The state of Iowa, the Iowa Department of Transportation and any other permit issuing authority assume no responsibility for the property of the permit holder. During movement under permit, the permit holder must meet the terms and conditions of the permit and must take all reasonable precautions to protect and safeguard the lives and property of the traveling public and adjacent property owners. A copy of a current certificate of public liability insurance in the amounts of $100,000 bodily injury each person, $200,000 bodily injury each occurrence, and $50,000 property damage must be carried in the vehicle for which the permit has been issued.

Nothing shall exempt the permit holder from compliance with any load limitations, which have been or might be established on any bridge or road that is posted with embargo signs.

The permit and any revisions will be void if the actual weights or dimensions exceed what is indicated on the permit or its revisions.

Permits can be issued only for loads that are a single article that cannot be reasonably broken down to make it legal in size and weight.

The permit must be carried in the cab of the vehicle for which it has been issued and be available for inspection.

Movement is allowed seven days a week except for designated holidays and for special events when abnormally high traffic counts can be expected. The designated holidays are: Memorial Day, Independence Day, and Labor Day. No movement will be allowed on these holidays or after 12 noon on days preceding these holiday weekends which include holidays that fall on Monday, except as provided for in Section 321.457 of the Code.

Any reportable accident involving a vehicle operating under permit must be reported in writing to the Director of the Office of Motor Carrier Services, Park Fair Mall, 100 Euclid Ave., P.O. Box 10382, Des Moines, IA 50306-0382.

Annual Permits Only – All vehicles and loads not exceeding 12 feet, 5 inches in width or 75 feet in length shall have unlimited trip distance. All loads not to exceed 14 feet 6 inches in width or 100 feet in length shall need route approval from the permit issuing authority if move exceeds 50 miles. All loads not to exceed 16 feet 0 inches in width or 100 feet in length require route approval irregardless of the distance. Maximum dimensions for hay 12’5" wide, 13’6" high, 75’ long.

One escort, front or rear, is required when:

1. 1. Length exceeds 80’ but does not exceed 100’.
2. 2. Front-end projection exceeds 25’.
3. 3. Rear-end projections exceeds 20’.
4. 4. Weight exceeds 80,000 pounds.

An amber revolving light or a strobe light is required on the rear of the load when the rear-end projection exceeds 10’.

Overdimension Signs – A sign reading "Oversize Load" must be used when loads exceeding the legal limits are moved under oversize permits. The sign must be at least 18" high by 7’ long with a minimum of 12" black letters, with a 1 ½" stroke, on the yellow background, and mounted on the front bumper and on the rear of all loads exceeding 75’ in length, 8’6" in width, and or 14’ in height. The rear sign for mobile homes must be mounted at least 7’ above the highway surface, measuring from the bottom of the sign.

In addition to the signs, red flags at least 18" square must be mounted as follows: one flag at each front corner of the towing unit and one flag at each rear corner of the load. In addition, there must be a flag at any additional protrusion in the width of the load.

The signs or warning devices must be mounted so they can be removed or covered when the vehicle is within legal dimensions.

Any vehicle or implement designated for use off the highway and operated on the highways at a speed of 25 miles per hour or less shall be equipped with a reflective device of a type approved by the Iowa Department of Transportation and an amber flashing light, both visible from the rear.

All signs not meeting the above specifications must be approved by the Office of Motor Carrier Services.

Requirements for Continuous Moves – Vehicles and loads may travel by permit between sunset and sunrise if, in addition to the general provisions and general requirements specified by the permit, the following conditions are met.

1. a. Dimensions shall not exceed:

(1) Width 11 feet

(2) Height 14 feet, 4 inches

(3) Length 100 feet

(4) Weight Permitted axle limits

b. Travel must be on roadways with a minimum width of 22 feet and minimum land width of 11 feet.

c. Safety lighting shall be provided at the widest part of a load. The lamps may be placed at the outer ends of the load itself or on appurtenances which are equal in width to the widest part of the load and positioned at both the extreme front and rear off the vehicle or trailer as follows

1. (1) One lighted red lamp on each side at the rear of the load.
2. (2) One lighted yellow or amber lamp on each side at the front of the load.