2023 Wisconsin Statutes & Annotations › Chapter 348 - Vehicles — size, weight and load. › 348.27 - Annual, consecutive month or multiple trip permits.

348.27
Annual, consecutive month or multiple trip permits.
(1)
Applications. All applications for annual, consecutive month or multiple trip permits for the movement of oversize or overweight vehicles or loads shall be made to the officer or agency designated by this section as having authority to issue the particular permit desired for use of the particular highway in question. All applications under subs. (2) and (4) to (15) shall be made upon forms prescribed by the department. All applications under sub. (16) shall be made utilizing an electronic process prescribed by the department. All applications under sub. (17) shall be made utilizing an electronic process prescribed by the department. All applications under sub. (18) shall be made utilizing an electronic process prescribed by the department.
(2)
Annual and consecutive month permits. Except as otherwise restricted in this section, annual and consecutive month permits for oversize or overweight vehicles or loads may be issued by the department, regardless of the highways involved.
(3)
General permits. For good cause in specified instances for specified construction or maintenance operations or for a specified period, the officer or agency in charge of maintenance of a highway may allow loads exceeding the size or weight limitations imposed by this chapter to be hauled on such highway. No such officer or agency shall issue such permits for use of a highway the cost of maintenance of which is paid by a unit of government other than the unit of government which such officer or agency represents. A permit issued by the department under this subsection may authorize transportation of a divisible load on the I 41 corridor but may not authorize transportation of a divisible load on any other interstate highway.
(3m)
Permit amendments for replacement vehicles. If a vehicle for which a permit has been issued under this section is removed from service or sold, the permittee may operate a replacement vehicle of the same type and weight class for the remainder of the period for which the permit was issued or validated under an amendment of the permit. The permittee shall apply to the officer or agency that issued the permit for the amendment. The terms of the permit, including any requirements imposed by the officer or agency for issuance of the permit, shall apply to the permittee's operation of the replacement vehicle under the amendment of the permit. No fee shall be charged for the amendment of a permit under this subsection.
(4)
Industrial interplant permits. The department may issue, to industries and to their agent motor carriers owning and operating oversize vehicles in connection with interplant, and from plant to state line, operations in this state, annual or consecutive month permits for the operation of such vehicles over designated routes, provided that such permit shall not be issued under this section to agent motor carriers or, except for the I 39 corridor and the I 41 corridor, from plant to state line for vehicles or loads of width exceeding 102 inches upon routes of the national system of interstate and defense highways. If the routes desired to be used by the applicant involve city or village streets or county or town highways, the application shall be accompanied by a written statement of route approval by the officer in charge of maintenance of the highway in question.
(4m)
Permits for the transportation of loads on STH 31 among manufacturing plants, distribution centers, and warehouses.
(a)
Subject to pars. (b) and (c), the department may issue annual or consecutive month permits for the transportation of loads in vehicle combinations that exceed the maximum gross weight limitations under s. 348.15 (3) (c) by not more than 18,000 pounds if the vehicle combination has 6 or more axles and the gross weight imposed on the highway by the wheels of any one axle of the vehicle combination does not exceed 18,000 pounds, except that the gross weight imposed on the highway by the wheels of any steering axle on the power unit may not exceed the greater of 13,000 pounds or the manufacturer's rated capacity, but not to exceed 18,000 pounds. Notwithstanding s. 348.15 (8), any axle of a vehicle combination that does not impose on the highway at least 8 percent of the gross weight of the vehicle combination may not be counted as an axle for the purposes of this paragraph. A permit issued under this subsection does not authorize the operation of any vehicle combination at a maximum gross weight in excess of 98,000 pounds.
(b)
A permit under this subsection is valid only for the transportation of loads between or among any of the following:
1.
A manufacturing plant located in Racine County.
2.
A distribution center located in Kenosha County.
3.
A warehouse located in Kenosha County.
4.
A warehouse located in Racine County.
(c)
1.
Except as provided in subds. 2. and 3., and subject to par. (d), a permit under this subsection is valid only on STH 31 and on local highways designated in the permit that provide access to STH 31.
2.
A permit under this subsection is not valid on any interstate highway designated under s. 84.29 (2) or on any highway or bridge with a posted weight limitation that is less than the vehicle combination's gross weight.
3.
Except as provided in subd. 2., if any portion of STH 31 in Kenosha County or Racine County is closed, a permit under this subsection is valid on any highway providing a detour around this closed portion of STH 31.
(d)
If the routes desired to be used by the applicant involve highways under the jurisdiction of local authorities, the department shall, prior to issuing the permit, submit the permit application to the officers in charge of maintenance of the local highways to be used, for their approval. The department may issue the permit, notwithstanding the objections of these officers, if, after consulting with these officers, the department determines that their objections lack merit.
(7)
Mobile home, manufactured home, and modular home permits. The department may issue annual or consecutive month statewide permits to licensed mobile home, manufactured home, or modular home transport companies and to licensed mobile home, manufactured home, or modular home manufacturers and dealers authorizing them to transport oversize mobile homes, manufactured homes, or modular homes over any of the highways of the state in the ordinary course of their business.
(9)
Transportation of loads near the Michigan-Wisconsin state line.
(a)
1.
