Saint Paul – Governor Tim Pawlenty today signed an emergency executive order lifting the seasonal weight limits for certain motor carriers and drivers operating in Minnesota. Currently, many vehicles used to transport heating fuel exceed the weight permitted under seasonal load restrictions even when empty and businesses and homeowners may be at risk of running out of necessary heating fuels if it cannot be delivered in a timely and efficient manner.

The following is the text of Executive Order 10-03:

EMERGENCY EXECUTIVE ORDER 10-03

PROVIDING FOR RELIEF FROM REGULATIONS
TO CERTAIN MOTOR CARRIERS AND
DRIVERS OPERATING IN MINNESOTA

I, TIM PAWLENTY, GOVERNOR OF THE STATE OF MINNESOTA, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the Constitution and applicable laws do hereby issue this emergency executive order:

WHEREAS, the seasonal load restrictions as described in Minnesota Statutes 2009, Section 169.87, Subdivision 2 are in effect in the South, Southeast, and Metro frost zones of the state, and upcoming in the Central, North Central and North frost zones; and

WHEREAS, many vehicles used to transport heating fuel exceed the weight permitted under the seasonal load restrictions even when empty; and

WHEREAS, the winter and spring season have been colder than in recent years; and

WHEREAS, temperatures continue to require heating and, without the ability to receive timely and efficient delivery of heating fuels, businesses and homeowners are in danger of running out of necessary heating fuels; and

WHEREAS, current statute recognizes permanent exemptions from the seasonal load restrictions for school buses, milk carriers, utility vehicles, garbage and recycling vehicles.

NOW, THEREFORE, I hereby order that an emergency condition exists and order that:

1. Two and three permanent axle vehicles used to transport fuels commonly used for heating are exempted from the seasonal load restrictions on local and state highways and streets imposed under Minnesota Statutes 2009, Section 169.87, provided they are loaded at no more than 50 percent (50%) capacity of the cargo tank when they are on seasonally-load restricted highways and streets.

2. Motor carriers must abide by all other posted road restrictions or laws governing gross weight including, but not limited to, the gross weight limits set forth in Minnesota Statutes 2009, Sections 169.823 and 169.824.

Pursuant to Minnesota Statutes 2009, Section 4.035, Subdivision 2, this Order is effective immediately and shall remain in effect until June 1, 2010, or the Commissioner of Transportation’s removal of spring load restrictions, whichever is earlier.

IN TESTIMONY WHEREOF, I have set my hand this 8th day of March, 2010.