Chapter 348

348.05(2g)(a) (a) Except as provided in par. (c), and subject to par. (b), sub. (2) (a) also applies to implements of husbandry while being operated or transported by an implement dealer or farmer for purposes of delivery, repair, or servicing of the implement of husbandry if the implement of husbandry is being operated or transported under either of the following circumstances:

348.05(2g)(a)1. 1. Directly from a farmer’s owned or leased land to the business location of an implement dealer that is within a 75-mile radius of the farmer’s owned or leased land.

348.05(2g)(a)2. 2. Directly from the business location of an implement dealer to a farmer’s owned or leased land that is within a 75-mile radius of the implement dealer’s business location.

348.05(2g)(b) (b)

348.05(2g)(b)1. 1. Paragraph (a) applies to a person operating or towing an implement of husbandry only if the person complies with ss. 347.24 (3), 347.245 (1), and 347.25 (2g), as applicable. For purposes of this subdivision, the requirements under ss. 347.24 (3), 347.245 (1), and 347.25 (2g) shall apply to an implement of husbandry being towed to the same extent as if the implement of husbandry were being operated.

348.05(2g)(b)2. 2. Paragraph (a) applies to a person transporting by trailer or semitrailer an implement of husbandry only if the person complies with s. 347.24 (3) (b) 1. For purposes of this subdivision, the requirements under s. 347.24 (3) (b) 1. shall apply to an implement of husbandry being transported by trailer or semitrailer to the same extent as if the implement of husbandry were being operated.

348.05(2g)(c) (c) This subsection does not apply to implements of husbandry being transported by trailer or semitrailer on a highway that is a part of the national system of interstate and defense highways, but does apply to implements of husbandry being operated or towed on a highway that is a part of the national system of interstate and defense highways.

348.05(2m) (2m) The secretary, by rule, shall designate safety devices which may not be included in the calculation of width under subs. (1) and (2). The designation of safety devices under this subsection may not be inconsistent with the safety devices designated by the U.S. secretary of transportation under P.L. 97-369, section 321.

348.05(3m) (3m) 

348.05(3m)(a) (a) Subject to par. (c), implements of husbandry of any width may be transported by trailer or semitrailer, without a permit, on a highway to or from a farm-related destination, at times other than hours of darkness.

348.05(3m)(b) (b) This subsection does not apply to the national system of interstate and defense highways.

348.05(3m)(c) (c) Paragraph (a) applies only if the person transporting the implement of husbandry complies with s. 347.24 (3) (b) 1. For purposes of this paragraph, the requirements under s. 347.24 (3) (b) 1. shall apply to an implement of husbandry being transported to the same extent as if the implement of husbandry were being operated.

348.05(3r) (3r) 

348.05(3r)(a) (a) Except as provided in par. (b), and subject to s. 348.09 (3) (b), sub. (2) (am) also applies to agricultural commercial motor vehicles while being operated or transported by trailer or semitrailer by an implement dealer or farmer for purposes of delivery, repair, or servicing of the agricultural commercial motor vehicle if the agricultural commercial motor vehicle is being operated or transported by trailer or semitrailer under either of the following circumstances:

348.05(3r)(a)1. 1. Directly from a farmer’s owned or leased land to the business location of an implement dealer that is within a 75-mile radius of the farmer’s owned or leased land.

348.05(3r)(a)2. 2. Directly from the business location of an implement dealer to a farmer’s owned or leased land that is within a 75-mile radius of the implement dealer’s business location.

348.05(3r)(b) (b) This subsection does not apply to agricultural commercial motor vehicles being operated or transported by trailer or semitrailer on a highway that is a part of the national system of interstate and defense highways.

348.05(3t) (3t) 

348.05(3t)(a) (a) Subject to par. (b) and s. 348.09 (3) (b), agricultural commercial motor vehicles not exceeding the width specified in sub. (2) (am) may be transported by trailer or semitrailer, without a permit, on a highway to or from a farm-related destination, at times other than hours of darkness.

