursuant to this subdivision.   No  vehicle  having a model year of two thousand six or newer shall be issued a permit pursuant to this paragraph  unless  each  axle  of  such vehicle  or  combination  of vehicles, other than steerable or trackable axles, is equipped with two tires on each side  of  the  axle,  any  air pressure  controls  for  lift  axles  are located outside the cab of the vehicle and are beyond the reach of  occupants  of  the  cab  while  the vehicle is in motion, the weight on any grouping of two or more axles is distributed  such  that no axle in the grouping carries less than eighty percent of any other axle in the  grouping  and  any  liftable  axle  is steerable   or   trackable;   and,   further  provided,  after  December thirty-first, two thousand nineteen, no permit shall be issued  pursuant to  this paragraph to a vehicle of any model year that does not meet the requirements of this provision, except that such permits may  be  issued prior  to  January first, two thousand twenty to a vehicle that does not meet the requirement concerning axle grouping weight  distribution,  but meets all other requirements of this section.   A  divisible  load  permit  may  only  be transferred to a replacement vehicle by the same registrant or transferred with the permitted vehicle as part of the sale or transfer of the permit holder's business; or,  if the  divisible  load permit is issued pursuant to subparagraph (iv), (v) or (vi) of this paragraph for use within the  counties  of  Westchester, Rockland,  Nassau,  Suffolk,  Putnam,  Orange  and Dutchess and has been effective for the five years preceding a transfer of  such  permit,  the permit  may be transferred with the permitted vehicle in the sale of the permitted  vehicle  to  the  holder  of  a  permit  issued  pursuant  to subparagraph  (iv),  (v)  or  (vi)  of this paragraph for use within the counties of Westchester, Rockland, Nassau, Suffolk, Putnam,  Orange  and Dutchess.   If  a  permit  holder operates a vehicle or combination of vehicles in violation of any posted weight restriction, the permit  issued  to  such vehicle  or  combination of vehicles shall be deemed void as of the next day and shall not be reissued for a period of twelve calendar months.   Until June thirtieth,  nineteen  hundred  ninety-four,  no  more  than sixteen  thousand  power  units  shall  be  issued annual permits by the department  for  any  twelve-month  period  in  accordance   with   this paragraph.  After  June thirtieth, nineteen hundred ninety-four, no more than sixteen thousand five hundred power units shall  be  issued  annual permits  by  the  department for any twelve-month period. After December  thirty-first, nineteen  hundred  ninety-five,  no  more  than  seventeen thousand  power  units  shall be issued annual permits by the department for any twelve-month period. After December thirty-first,  two  thousand three,  no  more  than  twenty-one  thousand power units shall be issued annual permits by the department  for  any  twelve-month  period.  After December  thirty-first,  two  thousand  five,  no  more  than twenty-two thousand power units shall be issued annual permits  by  the  department for  any  twelve-month period. After December thirty-first, two thousand six, no more than twenty-three thousand  power  units  shall  be  issued annual  permits  by  the  department  for any twelve-month period. After December thirty-first, two thousand  seven,  no  more  than  twenty-four thousand  power  units  shall be issued annual permits by the department for any twelve-month period. After December thirty-first,  two  thousand eight,  no  more  than  twenty-five thousand power units shall be issued annual permits by the department  for  any  twelve-month  period.  After December  thirty-first,  two thousand sixteen, no more than twenty-seven thousand power units shall be issued annual permits  by  the  department for any twelve-month period.   Whenever  permit  application requests exceed permit availability, the department shall renew annual permits that have been  expired  for  less than  four  years  which meet program requirements, and then shall issue permit applicants having less than three  divisible  load  permits  such additional  permits  as  the  applicant  may request, providing that the total of existing and new  permits  does  not  exceed  three.  Remaining permits  shall  be  allocated  by  lottery in accordance with procedures established by the commissioner in rules and regulations.   The department of transportation may  issue  a  seasonal  agricultural permit  in  accordance  with  subparagraphs  (i), (ii) and (iii) of this paragraph that will be valid for four  consecutive  months  with  a  fee equal  to  one-half  the  annual  permit  fees  established  under  this subdivision.   For a vehicle issued a permit in accordance with subparagraphs  (iii), (iv),  (v)  and  (vi)  of  this paragraph, such a vehicle must have been registered in this  state  prior  to  January  first,  nineteen  hundred eighty-six or be a vehicle or combination of vehicles which replace such type  of  vehicle  which was registered in this state prior to such date provided that the manufacturer's recommended maximum gross weight of the replacement vehicle or combination  of  vehicles  does  not  exceed  the weight  for  which  a  permit  may  be issued and the maximum load to be carried on the replacement vehicle or combination of vehicles  does  not exceed  the  maximum  load  which could have been carried on the vehicle being replaced or the registered weight of such  vehicle,  whichever  is lower, in accordance with the following subparagraphs:  (i)  A  permit may be issued for a vehicle having at least three axles and a wheelbase not less than sixteen feet and  for  a  vehicle  with  a trailer not exceeding forty-eight feet. The maximum gross weight of such a  vehicle  shall not exceed forty-two thousand five hundred pounds plus one thousand two hundred fifty pounds for each foot and  major  fraction of  a  foot  of the distance from the center of the foremost axle to the center of the  rearmost  axle,  or  one  hundred  two  thousand  pounds, whichever  is  more  restrictive  provided,  however, that any four axle group weight shall not exceed sixty-two thousand pounds, any tridem axle group weight shall not exceed fifty-seven thousand  pounds,  any  tandem axle  weight  does not exceed forty-seven thousand pounds and any single axle weight shall not exceed twenty-five thousand pounds.   Any additional special authorizations contained in a  currently  valid annual  permit  shall  cease  upon the expiration of such current annual permit.  (ii) A permit may be issued  subject  to  bridge  restrictions  for  a vehicle  or  a  combination  of vehicles having at least six axles and a wheel base of at least thirty-six and one-half feet. The  maximum  gross weight  of  such vehicle or combination of vehicles shall not exceed one hundred seven thousand pounds and any tridem axle group weight shall not exceed  fifty-eight  thousand  pounds  and  any tandem axle group weight shall not exceed forty-eight thousand pounds.  (ii-a) A permit may be issued subject to  bridge  restrictions  for  a combination  of  vehicles having at least seven axles and a wheelbase of at least forty-three feet. The maximum gross weight of such  combination of  vehicles shall not exceed one hundred seventeen thousand pounds, any four axle group weight shall not exceed sixty-three thousand pounds, any tridem axle group weight shall not exceed fifty-eight  thousand  pounds, any  tandem  axle  group  weight  shall  not exceed forty-eight thousand pounds, and any single axle weight shall not exceed twenty-five thousand pounds.   