Law, Regulation, Policy
Laws, regulations and policies allow Posting Authorities (such as PennDOT or municipalities) to post weight restrictions on their roadways. These postings protect roads that are in danger of being damaged by overweight vehicles.
Law
75 Pa. C.S. 4902 Size, Weight and Load
Section 4902 of the PA Vehicle Code focuses on restrictions on use of highways and bridges.
67 Pa. C.S. 212.117 Weight, Size and Load Restrictions
Chapter 212.117 of the PA Transportation Code focuses on regulations in the Commonwealth. This section discusses the difference between weight restrictions on bridges (bridge posting), weight restrictions based on condition (weight posting), and restrictions on roadways based on traffic conditions (safety posting).
Regulation
67 Pa Code 179 Oversize and Overweight Loads and Vehicles
Chapter 179 regulates the movement of mobile homes, oversize or overweight vehicles, and combinations of vehicles on State highways to protect the safety of other users.
67 Pa Code 189 Hauling in Excess of Posted Weight Limit
Chapter 189 regulates the use of posted highways with weight restrictions by vehicles and combinations having a gross weight in excess of the posted weight limit and applies to both State highways and highways under the jurisdiction of local authorities. The provisions of this chapter apply to bridges located on posted highways. If there is hauling activity on a non-posted roadway with a posted bridge, a special haulers permit is required to haul on bridges posted independently of highways. If you are not sure if the posting covers a roadway or a bridge, please contact the District for further instruction.
67 Pa Code 190 Letter of Local Determination-Statement of Policy
The purpose of this chapter is to provide guidance for the implementation of a program to provide Letters of Local Determination identifying particular vehicles, routes or uses as local in nature to provide exemption from the requirements of Chapter 189. This chapter only applies to Chapter 189 and does not apply to roads and bridges posted under Chapters 191 and 193. Letters of Local Determination do not apply to local authorities unless the local authority elects to enact an ordinance adopting the policies and procedures as such.
67 Pa Code 191 Authorization to Use Bridges Posted Due to Condition of Bridge
Chapter 191 regulates the use of bridges by vehicles or combinations having a gross weight in excess of the posted weight limit or a physical dimension in excess of the posted size restriction. This is also known as a 4902(a) bridge posting.
67 Pa Code 193 Authorization to Use Highways Posted Due to Traffic Conditions
Chapter 193 regulates the use of highways by vehicles or combinations having a gross weight in excess of the posted weight limit or a physical dimension in excess of the posted size restriction. This is also known as a 4902(b) bridge posting.
Policy
Publication 23: Chapter 15 Weight Restrictions on Highways (Posted Highways)
Chapter 15 applies to the posting of weight restrictions by PennDOT or by Local Posting Authorities with respect to highways under their respective jurisdictions based on the structural condition of the highway as authorized in Pa 75 C.S. § 4902 (a) and 67 Pa Code, Chapter 189, Hauling in Excess of Posted Weight Limits and 67 Pa Code, Chapter 190, Letter of Local Determination.
Publication 221: Posting and Bonding Procedures for Municipal Highways
Publication 221 applies to posting and bonding municipal-owned roads. This publication’s guidance is consistent with Chapter 15 and adapts its guidance for a municipal audience.