Rhode Island Code of Regulations
Title 290 - Department of Transportation
Chapter 40 - Infrastructure and Safety
Subchapter 00 - NA
Part 1 - Rules and Regulations Regarding Overweight and Oversize Vehicle Permits
Section 290-RICR-40-00-1.7 - Divisible Load Permits

Universal Citation: 290 RI Code of Rules 40 00 1.7

Current through December 26, 2024

1.7.1 Purpose

The purpose of the rules and regulations in this section is to state clearly the policy and procedures of the Rhode Island Department of Transportation's in relation to the application for and issuance of permits for overweight vehicles carrying reducible loads.

1.7.2 Definition

Any load consisting of a product, material or equipment which can be reduced in height, weight, length and/or width to all the specified statutory limit.

1.7.3 Where to Apply

Division of Motor Vehicles - 600 New London Avenue, Cranston, RI 02920.

1.7.4 How to Apply

Applications (see §1.7.6(A)(1) of this Part) may be obtained in person from the above address or by calling 401-462-1384.

1.7.5 When to Apply

Between the hours of 8:30 AM and 4:30 PM, Monday through Friday except holidays.

1.7.6 Fee for Permit

A. Rhode Island Registered Vehicles - fee is reflected in the registration fee.
1. Permit Registration Form

Click here to view image

Click here to view image

B. Permit Fees for Out-of-State Registered Vehicles -Trailers - thirty dollar ($30) flat fee.

C. Two (2)-, three (3)- or four (4)- axle trucks - ten dollars ($10) per one thousand (1,000) pounds over legal limit - maximum three hundred dollars ($300) for seventy-six thousand, six hundred fifty (76,650) pounds.

D. Tractors - ten dollars ($10) per one thousand (1,000) pounds over legal limit - maximum two hundred dollars ($200) for ninety-nine thousand (99,000) pounds, ninety-nine thousand (99,000) to one hundred four thousand, eight hundred (104,800) pounds - two hundred fifty dollars ($250).

E. Transfer fee - ten dollars ($10.00).

F. FEES ARE NOT PRORATED. ALL PERMITS EXPIRE MARCH 31.

1.7.7 Application

Applications submitted for permits must contain a gross vehicle weight certification by the applicant and the manufacturer along with all data requested in the application form in duplicate and a copy of the registration.

1.7.8 Issuance

Permits will be issued on an annual basis by the Division of Motor Vehicles unless otherwise indicated on the permit. However, the Department specifically reserves the right to deny or revoke any permit or class of permits when, in its judgement and discretion, public safety or sound engineering judgement warrants.

1.7.9 Denial

An administrative hearing will be given to any person aggrieved by the denials or revocation of a permit or an intradepartmental interpretation of these rules. The appeals process shall be initiated by filing a written appeal with the Director of the Department of Transportation within five (5) working days of receipt by the aggrieved party of the Departments decision or ruling.

1.7.10 Inspection

Employees of the Department of Transportation, State Police, local police and other duly authorized law enforcement officers may require the owner or operator of a vehicle for which a divisible load permit has been issued to be submitted to safety, equipment and/or braking inspections and shall have the power to direct such vehicle to the nearest scale or testing area of the State Police or Rhode Island Department of Transportation. The aforementioned officials and law enforcement officers shall also have the option of using privately-owned scales with the consent of the owner of the facility.

1.7.11 Revocation, Suspension of a Permit

A. The holding of a permit is a privilege. If a person drives or moves or an owner causes to be driven or permits a vehicle to be driven or moved, which vehicle is adjudicated to have driven or moved in excess of the limits of a divisible load permit issued for such vehicle, the following provisions listed in Figure 3 may apply.
1. Figure 3

Conviction

Period of Revocation of Permit for Specific Vehicle

Period of Non-Issuance of Future Permits for Specific Vehicles

First

60 Days

30 Days

Second (within 12 months of first conviction)

120 Days

60 Days

Third (within 12 months of first conviction)

12 Months

6 Months

B. Five (5) convictions of the size, weight and load laws on citations issued during a twelve (12) month period may constitute a six (6) month revocation of the owner or company's privilege to obtain permits.

1.7.12 Specific Load Limits

A. The Bridge Formula becomes effective on April 1, 1989 and the maximum weight limits without a divisible load permit appear in § 1.9 of this Part.

B. The specific maximum load limits for divisible load permits are listed in § 1.9 of this Part.

1.7.13 Travel Restrictions

Permits are restricted to travel on State highways and do not authorize travel over any bridge, culvert or structure posted for weight less than the weight of said vehicle and load.

1.7.14 Additional Requirements

Cities or towns may require additional specific permits.

1.7.15 Exemptions

Vehicles exempt from applying for special permits governing size and weight are defined in R.I. Gen. Laws §§ 31-25-2 and 31-1-9.

Disclaimer: These regulations may not be the most recent version. Rhode Island 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.
This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.