Gov. Amends Motor Carrier Rules To Aid In Drought Relief

Kansas Governor Sam Brownback has extended an order that temporarily suspends certain motor carrier rules and regulations in order expedite efforts to transport hay to livestock in drought-stricken areas. However, unlike the previous order, this new order includes restrictions on travel during nighttime hours and during periods of inclement weather.

This order applies to individuals hauling hay to livestock in drought-stricken areas of Kansas and to those driving through Kansas to make deliveries in Oklahoma and Texas.

Executive Order 11-49 temporarily suspends the requirements to receive over dimensional permits from the Kansas Department of Transportation, registration and fuel tax permits from the Kansas Department of Revenue and permits from the Kansas Corporation Commission. Motor carriers participating in the relief efforts are not permitted to travel during nighttime hours or during inclement weather conditions.

Oversize or overweight loads are not to be transported when visibility is less than one-half mile or when conditions of moderate to heavy rain, sleet, snow, fog or smoke exist, or when highway surfaces are slippery because of ice, packed snow, or rain.

Participating motor carriers are limited to a load that does not exceed 12 feet in width and does not exceed a height of 14 feet, six inches. Under normal circumstances, haulers are required to get a permit for loads exceeding 8½ feet in width and/or 14 feet in height. All other applicable state and federal regulations continue to apply, including the requirement of having a valid driver’s license.

Executive Order 11-49 amends and extends Executive Order 11-47 until January 27, 2012.