Chapter Trans 276

Chapter Trans 276

SIZE AND WEIGHT OF VEHICLES AND VEHICLE COMBINATIONS

Trans 276.01   General.

Trans 276.02   Definitions.

Trans 276.03   Safety devices-width exclusion.

Trans 276.04   Width, metric equivalent.

Trans 276.05   Automobile haulaways.

Trans 276.06   Permits for vehicles operating in saddlemount combination or motor buses.

Trans 276.065   Designated 65-foot restricted routes.

Trans 276.07   Designated long truck routes.

Trans 276.08   Detours, bypasses and alternate routes.

Trans 276.09   Applicability.

Trans 276.10   Tire load carrying capacity in excess of 13,000 pounds.

Ch. Trans 276 Note Note: Chapter Trans 276 was created by emergency rule effective June 5, 1984.

Trans 276.01 Trans 276.01 General.

Trans 276.01(1) (1) Scope. This chapter administratively interprets ss. 348.07 and 348.08, Stats. In particular, it identifies and designates lists of highways upon which those statutes permit the secretary to set vehicle and trailer length limits. In addition, this chapter clarifies other statutory provisions or federal rules affecting the weight, width and length of vehicles and combinations of vehicles and the number of vehicles in combination.

Trans 276.01(2) (2) Policy. This policy is intended to permit Wisconsin to comply with federal law, to provide guidance to vehicle users and law enforcement authorities for safe and lawful operations, and to continue the reasonable enforcement of Wisconsin vehicle size and combination laws.

Trans 276.01 History History: Cr. Register, December, 1984, No. 348, eff. 1-1-85; am. (1), Register, July, 1991, No. 427, eff. 8-1-91; emerg. am. (1), eff. 9-15-06; CR 06-129: am. (1) Register June 2007 No. 618, eff. 7-1-2007.

Trans 276.02 Trans 276.02 Definitions.

Trans 276.02(1) (1) In this chapter words and phrases have the meanings set forth in chs. 340 and 348, Stats., and ch. Trans 250, unless a different meaning is expressly provided in this chapter.

Trans 276.02(2) (2) In this chapter:

Trans 276.02(2)(ag) (ag) “Boat haulaway” means any vehicle combination designed and used specifically to transport assembled boats and boat hulls. Boats may be partially disassembled to facilitate transporting.

Trans 276.02(2)(ar) (ar) “Combination vehicle” or “combination” means a vehicle that is towing or pushing one or more vehicles, and the vehicles being pushed or towed.

Trans 276.02(2)(b) (b) “Double saddlemount combination” means a saddlemount combination consisting of a towing vehicle and 2 towed vehicles. It may include a fullmount in addition to the towing and 2 towed vehicles.

Trans 276.02(2)(c) (c) “Fullmount” means a smaller vehicle mounted completely on the frame of either the first or last vehicle in a saddlemount combination.

Trans 276.02(2)(cm) (cm) “Long truck route” means a highway designated by the secretary pursuant to s. 348.07 (4), Stats., and under s. Trans 276.07.

Trans 276.02(2)(d) (d) “National network” means all portions of the national system of interstate and defense highways in Wisconsin and all other highways in Wisconsin listed in appendix A to 23 CFR 658.

Trans 276.02(2)(e) (e) “Saddle” means a mechanism that connects the front axle of a towed vehicle in a saddlemount combination to the frame or fifth wheel of the vehicle in front of it and functions like a fifth wheel kingpin connection.

Trans 276.02(2)(f) (f) “Saddlemount combination” means a combination of vehicles in which a truck or truck-tractor tows one or more trucks or truck-tractors, each connected by a saddle to the vehicle in front of it.

Trans 276.02(2)(fg) (fg) “75-foot restricted route” means a highway that is part of the state highway system and is neither a long truck route nor a 65-foot restricted route.

Trans 276.02 Note Note: See s. 348.07 (2) (fm), Stats., regarding the definitions in pars. (cm) and (fg). 2005 Wis. Act 363 amended s. 348.07, Stats., and made 75 feet the default permitted length on the state highway system. Wisconsin’s old default 65-foot overall length limit still applies on all local roads but only applies to state highways that are designated as 65-foot restricted routes under this chapter. Long truck route limits apply on highways identified in s. Trans 276.07. A 75-foot overall length limit applies on state highways that are neither 65-foot highways nor long truck routes. Significantly, vehicles may not leave 75-foot restricted routes to access food, fuel and to make deliveries in the manner that they may leave designated long truck routes for up to 15 miles.

Trans 276.02(2)(fm) (fm) “65-foot restricted route” means a highway designated by the secretary pursuant to s. 348.07 (4m), Stats., and under s. Trans 276.065, upon which overall vehicle length of vehicles is limited to 65 feet under s. 348.07 (1), Stats., and upon which operation of 53 foot semitrailers with kingpin to axle lengths of 43 feet or less that are operated as part of 2-vehicle combinations are not permitted.