The department may issue annual or consecutive month permits, for the transportation of loads on a vehicle or combination of vehicles exceeding statutory length or weight limitations and for the unladen operation of such vehicles returning from the delivery of a load or operating to or from a point of fueling, servicing, or purchase or sale of the vehicle, that authorize all of the following:
a.
The transportation of loads over any class of highway for a distance not to exceed 11 miles from the Michigan-Wisconsin state line if the vehicle or combination of vehicles does not violate length or weight limitations under Michigan law.
b.
The transportation of raw forest products, lumber, or forestry biomass anywhere upon USH 2 in Iron County, Florence County, Ashland County, or Bayfield County, or upon USH 2 in Douglas County from the Bayfield County line through Marina Drive in the city of Superior, or upon USH 53 from Marina Drive through N. 5th Street in the city of Superior if the vehicle or combination of vehicles does not violate length or weight limitations under Michigan law.
d.
The transportation of raw forest products, lumber, or forestry biomass on any highway route specified in subd. 3. if the vehicle or combination of vehicles does not violate length or weight limitations under Michigan law. This subd. 1. d. does not apply to a vehicle combination that meets the criteria of truck configuration number 24 as provided in the Bridge Analysis Guide prepared by the Michigan department of transportation.
2.
If the roads desired to be used by an applicant for a permit under this paragraph involve streets or highways other than those within the state trunk highway system, the application shall be accompanied by a written statement of route approval by the officer in charge of maintenance of the other highway.
3.
Subdivision 1. d. applies only on the following highway routes:
b.
STH 77, from 2nd Avenue in the city of Hurley to Olson Road in the city of Mellen, in Iron and Ashland counties.
c.
USH 51, from the USH 2/51 interchange north of the city of Hurley to Maple Ridge Road in the town of Mercer in Iron County.
d.
USH 45, from the Wisconsin-Michigan border to STH 54 in the city of New London.
e.
STH 139, from the Wisconsin-Michigan border to USH 8, in Florence and Forest counties.
f.
USH 8, from the Wisconsin-Michigan border in Marinette County to USH 45 in Oneida County.
g.
STH 13, from the junction of USH 2 and STH 13 in the city of Ashland to the intersection of STH 13 and Old Airport Road in Ashland County.
h.
STH 70, from the junction of STH 70 and USH 45 in the city of Eagle River to the junction of STH 70 and USH 51 in Vilas County.
i.
STH 64, from the junction of STH 64 and USH 45 in the city of Antigo to the junction of STH 64 and USH 141 in Marinette County.
j.
STH 64, from the junction of STH 64 and USH 141 in Marinette County to the junction of STH 64 and USH 41 in the city of Marinette.
k.
USH 141, from the village of Crivitz in Marinette County to the junction of USH 141 and CTH S in Oconto County.
L.
USH 41, from the town of Abrams in Oconto County to the city of Marinette.
m.
USH 8, from the junction of USH 8 and USH 45 in Oneida County to a point four-tenths of a mile west on USH 8.
n.
STH 54, from the junction of STH 54 and USH 45 in the city of New London to the junction of STH 54 and CTH S in Outagamie County.
(b)
For a vehicle or combination of vehicles the weight of which exceeds any of the provisions of s. 348.15 (3), the fee for an annual permit under this subsection shall be one of the following:
1.
If the gross weight is 90,000 pounds or less, $100.
2.
If the gross weight is more than 90,000 pounds but not more than 100,000 pounds, $175.
3.
If the gross weight is greater than 100,000 pounds, $175 plus $50 for each 10,000-pound increment or fraction thereof by which the gross weight exceeds 100,000 pounds.
(c)
The fee for a consecutive month permit under this subsection for a vehicle or combination of vehicles the weight of which exceeds any of the provisions of s. 348.15 (3) shall be determined in the manner provided in s. 348.25 (8) (bm), except that the applicable fee for an annual permit under par. (b) shall be used in the computation.
(d)
A permit issued under this subsection does not authorize the operation of any vehicle or vehicle combination at a maximum gross weight in excess of 164,000 pounds.
(9m)
Transportation of raw forest and agricultural products.
(a)
The department may issue annual or consecutive month permits for the transportation of any of the following:
1.
Raw forest products or of fruits or vegetables from field to storage or processing facilities in vehicles or vehicle combinations that exceed the maximum gross weight limitations under s. 348.15 (3) (c) by not more than 10,000 pounds. A permit under this subdivision is not valid on highways designated as part of the national system of interstate and defense highways, except on the I 39 corridor and the I 41 corridor.
2.
Bulk potatoes from storage facilities to rail loading facilities in vehicle combinations that exceed the maximum gross weight limitations under s. 348.15 (3) (c) by not more than 10,000 pounds. A permit under this subdivision shall be valid only on USH 51 between CTH “V" and CTH “B" in Waushara and Portage counties, and for a distance not to exceed 15 miles from that portion of USH 51 in order to obtain access to USH 51 or to reach fuel, food, maintenance, repair, rest, staging, terminal facilities or points of loading or unloading.
3.
Bulk potatoes from storage facilities to food processing facilities in vehicles or vehicle combinations that exceed the maximum gross weight limitations under s. 348.15 (3) (c) by not more than 10,000 pounds. A permit under this subdivision is not valid on highways designated as part of the national system of interstate and defense highways, except to the extent permitted by federal law without any loss or reduction of federal aid or other sanction.
