For more information, contact:
Lieutenant Brian Ausloos, Division of State Patrol Motor Carrier Unit
(608) 266-0264, brian.ausloos@dot.wi.gov
To accommodate fall harvest, state law allows farmers to move heavier loads of corn, soybeans and other farm goods between September 1 and November 30
Between September 1 and November 30, farmers will be able to transport heavier loads of harvested crops from fields to initial storage or processing facilities. The state law (Wisconsin Statute 348.17(5)) allows farmers to exceed a vehicle’s statutory gross weight and axle weight limitations by up to 15% when transporting corn, corn silage, potatoes, cranberries, soybeans, and other vegetables.
The law allowing heavier loads of farm goods only affects truck weights and applies to vehicles registered for between 50,000 and 80,000 pounds. All other laws related to truck length, height and width limitations and operation must still be observed. The heavier loads are not allowed on Interstate highways except for a portion of I-39 between Portage and Wausau.
“This law is intended to assist farmers during the peak fall harvest period by temporarily waiving the need to obtain overweight permits from the Department of Transportation,” said Lt. Brian Ausloos with the Wisconsin State Patrol’s Motor Carrier Enforcement Section. “Farmers with questions should check with their local law enforcement officials as the law does not apply everywhere and vehicle operators are not allowed to exceed a road or bridge’s posted weight limit.”
Overweight load movements will be prohibited over the Thanksgiving weekend from 12:01 a.m. Thursday, November 24, until midnight on Sunday, November 27.