Each axle of such combination of vehicles,  other  than  steerable  or trackable  axles,  shall  be equipped with two tires on each side of the axle, any air pressure controls for lift axles shall be located  outside the  cab of the combination of vehicles and shall be beyond the reach of occupants of the cab while the combination of vehicles is in motion, the weight on any grouping of two or more axles shall  be  distributed  such that  no  axle  in  the grouping carries less than eighty percent of any other axle in the grouping, and any liftable axle of such combination of vehicles shall be steerable or trackable.  (iii) A permit may be issued for a vehicle  having  two  axles  and  a wheelbase  not  less than ten feet, with the maximum gross weight not in excess of one hundred twenty-five percent of the total weight limitation as set forth in subdivision ten  of  this  section.  Furthermore,  until December  thirty-first,  nineteen  hundred  ninety-four, any single rear axle  weight  shall  not  exceed  twenty-eight  thousand  pounds.  After December  thirty-first,  nineteen  hundred  ninety-four, any axle weight shall not exceed twenty-seven thousand pounds.  (iv) Within a city not wholly  included  within  one  county  and  the counties  of  Westchester, Rockland, Nassau, Suffolk, Putnam, Orange and Dutchess, a permit may be issued for a vehicle  having  at  least  three axles  and  a  wheelbase  not  exceeding  forty-four  feet nor less than seventeen feet or for a vehicle with a trailer not exceeding forty feet.   Until December thirty-first, nineteen hundred  ninety-four,  a  permit may  only be issued for such a vehicle having a maximum gross weight not exceeding eighty-two thousand pounds and any tandem  axle  group  weight shall not exceed sixty-two thousand pounds.   After  January  first,  nineteen hundred ninety-five, the operation of such a vehicle shall be further limited and a permit may only be  issued for  such  a  vehicle  having  a  maximum  gross  weight  not  exceeding seventy-nine thousand pounds and any tandem axle group weight shall  not exceed  fifty-nine  thousand  pounds,  and  any  tridem shall not exceed sixty-four thousand pounds.   A permit may be issued  only  until  December  thirty-first,  nineteen hundred  ninety-four  for  a  vehicle  having at least three axles and a wheelbase between fifteen and seventeen feet. The maximum  gross  weight of  such  a  vehicle shall not exceed seventy-three thousand two hundred eighty pounds  and  any  tandem  axle  group  weight  shall  not  exceed fifty-four thousand pounds.   No  vehicle  having a model year of two thousand six or newer shall be issued a permit  pursuant  to  this  subparagraph  for  use  within  the counties  of  Westchester, Rockland, Nassau, Suffolk, Putnam, Orange and Dutchess unless it is equipped with at least  four  axles,  and  further  provided,  after December thirty-first, two thousand fourteen, no permit shall be issued  pursuant  to  this  subparagraph  for  use  within  the counties  of  Westchester, Rockland, Nassau, Suffolk, Putnam, Orange and Dutchess  to  a vehicle of any model year unless the vehicle is equipped with at least four axles.  (v) Within a city not  wholly  included  within  one  county  and  the counties  of  Westchester,  Rockland, Nassau, Suffolk, Putnam, Orange or Dutchess, a permit may  be  issued  only  until  December  thirty-first, nineteen  hundred  ninety-nine  for a vehicle or combination of vehicles that has been permitted within the past four years having five axles and a wheelbase of at least thirty-six and one-half feet. The maximum  gross weight of such a vehicle or combination of vehicles shall not exceed one hundred  five thousand pounds and any tandem axle group weight shall not exceed fifty-one thousand pounds.   Within a city not wholly included within one county and  the  counties of  Westchester, Rockland, Nassau, Suffolk, Putnam, Orange and Dutchess, a permit may be issued for a vehicle or combination of  vehicles  having at least five axles and a wheelbase of at least thirty feet. The maximum gross weight of such vehicle or combination of vehicles shall not exceed ninety-three  thousand pounds and any tridem axle group weight shall not exceed fifty-seven thousand pounds and  any  tandem  axle  group  weight shall not exceed forty-five thousand pounds.  (vi)  Within  a  city  not  wholly  included within one county and the counties of Westchester, Rockland, Nassau, Suffolk, Putnam,  Orange  and Dutchess,  a  permit  may  be  issued  for  a  vehicle or combination of vehicles having at least five axles or more and a wheelbase of at  least thirty-six  and  one-half  feet,  provided  such permit contains routing restrictions.   Until December thirty-first, nineteen hundred ninety-four, the maximum gross weight of a vehicle or combination  of  vehicles  permitted  under this  subparagraph  shall  not exceed one hundred twenty thousand pounds and any tandem or tridem axle group weight shall not  exceed  sixty-nine thousand  pounds,  provided,  however,  that  any replacement vehicle or combination of vehicles permitted  after  the  effective  date  of  this subparagraph  shall have at least six axles, any tandem axle group shall not exceed fifty thousand pounds and any tridem  axle  group  shall  not exceed sixty-nine thousand pounds.   After  December thirty-first, nineteen hundred ninety-four, the tridem axle group weight of any vehicle or combination  of  vehicles  issued  a permit  under  this  subparagraph  shall not exceed sixty-seven thousand pounds, any tandem axle group weight shall  not  exceed  fifty  thousand pounds  and any single axle weight shall not exceed twenty-five thousand seven hundred fifty pounds.   After  December  thirty-first,  nineteen  hundred   ninety-nine,   all vehicles  issued a permit under this subparagraph must have at least six axles.   After December thirty-first, two thousand fourteen,  all  combinations of  vehicles  issued a permit under this subparagraph for use within the counties of Westchester, Rockland, Nassau, Suffolk, Putnam,  Orange  and Dutchess  must  have  at  least  seven axles and a wheelbase of at least forty-three feet.   After December thirty-first, two thousand six,  no  permits  shall  be issued   under   this  subparagraph  for  use  within  the  counties  of Westchester, Rockland, Nassau, Suffolk, Putnam, Orange and Dutchess  for a  vehicle  or  combination  of vehicles having less than seven axles or having a wheelbase of less than  forty-three  feet,  provided,  however, that  permits  may be issued for use within the counties of Westchester, Rockland, Nassau, Suffolk, Putnam, Orange and Dutchess for  vehicles  or  combinations  of  vehicles  where the permit applicant demonstrates that the applicant acquired the vehicle or combination of vehicles  prior  to December  thirty-first,  two  thousand  six,  and that if the vehicle or combination  of  vehicles  was  acquired  by  the  applicant  after  the effective date  of  this  provision,  such  vehicle  or  combination  of vehicles  is  less  than  fifteen  years  old.  In  instances  where the application is for  a  combination  of  vehicles,  the  applicant  shall demonstrate  that  the  power  unit  of  such  combination satisfies the conditions of this subparagraph. In no event shall a  permit  be  issued under  this  subparagraph  for  use  within the counties of Westchester, Rockland, Nassau, Suffolk, Putnam, Orange and Dutchess for a vehicle  or combination  of  vehicles  having  less  than  seven  axles  or having a wheelbase of less than forty-three feet after December thirty-first, two thousand fourteen.   