4.
Raw forest products in vehicle combinations that exceed the maximum gross weight limitations under s. 348.15 (3) (c) by not more than 18,000 pounds if the vehicle combination has 6 or more axles and the gross weight imposed on the highway by the wheels of any one axle of the vehicle combination does not exceed 18,000 pounds, except that the gross weight imposed on the highway by the wheels of any steering axle on the power unit may not exceed the greater of 13,000 pounds or the manufacturer's rated capacity, but not to exceed 18,000 pounds. Notwithstanding s. 348.15 (8), any axle of a vehicle combination that does not impose on the highway at least 8 percent of the gross weight of the vehicle combination may not be counted as an axle for the purposes of this subdivision. Subject to par. (c), a permit under this subdivision is not valid on any interstate highway designated under s. 84.29 (2) except for the I 41 corridor and that portion of the I 39 corridor between STH 34 in the town of Knowlton and STH 29 south of the city of Wausau, any highway or bridge with a posted weight limitation that is less than the vehicle combination's gross weight, and any part of the state trunk highway system that the department has designated by rule as a route on which a permit issued under this subsection is not valid.
(b)
A permit issued under par. (a) 1. to 3. does not authorize the operation of any vehicle or vehicle combination at a maximum gross weight in excess of 90,000 pounds. A permit issued under par. (a) 4. does not authorize the operation of any vehicle combination at a maximum gross weight in excess of 98,000 pounds.
(c)
A permit issued under par. (a) 4. shall expressly authorize the vehicle combination to exceed, on state trunk highways and connecting highways, any special weight limitation imposed under ss. 348.17 (1) and 349.16 (1) (a) and (2) in connection with the thawing of frozen highways and to be operated at the full weight allowable under par. (a) on state trunk highways and connecting highways. Notwithstanding s. 348.25 (3), a permit issued under par. (a) 4. may not be suspended by the department, or contain any condition or limitation imposed by the department, in connection with the thawing of frozen highways that are not state trunk highways or connecting highways, except that the operation of the vehicle combination is subject to posted weight limitations on these local highways.
(d)
1.
The department shall suspend a permit issued under par. (a) 4. if the person operating under the permit does any of the following:
a.
Violates any weight limitation specified in the permit more than 2 times during the valid period of the permit.
b.
Violates any weight limitation specified in the permit by exceeding the weight limitation by 10,000 or more pounds.
2.
The suspension under subd. 1. shall be for a period of 6 months. If the remaining valid period of the permit at the time of the suspension is less than 6 months, the person may not apply for, or operate under, any other permit issued under par. (a) 4. for a period of 6 months from the suspension.
(9r)
Transportation of scrap and municipal sewage residue. The department may issue an annual or consecutive month permit for the transportation of any of the following:
(a)
Metallic or nonmetallic scrap for the purpose of recycling or processing on a vehicle or combination of vehicles which exceeds statutory weight or length limitations and for the return of the vehicle or combination of vehicles when empty. This paragraph does not apply to the transportation of scrap on highways designated as part of the national system of interstate and defense highways, except for the I 39 corridor and the I 41 corridor.
(b)
The residue material resulting from treatment of municipal sewage for the purpose of processing in a vehicle combination that exceeds the maximum gross weight limitations under s. 348.15 (3) (c) by not more than 20,000 pounds if the vehicle combination has 5 or more axles and for the return of the vehicle combination to the municipal sewage treatment facility while transporting the liquid removed from the residue material during processing, including any chemical treatment added to the liquid. This paragraph does not apply to the transportation of municipal sewage residue material or liquid removed from municipal sewage residue material on highways designated as part of the national system of interstate and defense highways.
(9t)
Transportation of potatoes. The department may issue annual or consecutive month permits for the transportation of potatoes intended for use as seed in specially configured vehicle combinations that exceed the maximum gross weight limitations under s. 348.15 (3) (c) by not more than 10,000 pounds. A permit issued under this subsection does not authorize the operation of any vehicle combination at a maximum gross weight in excess of 90,000 pounds. A permit under this subsection may authorize operation during a spring thaw and shall be valid only on STH 64 between CTH “H" and USH 41 in Langlade, Oconto and Marinette counties; USH 41 between STH 64 and the Wisconsin-Michigan border; and any highway for a distance not to exceed 15 miles from any portion of STH 64 or USH 41 specified in this subsection in order to obtain access to STH 64 or USH 41 or to reach fuel, food, maintenance, repair, rest, staging, terminal facilities or points of loading or unloading. The department shall establish by rule configuration requirements for vehicle combinations under this subsection and such requirements may permit vehicle combinations to exceed the length requirements of s. 348.07. The department may establish by rule an alternative route for any portion of a highway specified in this subsection.
(10)
Transportation of grain or coal or iron. The department may issue annual or consecutive month permits for the transportation of loads of grain, as defined in s. 126.01 (13), coal, iron ore concentrates or alloyed iron on a vehicle or a combination of 2 or more vehicles that exceeds statutory weight or length limitations and for the return of the empty vehicle or combination of vehicles over any class of highway for a distance not to exceed 5 miles from the Wisconsin state line. If the roads desired to be used by the applicant involve streets or highways other than those within the state trunk highway system, the application shall be accompanied by a written statement of route approval by the officer in charge of maintenance of the other highway. This subsection does not apply to highways designated as part of the national system of interstate and defense highways.
