(A) An oversized/overweight vehicle is a vehicle that exceeds the legal limits set forth in I.C. 9-20.
(B) The Dubois County Highway Department must be notified at least 24 hours in advance of any transport of an oversized/overweight unit to confirm travel routes.
(C) Permits are automatically invalidated by the violation of any of the conditions specified by the terms of the permit or by false information given on the application. Failure to comply with the conditions of this permit shall be just cause for the immediate suspension or revocation of any or all permits and the operator and/or owner of the vehicle shall be subject to appropriate legal action.
(D) Oversized/overweight moving permits are issued for daylight hours only, Monday through Friday. Permits are not valid from 1:00 p.m. on the day preceding and continuing until daylight of the first day after the holidays here listed: New Year's Day, Memorial Day, Fourth of July, Labor Day, Thanksgiving Day, and Christmas. The only exception to this division is with approval from the Dubois County Highway Department or a law enforcement officer, when emergency movements are necessary and in the best interest of public safety and welfare. Permits are only valid if favorable driving and traffic conditions exist.
(E) The movement shall not impede other traffic in an unreasonable manner and at no time shall traffic be blocked from use of the highway. Vehicles and loads shall not be parked on the highway at any time.
(F) Vehicles shall be registered as required by the Indiana vehicle code and will not violate any statute, valid ordinance, rule or regulation by any state agency or sub-division of the state. Vehicles are to comply with all statutory provisions as to other permits, licensing, motor vehicle equipment and operation.
(G) The driver of the vehicle shall carry an approved copy of the permit in the vehicle to which it applies and shall have it available for inspection by any law enforcement officer, motor carrier officer, or Dubois County highway employee.
(H) Applicant shall be responsible for any damage caused to wires, mailboxes, trees, buildings, or the road, including structures and appurtenances, and shall reimburse the appropriate parties for any damage caused by the moving of said vehicle and load. Applicant shall save harmless, indemnify, defend, and represent the Dubois County Board of Commissioners, the Dubois County Highway Department, and their officers, agents, and employees against any and all claims for bodily injury or property damage, or any other claim arising out of or related to the moving of said vehicle, load, or its presence on or use of the highway by said vehicle and load.
(I) Permits are not valid if insurance expires or has expired. Each applicant shall present evidence that at least the following insurance coverage is in full force and effect on each vehicle while operating on the public highways under special permit:
Type of Coverage | Amount |
Bodily injury liability - each person | $500,000 |
Bodily injury liability - each accident | $1,000,000 |
Property damage liability - each accident | $1,000,000 |
Single limit policy | $1,000,000 |
Worker's compensation | Statutory coverage |
(J) The permitee or contractor shall name the Dubois County Commissioners as additional insured and certificate holders, by name, on any general comprehensive liability insurance or commercial general liability insurance carried by the permitee or contractor, worded as follows:
"The Dubois County Board of Commissioners, the Dubois County Highway Department, and their officers, agents, and employees, are named as additional insured parties."
(K) Permits will be issued only for vehicles owned by the applicant or operated under a lease or rental agreement. The applicant may be required to deposit a reasonable inspection fee and to furnish a cash bond to cover any damage that might occur to roads, bridges, or highway structures by the movement of vehicles and objects under the proposed permit.
(L) Permits will be issued for oversize or overweight vehicles or loads which can be readily dismantled, reduced, or otherwise rearranged to come within the legal limits. Permits will in no way supersede posted axle loading limits on any bridge or highway. The applicant agrees to reimburse the Dubois County Highway Department for any damage resulting from applicant's disregard of such postings.
(M) The equipment shall be loaded on the vehicle in such a manner to reduce to a minimum the excess over statutory size or weight limitations and the least width or length dimensions of the load becomes the width of the load on the trailer. Striking or damage to any structure or facility will be perceived to be noncompliance with this section and will result in termination of a permit.
(N) The Dubois County Highway Department may temporarily suspend or revoke an oversized/overweight moving permit, either in its entirety or in respect to certain of its provisions, due to seasonal conditions, other special conditions, or if it is in the interest of the public's safety.
(O) The vehicle shall not be loaded or unloaded within the outer shoulder limits of any county road unless permitted by a law enforcement officer or the Dubois County Highway Department.
(P) The movement requires the display of clean, plain, red or orange flags of at least 18 inches square. One flag shall be displayed at each of the four corners of the vehicle or load; and if any portion of the load extends beyond the width of the corner flag, one additional flag shall be displayed at the widest point on each side of the vehicle or load. Flags should be securely fastened by at least one corner or securely mounted on a staff.
(Q) When the width of the loads exceed 12 feet, the vehicle(s) shall be accompanied by an escort vehicle (passenger car or pickup truck) in front a distance of no more than 1,500 feet and no less than 500 feet of the movement, with at least one flashing or rotating amber light on top of cab, when traveling on less than four lanes and an escort vehicle (passenger car or pickup truck) in the rear a distance of no more than 1,000 feet and no less than 200 feet with at least one flashing or rotating amber light on the top of the cab, when traveling on four or more lanes. Amber lights are to be visible for 360 degrees for 500 feet.
(R) Permits are not valid on highways which are posted for lighter than normal loadings and vehicle exceeds axle loadings as posted, or when restricted loadings are in effect.
(S) The vehicle covered by a permit shall not exceed 35 mph at any time.
(Ord. 2021-15, passed 4-19-2021)