Trans 276.02 Note Note: 65-foot restricted routes are those designated by the secretary under s. 348.07 (4m), Stats.

Trans 276.02(2)(g) (g) “Stinger-steered automobile haulaway” means a truck-tractor semitrailer combination, used to transport operational automobiles, wherein the fifth wheel is located on a drop frame behind and below the rearmost axle of the power unit.

Trans 276.02(2)(h) (h) “Stinger-steered boat haulaway” means a truck-tractor semitrailer combination used to transport assembled or partially assembled boats and boat hulls, wherein the fifth wheel is located on a drop frame behind and below the rearmost axle of the power unit.

Trans 276.02(2)(hm) (hm) “Straight vehicle” means a vehicle that is not a combination vehicle.

Trans 276.02(2)(i) (i) “Triple saddlemount combination” means a saddlemount combination consisting of a towing vehicle and 3 towed vehicles. It may include a fullmount in addition to the towing and 3 towed vehicles.

Trans 276.02 History History: Cr. Register, December, 1984, No. 348, eff. 1-1-85; am. Register, July, 1991, No. 427, eff. 8-1-91; renum. to be (1), cr. (2), Register, January, 1993, No. 445, eff. 2-1-93; emerg. am. (1) and cr. (2) (ar), (cm), (fg), (fm) and (hm), eff. 9-15-06; CR 06-129: am. (1), renum. (2) (a) to be (2) (ag), cr. (2) (ar), (cm), (fg), (fm), and (hm), Register June 2007 No. 618, eff. 7-1-07; correction in (2) (cm) made under s. 13.92 (4) (b) 7., Stats., Register November 2010 No. 659.

Trans 276.03 Trans 276.03 Safety devices-width exclusion.

Trans 276.03(1) (1) The devices in this subsection are designated as safety devices as required under 23 CFR 658.5 (g) and 23 CFR 658.15 and are not included in the calculation of width:

Trans 276.03(1)(a) (a) Rear-view mirrors;

Trans 276.03(1)(b) (b) Turn-signal lamps;

Trans 276.03(1)(c) (c) Hand-holds for cab entry and egress;

Trans 276.03(1)(d) (d) Splash and spray suppressant devices;

Trans 276.03(1)(e) (e) Load induced tire bulge.

Trans 276.03(2) (2) The devices in this subsection are determined to be safety devices and are not to be included in the calculation of width provided such devices do not extend beyond 3 inches on each side of a vehicle.

Trans 276.03(2)(a) (a) Door hardware, including door handles and locking devices.

Trans 276.03(2)(b) (b) Load tie down devices.

Trans 276.03(2)(c) (c) Toe holds or retractable steps.

Trans 276.03 Note Note: The 3-inch limit is imposed by 23 CFR 658.15. The secretary is authorized to designate additional devices in s. 348.05 (2m), Stats.

Trans 276.03 History History: Cr. Register, December, 1984, No. 348, eff. 1-1-85.

Trans 276.04 Trans 276.04 Width, metric equivalent. For purposes of enforcement of ch. 348, Stats., 23 CFR 658, and this chapter, the approximate metric equivalent of 102 inches is deemed to be within the 8 foot 6 inch length limit of s. 348.05, Stats. The approximate metric equivalent of 102 inches is 2.6 meters, which equals approximately 102.36 inches.

Trans 276.04 Note Note: The use of the metric equivalent of 102 inches (8 feet 6 inches) is authorized in 23 CFR 658.15.

Trans 276.04 History History: Cr. Register, December, 1984, No. 348, eff. 1-1-85; CR 06-129: am. Register June 2007 No. 618, eff. 7-1-07.

Trans 276.05 Trans 276.05 Automobile haulaways. For enforcement purposes:

Trans 276.05(1) (1) The provision of s. 348.07 (2) (g), Stats., which limits the length of a trailer or semitrailer in a 2-vehicle combination to 48 feet does not apply to an automobile or boat haulaway provided the automobile or boat haulaway does not exceed 66 feet in length plus the authorized front and rear overhangs. This subsection applies to both designated and non-designated highways.

Trans 276.05(2) (2) An automobile or boat haulaway exceeding 66 feet in length may operate on designated highways and 5-mile access routes provided the trailer or semitrailer portion of the combination does not exceed 48 feet plus authorized rear overhang.

Trans 276.05(3) (3) A stinger-steered automobile or boat haulaway exceeding 66 feet in length may operate on the national network and 5-mile access routes providing its overall length does not exceed 75 feet plus overhangs of not more than 3 feet to the front and 4 feet to the rear.

