339.04 LOAD LIMITS DURING THAWS AND EXCESSIVE MOISTURE.
(a) No person shall transport, over the secondary improved streets or roads named in Section 339.05 during the thawing season or periods of excessive moisture when such streets or roads are so posted, in any vehicle propelled by muscular, motor or other power, any burden, including weight of vehicle and load, greater than the following:
(1) (A) In vehicles having metal tires three inches or less in width a load of 250 pounds for each inch of the total width of tire on all wheels;
(B) When the tires on such vehicles exceed three inches in width, an additional load of 400 pounds shall be permitted for each inch by which the total width of the tires on all wheels exceeds twelve inches.
(2) In vehicles having tires of rubber or other similar substances, for each inch of the total width of tires on all wheels, as follows:
Tire Inch Width | Load in Pounds |
3 |
225 |
3-1/2 |
225 |
4 |
250 |
5 |
300 |
6 and over |
325
|
(b) The total width of all tires on all wheels shall be, in case of solid tires of rubber or other similar substance, the actual width in inches of all such tires between the flanges at the base of the tires, but in no event shall that portion of the tire coming in contact with the road surface be less than two-thirds the width so measured between the flanges.
(c) In the case of pneumatic tires, or rubber or other similar substance, the total width of all wheels shall be the actual width of all such tires, measured at the widest portion, thereof when inflated and not bearing a load.
(d) In no event shall the load, including the proportionate weight of vehicle that can be concentrated on any wheel, exceed 325 pounds to each inch in width of the tread as defined in this section for solid tires, or each inch in the actual diameter of pneumatic tires measured when inflated and not bearing a load. (ORC 5577.07)
(e) Whoever violates any provision of this section is guilty of a minor misdemeanor on a first offense; on a second offense within one year after the first offense, the person is guilty of a misdemeanor of the fourth degree; on each subsequent offense within one year after the first offense, the person is guilty of a misdemeanor of the third degree.