(11m)
Agricultural emergency permits.
(a)
If the secretary of agriculture, trade and consumer protection determines that an agricultural emergency exists, the secretary of transportation may authorize the issuance of permits to allow vehicles that are transporting any of the following loads to exceed the width limitation under s. 348.05 (1) if the total outside width does not exceed 12 feet 5 inches and the height does not exceed 14 feet 6 inches:
1.
Baled hay, baled straw, baled cornstalks, or baled stover if the hay, straw, cornstalks, or stover is to be used for feed or bedding.
2.
From September 15 to December 15 of each year, Christmas trees from the point of harvesting or staging to a Christmas tree yard or point of commercial shipment.
(b)
In authorizing the issuance of permits under this subsection, the secretary of transportation shall specify in writing the factors which resulted in the determination to issue permits under this subsection. The factors shall include the effect of the increased size limits on highway safety.
(c)
Nothing in this subsection shall be construed to permit the department to waive the requirements of s. 348.07.
(d)
The secretary of transportation may limit the application of permits issued under this subsection to specific areas of the state or to specific highways. A permit authorized under this subsection takes effect upon the mailing or delivery of a complete application and the required fee to the department. A permit authorized under this subsection is valid for up to 90 days, as determined by the secretary of transportation.
(12)
Transportation of garbage or refuse.
(a)
In this subsection, “refuse" means combustible and noncombustible rubbish, including paper, wood, metal, glass, cloth and products thereof, litter and street rubbish, ashes, and lumber, concrete and other debris resulting from the construction or demolition of structures.
(b)
The department may issue an annual or consecutive month permit for the transportation of garbage, as defined in s. 289.01 (9), or refuse, in any of the following vehicles that exceed statutory weight and length limitations and for the return of the vehicle when empty:
1.
A self-compactor equipped vehicle.
2.
A roll-off equipped truck or roll-off trailer that uses all axles while transporting garbage or refuse.
(c)
A permit under par. (b) may be issued for use on any highway within this state.
(12m)
Permits for vehicles transporting certain buildings.
(a)
In this subsection:
1.
a.
“Building" means a dwelling or other structure or portion of a dwelling or other structure that, when measured as provided in subd. 1. b., is more than 12 feet wide, more than 14 feet 3 inches in height, or more than 100 feet long; that is transportable as a whole or in sections; and that is raised and supported from an existing foundation to be moved and placed on a permanent foundation at a new location where the dwelling or other structure is to be delivered. “Building" does not include a modular housing unit, a manufactured building as defined in s. 101.71 (6), or a manufactured home as defined in s. 101.91 (2).
b.
For purposes of subd. 1. a., width shall be measured from the farthest extremity of the vehicle and load on each side, height shall be measured from the ground to the highest point of the vehicle and load, and length shall be measured from the rearmost point of the vehicle and load to the frontmost point of the vehicle.
2.
“Vehicle" includes a combination of vehicles.
(b)
The department may issue annual or consecutive month permits for vehicles transporting buildings on the highways. A permit under this subsection may be issued only by the department, regardless of the highways to be used.
(c)
The department may not issue a permit under this subsection unless the department determines that all of the following requirements are met:
1.
The applicant identifies each potential operator of a vehicle under the permit and provides proof that each such operator holds a valid commercial driver license, with any endorsement required under ch. 343 for operation of the class and type of vehicle to be used to transport a building under the permit.
2.
The applicant provides proof of a valid motor carrier certificate or license of authority issued under ch. 194 or under federal law applicable for each vehicle to be used to transport a building under the permit.
3.
The applicant provides proof, by a certificate of insurance filed with the department, that the applicant, in addition to satisfying the insurance requirements described in s. 346.924 (2), maintains a policy of comprehensive general liability insurance, issued by an insurer authorized to transact business in this state, that provides bodily injury liability coverage and property damage liability coverage, including for underground property damage, with a total limit of not less than $500,000 for each occurrence.
(d)
The department may deny any application for a permit under this subsection if the department finds any of the following:
1.
That the applicant, or any potential operator identified in par. (c) 1., has been convicted, within 3 years immediately preceding the date of application, of a violation of s. 346.924.
2.
That the applicant, or any potential operator identified in par. (c) 1., has engaged in conduct endangering the safety of persons using the highways.
3.
That the applicant has failed to provide reimbursement for damage, which is not paid for by the applicant's insurer, to a highway caused while transporting a building under a permit under this subsection.
4.
That the applicant, or any potential operator identified in par. (c) 1., has abandoned a building on a highway or on public or private property without permission of the property owner.
(e)
The provisions of this subsection apply in addition to any other requirement imposed under this chapter, chs. 194, 343, 346, and 347, and federal law.
(15)
Multiple trip permits.
(a)
The department shall issue to qualifying applicants multiple trip permits for the transportation of granular roofing material in vehicles or vehicle combinations that exceed the maximum gross weight limitations under s. 348.15 (3) (c) by not more than 10,000 pounds. A permit issued under this subsection does not authorize the operation of any vehicle or vehicle combination at a maximum gross weight in excess of 90,000 pounds. A permit under this subsection may be issued only by the department, regardless of the highways to be used. A permit under this subsection is not valid on highways designated as part of the national system of interstate and defense highways except that a permit may be issued that is valid on not more than 2.5 miles of any state trunk highway if such issuance of the permit is consistent with federal law.