348.05(3t)(b) (b) This subsection does not apply to the national system of interstate and defense highways.

348.05(4) (4) Notwithstanding sub. (1), the secretary may restrict vehicles to a width of less than 8 feet 6 inches on any portion of any state or local highway if he or she deems such restriction necessary to protect the public safety. Any such restriction shall be indicated by official signs. If the secretary restricts vehicles to a width of less than 8 feet 6 inches on any local highway, the local authority in charge of maintenance shall be responsible for erecting the appropriate signs on the local highway.

348.05 History History: 1975 c. 50; 1977 c. 26; 1977 c. 29 s. 1654 (9) (b); 1981 c. 22; 1983 a. 78, 508; 1985 a. 187; 1993 a. 353, 404; 1995 a. 7, 225, 348; 1999 a. 85; 2003 a. 213; 2011 a. 243; 2013 a. 369, 377; 2015 a. 15, 171; 2015 a. 195 s. 83; 2015 a. 232; 2017 a. 365 s. 111.

348.05 Cross-reference Cross-reference: See also s. Trans 276.04, Wis. adm. code.

348.06 348.06 Height of vehicles.

348.06(1) (1) Except as provided in subs. (2) and (2m), no person, without a permit therefor, may operate on a highway any motor vehicle, mobile home, recreational vehicle, trailer, or semitrailer having an overall height in excess of 13 1/2 feet.

348.06(2) (2) Implements of husbandry, and 2-vehicle combinations transporting by trailer or semitrailer implements of husbandry to or from a farm-related destination, of any height may be operated upon a highway without a permit for excessive height. The operator of the implement of husbandry or 2-vehicle combination is responsible for ensuring that there is adequate height clearance between the implement of husbandry being operated or transported and any overhead structure or obstruction, other than a structure or obstruction that is any of the following:

348.06(2)(a) (a) Any overhead utility line that does not satisfy the requirements of the state electric code promulgated by the public service commission.

348.06(2)(b) (b) Any overhead electric line of a cooperative association that is organized under ch. 185 and that does not comply with the National Electrical Safety Code.

348.06(2m) (2m) 

348.06(2m)(a) (a) Double-decked buses having an overall height not exceeding 14 feet 5 inches may be operated without a permit for excessive height upon a highway, other than a state trunk highway, that has a speed limit of 45 miles per hour or less if the vehicle owner or operator has, prior to the vehicle’s operation, obtained written approval for such operation and for the vehicle’s route from the local authority with jurisdiction over the highway on any highway on which the vehicle will be operated. A local authority may not approve the operation of a vehicle under this subsection on a highway under its jurisdiction unless all of the following apply:

348.06(2m)(a)1. 1. The local authority has received a copy of the vehicle’s proposed route, inspected the route, and verified that there is at least 6 inches of height clearance between the vehicle and any overhead structure or obstruction, including any utility line, on all parts of the route.

348.06(2m)(a)2. 2. The vehicle owner has agreed, in writing, to assume liability for any personal injury or property damage resulting from the vehicle’s striking of any overhead structure or obstruction, including any utility line, regardless of whether the personal injury or property damage occurs on an approved route.

348.06(2m)(a)3. 3. The local authority has inspected the vehicle and verified that the sign required under par. (b) is displayed.

348.06(2m)(b) (b) A vehicle specified in par. (a) shall conspicuously display, in the operator’s area of the vehicle, a sign informing the operator that operation of the vehicle on any highway that is not part of a route approved under par. (a) is unlawful.

348.06(2m)(c) (c) A local authority may, for any reason, deny approval for the operation of a vehicle under this subsection, or deny approval of any route regardless of whether the requirements under par. (a) are satisfied, on any highway under the local authority’s jurisdiction.

348.06(2m)(d) (d) A local authority that has approved operation of a vehicle under this subsection shall, with respect to any route approved for every such vehicle, inspect the approved route at least once each year. If the inspection reveals that the clearance requirements specified in par. (a) 1. are no longer satisfied, the local authority shall revoke the route approval, but may approve an alternative route that complies with the clearance requirements specified in par. (a) 1.

