A. Weight Limitations:
1. Collector streets shall have a load limit not to exceed eighteen thousand (18,000) pounds per single axle and sixteen thousand (16,000) pounds per tandem axle unit.
2. Residential streets shall have a load limit not to exceed fourteen thousand (14,000) pounds per single axle and twelve thousand (12,000) pounds per tandem axle unit. (1975 Code § 9-1-22)
B. Reduction Under Special Circumstances: The maximum axle and axle group loads stated in subsection A of this section are subject to reasonable reduction in the discretion of the city public works director during periods when street subgrades have been weakened by water saturation or other causes. (1975 Code § 9-1-23; amd. 2015 Code)
C. Special Permits:
1. Special Permit Required: The operation of vehicles having weights in excess of the maximum limits specified in subsection A of this section shall be allowed to travel upon the streets within the city only if authorized by special permit issued by the city public works director. Such permit shall be issued prior to use and for individual loads only.
2. Special Permits Issued By State: Special permits issued by the state of Montana allowing not more than an additional two thousand (2,000) pounds per axle, however, shall be honored on the following streets and avenues only:
Dakota Street, all
Iowa Street from Eighth Avenue SW to Fourth Avenue SW
Main Street, all within the city limits
Solid Road, that portion from Main Street east to the city limits
Fourth Avenue, all within the city limits (1975 Code § 9-1-24; amd. 2015 Code)
D. Penalty: Every person who is convicted of operating a vehicle having weight in excess of the limits hereinabove prescribed or otherwise authorized, in addition to being subject to the penalty prescribed in section 1-4-2 of this code, shall become liable to the city for any expense, loss or damage occasioned the city by reason of such violation. (1975 Code § 9-1-25)