Except as otherwise provided  by  this  subparagraph  for  the  period ending  December  thirty-first,  two  thousand  fourteen, after December thirty-first, two thousand three, any combination of vehicles  issued  a permit   under   this  subparagraph  for  use  within  the  counties  of Westchester, Rockland, Nassau,  Suffolk,  Putnam,  Orange  and  Dutchess shall not exceed one hundred twenty thousand pounds, shall have at least seven  axles,  shall  have a wheelbase of at least forty-three feet, and single axle weight shall not exceed twenty-five thousand  seven  hundred fifty  pounds, any tandem axle group weight shall not exceed forty-eight thousand  pounds,  any  tridem  axle  group  weight  shall  not   exceed sixty-three  thousand  pounds  and  any four axle group shall not exceed sixty-five thousand pounds.   From the date of enactment  of  this  paragraph,  permit  applications under subparagraphs (i), (ii), (ii-a), (iii), (iv), (v) and (vi) of this paragraph  for  vehicles  registered in this state may be honored by the commissioner of  transportation  or  other  appropriate  authority.  The commissioner  of  transportation  and  other appropriate authorities may confer and develop a system through  rules  and  regulations  to  assure compliance herewith.  (g)  A sani-van vehicle, as defined in section one hundred forty-one-a of this chapter for which a permit has  been  issued  pursuant  to  this subdivision  is  authorized to operate or move on all public highways or bridges within this state in  accordance  with  any  weight  limitations specified in such permit.  (h)  In any action brought for damage or destruction of any highway or bridge including an action pursuant to section three hundred  twenty  of the  highway  law,  there shall be a presumption that the operation of a vehicle or combination of vehicles  in  excess  of  the  maximum  weight limits  established  by  this  section or, in a city not wholly included within one county, in excess of the maximum weight limits prescribed  by the  rules  and  regulations of the city department of transportation of such city, is the proximate cause of such damage or destruction  to  the highway  bridge  or  appurtenant  structure,  whether or not a permit to exceed such weight limits was issued by the appropriate authority.  (i)  All  moneys  collected  by  the  commissioner  of  transportation pursuant  to this subdivision shall be deposited by the comptroller into the special obligation reserve and  payment  account  of  the  dedicated highway   and   bridge   trust  fund  established  pursuant  to  section eighty-nine-b of the state finance law.  (j) The  commissioner  of  transportation  is  authorized  to  conduct hearings  with regard to the issuance or revocation of any permit issued by the commissioner of  transportation  pursuant  to  this  section  and relating  to the violation of any condition applicable to such permit as provided in subdivision three of section one hundred forty-five  of  the  transportation   law.   If   a   permit  issued  by  the  department  of transportation is seized and the holder of the permit  makes  a  written request   to  the  department  of  transportation  for  a  hearing,  the commissioner  of  transportation  shall schedule a hearing within twenty days of the receipt of such request.  (k) Any permit issued pursuant to this section that is seized shall be forwarded to the issuing authority as soon as practicable.   15-a. In furtherance of the authority to  issue  permits  pursuant  to subdivision  fifteen  of  this section, the department of transportation and the New York state thruway authority are authorized to enter into  a cooperative agreement relative to permits to operate or move vehicles or combinations  of  vehicles the weights or the dimensions of which exceed the limitations otherwise provided for in this section along the thruway system and state highway system, routes 5 and 49 between  the  relocated thruway  interchanges,  including  the  Edic road interchange, and River road in the vicinity of Edic road in the vicinity of the city of  Utica. Permits  issued  hereunder  may  be  of  a  joint or reciprocal type for operations or movements on such highway systems and shall not be limited to loads proposed as one piece or item or otherwise cannot be  separated into units of less weight.   16.  The  provisions of this section relating to the maximum dimension and weight limitations of  vehicles  shall  not  be  applicable  to  any vehicle  or  combination  of vehicles proceeding to or from the New York state thruway while being operated at the following locations, provided, however, that the maximum dimensions and weight limitations  of  such  a vehicle  or  combination  of  vehicles  are  in  compliance  with  those applicable to the New York state thruway;  (a) Within a radius of fifteen hundred feet  of  any  New  York  state thruway toll booth at Fultonville, New York;  (b)  Within  a  radius  of  two  thousand feet of any exit or entrance designated B-3 to the New York state thruway, Berkshire section, at  New York state route twenty-two;  (c) Over a route extending north and south on New York state route 332 between  New  York  state  thruway exit no. 44 and its intersection with Collett  road,  and  east  and  west  on  Collett  road   between   said intersection  and  no. 6070 Collett road, a distance of approximately .8 miles.  (d) Within a radius of 1.2 miles from  New  York  state  thruway  toll booth  no.  56 on access road to be built between such toll booth no. 56 and the present eastern terminus of route 179 at South Park avenue, over route 179 and old Mile Strip road to the truck terminal entrance on  old Mile  Strip  road  at  a  point  approximately two thousand four hundred thirty feet southeast of the intersection of old  Mile  Strip  road  and Route  5 as measured along old Mile Strip road, or across Lake Avenue at the northern end of the truck terminal;  (e) Within a distance of 1.5 miles measured along that portion of  the River  Road,  New  York  state  touring  route  266, also known as state highway 129,  lying  generally  northerly  of  the  South  Grand  Island Bridges,  such  distance  to  be  measured  from  the  point  where  the southernmost access road to  New  York  state  thruway  station  no.  17 intersects with said River Road;  (f) Within a distance of two miles measured along New York state route 400,  such  distance  to be measured from the point where said route 400 intersects with the New York state thruway, and .5 miles measured  along New  York  state  route 277, such distance to be measured in a northerly direction from the point where New York state route 277 intersects  with New York state route 400;  (g)  Within a distance of .8 miles measured along Walden Avenue in the Town of  Cheektowaga,  such  distance  to  be  measured  in  a  westerly direction  from  the  point where said Walden Avenue intersects with the New York state thruway, .5 miles measured along said Walden Avenue, such distance  to  be  measured in an easterly direction from the point where said Walden Avenue intersects with the New  York  state  thruway,  1,640 feet  measured along a roadway purchased by the Town of Cheektowaga from Sorrento Cheese, Inc., such distance  to  be  measured  in  a  southerly direction  from  the  point  where  said  roadway intersects with Walden