348.06(2m)(e) (e) A local authority may delegate to any department, division, official, or employee of the local authority the responsibility for issuing approvals, conducting inspections, or carrying out any other duty specified under this subsection.

348.06(3) (3) The limitations on total height stated in this section shall not be construed as requiring a clearance of such height or as relieving the owners of vehicles not exceeding such total height from liability for any damage.

348.06 History History: 1999 a. 85; 2005 a. 11; 2007 a. 11; 2013 a. 377; 2015 a. 15, 232.

348.07 348.07 Length of vehicles.

348.07(1) (1) No person, without a permit therefor, may operate on a highway any single vehicle with an overall length in excess of 45 feet or any combination of 2 vehicles with an overall length in excess of 70 feet, except as otherwise provided in subs. (2), (2a), (2m), (2r), and (4m) and s. 348.08 (1).

348.07(2) (2) The following vehicles may be operated without a permit for excessive length if the overall length does not exceed the indicated limitations:

348.07(2)(e) (e)

348.07(2)(e)1. 1. Sixty feet for an implement of husbandry that is a single vehicle.

348.07(2)(e)2. 2. Except as provided in subd. 3., 100 feet for implements of husbandry that are 2-vehicle combinations and for 2-vehicle combinations transporting by trailer or semitrailer implements of husbandry to or from a farm-related destination.

348.07(2)(e)3. 3. No length limitation for an implement of husbandry that is an irrigation system in combination with a farm tractor, farm truck, farm truck tractor, or motor truck temporarily operated upon a highway.

348.07(2)(f) (f) No overall length limitation for a tractor-semitrailer combination, a double bottom or an automobile haulaway when such tractor-semitrailer combination, double bottom or automobile haulaway is operated on a highway designated under sub. (4).

348.07(2)(fm) (fm) No length limitation for a truck tractor or road tractor when such truck tractor or road tractor is operated in a tractor-semitrailer combination or as part of a double bottom or an automobile haulaway on a highway designated under sub. (4).

348.07(2)(fs) (fs) 75 feet for a tractor-semitrailer combination, except as provided in par. (f) or sub. (4m).

348.07(2)(g) (g) 48 feet for a semitrailer or trailer operated as part of a 2-vehicle combination, except as provided in par. (gr) or (gv).

348.07(2)(gm) (gm) 28 feet 6 inches for a semitrailer or trailer operated as part of a double bottom on a highway designated under sub. (4).

348.07(2)(gr) (gr) 53 feet for a semitrailer whose length from kingpin to axle does not exceed 43 feet and which is operated as part of a 2-vehicle combination on a highway designated under sub. (4). The length limits in this paragraph do not apply to a trailer or a semitrailer that is authorized to operate under par. (im).

348.07(2)(gv) (gv) 53 feet for a semitrailer whose length from kingpin to axle does not exceed 43 feet and which is operated as part of a 2-vehicle combination, except as provided in par. (gr) or sub. (4m). The length limits in this paragraph do not apply to a trailer or a semitrailer that is authorized to operate under par. (im).

348.07(2)(h) (h) Sixty-six feet for articulated buses operated in urban areas.

348.07(2)(im) (im) Seventy-five total feet for a 2-vehicle combination designed and primarily used for transporting livestock, if the trailer or semitrailer, measured as required by sub. (3) (b), is not longer than 53 feet, the trailer or semitrailer is equipped with at least 2 axles, and the towing vehicle is not a motor truck, truck tractor, road tractor, or combination vehicle with a gross vehicle weight rating or actual gross weight of 10,000 pounds or less.

348.07(2)(j) (j) 66 feet for an automobile haulaway plus an additional overhang of 4 feet to the front of the vehicle and 5 feet to the rear of the vehicle.