(b)
1.
An application for a permit under this subsection shall include all of the following information:
a.
The motor carrier on behalf of which the load is to be transported.
b.
The location from which the transportation of the load is to originate and the load's destination, along with the designated route over which the load will be transported.
2.
A permit issued under this subsection shall include as conditions of the permit the information specified in subd. 1. a. and b.
(c)
If the designated route under par. (b) 1. b. includes streets or highways other than those within the state trunk highway system, no permit may be issued under this subsection unless the governing body of each municipality or county having jurisdiction over such streets or highways adopts a resolution approving the transportation of the load over that portion of the designated route that is on streets or highways under the jurisdiction of the municipality or county. An applicant for a permit under this subsection shall include a copy of each such resolution with the permit application.
(d)
The department shall promulgate rules to implement and administer this subsection.
(16)
Transportation of hay or straw.
(a)
The department may issue annual or consecutive month permits for the transportation of loads of hay or straw on a vehicle or combination of vehicles that exceeds the height limitations under s. 348.06.
(b)
If the roads desired to be used by an applicant for a permit under this subsection involve highways other than those within the state trunk highway system, the application shall be accompanied by a written statement of route approval by the officer in charge of maintenance of the other highway.
(c)
A permit under this subsection does not authorize the operation of any vehicle or vehicle combination having an overall height in excess of 14 feet 6 inches if the vehicle or vehicle combination is being operated on a highway in an urban area or 15 feet if the vehicle or vehicle combination is being operated on any other highway. The department shall, by rule, define “urban area" for purposes of this paragraph and shall provide, with each permit issued under this subsection, information to the permit holder as to the meaning of this term.
(d)
The department may promulgate rules regulating the configuration of the loads carried under permits issued under this subsection and how these loads are to be secured for safe travel.
(17)
Permits for the transportation of sealed loads in international trade.
(a)
In this subsection, “sealed load" means a load consisting of a container or vehicle, being transported in international trade, that has been sealed with a tamper-evident seal affixed at the time of initial loading.
(b)
The department may issue annual or consecutive month permits for the transportation of a sealed load in a vehicle or vehicle combination that has 6 or more axles and that exceeds the maximum gross weight limitations under s. 348.15 (3) (c) if the vehicle or vehicle combination does not exceed the maximum gross weight limitations under s. 348.29. Notwithstanding s. 348.15 (8), any axle of a vehicle or vehicle combination that does not impose on the highway at least 8 percent of the gross weight of the vehicle or vehicle combination may not be counted as an axle for the purposes of this paragraph. A permit issued under this subsection does not authorize the operation of any vehicle or vehicle combination at a maximum gross weight in excess of 90,000 pounds.
(18)
Permits for the transportation of certain agricultural products.
(a)
In this subsection:
1.
“Agricultural product" means any of the following or any combination of the following:
a.
Fruit.
b.
Vegetables.
c.
Grain, including distillers' grain.
d.
Live livestock, as defined in s. 95.51 (1), feed for livestock, or nutritional supplements for livestock.
e.
Fish or minnows.
f.
Hemp, as defined in s. 94.67 (15c).
2.
“Agricultural product" does not include liquid milk or liquid milk by-products, manure or animal waste, or raw forest products:
(b)
Subject to par. (c), the department may issue annual or consecutive month permits for the transportation of agricultural products in vehicles or vehicle combinations that have 6 or more axles and that exceed the maximum gross weight limitations under s. 348.15 (3) (c) if the vehicle or vehicle combination does not exceed the maximum gross weight limitations under s. 348.295. Notwithstanding s. 348.15 (8), any axle of a vehicle or vehicle combination that does not impose on the highway at least 8 percent of the gross weight of the vehicle or vehicle combination may not be counted as an axle for the purposes of this paragraph. A permit issued under this subsection does not authorize the operation of any vehicle or vehicle combination at a maximum gross weight in excess of 90,000 pounds.
(c)
A permit under this subsection is valid only for the transportation of agricultural products to a farm or from a field or farm to a storage facility on the farmer's owned or leased land, a facility for initial storage that is not on the farmer's owned or leased land, or a facility for initial processing.
(d)
If the roads desired to be used by an applicant for a permit under this subsection involve highways other than those within the state trunk highway system, the application shall be accompanied by a written statement of route approval by the officer in charge of maintenance of the other highway.
(e)
A permit under this subsection is not valid on any interstate highway designated under s. 84.29 (2) except to the extent allowed by federal law without any loss or reduction of federal aid or other sanction.
(19)
No-fee permits for implements of husbandry and agricultural commercial motor vehicles that exceed length or weight limitations.
(a)
In this subsection, “maintaining authority" means the following:
1.
The department or its designee, with respect to state trunk highways and bridges crossing over state trunk highways.
2.
The municipality or county responsible for maintenance of the highway or its designee, with respect to any highway that is not a state trunk highway, including any connecting highway. This subdivision does not apply to any bridge crossing over a state trunk highway.
(b)
1.
