Washington Administrative Code
Title 468 - Transportation, Department of (See Title 88)
Chapter 468-38 - Vehicle size and weight-Highway restrictions-Equipment
Section 468-38-290 - Farm implements
Current through Register Vol. 24-06, March 15, 2024
(1) For purposes of issuing special farm implement permits and certain permit exemptions, what is considered a farm implement? A farm implement includes any device that directly affects the production of agricultural products, including fertilizer and chemical applicator apparatus (complete with auxiliary equipment). For purposes of this section, the implement must be nondivisible, weigh less than sixty-five thousand pounds, and comply with the requirements of RCW 46.44.091. The implement must be less than twenty feet in width and not exceed sixteen feet in height. However, for purposes of this section, farm implements must not exceed fourteen feet in height in the counties of Whatcom, Skagit, Island, Snohomish, and King. If the implement is self-propelled, it must not exceed forty feet in length, or seventy feet overall length if being towed. The implement must move on pneumatic tires, or solid rubber tracks that will not damage public highways with parts that extend beyond the tracks. Implements exceeding any of these criteria must meet all requirements for special permits as referenced in other sections in this chapter and chapter 46.44 RCW.
(2) What dimensional criteria requires a special permit to move extra-legal farm implements? Self-propelled farm implements, including a farm tractor pulling no more than two implements, that exceed fourteen feet in height or sixteen feet in width, but less than twenty feet in width, are required to get a special permit for movement of farm implements on state highways. Note: A tow vehicle capable of carrying a load (i.e., a truck of any kind) may not tow more than one trailing implement.
(3) Will the opportunity to purchase a special permit to move oversize farm implements be affected if the implement(s) is carried on another vehicle? The opportunity to purchase a special permit for farm implements as defined in subsection (1) of this section will not be affected unless one of the following circumstances occurs:
If any of these circumstances occur, the provisions of this subsection will not apply to the movement of the farm implement. The movement will be required to comply with the requirements for special permits as provided in chapter 46.44 RCW and in other sections in this chapter.
(4) How does the special permit farm implement application process differ from the special permit process outlined in WAC 468-38-050 ? Due to the size of the implement and the potential for use in multiple jurisdictions, the written application must be submitted to the department's Olympia office for approval. Permits can be requested for three-month periods up to one year. Once approved, a special permit may be generated from the Olympia office by facsimile or a letter of authorization will be sent authorizing the applicant to acquire a special permit at the nearest permit sales location. If the movement of the farm implement(s) is confined to a single department maintenance area, the applicant may make direct written application to that maintenance area office in lieu of the Olympia office.
(5) Who is authorized to purchase a farm implement special permit? The purchase and use of a special permit to move farm implements is restricted to a farmer, or anyone engaged in the business of selling, repairing and/or maintaining farm implements.
(6) Will the special permit restrict the movement to a specific area? The special permit to move farm implements is generally restricted to six contiguous counties or less. With proper justification, the area can be expanded. Farm implements may only travel on highway structures that are designed to support the weight of the farm implement.
(7) Is department notification required before moving implement(s)? Affected department maintenance areas must be notified at least eight (8) hours in advance of implement(s) movements in excess of sixteen feet wide. Movements of implements that exceed the legal weight limit established in RCW 46.44.041 must contact all affected department maintenance areas at least eight hours in advance for weight restriction information. The notification is for the purpose of ensuring that there will not be any planned activity or weight restrictions that would restrict the move. Locations of department maintenance area offices and phone listings are provided with each letter authorizing the purchase of the farm implement special permit.
(8) What safety precautions must be taken when moving extra-legal farm implement(s)? The movement of extra-legal farm implements must comply with the safety requirements following:
(9) Are there any unique requirements or exemptions regarding the use of farm implement(s) pilot/escort vehicles? Pilot/escort vehicles must comply with the requirements of WAC 468-38-100, except for the specific exemptions related only to special permits for moving farm implement(s) following:
Statutory Authority: RCW 46.44.140. 11-13-074, § 468-38-290, filed 6/15/11, effective 7/16/11. Statutory Authority: RCW 46.44.090 and 46.44.0915. 08-13-042, § 468-38-290, filed 6/12/08, effective 6/12/08. Statutory Authority: RCW 46.44.090. 06-07-025, § 468-38-290, filed 3/7/06, effective 4/7/06; 05-04-053, § 468-38-290, filed 1/28/05, effective 2/28/05; 00-17-060, § 468-38-290, filed 8/9/00, effective 9/9/00; 00-11-038 (Order 199), § 468-38-290, filed 5/10/00, effective 6/10/00; 99-18-019 (Order 192), § 468-38-290, filed 8/23/99, effective 9/23/99; 85-11-062 (Order 46, Resolution No. 243), § 468-38-290, filed 5/20/85; 83-16-018 (Order 39, Resolution No. 195), § 468-38-290, filed 7/25/83; 82-18-010 (Order 31, Resolution No. 156), § 468-38-290, filed 8/20/82. Formerly WAC 468-38-460. Statutory Authority: 1977 ex.s. c 151. 79-01-033 (DOT Order 10 and Comm. Order 1, Resolution No. 13), § 468-38-290, filed 12/20/78. Formerly WAC 252-24-342.