348.07(2)(k) (k) Sixty feet for a single vehicle, and 120 feet for a 2-vehicle combination, used by a pipeline company or operator, public service corporation, municipal utility, or cooperative association described in s. 196.01 (5) (b) 1., or by a motor carrier operating under contract with a pipeline company or operator, public service corporation, municipal utility, or cooperative association described in s. 196.01 (5) (b) 1., for transportation of poles, pipe, girders and similar materials. A vehicle or vehicle combination described in this paragraph may, in addition to the vehicle length specified in this paragraph, carry a load extending not more than 10 feet beyond the front bumper of the vehicle or foremost vehicle in the vehicle combination.

348.07(2)(L) (L) Forty-six feet for a towed recreational vehicle.

348.07(2a) (2a) Tour trains consisting of 4 vehicles including the propelling motor vehicle may be operated as provided in s. 348.08 (1) (c).

348.07(2m) (2m) Subsection (2) (e) also applies to implements of husbandry while being operated or transported by an implement dealer or farmer for purposes of delivery, repair, or servicing of the implement of husbandry if the implement of husbandry is being operated or transported under either of the following circumstances:

348.07(2m)(a) (a) Directly from a farmer’s owned or leased land to the business location of an implement dealer that is within a 75-mile radius of the farmer’s owned or leased land.

348.07(2m)(b) (b) Directly from the business location of an implement dealer to a farmer’s owned or leased land that is within a 75-mile radius of the implement dealer’s business location.

348.07(2r) (2r) Subsection (2) (e) also applies to implements of husbandry while being transported by trailer or semitrailer on a highway to or from a farm-related destination.

348.07(3) (3) 

348.07(3)(a) (a) The overall length of a mobile home or recreational vehicle shall be measured from the rear thereof to the rear of the vehicle to which it is attached.

348.07(3)(b) (b)

348.07(3)(b)1. 1. Except as provided in subd. 2., the length of a semitrailer or trailer shall be measured from the front thereof to the rear of the semitrailer or trailer or cargo, whichever is longer, excluding bumpers, stake pockets, air deflectors and refrigeration units.

348.07(3)(b)2. 2. The length of a semitrailer operated as the first trailing unit in a double bottom consisting of a truck tractor and 2 semitrailers does not include a frame extension bearing a fifth-wheel connection by which the 2nd trailing unit is drawn unless the frame extension is more than 8 feet in length. This subdivision does not affect the measurement of length from the front of the semitrailer to the rear of the cargo.

348.07(3)(c) (c) The distance between a kingpin and semitrailer axle shall be measured as follows:

348.07(3)(c)1. 1. On a semitrailer having a tandem axle, from the kingpin to a point midway between the first and last axles of the tandem axle.

348.07(3)(c)2. 2. On a semitrailer not having a tandem axle, from the kingpin to the center of the rearmost axle.

348.07(4) (4) The secretary shall, by rule, designate the highways to which sub. (2) (f), (fm), (gm), and (gr) and s. 348.08 (1) (a) 2. and (e) apply. The designation of highways under this subsection may not be inconsistent with the designation of highways made by the U.S. secretary of transportation under P.L. 97-424, section 411. The secretary may also designate additional highways by rule. In adopting a rule designating other highways, which may include 2-lane highways, the secretary shall specify the factors which resulted in the determination to designate the highways. These factors shall include, but are not limited to, safety, economics, energy savings, industry productivity and competition. Vehicles to which sub. (2) (f), (fm), (gm), and (gr) and s. 348.08 (1) (a) 2. and (e) apply may also operate on highways not designated under this subsection for a distance of 15 miles or less in order to obtain access to a highway designated under this subsection or to reach fuel, food, maintenance, repair, rest, staging, terminal or vehicle assembly facilities or points of loading or unloading. The secretary may, by rule, designate an access route of more than 15 miles from a highway designated under this subsection when the longer route provides safer and better access to a location which is within the 15-mile limit. Household goods carriers may operate between highways designated under this subsection and points of loading and unloading.