Subject to subds. 3. and 5. b. and par. (c), a person may apply to the maintaining authority of a highway for an annual or consecutive month, no-fee permit to operate an implement of husbandry or agricultural commercial motor vehicle that exceeds limitations on length or weight, or both, imposed by this chapter. Subject to subds. 3. and 5. b. and par. (c), a person may also apply to the maintaining authority of a highway for an annual or consecutive month, no-fee permit to operate a 2-vehicle combination transporting by trailer or semitrailer an implement of husbandry or agricultural commercial motor vehicle that exceeds limitations on length or weight, or both, imposed by this chapter and that is being transported on the highway to or from a farm-related destination. Upon receiving a complete application for a no-fee permit under this subsection, the maintaining authority shall provide the applicant with a final decision on the application within 3 weeks of its receipt. If the maintaining authority fails to approve or deny the application within this 3-week period, the application is considered approved until the applicant receives a denial meeting the requirements under subd. 4. or until 6 weeks from receipt of the application. If the maintaining authority fails to approve or deny the application within 6 weeks of its receipt, the application is approved.
2.
Subject to subd. 3. and par. (c), any person to whom a no-fee permit has been issued under this subsection may, at any time, apply for an amendment to the permit to reflect a change in the applicant's circumstances or information, including a change in the listing or map of highways to be traveled. Upon receiving a complete application for amendment under this subdivision, the maintaining authority shall provide the applicant with a decision on the application within 5 business days of its receipt. If the maintaining authority fails to approve or deny the application within this period of 5 business days, the application is considered approved until the applicant receives a denial meeting the requirements under subd. 4. or until 10 business days from receipt of the application. If the maintaining authority fails to approve or deny the application within 10 business days of its receipt, the application is approved. This subdivision does not apply if the permit is a resolution or ordinance adopted under subd. 5. This subdivision does not apply with respect to a replacement vehicle as described in par. (c) 10.
3.
Except as provided in subd. 5. b., an application under subd. 1. or 2. shall be made on the form prescribed by the department under par. (d) 1.
4.
After receiving a complete permit application under subd. 1. or 2., if a maintaining authority denies the application, it shall notify the applicant in writing of the denial and the notice shall include a reasonable and structurally based explanation of the denial that relates to the preservation of the roadway.
4m.
a.
If a maintaining authority receives a complete permit application, or a complete application to amend a permit, for an implement of husbandry described in s. 340.01 (24) (a) 1. b. or for an agricultural commercial motor vehicle used as described in s. 340.01 (1o) (e) 1., the maintaining authority may not deny the application. However, the maintaining authority may modify the application to include an alternate route or map of highways other than those specified by the applicant under par. (c) 3. for operation or transportation of the implement of husbandry or agricultural commercial motor vehicle and shall approve the application.
b.
For a maintaining authority under par. (a) 2., the alternate route or map of highways under subd. 4m. a. may include highways that are not under the jurisdiction of the maintaining authority issuing the permit only upon prior approval of the maintaining authority having jurisdiction over those highways, except that no prior approval is required with respect to a highway on which the implement of husbandry or agricultural commercial motor vehicle may be legally operated or transported without a permit or as authorized by a resolution or ordinance serving as a permit under subd. 5. b. For a maintaining authority under par. (a) 1., the alternate route or map of highways under subd. 4m. a. may not include highways that are not under the jurisdiction of the maintaining authority issuing the permit.
5.
a.
The governing body of a municipality or county may, by resolution or ordinance, authorize operation on any or all highways under the municipality's or county's jurisdiction of implements of husbandry and agricultural commercial motor vehicles that exceed limitations on length or weight, or both, imposed by this chapter. The governing body of a municipality or county may also, by resolution or ordinance, authorize operation on any or all highways under the municipality's or county's jurisdiction of 2-vehicle combinations transporting by trailer or semitrailer an implement of husbandry or agricultural commercial motor vehicle that exceeds limitations on length or weight, or both, imposed by this chapter and that is being transported to or from a farm-related destination. If the governing body of a municipality or county adopts a resolution or ordinance under this subd. 5. a., the resolution or ordinance shall be valid for at least one calendar year. For a resolution or ordinance under this subd. 5. a. to be effective in any calendar year, the resolution or ordinance must be adopted on or before November 30 of the prior year. No amendment to a resolution or ordinance is effective in a calendar year unless the amendment was adopted on or before November 30 of the prior year.
b.
If the governing body of a municipality or county adopts a resolution or ordinance under subd. 5. a., then subd. 3. and par. (c) 3. do not apply, no permit application is required, and the resolution or ordinance shall serve as the permit under this subsection. The governing body of the municipality or county shall make copies of the resolution or ordinance readily available to the public at multiple locations within the municipality or county.
c.
If the governing body of a municipality or county adopts a resolution or ordinance under subd. 5. a. that applies to fewer than all of the highways under the municipality's or county's jurisdiction or that authorizes operation or transportation of implements of husbandry and agricultural commercial motor vehicles but imposes conditions, restrictions, or limitations on this operation or transportation, then a person may apply for a permit under subd. 1. for operation or transportation of an implement of husbandry or agricultural commercial motor vehicle on any highway or under any circumstance not authorized by the resolution or ordinance.
d.
