§ 2-28-53. Exemptions from permit requirements.

The following oversized vehicles/loads are exempt from the application/permit requirements of this article:

(1)

Any single agricultural trailer or any combination of up to and including three (3) implements of husbandry (including the towing power unit) with a load of hay, straw, or other farm product which does not exceed one hundred thirty (130) inches in width, if the vehicle or combination of vehicles are otherwise in compliance with Chapter 316, Florida Statutes, and this article. This exemption is applicable to only two (2) types of movement as follows:

a.

From the point of production of the farm product to the location of the first change of custody or of long term storage; and

b.

For the purpose of returning to the point of production of the farm product.

(2)

School buses which are subject to the provisions of Chapter 234, Florida Statutes, or Section 316.615, Florida Statutes.

(3)

Vehicles of a fire department or emergency vehicles owned or operated by government entities.

(4)

Utility vehicles owned or operated by governmental entities or public utility corporations, or operated under contract with such entities or corporations:

a.

When transporting poles during daytime, except on weekends and holidays, and when the vehicle and load do not exceed one hundred twenty (120) feet in overall length, provided proper flags are located at the rearmost end of the load. However, such movements with an overall length in excess of seventy-five (75) feet:

1.

Shall be equipped with a working warning light device; and

2.

Shall be accompanied by a company-provided flasher-equipped escort vehicle.

b.

When transporting poles during nighttime and when the vehicle and load do not exceed one hundred twenty (120) feet in overall length. Such movements shall be equipped with a working warning light device and shall be accompanied by one leading and one trailing company-provided flasher-equipped escort vehicle.

c.

When transporting poles during emergencies or required maintenance. Such movements may be made on all days and at all hours, provided the respective daytime or nighttime requirements are otherwise met.

For purposes of this subsection 2-28-53(4), a flasher-equipped escort vehicle is defined as an automobile or truck that closely accompanies an overdimensional vehicle or load carried thereon to alert approaching traffic of that vehicle or load. Such escort vehicles shall be equipped with a working warning light device located on top of the escort vehicle. Warning light devices required in this section shall be consistent with size, color, type, intensity, and mounting requirements developed by the Florida Department of Transportation.

(5)

Truck tractor-semitrailer or pole trailer combination vehicles transporting poles or other objects of a structural nature that cannot be readily dismembered, when operating in the daytime, excluding Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays, and when the vehicle and load do not exceed seventy-five (75) feet when proper flags are displayed as required in Section 316.228, Florida Statutes.

(6)

Vehicles transporting tree-length unprocessed logs, when operating in the daytime and when the vehicle and load do not exceed seventy-five (75) feet; but, in respect to such movement, proper flags shall be located at the extreme ends of the load.

(7)

Straight trucks transporting poles or other objects of a structural nature that cannot be readily dismembered, when operating in the daytime, excluding Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays, when the load does not extend past the rearmost part of the vehicle more than one-half the length of the permanent bed or cargo-carrying structure of the vehicle, when at least two-thirds of the length of the cargo rests on the bed or cargo-carrying structure, when the load extends no more than three (3) feet beyond the front wheels or front bumper of the vehicle, and when proper flags are displayed in accordance with Section 316.228, Florida Statutes.

(8)

A combination of motor vehicles consisting of a wrecker licensed in accordance with Section 320.08(5)(d), Florida Statutes, and a disabled motor vehicle, trailer, semitrailer, or tractor-trailer combination which is under tow by the wrecker to a nearby authorized repair service, if the size and weight of the towed vehicle is consistent with statutory requirements or if any nonconforming vehicle being towed is otherwise operating under a current oversized vehicle permit.

(9)

An automobile towaway or driveway operation transporting new or used vehicles using what is known to the trade as "saddle mounts," if the overall length does not exceed seventy-five (75) feet and no more than three (3) saddle mounts are towed.

(10)

A combination of vehicles up to five (5) in number used for the sole purpose of collecting refuse or recyclables and transporting such refuse or recyclables to a dump, landfill or recycling facility. Such a vehicle or combination of vehicles shall be covered in such a manner that loads transported therein do not spill from the vehicles, and shall use county roads only to the extent necessary to collect and dispose of refuse or recyclables.

(11)

Equipment owned or operated by the county when performing repair or maintenance operations on public roads or on county-owned utilities.

(Ord. No. 97-22, § 13, 1-7-97)