WAC 468-38-175   Highway travel restrictions -- Days, times and highway use.  What restrictions are imposed on vehicles operating under special permit relative to days, times and use of the highway? Day, time and highway use are divided into the following categories:

     (1) Days when travel is restricted: Vehicles operating under special permit for overweight/overdimensional, except as provided for in WAC 468-38-075, may be restricted from the state highways on the holidays of New Year's Day, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving Day and the day after Thanksgiving, Christmas Day, and commencing at noon of the day preceding said holidays.

     (2) Commuter traffic restrictions: Vehicles operating under special permit for overweight/overdimensional, except as provided for in WAC 468-38-075, may be restricted from specified sections of state highways having excessive volumes of traffic during morning and afternoon commuting hours. The department shall identify and publish on the internet, and as an addendum to the special permit, specific areas, hours and vehicle widths relating to the restrictions.

     (3) Nighttime travel: Vehicles or combinations operating under a special permit for overweight/overdimensional may be permitted to move at night on state highways subject to department preferred hours and routes of travel. "Night movement approved" must be stated on the permit, except as provided for in WAC 468-38-075. Overdimensional moves authorized to move at night must have lighting equipment that complies with the Code of Federal Regulation, 49 CFR, Part 393.11. No movements shall be made when visibility is reduced to five hundred feet or when hazardous roadway conditions exist (including, but not limited to: Snow, ice, mudslide, wind or water flooding over roadway). It is the responsibility of the vehicle operator to discontinue the move and exit the highway to a safe location when any of the above conditions exist.

     (4) Reversible lane use: Trucks carrying flammable liquid cargoes, as described in chapter 470-12 WAC, are restricted from using the reversible lanes on SR 5, Seattle freeway, between James Street and 110th Street N.E. The term flammable liquid as applied to this rule shall be as defined in RCW 46.04.187. This rule applies to all vehicles, whether operating under special permit or not.

     (5) Speed limits: Speed of travel must comply with the following:

     (a) Unless otherwise stated, maximum speed for a vehicle(s) under special permit shall be the same speed limit posted for trucks.

     (b) When travel on the roadway shoulder is required on a two-lane highway to allow overtaking traffic to pass, the speed must not exceed twenty-five miles per hour.

     (c) If a speed limit is stated on the special permit, it becomes one of the conditions under which the permit was issued. This stated speed must not be exceeded; however, if a lower speed is posted, it shall take precedence. Violation of the speed limit stated on the permit shall render the permit null and void.

     (6) Moves in convoy: Extra-legal vehicles or loads requiring pilot/escort accompaniment must not travel in convoy, unless specifically authorized to do so by the department, or as provided for in WAC 468-38-290 (8)(e).



[Statutory Authority: RCW 46.44.090. 06-07-025, § 468-38-175, filed 3/7/06, effective 4/7/06; 05-04-053, § 468-38-175, filed 1/28/05, effective 2/28/05.]