Avenue, and .9 miles measured along  New  York  state  route  240,  such distance  to  be  measured in a southerly direction from the point where New York state route 240 intersects with said Walden Avenue;  (h) Within a distance of .1 miles measured along Sheridan  Drive,  New York  state  route  324,  such  distance  to  be measured in an easterly direction from the point where said Sheridan Drive intersects  with  New York state thruway interchange N-15, and .4 miles measured along Kenmore Avenue,  such  distance to be measured in a southerly direction from the point where Sheridan Drive intersects with said Kenmore Avenue;  (i) Within a distance of .8 miles measured along Dingens street in the city of Buffalo such distance to be measured  in  a  westerly  direction from  the Ogden street exit of the Niagara section of the New York state thruway;  (j) Within a distance of .25 miles along South street in the  city  of Buffalo between Hamburg street and Louisiana street;  (k)  Within  a distance of .7 miles measured along Louisiana street in the city of  Buffalo  such  distance  to  be  measured  in  a  southerly direction  from  the Louisiana street entrance of the Niagara section of the New York state thruway; and  (l) Within a distance of 1700 feet measured along that portion of  the River  Road,  New  York  state  touring  route  266, also known as state highway 129,  lying  generally  southerly  of  the  South  Grand  Island Bridges,  such distance to be measured from the point where the southern most access road to New York state thruway  station  no.  17  intersects with said River Road; and  (m)  Within  a  distance  of  0.6 miles extending north along New York state route 233 from a point where such route 233  intersects  with  the exit  or  entrance  designated  number  thirty-two of the New York state thruway at Westmoreland in Oneida county.  (n) Within a route from the thruway toll booth at the New  York  state thruway  exit  21-B  and  along the access road to route 9-W, and thence 1500 feet along route 9-W to be measured in a northerly  direction  from the point where such thruway access road intersects route 9-W.  (o)  (i)  Within a distance of 0.8 miles from exit B-1 of the New York state thruway  Berkshire  Spur,  such  distance  to  be  measured  in  a northerly  direction  from  the point where state route 9 intersects the southern most access ramp leading to the New York state thruway.  (ii) Within a distance of 1.6 miles from the exit B-1 of the New  York state  thruway  Berkshire  Spur,  with such distance being measured in a northerly direction from the point where state route  9  intersects  the southern  most access ramp leading to the New York state thruway, upon a determination by the commissioner of transportation that the vehicle  or combination of vehicles could operate safely upon such route and that no applicable  federal  law,  regulation or other requirement prohibits the operation of such vehicle or combination of vehicles on such route.  (p) Within a distance of .45 miles measured along James E. Casey Drive in the city of Buffalo such distance  to  be  measured  in  a  northerly direction from Dingens street.  (q) Within approximately one mile of the thruway toll booth at the New York  state  thruway  exit  23 in a northerly direction along interstate route 787 to the first "Port of Albany" exit, and right on Church street south approximately one-half mile to the south end of the Mobil terminal facility  and return from Church street entering interstate route 787 in a southerly direction to interchange 23 of the New York state thruway.  (r) On any route designated  by  the  commissioner  of  transportation within a radius of six thousand six hundred feet of any exit or entrance designated  interchange  26  of  the  New  York state thruway, where the commissioner  of  transportation  determines   that   the   vehicle   or combination  of vehicles could operate safely along the designated route and that no applicable federal  law,  regulation  or  other  requirement prohibits  the  operation  of such vehicle or combination of vehicles on such route.   * (s) Over a route extending east and west across New York state route 414 from the New York state thruway exit 41 to the terminus of the  exit 41  on  and  off  ramps  for a distance of approximately 100 feet across route 414 and within approximately .1 miles of the on and  off  ramp  of exit  41  of  the  New  York  state  thruway.  Nothing contained in this provision shall be construed to permit these vehicles or combination  of vehicles to turn on to route 414 or to travel along route 414.   * NB There are 2 (s)'s   * (s)  Within  a  distance of three hundred twenty-five feet, measured along Stew Leonard drive in the city of Yonkers,  such  distance  to  be measured  in  a  west-east  direction  from the point where Stew Leonard drive intersects with the southbound off-ramp and the northbound on-ramp of interchange 6A of the New York state thruway.   * NB There are 2 (s)'s  (t) Over a route extending south on New York state route  332  between New  York state thruway exit number 44 and its intersection with Gateway drive and west on Gateway Drive to  its  intersection  with  Plastermill Road  and  east on Plastermill Road to its intersection with Loomis Road and east on Loomis road between said intersection and  no.  5923  Loomis road,  a  distance  of  approximately 1.6 miles, and west on Loomis road between 5923 Loomis road and its intersection with New York state  route 332  and  thence  north  on  New  York state route 332 to New York state thruway exit number 44, a distance of approximately 1.1 miles, where the commissioner  of  transportation  determines   that   the   vehicle   or combination  of vehicles could operate safely along the designated route and that no applicable federal  law,  regulation  or  other  requirement prohibits  the  operation  of such vehicle or combination of vehicles on such route.  (u) Over a route extending north  and  on  New  York  state  route  77 between  New York state thruway exit number 48-a and the overpass of the New York state thruway, and south on New York state route 77, a distance of approximately .5 miles,  where  the  commissioner  of  transportation determines  that  the  vehicle  or combination of vehicles could operate safely along the designated route and that no  applicable  federal  law, regulation  or other requirement prohibits the operation of such vehicle or combination of vehicles on such route.  (v) Within a distance of approximately one  mile  from  the  New  York state  thruway  interchange  24  traveling  along interstate route 90 to interchange 2 Washington avenue,  and  to  Washington  avenue  traveling westbound to Fuller road in a northerly direction to interstate route 90 traveling  to  interchange  24  of the New York state thruway, where the commissioner  of  transportation  determines   that   the   vehicle   or combination  of vehicles could operate safely along the designated route and that no applicable federal  law,  regulation  or  other  requirement  prohibits  the  operation  of such vehicle or combination of vehicles on such route.  (w)  Within  a  distance  of approximately 1.9 miles from the New York state thruway interchange 25A, traveling in a westbound direction  along interstate route 88 to exit 25 to state route 7, and to a left on Becker road   traveling   in   a   southbound  direction  on  Becker  road  for approximately .2 miles to the intersection  of  Becker  road  and  state route  7,  and traveling in an eastbound direction for approximately 1.4 miles on state route  7  to  the  intersection  of  state  route  7  and Dunnsville  road  and  then  traveling  in  a  southbound  direction  on Dunnsville road for approximately .3 miles  where  the  commissioner  of transportation  determines  that  the vehicle or combination of vehicles could operate safely along the designated route and that  no  applicable federal  law, regulation or other requirement prohibits the operation of such vehicle or combination of vehicles on such route.  (x) Within a distance of approximately 2.2 miles  from  the  New  York state  thruway interchange 34A traveling in a southbound direction along interstate route 481 to interstate 481 exit 5E Kirkville road east along state route 53 Kirkville road in an eastbound  direction  to  interstate route  481  traveling northbound to exit 6 to interchange 34A of the New York state thruway, where the commissioner of transportation  determines that  the  vehicle or combination of vehicles could operate safely along the designated route and that no applicable federal law,  regulation  or other requirement prohibits the operation of such vehicle or combination of vehicles on such route.  (y)  Within  a  distance  of  approximately .8 miles from the New York state thruway interchange 35, traveling approximately  200  feet  around Carrier   circle   to   traveling   northbound   on  Thompson  road  for approximately 1000  feet,  or  traveling  southbound  on  Thompson  road approximately  100  feet,  to  traveling  westbound  on Tarbell road for approximately .5 miles to reenter at the Dewitt service area of the  New York  state  thruway where the commissioner of transportation determines that the vehicle or combination of vehicles could operate  safely  along the  designated  route and that no applicable federal law, regulation or other requirement prohibits the operation of such vehicle or combination of vehicles on such route.  (z) Within a distance of approximately one  mile  from  the  New  York state  thruway  interchange  36  traveling  in a southbound direction on interstate 81 to interstate 81 exit 25 7th North street,  and  traveling eastbound on 7th North street to interstate 81 traveling in a northbound direction  to  interchange  36  of the New York state thruway, where the commissioner  of  transportation  determines   that   the   vehicle   or combination  of vehicles could operate safely along the designated route and that no applicable federal  law,  regulation  or  other  requirement prohibits  the  operation  of such vehicle or combination of vehicles on such route.  (aa) Within a distance of approximately .6 miles  from  the  New  York state  thruway  interchange  39 traveling eastbound on interstate 690 to interstate 690 exit 2 Jones road in  a  northbound  direction  to  state route  690  north to interchange 39 of the New York state thruway, where the commissioner  of  transportation  determines  that  the  vehicle  or combination  of vehicles could operate safely along the designated route and that no applicable federal  law,  regulation  or  other  requirement prohibits  the  operation  of such vehicle or combination of vehicles on such route.  (bb) Within a distance of approximately .5 miles  from  the  New  York state  thruway interchange 45, traveling on interstate 490 to interstate 490 exit 29, in a southwesterly direction along New York state route  96  to  the point where New York state route 96 intersects with the entrance ramp to the New York state thruway interchange 45, and for approximately .2 miles along  this  entrance  ramp  to  the  New  York  state  thruway interchange 45, where the commissioner of transportation determines that the  vehicle  or  combination of vehicles could operate safely along the designated route and that no applicable federal law, regulation or other requirement prohibits the operation of such vehicle  or  combination  of vehicles on such route.  (cc)  Within  a  distance  of approximately .6 miles from the New York state thruway interchange 46, traveling in a northeasterly direction  on the  ramp  from  the New York state thruway interchange 46 to interstate 390 north exit to New York state route 253, Lehigh Station road,  for  a distance  of  approximately  .5 miles along the ramp from interstate 390 north exit to New York state route  253,  Lehigh  Station  road,  for  a distance  of  approximately  .6  miles in a westerly direction along New York state route 253, Lehigh Station road, to the  intersection  of  New York  state  route 253 with New York state route 15, then for a distance of approximately .6 miles in a southerly direction along New York  state route  15,  to  the  New  York  state thruway interchange 46 maintenance facility entrance, where the commissioner of  transportation  determines that  the  vehicle or combination of vehicles could operate safely along the designated route and that no applicable federal law,  regulation  or other requirement prohibits the operation of such vehicle or combination of vehicles on such route.  (dd)  Within  a  distance  of approximately .3 miles from the New York state thruway interchange 47, traveling on interstate 490 to  interstate 490  exit 1, to a distance of approximately .2 miles along the ramp from interstate 490 exit 1, for a distance of approximately  .4  miles  in  a southwesterly  direction  to  the  entrance  ramp  of the New York state thruway  interchange  47,  where  the  commissioner  of   transportation determines  that  the  vehicle  or combination of vehicles could operate safely along the designated route and that no  applicable  federal  law, regulation  or other requirement prohibits the operation of such vehicle or combination of vehicles on such route.  (ee) Within a distance of approximately .6 miles  from  the  New  York state  thruway  interchange 19, traveling in a westbound direction along route 28 to route 209, and traveling in a southbound direction on  route 209  for  approximately  .1  miles  to  route  28,  and  traveling in an eastbound direction on route 28 for approximately .8 miles  to  the  New York   state   thruway   interchange   19   where  the  commissioner  of transportation determines that the vehicle or  combination  of  vehicles could  operate  safely along the designated route and that no applicable federal law, regulation or other requirement prohibits the operation  of such vehicle or combination of vehicles on such route.  (ff)  Within  a  distance  of approximately .5 miles from the New York state thruway interchange 31, traveling onto the ramp to Genesee  street south   for   approximately  2800  feet  to  Genesee  street  north  for approximately 275 feet to interchange 31 of the New York  state  thruway where  the commissioner of transportation determines that the vehicle or combination of vehicles could operate safely along the designated  route and  that  no  applicable  federal  law, regulation or other requirement prohibits the operation of such vehicle or combination  of  vehicles  on such route.  (gg)  Within  a  distance  of approximately .2 miles from the New York state thruway interchange 33 traveling westbound on state route 365  for approximately  900  feet to interchange 33 of the New York state thruway where the commissioner of transportation determines that the vehicle  or combination  of vehicles could operate safely along the designated route  and that no applicable federal  law,  regulation  or  other  requirement prohibits  the  operation  of such vehicle or combination of vehicles on such route.  (hh)  Within  a  distance of approximately .15 miles from the New York state  thruway  interchange  42  traveling  on  state   route   14   for approximately 750 feet for travel to and from the thruway tandem lot and interchange  42 where the commissioner of transportation determines that the vehicle or combination of vehicles could operate  safely  along  the designated route and that no applicable federal law, regulation or other requirement  prohibits  the  operation of such vehicle or combination of vehicles on such route.  (ii) Within a distance of approximately .1 miles  from  the  New  York state  interchange  43 traveling on state route 21 for approximately 600 feet for travel to and from the thruway tandem lot  and  interchange  43 where  the commissioner of transportation determines that the vehicle or combination of vehicles could operate safely along the designated  route and  that  no  applicable  federal  law, regulation or other requirement prohibits the operation of such vehicle or combination  of  vehicles  on such route.   17-a.  Except  over  any highway which is a part of a state interstate route:  (i)  The  following  weight  limits  shall  apply  to  any  state   or municipally owned single vehicle, equipped with pneumatic tires, engaged in  snow  and  ice  control operations on public highways, including the stockpiling of materials and abrasives therefor, with a  plow,  leveling wing, or material hopper installed:  (a)  The total weight on any one wheel, shall not be more than sixteen thousand pounds.  (b) The total weight  on  a  single  axle,  shall  not  be  more  than thirty-two thousand pounds.  (c)  The  total  weight  on two consecutive axles, when such axles are spaced less than ten feet from center to center, shall not be more  than forty-two thousand pounds.  (d)  The  total weight on all axles of a two axle vehicle shall not be more than fifty-two thousand pounds; the total weight on all axles of  a three axle vehicle shall not be more than sixty-two thousand pounds.  (ii)  The  overall  width  of  any  state  or municipally owned single vehicle, equipped with pneumatic tires, engaged in snow and ice  control operations on public highways, shall not be more than twenty-five feet.  (iii)  The  following  weight  limits  shall  apply  to  any  state or municipally  owned  single  vehicle,  equipped  with  pneumatic   tires, designed or fitted for snow and ice control operations, while engaged in other public works operations on public highways:  (a)  The total weight on any one wheel, shall not be more than sixteen thousand pounds.  (b) The total weight  on  a  single  axle,  shall  not  be  more  than thirty-two thousand pounds.  (c)  The  total  weight  on two consecutive axles, when such axles are spaced less than ten feet from center to center, shall not be more  than thirty-eight thousand pounds.  (d)  The  total weight on all axles of a two axle vehicle shall not be more than fifty-two thousand pounds; the total weight on all axles of  a three axle vehicle shall not be more than fifty-eight thousand pounds.   17-b.  Except  over  any highway which is a part of a state interstate route, the following weight limits  shall  apply  to  any  fire  vehicle equipped with pneumatic tires.  (a)  The  total weight on any one wheel shall not be more than sixteen thousand pounds.  (b) The total  weight  on  a  single  axle  shall  not  be  more  than thirty-two thousand pounds.  (c)  The  total  weight  on two consecutive axles, when such axles are spaced less than ten feet from center to center, shall not be more  than forty-two thousand pounds.  (d)  The  total weight on all axles of a two axle vehicle shall not be more than fifty-two thousand pounds.   18. Except as provided in subdivisions eighteen-a or nineteen of  this section,  the  violation  of  the provisions of this section including a violation related to the operation, within a city  not  wholly  included within  one  county, of a vehicle which exceeds the limitations provided for  in  the  rules  and  regulations  of   the   city   department   of transportation  of  such city, shall be punishable by a fine of not less than two hundred nor more than five hundred dollars, or by  imprisonment for  not  more  than thirty days, or by both such fine and imprisonment, for the first offense; by a fine of not less than five hundred nor  more than  one  thousand  dollars, or by imprisonment for not more than sixty days, or  by  both  such  fine  and  imprisonment,  for  the  second  or subsequent  offense;  provided  that a sentence or execution thereof for any violation under this subdivision  may  not  be  suspended.  For  any violation  of  the  provisions  of  this  section, including a violation related to the operation, within a city not wholly included  within  one county,  of  a vehicle which exceeds the limitations provided for in the rules and regulations of the city department of transportation  of  such city,  the registration of the vehicle may be suspended for a period not to exceed one year whether at the time of the violation the vehicle  was in  charge  of  the  owner  or his agent. The provisions of section five hundred ten of this chapter shall apply to  such  suspension  except  as otherwise provided herein.   18-a. A violation of the provisions of subdivisions two or fourteen of this  section, where the violation relates to the height of the vehicle, including a violation related to the operation, within a city not wholly included within one county, of a vehicle which exceeds  the  limitations provided  for  in  the  rules  and regulations of the city department of transportation of such city, shall be punishable by a fine of  not  more than  one  thousand dollars, or by imprisonment for not more than thirty days, or by both such fine and imprisonment, for the first offense; by a fine of not more than two thousand dollars, or by imprisonment  for  not more  than  sixty  days,  or by both such fine and imprisonment, for the second or subsequent offense; provided  that  a  sentence  or  execution thereof  for  any violation under this subdivision may not be suspended. For any violation of the provisions of subdivisions two or  fourteen  of this  section  where the violation relates to the height of the vehicle, including a violation related to the operation, within a city not wholly included within one county, of a vehicle which exceeds  the  limitations provided  for  in  the  rules  and regulations of the city department of transportation of such city, the registration  of  the  vehicle  may  be suspended for a period not to exceed one year whether at the time of the violation  the  vehicle  was  in  charge  of the owner or his agent. The provisions of section five hundred ten of this chapter  shall  apply  to such suspension except as otherwise provided herein.   19.  (a)  A violation of the provisions of subdivision eight, nine, or ten of this section by any vehicle  or  combination  of  vehicles  whose weight exceeds the weight limitations as set forth in this section, or a violation  of  such rules and regulations, by any vehicle or combination of vehicles whose weight exceeds the weight limitations as set forth  in this section or such rules and regulations, or a violation of the weight limitations  specified  by permit issued pursuant to subdivision fifteen  of this section shall be punishable by fines levied  on  the  registered owner  of  the vehicle or vehicles, whether at the time of the violation the vehicle was in the charge of the registered  owner  or  the  owner's agent or lessee in accordance with the following schedule:    Percent of excess weight                                Amount of fine  (percentage)                                              (dollars)   greater than                  less than or equal to         0                            2.0                            150         2.0                          4.0                            300         4.0                          6.0                            450         6.0                          7.0                            525         7.0                          8.0                            600         8.0                         10.0                            750        10.0                         12.0                            950        12.0                         14.0                          1,150        14.0                         16.0                          1,350        16.0                         18.0                          1,550        18.0                         20.0                          1,750        20.0                         22.0                          1,950        22.0                         24.0                          2,150        24.0                         26.0                          2,350        26.0                         28.0                          2,550        28.0                         30.0                          2,750        30.0                         32.0                          2,950        32.0                         34.0                          3,150        34.0                         36.0                          3,350        36.0                         38.0                          3,550        38.0                         40.0                          3,750        40.0                                                       3,750        or greater                                         plus $125 for                                                            each percent                                                         over 40 percent  (NOTE:  Where  the  total weight, axle weight or axle grouping weight is greater than seven percent including any  applicable  enforcement  scale tolerance in excess of the limits specified by a permit in areas outside a  city  not  wholly contained in one county, the permit shall be deemed voided and then the amount of fine shall  be  determined  in  accordance with  the  maximum  weight  which  would  have  been  in  effect for the operation of such vehicle if the permit to exceed  such  maximum  weight had not been issued.  (b)  For  violations to which the penalties set forth in paragraph (a) of this subdivision apply, in connection with the weighing of a  vehicle or  combination of vehicles, if it is found that there is a violation of subdivision ten of this section and also of subdivision eight or nine of this section, or both subdivisions eight and nine of this section, there shall be a single fine imposed and the maximum amount of such fine shall not  exceed  the  highest  fine  that  could  be  imposed   under   this subdivision.  (c)  Notwithstanding  paragraphs  (a)  and  (b) of this subdivision, a violation of the provisions of subdivision ten of this section in a city not wholly included within one county or of the provisions of the  rules or  regulations  of  the city department of transportation setting forth the maximum allowable gross weight for the operation  of  a  vehicle  in such  city  without  a  permit  for  such  vehicle,  by  any  vehicle or combination of vehicles whose weight exceeds the weight  limitations  as set  forth in this section, or such rules and regulations, or the weight  limitations specified by permit issued pursuant to  subdivision  fifteen of  this  section  (excluding  enforcement scale tolerance not to exceed five percent) shall be punishable by  fines  levied  on  the  registered owner  of  the vehicle or vehicles, whether at the time of the violation the vehicle was in the charge of the registered owner or  his  agent  or lessee in accordance with the following schedule:  Excess Total Weight     (pounds)                                             Amount of Fine    greater than            less than or equal to           (dollars)            0                       2,000                         50        2,000                       3,000                         75        3,000                       4,000                        100        4,000                       5,000                        200        5,000                       6,000                        300        6,000                       7,000                        400        7,000                       8,000                        500        8,000                       9,000                        600        9,000                      10,000                        700       10,000                      15,000                      1,200       15,000                      20,000                      1,700       20,000                      25,000                      2,200       25,000                      30,000                      2,700       30,000                      35,000                      3,200       35,000                      40,000                      3,700       40,000                      45,000                      4,200       45,000                      50,000 or greater           4,700  (NOTE:  Where  the  excess  total  weight  is  greater  than  the limits specified by a permit, the permit shall be deemed voided  and  then  the amount of fine shall be determined in accordance with the maximum weight which would have been in effect for the operation of such vehicle if the permit to exceed such maximum weight had not been issued.)  (d)  Notwithstanding  paragraphs  (a)  and  (b) of this subdivision, a violation of the provisions of  subdivisions  eight  and  nine  of  this section  in  a  city  not  wholly  included  within one county or of the provisions of the  rules  or  regulations  of  the  city  department  of transportation  setting  forth the maximum allowable axle or tandem axle weight for the operation of a vehicle in such city without a permit  for such  vehicle,  by  any  vehicle or combination of vehicles whose weight exceeds the weight limitations as set forth in  this  section,  or  such rules  or  regulations,  or  the  weight limitations specified by permit issued  pursuant  to  subdivision  fifteen  of  this  section  shall  be punishable  by  fines  levied  on the registered owner of the vehicle or vehicles, whether at the time of the violation the vehicle  was  in  the charge  of  the registered owner, or his agent, or lessee, in accordance with the following schedule:  Percentage of excess weight     (percentage)                                         Amount of Fine      greater than          less than or equal to           (dollars)            0                       5.0                          100          5.0                      10.0                          200         10.0                      15.0                          350         15.0                      20.0                          600         20.0                      25.0                         1000         25.0                      30.0                         1600         30.0                      35.0                         2450          35.0                      40.0                         3600         40.0                      45.0                         5100         45.0                                                   7000  (NOTE:  Where the excess axle or axles weight is greater than the limits specified by a permit, the permit shall be deemed voided  and  then  the amount of fine shall be determined in accordance with the maximum weight which would have been in effect for the operation of such vehicle if the permit to exceed such maximum weight had not been issued.)  (e) In addition to the fines imposed by paragraphs (a), (c) and (d) of this subdivision, the registration of the vehicle may be suspended for a period  not  to exceed one year, whether at the time of the violation of this section the vehicle was in charge  of  the  owner  or  the  owner's agent,  or  lessee.  The  provisions of section five hundred ten of this chapter shall apply to such suspension,  except  as  otherwise  provided herein.  (f)  If  the  vehicle  is  the  subject of a permit issued pursuant to paragraph (f)  of  subdivision  fifteen  of  this  section  and  if  the registered  owner  of  a  vehicle  fails to appear on the return date or subsequent adjourned date of a summons, appearance ticket or  notice  of violation  issued  pursuant  to  this subdivision or fails to pay a fine imposed pursuant to this subdivision, the registration of the vehicle or the privilege of operating the vehicle in this state shall be  suspended for  a  period  not  to  exceed one year. The suspension shall remain in effect until the registered owner's appearance or payment of  the  fine. The  commissioner  or  the  commissioner's agent may deny a registration application  of  any  other  person  for  the  same  vehicle  where  the commissioner  has  reasonable  grounds to believe that such registration will have the effect of defeating the purpose of this paragraph.   20.  Notwithstanding  the  provisions  of   sections   three   hundred eighty-five, sixteen hundred thirty, sixteen hundred thirty-one, sixteen hundred  forty,  sixteen  hundred  forty-two,  sixteen hundred fifty and sixteen hundred sixty of this chapter, nor of any  other  law,  statute, ordinance, rule or regulation, the state, a city, county, town, village, public  authority,  including  the  port  of  New  York  and  New Jersey authority, or commission, or  any  department,  agency,  subdivision  or other  entity  thereof,  shall  not  enact nor enforce any law, statute, ordinance, rule or regulation with  respect  to  vehicle  dimensions  or weights which shall violate any of the provisions of the federal surface transportation  assistance  act of nineteen hundred eighty-two. Any such law,  statute,  ordinance,  rule  or  regulation  which  results  in   a notification  of  an imminent loss or withholding of federal highway aid to the state shall to the degree inconsistent hereafter be  deemed  null and void and shall not be enforced.   20-a. If a vehicle or combination of vehicles is operated in violation of  this  section,  an appearance ticket or summons may be issued to the registrant of the vehicle, or if  a  combination  of  vehicles,  to  the registrant of the hauling vehicle rather than the operator. In the event the  vehicle  is  operated  by  a  person other than the registrant, any appearance ticket or summons issued to the registrant  shall  be  served upon  the  operator, who shall be deemed the agent of the registrant for the purpose  of  receiving  such  appearance  ticket  or  summons.  Such operator-agent  shall  transmit such ticket or summons to the registrant of the vehicle or the hauling vehicle. If the registrant does not appear on the return date, a notice establishing a new return date  and  either containing  all  pertinent  information  relating to the charge which is contained on the summons or appearance ticket or accompanied by  a  copy of  the  information  or  complaint shall also be mailed by certified or  registered mail by or on behalf of the court or administrative  tribunal before  whom  the  appearance  ticket  or  summons  is returnable to the registrant at the address given on the registration certificate for  the vehicle,  or  if no registration certificate is produced at the time the appearance ticket or summons is issued, to the address of the registrant on file  with  the  department  or  given  to  the  person  issuing  the appearance  ticket  or  summons.  Whenever  proceedings  in  a  court or administrative tribunal of this state  result  in  a  conviction  for  a violation  of this section, and the court or administrative tribunal has made the mailing specified herein, the court or administrative  tribunal shall  levy  a mandatory surcharge, in addition to any sentence or other surcharge required or permitted by law, in the amount of thirty dollars. This mandatory surcharge shall be paid to the  clerk  of  the  court  or administrative  tribunal  that rendered the conviction. Within the first ten days of the month following collection of the mandatory surcharge by a town or village court, the court shall pay such  money  to  the  state comptroller   who   shall,   pursuant  to  subdivision  two  of  section ninety-nine-a of the state finance law, credit such money to the account of the town or village which  sent  the  mandatory  surcharge.  If  such collecting  authority  is  any  other  court  of  the  unified system or administrative tribunal it shall, within such period, pay such money  to the  state  comptroller  who  shall  deposit  such  money into the state treasury.  The  provisions  of  this  subdivision  shall  not  apply  to owner-operators  of any motor vehicle or to any motor vehicle or trailer which is registered in the name of a person whose principal business  is the  lease  or  rental  of  motor  vehicles or trailers unless the motor vehicle or trailer is being operated by an employee of the registrant or for a community of interest other than the  lease  or  rental  agreement between the parties to the lease or rental agreement.   21.  The  court  may  impose  any  sentence authorized by this chapter provided, however, any such sentence must include a fine as provided  in this section.   22.  In  any  case  wherein the charge laid before the court alleges a violation of this section, any plea  of  guilty  thereafter  entered  in satisfaction  of such charge must include at least a plea of guilty to a violation  of  one  of  the  subdivisions  of  this  section.  No  other disposition  by  plea  of  guilty to any other charge in satisfaction of such charge shall be authorized.  Provided,  however,  if  the  district attorney  upon  reviewing  the  available  evidence  determines that the charge of a violation of this section is not warranted, or suspension of registration  is  not,  under  the  circumstances,  appropriate  he  may consent,  and  the  court  may allow, a disposition by plea of guilty to that or another charge in satisfaction of such  charge  and,  may  waive suspension  of  registration  as  required  by  this  section, provided, however, the court must impose at least the minimum fine  as  authorized in this section for the offense of conviction.   23.  Except  on  highways designated as part of the interstate system, the provisions of subdivisions six, seven, eight, nine, ten, eleven  and twelve of this section shall not apply to any fire vehicle, as such term is defined in section one hundred fifteen-a of this chapter.   24.  The  provisions  of  subdivisions  six,  seven, eight, nine, ten, eleven and twelve of this section shall not apply to any tow truck  that is  transporting  a  disabled  vehicle from the place where such vehicle became disabled to the nearest appropriate repair  facility  and  has  a gross  vehicle  weight  that  is  equal  to or exceeds the gross vehicle weight of the disabled vehicle being transported.