Louisiana Administrative Code
Title 73 - WEIGHTS, MEASURES AND STANDARDS
Part I - Weights and Standards
Chapter 5 - Legal Limitations for Size and Weight
Section I-504 - Department Regulations

Universal Citation: LA Admin Code I-504

Current through Register Vol. 50, No. 9, September 20, 2024

A. Posted Bridges

1. Some Louisiana bridges are posted with advisory weight signs (black lettering on a yellow background), drivers are urged to use their own discretion in crossing these bridges with heavy loads.

2. Also, some Louisiana bridges are posted with regulatory weight limit signs (black lettering on a white background). Violation tickets will be issued for vehicles crossing these bridges in excess of the posted limit.

3. Neither the state of Louisiana nor the Department of Transportation and Development shall incur any liability from any injury or property damage caused by the crossing of a posted bridge with a load in excess of posted advisory or regulatory weight limits.

B. Axle Weight Distribution. The law requires reasonable distribution of axle weight on tandem, tridum, and quadrum axle groups. Those vehicles and loads with permits that exceed the legal axle weight must comply with the axle weight distribution as herein in §711 All other vehicles and loads must comply with the following.

1. Tandem Axles
a. On interstate highways a tandem axle group is properly distributed if neither of the individual axles carries more than 20,000 pounds.

b. On noninterstate highways a tandem axle group is properly distributed if neither of the individual axles carries more than 21,500 pounds.

2. Tridum Axles
a. On interstate highways a tridum axle group is properly distributed if none of the individual axles carries more than 16,000 pounds.

b. On noninterstate highways a tridum axle group is properly distributed if none of the individual axles carries more than 17,000 pounds.

3. Quadrum Axles
a. On interstate highways a quadrum axle group is properly distributed if none of the individual axles carries more than 14,500 pounds.

b. On noninterstate highways a quadrum axle group is properly distributed if none of the individual axles carries more than 15,500 pounds.

C. Variable Load Suspension Axles. When "Variable Load Suspension" axles are used they must provide for reasonable distribution of axle weight as described in the previous §504. B 1-3. In addition, the regulator that controls the pressure for these axles must be outside the cab. The only control that may be in the cab is that necessary to activate mechanism. The suspension used by these axles may be either hydraulic, air or a combination thereof.

D. Treated Utility Poles. All vehicles or combinations of vehicles utilizing a balance type utility trailer or a fifth-wheel type utility trailer engaged in the transportation of treated utility poles do not need a special permit for the transportation of utility poles by a utility, its representative, or its contractor for use in the normal operation of its facilities to provide service to the area it serves. No load consisting of such poles shall extend more than 35 feet past the rear of the vehicle and must maintain a minimum clearance of 1 1/2 feet above the ground. All escort requirements will apply for loads exceeding 90 feet in overall length.

E. Tunnels. Hazardous material, flammable material, combustible material, oversize and/or overweight permit loads are specifically prohibited from using any tunnel in the state. The location of the three tunnels in Louisiana are as follows:

1. Harvey U.S.90-B;

2. Belle Chasse LA 23-southbound only;

3. Houma LA 3040.

AUTHORITY NOTE: Promulgated in accordance with R.S. 32:2 et seq.

Disclaimer: These regulations may not be the most recent version. Louisiana may have more current or accurate information. We make no warranties or guarantees about the accuracy, completeness, or adequacy of the information contained on this site or the information linked to on the state site. Please check official sources.
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