News and Notices
Emergency Executive Order provides relief from certain regulations for those assisting with winter storm emergency relief efforts
On Friday, April 12, Governor Tim Walz signed an emergency executive order providing relief to carriers and drivers that are assisting with emergency relief efforts in Minnesota due to damage caused by the recent winter storm. The order is in effect until May 12, 2019.
The executive order exempts those interstate carriers assisting in the restoration of electrical power to affected areas of the state from laws pertaining to unified carrier registration (UCR), international registration plan (IRP) and international fuel tax agreement (IFTA). Drivers and carriers providing assistance in the emergency relief efforts are also exempt from certain federal regulations, such as the hours of service requirements.
Governor signs Emergency Executive Order for drivers and carriers transporting forage
On Friday, March 29, Governor Tim Walz signed an emergency executive order allowing carriers and drivers to transport forage (i.e. grass and hay) at a size and weight above the legal limits without having to obtain a permit. Vehicles operating under this order are not allowed on the interstate system, and must comply with posted limits on roads and bridges.
Emergency Executive Order exempts vehicles transporting materials for flood prevention and mitigation
On Friday, March 22, Governor Tim Walz signed an emergency executive order exempting vehicles transporting sand, gravel, and other materials used for flood prevention and mitigation from the spring load restrictions.
The relief from spring load restrictions in the executive order does not apply to vehicles operating with a road construction materials permit.
Emergency Executive Order provides relief for vehicles pumping or transporting sewage
On Thursday, March 14, Governor Walz issued an emergency executive order exempting vehicles used to pump or transport sewage from the spring load restrictions when providing emergency septic system pumping services.
Improved Map Resources from the MnDOT Oversize/Overweight Permits Section
We now have two new mapping resources made available to help guide you in planning and scoping of Oversize/Overweight load movement:
- SUPERLOAD Utility Resource Map
This mapping tool can help you filter clearances on MnDOT utility lines, overhead signs, and light signals on state highways, and details on electrical services in different areas of Minnesota. - Width of Roadway Map
This mapping tool displays travel lane widths for MnDOT’s two-lane undivided highways in three different travel lane width classes: 10 ft., 11 ft., 12ft. or greater. You can also view the location of Metro rush hour zones and restricted travel areas.
Please note that due to various external factors, such as new construction and physical changes in highways, this information may not be current, and may be incomplete. See our disclaimer for more information.
Road Construction Materials permit reminder
When applying for 6 or 7 axle Road Construction Materials Permit, any vehicle or combination is required to meet the minimum spacing following the Gross Vehicle Weight Table. For more information and to view the table, see Gross Weight Schedule.
Also, see Minnesota Statute 169.869 for more details about this permit.
MnDOT makes change to annual permit trip logging requirement permanent
Trips made under a MnDOT annual permit no longer require a route pre-approval through MnDOT's permitting system whenever the loaded vehicle does not exceed the following dimensions:
- 11'0" Wide;
- 14'6" High; or
- 110'0" Long.
MnDOT strongly encourages using its permit routing system to verify all routes, but it is no longer a requirement when loaded dimensions are within those listed above.
Loads exceeding the dimensions listed above, and overweight loads, are still required to obtain route pre-approval from MnDOT.
For complete details about this permanent requirement change, see memo.
Pilot escort drivers must be certified
All pilot car drivers, including licensed peace officers, who escort oversized loads in Minnesota are required to be certified by the Minnesota State Patrol. For information on training and certification reciprocity, please visit https://www.hennepintech.edu/workforce-education/programs-workforce-education/pilot-escort-driver-training.html