Rhode Island § 31-25-22 - Size, Weight, and Load Limits
Full text of Rhode Island Rhode Island General Laws § 31-25-22 — Size, Weight, and Load Limits, with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 31-25-22. Size, Weight, and Load Limits
R.I. Gen. Laws § 31-25-22
§ 31-25-22. Application for excess load permit.
(a) The application for an annual divisible load permit pursuant to § 31-25-21 shall specifically describe the vehicle or vehicles and load to be operated or moved, and the particular highways for which the permit to operate is requested.
(b) For divisible load permits, the specifically described vehicle must be certified originally by the manufacturer to possess the braking and carrying capacity for the weight specified on the application.
(c) Upon approval of the application or renewal of divisible load permits, the department of transportation shall provide the approved permit. The driver must possess the permit and documentation as required by the permit at all times.
(d) [Deleted by P.L. 2022, ch. 178, § 1 and P.L. 2022, ch. 179, § 1.]
(e) Divisible load permit fees for Rhode Island registered vehicles are reflected in the registration fee as enumerated in § 31-6-1(a)(2).
(f) Divisible load permit fees for out-of-state registered vehicles are as follows:
Trailers $100 flat fee.
Single-unit axle trucks $50.00 per 1,000 pounds over legal limit; maximum $1,500.
Maximum permittable loads for single unit trucks:
| 2 axle — legal weight only per § 31-25-14(b), (c). | |
| 3+ axle — 76,650 lbs. | |
| Not to exceed Manufacturer GVWR. |
Tractors $50.00 per 1,000 pounds over legal limit; maximum $1,250.
Tractors may acquire a permit for up to 104,800 lbs.; however the allowable gross weight depends on the total number of axles of the tractor/semi-trailer/trailer configuration being used at the time. Gross weight limits for tractor/semi-trailer/trailer configurations are as follows:
| 3 axle — 62,000 lbs. | |
| 4 axle — 87,000 lbs. | |
| 5+ axle — 104,800 lbs. |
Transfer fee $10.00.
(g) For the purpose of this section, the “legal limit” is defined as the maximum weight as calculated by the Bridge Formula.
(h) Annual divisible load permits are issued for overweight only and not over-dimensional.
(i) If the annual divisible load permit is used in conjunction with an annual construction equipment blanket permit, the limits and requirements of the blanket construction equipment permit shall supersede the requirements of the divisible load permit. The driver must possess both permits and all required documentation. This shall only apply when divisible load and trailered construction equipment are carried simultaneously.
(j) Violations of this section are subject to fines enumerated in § 31-25-16.
History of Section.
P.L. 1950, ch. 2595, art. 35, § 11; G.L. 1956, § 31-25-22; P.L. 1983, ch. 213, § 1;
P.L. 1992, ch. 147, § 1; P.L. 1993, ch. 138, art. 85, § 1; P.L. 2008, ch. 98, § 22;
P.L. 2008, ch. 145, § 22; P.L. 2022, ch. 178, § 1, effective June 27, 2022; P.L. 2022,
ch. 179, § 1, effective June 27, 2022.
Frequently Asked Questions About Rhode Island § 31-25-22
What does Rhode Island General Laws § 31-25-22 cover?
Section 31-25-22 ("Size, Weight, and Load Limits") is part of the Rhode Island General Laws, the codified statutory law of Rhode Island. 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 Rhode Island § 31-25-22?
A common citation format is "Rhode Island General Laws § 31-25-22" (Rhode Island). 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 Rhode Island law?
No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the Rhode Island official source linked on this page or consult a licensed Rhode Island attorney.
How does Rhode Island § 31-25-22 apply to my situation?
Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in Rhode Island 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 Rhode Island.