No later than January 20 of the year after it adopts or amends a resolution or ordinance under this subdivision, each municipality or county that adopts a resolution or ordinance under this subdivision shall forward to the department a copy of the resolution or ordinance, and the department shall publish the resolution or ordinance on the department's Internet site.
(c)
1.
With respect to any highway under its jurisdiction, and as provided in subd. 8. and par. (b) 4m. b., a maintaining authority may issue an annual or consecutive month, no-fee permit authorizing operation on the highway of an implement of husbandry or agricultural commercial motor vehicle that exceeds limitations on length or weight, or both, imposed by this chapter if the applicable requirements of this subsection are satisfied.
1m.
With respect to any highway under its jurisdiction, and as provided in subd. 9. and par. (b) 4m. b., a maintaining authority may issue an annual or consecutive month, no-fee permit authorizing operation on the highway of a 2-vehicle combination transporting by trailer or semitrailer an implement of husbandry or agricultural commercial motor vehicle that exceeds limitations on length or weight, or both, imposed by this chapter and that is being transported to or from a farm-related destination, if the applicable requirements of this subsection are satisfied.
2.
A no-fee permit issued under this subsection does not exempt any implement of husbandry or agricultural commercial motor vehicle from complying with all equipment and other requirements for an implement of husbandry or agricultural commercial motor vehicle specified in ch. 347.
3.
Except as provided in par. (b) 5. b., an application for a no-fee permit under this subsection shall be accompanied by a listing or map of the highways that may potentially be traveled under authorization of the permit.
4.
A no-fee permit issued under subd. 1. or 1m. is not valid on any highway that is a part of the national system of interstate and defense highways.
5.
No fee may be charged for issuance or amendment of a permit under this subsection, or for any study, investigation, or other review in connection with an application for a permit or amendment of a permit under this subsection.
6.
A maintaining authority under par. (a) 2. may issue permits under this subsection having a valid period that is longer than one year or for which there is no expiration.
7.
Permits issued under this subsection by a maintaining authority under par. (a) 1., including amended permits for which an application has been approved under par. (b) 2., shall automatically renew each year unless there is a material change to any roadway for which the permit applies.
8.
In addition to the authorization under subd. 1., a no-fee permit issued under this subsection authorizes an implement of husbandry or agricultural commercial motor vehicle being operated in compliance with the permit to cross any highway that intersects with a highway under the jurisdiction of the maintaining authority that issued the permit. This subdivision does not apply to a bridge crossing over a state trunk highway.
9.
In addition to the authorization under subd. 1m., a no-fee permit issued under this subsection authorizes a 2-vehicle combination transporting an implement of husbandry or agricultural commercial motor vehicle in compliance with the permit to cross any highway that intersects with a highway under the jurisdiction of the maintaining authority that issued the permit. This subdivision does not apply to a bridge crossing over a state trunk highway.
10.
If an implement of husbandry or agricultural commercial motor vehicle for which a permit has been issued under this subsection is removed from service or sold, the permit authorizes the permittee to operate or transport a replacement vehicle of equal or lesser axle weight and gross weight, or of equal or lesser length, for the remainder of the valid period of the permit. The original terms of the permit, including any requirements imposed by the maintaining authority for issuance of the permit, apply to the permittee's operation or transportation of the replacement vehicle under the permit. If the replacement vehicle is of greater axle weight or gross weight, or of greater length, than that for which the permit was issued, the replacement vehicle may not be operated or transported under the permit and application must be made under par. (b) 1. and a new no-fee permit issued for the replacement vehicle before its operation or transportation is authorized.
11.
If an application for a no-fee permit identifies multiple identical implements of husbandry or agricultural commercial motor vehicles to be operated on the same highways, as provided in par. (d) 1m., the maintaining authority shall issue a no-fee permit that identifies, and authorizes operation of, each implement of husbandry or agricultural commercial motor vehicle identified in the application. The permittee may make copies of the no-fee permit and, for purposes of s. 348.28, carry a copy of the permit, in lieu of the original, on any implement of husbandry or agricultural commercial motor vehicle identified in the no-fee permit.
(cm)
If a no-fee permit is issued under this subsection authorizing a 2-vehicle combination to transport by trailer or semitrailer an implement of husbandry, the permit shall require the person transporting the implement of husbandry to comply with s. 347.24 (3) (b) 1. For purposes of this paragraph, the requirements under s. 347.24 (3) (b) 1. shall apply to an implement of husbandry being transported to the same extent as if the implement of husbandry were being operated.
(cr)
If a no-fee permit is issued under this subsection authorizing a 2-vehicle combination to transport by trailer or semitrailer an agricultural commercial motor vehicle exceeding 8 feet 6 inches in total outside width, the permit shall require the person transporting the agricultural commercial motor vehicle to comply with s. 348.09 (3) (b).
(d)
1.
The department shall prescribe an application form for no-fee permits, and amendments to no-fee permits, under this subsection. Except with respect to permits under par. (b) 5. b., this form shall be used by each maintaining authority. Subject to subd. 1m., the application form shall require the applicant to provide, on the form or as an attachment, all of the following information:
a.
The applicant's contact information.
b.
A listing or map of the highways that may potentially be traveled under authorization of the permit.
c.
Identification of the types of implements of husbandry or agricultural commercial motor vehicles for which the application is made; the length, number of axles, make, model, and estimated weight of the implements of husbandry or agricultural commercial motor vehicles; and the time of year and frequency that these implements of husbandry or agricultural commercial motor vehicles are expected to be operated on the highway.
cm.
