Below is a memo recieved from the Iowa DOT specific to the Spring Planting Proclamation:
This informational memo is to inform motor carriers, law enforcement, and staff about the Governor’s Proclamation of Disaster Emergency issued April 11, 2022 to provide relief from regulatory provisions for motor carriers transporting corn, soybeans, other agricultural seed, water, herbicide, pesticide, fertilizer (dry, liquid, and gas), manure (dry and liquid), gasoline, diesel #1, diesel #2, ethanol, and biodiesel necessary to respond to this disaster.
SUMMARY
Due to concerns over a timely planting season and amounts of agricultural truck traffic moving throughout the state, the Governor has issued a proclamation that provides relief for the following:
- Allows a vehicle to move certain overweight loads up to 90,000 pounds without needing to obtain a permit on non-interstate highways (Iowa Code § 321E and Iowa Administrative Code 761-511).
- Allows extended hours of service of motor carriers and drivers of commercial motor vehicles (Iowa Code 321.449).
This regulatory relief applies to movement of loads of corn, soybeans, other agricultural seed, water, herbicide, pesticide, fertilizer (dry, liquid, and gas), manure (dry and liquid), gasoline, diesel #1, diesel #2, ethanol, and biodiesel.
HELPFUL QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS
The following questions and answers will provide additional clarification for staff and customers.
WHICH DIVISIBLE LOADS ARE ALLOWED TO TRAVEL WITHOUT PERMIT UNDER THE GOVERNOR’S PROCLAMATION?
Certain divisible loads may travel without permits on state highways if:
- The load is certain corn, soybeans, other agricultural seed, water, herbicide, pesticide, fertilizer (dry, liquid, and gas), manure (dry and liquid), gasoline, diesel #1, diesel #2, ethanol, and biodiesel.
- The load does not exceed 90,000 pounds gross weight.
- The load does not exceed the maximum axle weight limit determined under the non-primary highway maximum gross weight table by more than 12.5%.
- The load does not exceed the legal maximum axle weight limit of 20,000 pounds.
- The load otherwise complies with posted limits on roads and bridges.
- The load complies with the spring pavement restriction map.
- The load otherwise remains within the manufacturer’s specification for the maximum load for the vehicle and combination of vehicles.
Under these conditions, the divisible load is authorized to travel on Iowa and US highways, excluding the interstate system, without a permit.
UNDER THIS PROCLAMATION CAN OVERWEIGHT DIVISIBLE LOADS TRAVEL ON THE INTERSTATE WITHOUT A PERMIT?
No, the Governor’s proclamation is limited to Iowa highways, excluding the interstate system.
HOW DOES THIS SPRING PLANTING PROCLAMATION DIFFER FROM THE FALL HARVEST PROCLAMATION?
This proclamation differs in three key areas:
- The loads are different. This relief only applies to vehicles transporting loads of corn, soybeans, other agricultural seed, water, herbicide, pesticide, fertilizer (dry, liquid, and gas), manure (dry and liquid), gasoline, diesel #1, diesel #2, ethanol, and biodiesel.
- Loads must travel in compliance with the spring pavement map. Iowa’s infrastructure is particularly vulnerable in the spring. The spring pavement map can be found here: https://iowadot.gov/mvd/motorcarriers/Spring-Restriction-Map.pdf
- This proclamation waives certain requirements for hours of service for crews and drivers responding to this emergency and transporting these loads.
WHY DOES THE SPRING PAVEMENT MAP APPLY TO THIS TRAVEL?
The spring pavement restriction map is intended to protect certain areas of roadway as the negative effects of heavier loads are magnified in the spring due to excessive moisture during the spring thaw period. During this time, the stress from heavy loads requires DOT and counties to place additional restrictions on some roadways. DOT staff anticipate removing all of the spring restrictions in the next couple of weeks. Until that time, it is necessary to comply with the spring pavement map to avoid reduced lifespans of the infrastructure that may cause increased construction zones and costs.
ARE THERE ANY RESTRICTIONS IN PLACE FOR THE SECONDARY ROAD SYSTEM UNDER THIS PROCLAMATION?
Vehicles transporting loads under this proclamation are required to comply with posted limits on roads and bridges. We encourage drivers to contact their counties for the most up-to-date information on construction and embargoed roads for ease of travel and to protect county infrastructure.
HOW DID THE GOVERNOR’S PROCLAMATION AFFECT HOURS OF SERVICE OF MOTOR CARRIERS AND DRIVERS OF COMMERCIAL VEHICLES?
The Governor’s proclamation suspended the regulatory provisions of Iowa Code § 321.449 pertaining to hours of service of motor carriers and drivers of commercial motor vehicles under certain conditions. To be eligible for this suspension, the following conditions apply:
- the customers are crews and drivers delivering corn, soybeans, other agricultural seed, water, herbicide, pesticide, fertilizer (dry, liquid, and gas), manure (dry and liquid), gasoline, diesel #1, diesel #2, ethanol, and biodiesel.
- Motor carriers are not exempt from the controlled substances and alcohol use and testing requirements, commercial drivers’ license requirements, financial responsibilities requirements, or any other portion of the Code of Federal Regulations not specifically identified the Proclamation.
- Motor carriers cannot be required or allowed to operate if fatigued or ill.
- Drivers who inform a carrier that he or she needs immediate rest shall be given at least ten consecutive hours off duty before the driver is required to return to service.
- Motor carriers must give the driver at least thirty-four (34) consecutive hours off when the driver has been on duty for more than seventy (70) hours during any eight (8) consecutive days.
- Motor carriers that have an out-of-service order in effect may not take advantage of this relief.
WHEN DOES THE GOVERNOR’S PROCLAMATION EXPIRE?
May 11, 2022, at 11:59 p.m. unless sooner terminated or extended by the Governor.
WHAT IS THE BEST WAY TO CONTACT DOT REGARDING QUESTIONS?
omcs@iowadot.us
515-237-3264
