Simplified Comparison of Oversize and Overweight Vehicles Permit Fee Structure in the U.S. Western States

Abstract

This paper provides a simplified comparative assessment of oversize/overweight (OS/OW) vehicle permits and fees in the U.S. western states and includes a review of current permitting practices, fee structures, fines, and available information on revenue generation. The study was motivated by an urgent need to revise permit structures in the State of New Mexico because of escalating demand for OS/OW vehicle permits. The research team surveyed the Departments of Transportation, Motor Vehicle Divisions, and Offices of Public Safety in 14 states: Arizona, California, Colorado, Idaho, Montana, Nevada, New Mexico, North Dakota, Oklahoma, Oregon, Texas, Utah, Washington, and Wyoming. In addition, the state regulations related to OS/OW vehicles were reviewed. Comparison of the OS/OW permit structures revealed significant differences in the fees and fines charged in the western states. It is recommended that the current permit structure should be overhauled to accommodate the demand for higher maximum permitted weights and to generate the funds necessary to maintain and rebuild the affected transportation infrastructure including pavements and bridges. A scientific study is needed in each state to quantify the costs associated with the operation of OS/OW vehicles and to develop a revenue-neutral fee structure. In particular, the determination of permit fees requires a comprehensive study to evaluate the damage to bridges and pavements caused by OS/OW vehicles. Findings from this research provide a contextual framework to compare current permitting structures and their implications on the revenues generated from OS/OW permits across the U.S. western states.