Trans 276.05 History History: Cr. Register, December, 1984, No. 348, eff. 1-1-85; am. Register, January, 1993, No. 445, eff. 2-1-93.

Trans 276.06 Trans 276.06 Permits for vehicles operating in saddlemount combination or motor buses. For enforcement purposes, no permit is required for vehicles operating in double or triple saddlemount combination provided the overall length of the combination is 75 feet or less, or for the operation of any motor bus provided the overall length of the motor bus is 45 feet or less. This section applies to the national network and access routes.

Trans 276.06 Note Note: The provision of Wisconsin law requiring a permit for these combinations (s. 348.27 (13), Stats., was preempted by the federal rule (23 CFR 658.13 (d) (1) iii.) when these vehicles operate on the designated system and access routes.

Trans 276.06 Note The provision of Wisconsin law requiring a permit for the operation of motor buses in excess of 40 feet in length (s. 348.07 (1), Stats.) was preempted by federal law (49 USC Appx. section 2311 (a) as amended by section 4006 (b) of the Intermodal Surface Transportation Efficiency Act of 1991) when these vehicles operate on the federally designated system and access routes.

Trans 276.06 History History: Cr. Register, December, 1984, No. 348, eff. 1-1-85; am. Register, July, 1992, No. 439, eff. 8-1-92; am. Register, January, 1993, No. 445, eff. 2-1-93; CR 06-129: am. Register June 2007 No. 618, eff. 7-1-07.

Trans 276.065 Trans 276.065 Designated 65-foot restricted routes. Section 348.07 (4m), Stats., permits the department to designate those parts of the state highway system upon which paragraphs s. 348.07 (2) (fs) and (gv), Stats., do not apply. The following highways are designated 65-foot restricted routes pursuant to s. 348.07 (4m), Stats.:

- See PDF for table

Trans 276.065 Note Note: Section 348.07 (2) (fs), Stats., permits tractor-semitrailer combinations of up to 75 feet in overall length to be operated on any part of the state trunk highway system, except where prohibited by the Department under s. 348.07 (4m), Stats. Similarly, s. 348.07 (2) (gv), Stats., permits the operation of 53-foot semitrailers whose lengths from kingpin to axle does not exceed 43 feet and which are operated as part of 2-vehicle combinations on any part of the state trunk highway system, except where prohibited by the Department under s. 348.07 (4m), Stats. This section specifies those sections of the state trunk highway system where 75-foot tractor-semitrailer combinations and such 53-foot semitrailers are prohibited.

Trans 276.065 History History: emerg. cr., eff. 9-15-06; CR 06-129: cr. Register June 2007 No. 618, eff. 7-1-07.

Trans 276.07 Trans 276.07 Designated long truck routes. The following highways are designated long truck routes for purposes of the operation of the vehicles described in ss. 348.07 (2) (f) and (fm) and s. 348.08 (1) (e), Stats., pursuant to s. 348.07 (4), Stats.:

- See PDF for table

Trans 276.07 Note Note: County trunk highways and other local roads or streets designated as long truck routes by s. Trans 276.07 (27) through (45) may be subject to weight restrictions imposed by local authorities and not known to the department. Seasonal weight restrictions may be imposed by local authorities under s. 349.16, Stats., but must be posted. Under s. 349.15, Stats., county trunk highways may be designated as Class “B” highways by the county highway committee. Similarly, other local authorities may designate highways they maintain as Class “B”. Wheel, axle, axle group and gross weights are limited on Class “B” highways as provided by s. 348.16, Stats. Neither posting of Class “B” designations nor notification to the department is required. Therefore, the department recommends that motor carriers avoid overweight violations by verifying the applicable weight limits on these highways with the local authorities before operating upon those roads. Double bottom combination vehicles may be operated only on the highways set forth in this section. See s. 348.08 (1) (e), Stats.

Trans 276.07 Note Note: See s. Trans 276.09 (1) regarding applicability of s. Trans 276.07 (11m), (17m), (26m) and (40m).

Trans 276.07 Note Note: USH 45 no longer passes through Greenville, WI, as indicated in sub. (16). The highway has been renumbered STH 15. The reference to USH 45 in sub. (16) will be corrected in a future rule making.