348.07(4m) (4m) The secretary shall, by rule, designate those parts of the state trunk highway system to which sub. (2) (fs) and (gv) do not apply. For each part of the state trunk highway system designated under this subsection, the secretary shall specify the factors that resulted in the determination to designate the part as not suitable to accommodate vehicle lengths as specified in sub. (2) (fs) and (gv). The secretary may, by rule, establish exceptions to the vehicle-combination length limitation specified in sub. (1), including establishing any greater or lesser length limitation than that specified in sub. (1), with respect to specific types of vehicles identified by the secretary or highways designated by the secretary, but the secretary may not establish under this subsection any length limitation inconsistent with sub. (2) or (2a) or s. 348.08 (1).

348.07(5) (5) As often as it deems necessary, the department shall publish maps required for its own use and for free distribution showing the highways designated under subs. (4) and (4m), those parts of the state trunk highway system not designated under sub. (4m), and such other main highways and other features as the department deems desirable.

348.07 History History: 1975 c. 279; 1977 c. 29 ss. 1487g to 1487m, 1654 (9) (b); 1977 c. 418; 1979 c. 255; 1981 c. 159, 176; 1983 a. 20, 78, 192; 1985 a. 165, 187; 1987 a. 30; 1991 a. 39, 72; 1995 a. 193; 1997 a. 27; 1999 a. 85, 186; 2003 a. 213, 234; 2005 a. 363, 365; 2007 a. 11, 93; 2011 a. 53 s. 2; 2011 a. 54, 243; 2013 a. 99, 220, 369, 377; 2015 a. 15, 195, 232; 2023 a. 164.

348.07 Cross-reference Cross-reference: See also ch. Trans 276, Wis. adm. code.

348.07 Annotation The state may not prohibit 65-foot double-bottom trailers. Raymond Motor Transportation, Inc. v. Rice, 434 U.S. 429, 98 S. Ct. 787, 54 L. Ed. 2d 664 (1978).

348.08 348.08 Vehicle trains.

348.08(1) (1) No person, without a permit therefor shall operate on a highway any motor vehicle drawing or having attached thereto more than one vehicle, except that:

348.08(1)(a) (a) Two or 3 vehicles may, without such permit, be drawn or attached when such vehicles are being transported by the drive-away method in saddlemount combination and the overall length of such combination of vehicles does not exceed the following:

348.08(1)(a)1. 1. When operating on a highway designated as part of the national system of interstate and defense highways under s. 84.29, 97 feet.

348.08(1)(a)2. 2. When operating on a highway designated under s. 348.07 (4), 97 feet.

348.08(1)(a)3. 3. When operating on a highway not identified in subd. 1. or 2., 75 feet.

348.08(1)(b) (b) Two implements of husbandry may, without such permit, be drawn by, or attached to, another implement of husbandry if the overall length of such combination of vehicles does not exceed 70 feet, or 100 feet if the vehicle combination is traveling at a speed of not more than 25 miles per hour.

348.08(1)(c) (c) Tour trains may, without such permit, be drawn by a motor vehicle upon and along county and municipal roads and streets and across state trunk highways, and upon and along state trunk highways where there are no alternate municipal or county routes or streets for such operation. The following requirements and restrictions shall apply to tour train operations:

348.08(1)(c)1. 1. Tour trains shall operate within a radius of 10 miles from the situs of the beginning and ending of the excursion.

348.08(1)(c)2. 2. Tour trains shall operate only along those portions of the state trunk highway system approved by the department.

348.08(1)(c)3. 3. The towing vehicle shall be of such design and construction that it will safely tow the unit at speeds up to 35 m.p.h. and the towing vehicle shall in no case be a farm-type tractor, but shall be a motor vehicle originally designed and manufactured expressly for operation upon public highways.

348.08(1)(c)4. 4. Each unit of a tour train, regardless of weight, shall be equipped with brakes as provided in s. 347.35 (3) (a).