(1)
For purposes of issuing special permits and certain permit exemptions, what is considered a farm implement? A farm implement includes any device that directly affects the production of agricultural products, including fertilizer and chemical applicator apparatus (complete with auxiliary equipment). For purposes of this section, the implement must be nondivisible, weigh less than sixty-five thousand pounds, and comply with the requirements of RCW
46.44.091. The implement must be less than twenty feet in width and not exceed fourteen feet high. If the implement is self-propelled, it must not exceed forty feet in length, or seventy feet overall length if being towed. The implement must move on pneumatic tires, or solid rubber tracks having protuberances that will not damage public highways. Implements exceeding any of these criteria must meet all appropriate requirements for special permits as referenced in other sections throughout this chapter.
(2)
What dimensional criteria must be met before a special permit is required to move extra-legal farm implements? Self-propelled farm implements, including a farm tractor pulling no more than two implements, that exceeds sixteen feet in width, but less than twenty feet wide, are required to get a special permit for movement of farm implements on state highways. Note: A tow vehicle capable of carrying a load (i.e., a truck of any kind) may not tow more than one trailing implement.
(3)
Will the ability to acquire a special permit to move oversize farm implements be affected if the implement(s) is carried on another vehicle? The ability to use a special permit for farm implements as defined in subsection (1) of this section will not be affected unless one of the following circumstances occurs:
(a) The authorized users of the permit outlined in subsection (5) of this section use a commercial for-hire service to move the implement(s); or
(b) The loaded farm implement creates a combined height that exceeds fourteen feet; or
(c) The loaded farm implement causes the hauling vehicle to exceed legal weight limits. The farm implement may weigh up to forty-five thousand pounds; however, the combined gross weight of implement and hauling unit may extend to the limits established in RCW
46.44.041 Maximum gross weights -- Wheelbase and axle factors.
If any of the circumstances occur, the provisions of this subsection will not apply to the movement of the farm implement. The movement will be required to comply with the appropriate requirements for special permits as referenced in chapter
46.44 RCW and in other sections throughout this chapter.
(4)
How does the application process for a special permit for farm implements differ from the process outlined in WAC 468-38-050? Due to the size of the implement and the potential for use in multiple jurisdictions, the written application must be submitted to the department's Olympia office for approval. Permits can be requested for a three-month period up to one year. Once approved, the special permit may be generated from the Olympia office by facsimile or a letter of authorization will be sent allowing the applicant to acquire a permit at the nearest permit sales location. If the movement of the farm implement(s) is confined to a single department maintenance area, the applicant may make direct written application to that maintenance area office in lieu of the Olympia office.
(5)
Who is authorized to acquire this specific special permit? The acquisition and use of a special permit to move farm implements is restricted to a farmer, or anyone engaged in the business of selling, repairing and/or maintaining farm implements.
(6)
Does the permit restrict the movement to a specific area? The special permit to move farm implements is generally restricted to six contiguous counties or less. With proper justification the area can be expanded. The farm implement may only travel on highway structures that are designed to support the weight of the farm implement.
(7)
Are notifications of movement required? Movements of vehicles in excess of sixteen feet wide must be communicated to all department maintenance areas affected at least eight hours in advance. Movements of implements that exceed the legal weight limit established in RCW
46.44.041 must contact all of the maintenance department areas affected at least eight hours in advance for weight restriction information. The communication is for the purpose of ensuring there will not be any planned activity or weight restrictions that would restrict the move. Locations of maintenance area offices and phone listings are provided with each letter authorizing the purchase of the special permit.
(8)
What safety precautions must be taken when moving extra-legal farm implements? The movement of extra-legal farm implements must comply with the following safety requirements:
(a)
Oversize load signs: If the farm implement exceeds ten feet wide, it must display an "
OVERSIZE LOAD" sign(s) visible to both oncoming traffic and overtaking traffic. Signs must comply with the requirements of WAC
468-38-155(7). If the implement is both preceded and followed by pilot/escort vehicles, a sign is not required on the implement itself.
(b)
Curfew/commuter hours: Movement of a farm implement in excess of ten feet wide must comply with any published curfew or commuter hour restrictions.