Trans 276.07 History History: Cr. Register, December, 1984, No. 348, eff. 1-1-85; emerg. am. eff. 6-6-86; am. Register, December, 1986, No. 372, eff. 1-1-87; am. (3) to (8), (12), (15), (17), (18), (21) to (24), (28) and (39), cr. (31m) and (38m), r. (42), Register, February, 1988, No. 386, eff. 3-1-88; am. (3), (4), (9), (12), (14), (15), (17) and (36), cr. (38r), Register, May, 1989, No. 401, eff. 6-1-89; cr. (11m), (17m), (26m) and (40m), Register, July, 1990, No. 415, eff. 8-1-90; am. (4), (6), (7), (13), (14), (15), (26) and (31), cr. (31r), Register, October, 1990, No. 418, eff. 11-1-90; am. (11), (13), (14) and (15), cr. (44m), Register, April, 1991, No. 424, eff. 5-1-91; am. (8), (11), (14), (17) and (18), cr. (8m), (17s) and (26s), Register, May, 1991, No. 425, eff. 6-1-91; am. (12), Register, September, 1991, No. 429, eff. 10-1-91; emerg. am. (8), eff. 10-11-91; am. (3), (6), (9), (13), (15), (16), (18), (21) and (24), Register, November, 1991, No. 431, eff. 12-1-91; am. (3), Register, December, 1991, No. 432, eff. 1-1-92; am. (8), (11), (17), (20) and (24), Register, March, 1992, No. 435, eff. 4-1-92; am. (1) to (8), (9) to (14), (17), (17m), (18), (21) to (24), (26) and (39), r. (8m), (17s) and (26s), cr. (15m), Register, July, 1992, No. 439, eff. 8-1-92; am. (6) and (13), Register, May, 1993, No. 449, eff. 6-1-93; am. (5), (10) and (36), r. (38r), Register, July, 1994, No. 463, eff. 8-1-94; am. (8), (10), (13), (14), (19), (24), (31), (39), cr. (38r), Register, December, 1994, No. 468, eff. 1-1-95; am. (15), (18), (22) and (24), Register, March, 1995, No. 471, eff. 4-1-95; cr. (5m), Register, January, 1996, No. 481, eff. 2-1-96; am. (4), (7), Register, November, 1996, No. 491, eff. 12-1-96; r. (8m), am. (17) and (17m), Register, April, 1997, No. 496, eff. 5-1-97; am. (8), (11), (16) and (17), Register, September, 1997, No. 501, eff. 10-1-97; am. (8), (10), (13), (15) and (16), Register, December, 1997, No. 504, eff. 1-1-98; am. (15) and (31), Register, March, 1998, No. 507, eff. 4-1-98; am. (31), Register, July, 1998, No. 511, eff. 8-1-98; am. (7), (10), (11), (15), (17), (24), (25m) and (39), cr. (10m), Register, July, 1999, No. 523, eff. 8-1-99; am. (4), (12) and (17), cr. (12m), Register, December, 1999, No. 528, eff. 1-1-00; am. (4), Register, August, 2000, No. 536, eff. 9-1-00; am. (11), Register, October, 2000, No. 538, eff. 11-1-00; CR 01-040: am. (10); CR 01-065: am. (6), Register September 2001 No. 549, eff. 10-1-01; CR 01-097: am. (16), (18) and (19) and cr. (34m) and (34r), Register January 2002 No. 553 eff. 2-1-02; CR 02-056: am. (17), Register September 2002 No. 561, eff. 10-1-02; CR 02-079: am. (5) to (7), (21) and (24) Register October 2002 No. 562, eff. 11-1-02; CR 03-093: cr. (35m) Register February 2004 No. 578, eff. 3-1-04; CR 03-109: am. (6), (8) and (16), cr. (34g) Register March 2004 No. 579, eff. 4-1-04; CR 03-117: am. (13) Register April 2004 No. 580, eff. 5-1-04.; CR 04-029: am. (15), r. (15m); CR 04-042: am. (7) and (22) Register September 2004 No. 585, eff. 10-1-04; CR 04-122: am. (6), cr. (31g) Register April 2005 No. 592, eff. 5-1-05; CR 05-003: am. (18) Register May 2005 No. 593, eff. 6-1-05; CR 05-006: am. (10) Register May 2005 No. 593, eff. 6-1-05; CR 05-062: am. (12) Register January 2006 No. 601, eff. 2-1-06; CR 05-095: am. (6) Register February 2006 No. 602, eff. 3-1-06; emerg. am. (intro.), eff. 9-15-06; CR 06-048: am. (8) Register September 2006 No. 609, eff. 10-1-06; CR 06-129: am. (intro.), (3), (10) and (20), Register June 2007 No. 618, eff. 7-1-07; CR 08-101: am. (14), (24) and (35m) Register April 2009 No. 640, eff. 5-1-09; correction in (intro.) made under s. 13.92 (4) (b) 7., Stats., Register February 2013 No. 686.

Trans 276.07 Note Trans 276.077 Designated access routes for 75-foot vehicles. History: emerg. cr. eff. 9-15-06; CR 06-129: cr. eff. 7-1-07, r. eff. 1-1-09 Register June 2007 No. 618.