Idaho § 49-1002 - Allowable load per inch width of tire

Full text of Idaho Idaho Statutes § 49-1002 — Allowable load per inch width of tire, with citation guidance and answers to common questions.

§ 49-1002. Allowable load per inch width of tire

(1) Load for inch width of tire for the front steer axle may not exceed the manufacturer’s load rating per tire or the load rating of the axle or twenty thousand (20,000) pounds per axle whichever is less. The maximum allowable load for all other vehicle tires operated on any public highway shall not exceed six hundred (600) pounds per inch width of tire and shall not exceed the manufacturer’s load rating, whichever is less. The width of a tire shall be determined by the manufacturer’s description marked on the sidewall of the tire. Tires on vehicles manufactured prior to July 1, 1987, may exceed the six hundred (600) pounds per inch width of tire limit subject to a maximum of eight hundred (800) pounds per inch width of tire. This section shall not apply to nonreducible overweight and/or oversize vehicles and/or loads as authorized under section 49-1004 , Idaho Code.

(2) Except as provided herein, no vehicle or combination of vehicles may proceed past the place of weighing at temporary or permanent ports of entry or checking stations when the weight carried on a single tire, as determined by dividing the weight carried on an axle or group of axles by the number of wheels on the axle or group of axles, exceeds on a single axle the allowable weight above by two thousand (2,000) pounds or more or the weight of a combination of axles exceeds the allowable weight above by seven percent (7%) or more. Vehicles or combinations of vehicles which exceed the weight limitations set forth herein shall be required to be brought into compliance with the applicable weight per inch width of tire contained within this subsection prior to continuing except those vehicles or combinations of vehicles which are transporting loads which, in the determination of the board or other proper authorities in charge of or having jurisdiction over a highway, are deemed unsafe or impractical to bring into compliance at the place of weighing. Vehicles or combinations of vehicles transporting loads in this latter category shall obtain a travel authorization to the nearest place of safe unloading, load adjustment or other means of legalization.

(a) Neither the state of Idaho or its employees, nor any authority and its employees in charge of or having jurisdiction over a highway, shall be held liable for personal injury or property damage resulting from the requirements of section 49-1001 (8), Idaho Code.

(b) The fee for a travel authorization as set forth above shall be fifty dollars ($50.00) and shall be on a form prescribed by the board or other proper authorities.

(c) The board or other proper authorities in charge of or having jurisdiction over a highway shall adopt and enforce administrative rules as may be necessary to carry out the provisions of this section.

[49-1002, added 1988, ch. 265, sec. 273, p. 718; am. 1991, ch. 226, sec. 2, p. 543; am. 2006, ch. 351, sec. 1, p. 1070; am. 2007, ch. 40, sec. 1, p. 100; am. 2015, ch. 43, sec. 1, p. 95.]

Source: official Idaho text · Last verified 2026-08-27

Frequently Asked Questions About Idaho § 49-1002

What does Idaho Statutes § 49-1002 cover?

Section 49-1002 ("Allowable load per inch width of tire") is part of the Idaho Statutes, the codified statutory law of Idaho. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.

How do I cite Idaho § 49-1002?

A common citation format is "Idaho Statutes § 49-1002" (Idaho). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.

Is this the official text of Idaho law?

No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the Idaho official source linked on this page or consult a licensed Idaho attorney.

How does Idaho § 49-1002 apply to my situation?

Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in Idaho can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.

Sources & Verification

Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in Idaho.