(c)
Red flags: If the farm implement is moving during daylight hours, and exceeds ten feet wide, the vehicle configuration must display clean, bright red flags. The flags must measure at least twelve inches square and be able to wave freely. The flags are to be positioned at all four corners, or extremities, of the overwidth implement and at the extreme ends of all protrusions, projections or overhangs. If a transported implement overhangs the rear of transporting vehicle or vehicle combination by more than four feet, one flag is required at the extreme rear. If the width of the rear overhang/protrusion exceeds two feet, there must be two flags positioned at the rear to indicate the maximum width of the overhang/protrusion.
(d)
Warning lights and slow moving emblem: Lamps and other lighting must be in compliance with RCW
46.37.160. In addition to the lighting requirements, RCW
46.37.160 also requires the use of a "slow moving emblem" for moves traveling at twenty-five miles per hour or less.
(e)
Convoys: Convoys, the simultaneous movement of two or more individually transported implements, are authorized when the following criteria are met:
(i) A minimum of five hundred feet is maintained between vehicles to allow the traveling public to pass safely;
(ii) If five or more vehicles are lined up behind any one of the implements, the operator must pull off the road at the nearest point wide enough to allow the vehicles to pass safely; and
(iii) The convoy is preceded and followed with properly equipped pilot/escort vehicles.
(9)
Are there any unique requirements or exemptions regarding the use of pilot/escort vehicles with farm implements? Pilot/escort vehicles must comply with the requirements of WAC
468-38-100, except for the following specific exemptions related only to special permits for moving farm implements:
(a) A farmer, farm implement dealer, or agri-chemical dealer (including employees of each) is exempt from WAC
468-38-100(4) regarding operator certification, WAC
468-38-100 (8)(a) and (b) regarding escort vehicle physical description, WAC
468-38-100 (10)(f) regarding use of height measuring device, and WAC
468-38-100(11) regarding passengers, when moving a farm implement off the interstate and on the following interstate segments:
(i) I-90 between Exit 109 (Ellensburg) and Exit 270 (Four Lakes);
(ii) I-82 between Junction with I-90 (Ellensburg) and Exit 31 (Yakima);
(iii) I-82 between Exit 37 (Union Gap) and Washington/Oregon border;
(iv) I-182 between Junction with I-82 (West Richland) and Junction with SR-395; and
(v) I-5 between Exit 208 (Arlington) and Exit 250 (south of Bellingham).
(b) On two lane highways, one pilot/escort vehicle must precede and one must follow the implement(s) when the width exceeds twelve feet six inches. Implements up to twelve feet six inches wide are exempt from using pilot/escort vehicles.
(c) A flag person(s) may be used in lieu of a pilot/escort(s) for moves under five hundred yards. This allowance must be stated on any permit that may be required for the move.
(d) Posting a route may also be used in lieu of a pilot/escort vehicle(s) when the route is less than two miles. Signs must state, "
OVERSIZE VEHICLE MOVING AHEAD" on a square at least three feet on each side (in diamond configuration), with black lettering on orange background. The signs must be placed at points before the oversize implement enters or leaves the highway, and at access points along the way. Signs must be removed immediately after the move has been completed.
[Statutory Authority: RCW 46.44.090 and 46.44.0915. 08-13-042, § 468-38-290, filed 6/12/08, effective 6/12/08. Statutory Authority: RCW 46.44.090. 06-07-025, § 468-38-290, filed 3/7/06, effective 4/7/06; 05-04-053, § 468-38-290, filed 1/28/05, effective 2/28/05; 00-17-060, § 468-38-290, filed 8/9/00, effective 9/9/00; 00-11-038 (Order 199), § 468-38-290, filed 5/10/00, effective 6/10/00; 99-18-019 (Order 192), § 468-38-290, filed 8/23/99, effective 9/23/99; 85-11-062 (Order 46, Resolution No. 243), § 468-38-290, filed 5/20/85; 83-16-018 (Order 39, Resolution No. 195), § 468-38-290, filed 7/25/83; 82-18-010 (Order 31, Resolution No. 156), § 468-38-290, filed 8/20/82. Formerly WAC 468-38-460. Statutory Authority: 1977 ex.s. c 151. 79-01-033 (DOT Order 10 and Comm. Order 1, Resolution No. 13), § 468-38-290, filed 12/20/78. Formerly WAC 252-24-342.]