Vehicles of Special Design

  1. Introduction and Definition

    Vehicles of Special Design are defined as any pneumatic and/or rubber tired mobile construction vehicle or equipment carrying no load other than its own weight which has been reduced in size and/or weight until further reduction is impractical.

  2. Application
    Refer to Section II, "B", (GENERAL INFORMATION) herein.

  3. Bond/Fee Information
    Refer to Section II, "C", (GENERAL INFORMATION) herein.

    Upon application and the payment of an annual fee of one hundred dollars ($100), the Director of State Highways and Transportation shall issue a permit for the movement of a crane exceeding the length as provided in Act 98 or Acts of the General Assembly for the year of 1955 as amended.  (Ark. Code Annotated 27-35-208), moved on pneumatic tires within a radius of thirty-five (35) miles of a point of origin of such movement, for a period of one (1) year from the date of the issuance of such permit.

    The Director may issue a special permit for a maximum load overhang beyond the front of a vehicle, which load exceeds the maximum load overhang provided in Arkansas Code Annotated 27-35-106, but not exceeding five feet (5’), for a vehicle equipped with pneumatic tires and utilized exclusively for the movements of cranes for a period of not more than one (1) year, upon application containing satisfactory proof that the vehicle is utilized solely for such movements.

  4. Front/Steering Axles

    Refer to Section IV, "E", (OVERWEIGHT MOVEMENT) herein.

  5. Movement Requirements

    1. Permits for the movement of a Vehicle of Special Design will be issued on the basis of the actual width of the tires (IN INCHES) multiplied by 650 pounds per inch width, multiplied by the total number of tires.  The total weight on all tires in contact with the road surface will determine the gross weight.  Maximum gross weight will be limited as necessary to protect the bridges and roadway surfaces of the highways involved.

    2. The load upon any vehicle operated alone, or the load upon the front vehicle of a combination of vehicles, shall not extend more than three feet (3’) beyond the front wheels of such vehicle or the front bumper of such vehicle if it is equipped with such a bumper , except by permit.  No permit will be issued for any vehicle with a front overhang in excess of twenty feet (20’).

    3. A permit for vehicles of special design will not be issued until the vehicle or equipment has been reduced in dimension and/or weight to come within the legal limits or permit movement criteria as set forth in this manual.

    4. All permitted vehicles are required to maintain the minimum posted speed limit.  If no minimum speed is posted, the permitted vehicle must maintain a minimum speed of 40 MPH as existing traffic conditions and traffic control devices allow.

    5. On any controlled access, divided highway with four (4) or more lanes, any vehicle in excess of fourteen feet (14’) in width, inclusive of overhangs, and/or clearance lights, and/or any other appurtenance, shall be accompanied by one (1) escort vehicle.  The escort vehicle shall travel behind the vehicle.  (see Section VI, D, (10) for the distance).

    6. On all other highways, the movement of vehicles in excess of twelve feet (12’) in width through fourteen feet (14’) in width, inclusive of overhangs, and/or clearance lights, and/or any other appurtenance, shall be accompanied by one (1) escort vehicle.  The escort vehicle shall travel in front of the vehicle.  The movement of any vehicle which exceeds fourteen feet (14’) in width shall be accompanied by two escort vehicles.  One escort vehicle shall precede the permitted load, and one escort shall follow it. (See Section VI, D (10) for the distance requirements).  An enforcement officer of the Arkansas Highway Police Division may require escorts as deemed necessary for the safety of the traveling public.  Permittee must obtain or furnish the escort vehicle as prescribed herein.

    7. All permitted vehicles shall be equipped with tail lamps and signal lamps which shall conform to applicable state and federal standards.

  1. Oil Field Equipment

  1. DESCRIPTION:  The following are examples of petroleum or natural gas field related equipment vehicles:  (1) work over rigs; (2) substructures; (3) derricks; (4) mud pumps; (5) mud tanks; (6) drill rigs; (7) cranes; (8) dozers.

  2. COUNTY PERMITS:  This equipment may obtain a thirty (30) consecutive day permit.  (Refer to Section II, Item F (2).

  1. Vehicles of Special Design Utilized Exclusively for Drilling of Water Wells

  1. Upon application and the payment of an annual fee, the Director of Highways and Transportation shall issue a special permit for the movement of a vehicle of special design utilized exclusively for the drilling of water wells exceeding the length as provided in Ark. Code Annotated 27-35-208, moved on pneumatic tires, for a period of one (1) year from the date of issuance of the permit.  For annual movements within a radius of thirty-five (35) miles of a point of origin of such movement, the annual fee shall be one hundred dollars ($100) and for annual movements exceeding such thirty-five (35) miles radius, the annual fee shall be three hundred dollars ($300).  (Act 873 of l995).

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