If the application is for operation of a 2-vehicle combination transporting by trailer or semitrailer an implement of husbandry or agricultural commercial motor vehicle, a description of the power unit and trailer or semitrailer of the 2-vehicle combination, including make, model, estimated vehicle weight, and vehicle registration number, if applicable.
d.
Changes to the original application when requesting an amendment to a previously issued no-fee permit.
e.
Any other information considered necessary by the department to determine the acceptability of the application.
1m.
The application form under subd. 1. for a no-fee permit shall provide the applicant an opportunity to identify, in one application, multiple identical vehicles or vehicle combinations constituting implements of husbandry or agricultural commercial motor vehicles for which application is made if each such implement of husbandry or agricultural motor vehicle will be operated on the same highways identified by the applicant under par. (c) 3.
2.
The department shall prescribe a procedure for the submission of applications to the maintaining authority under par. (b) 1. and 2. The procedure shall allow an application to be submitted by mail, including certified mail, by electronic transmission, or in person, and shall include a method for accurately documenting the date of receipt of the application regardless of which delivery method is used.
3.
a.
Except as provided in subd. 3. b., c., d., and e., a maintaining authority shall keep confidential all information provided by an applicant for a permit under this subsection and this information is not open to public inspection, copying, or disclosure under s. 19.35.
b.
A maintaining authority described in par. (a) 2. shall disclose to the department, upon its request, information provided by an applicant for a permit under this subsection, but the department shall keep the information confidential, and this information is not open to public inspection, copying, or disclosure under s. 19.35.
c.
A maintaining authority shall, upon request, disclose to a law enforcement agency, for use only for law enforcement purposes, information provided by an applicant for a permit under this subsection.
d.
This subdivision does not prohibit a maintaining authority from disclosing on a permit under this subsection the information necessary to carry out the purpose of the permit.
e.
This subdivision does not prohibit a maintaining authority from disclosing information to the permit applicant or the applicant's agent or from disclosing, in any court proceeding, information necessary for judicial review of the maintaining authority's decision.
4.
In making its initial determination on an application for a no-fee permit under this subsection, a municipality is not subject to the requirements under subch. V of ch. 19.
(e)
1.
In this paragraph, “ adverse determination" means the denial of an application for issuance or amendment of a no-fee permit under this subsection.
2.
Notwithstanding s. 348.25 (9), any person aggrieved by an adverse determination by a municipality or county may obtain review of the adverse determination in the manner provided in ch. 68 or as provided under an ordinance or resolution adopted under s. 68.16. However, review of the initial determination of the municipality or county, under s. 68.09 or 68.10 or under the equivalent provision of an ordinance or resolution adopted by a municipality under s. 68.16, shall be made by, respectively, the governing body of the municipality or the county highway committee of the county. Notwithstanding ss. 19.83 (1) and 19.85 (1), any deliberation or proceeding, at a meeting of the governing body of a municipality or county or any of its committees, related to review of an adverse determination shall be conducted in closed session, with the permit applicant and any agent of the applicant present for any evidentiary hearing or argument. The municipality or county shall keep confidential all information provided by or on behalf of the permit applicant during the proceeding and this information is not open to public inspection, copying, or disclosure under s. 19.35, except that this information may be included in the written decision provided to the permit applicant or applicant's agent and may be disclosed in any court proceeding for judicial review of the decision.
3.
Any person aggrieved by an adverse determination by the department may petition as provided in s. 348.25 (9).
History:  1973 c. 157, 316; 1973 c. 333 s. 190m; 1973 c. 336; 1975 c. 25, 285; 1977 c. 29 ss. 1488m, 1654 (8) (a); 1977 c. 30 s. 5; 1977 c. 191, 197, 272, 273, 418; 1979 c. 34, 315, 326; 1981 c. 20, 69, 163, 215, 391; 1983 a. 78 ss. 32 to 35, 37; 1983 a. 529; 1985 a. 29 s. 3202 (3); 1985 a. 202, 212; 1987 a. 27; 1989 a. 31, 35, 130, 305; 1991 a. 258; 1993 a. 62, 439; 1995 a. 113, 163, 227, 347, 348; 1997 a. 27, 35, 237; 1999 a. 85; 2001 a. 16; 2003 a. 210, 241; 2005 a. 119, 167, 250; 2007 a. 11, 16, 171; 2009 a. 28, 222, 229; 2011 a. 20, 32, 53, 55, 56, 58, 59, 117, 243; 2013 a. 20, 34, 48; 2013 a. 165 ss. 76, 114; 2013 a. 216, 377; 2015 a. 15, 55, 232, 360; 2017 a. 21, 59, 100, 299; 2019 a. 68, 146; 2021 a. 171.
That the Department of Transportation issues, denies, suspends, and revokes permits under this section does not deny a sheriff deputy's authority to issue a citation for a violation of this section. County of Milwaukee v. Superior of Wisconsin, Inc., 2000 WI App 75, 234 Wis. 2d 218, 610 N.W.2d 484, 98-2851.
Municipalities do not have the authority to regulate, by permit or license, vehicles that have been issued permits by the Department of Transportation under sub. (9r). OAG 1-18.