OAR 734-073-0050: Purpose and Scope

(1) The purpose of OAR Chapter 734, Division 73 is to: (a) Implement federal laws for combinations of vehicles, sizes and weights; and (b) Continue issuing permits for similar commercial combinations of vehicles on designated state highways. (2) Division 73 rules apply to the operation, over designated state highways, of certain vehicles and vehicle combinations described in Sections 411, 412 and 416 of Public Law 97-424, also known as the “Surface Transportation Assistance Act of 1982”, hereinafter referred to as STAA 1982 and available from the Commerce and Compliance Division (CCD) Over-Dimension Permit Unit. Section 411 of STAA 1982, 49 U.S.C. secs. 3111-3112, relates to the lengths of truck-tractor with semitrailer combinations and truck-tractor with semitrailer and trailer combinations. Section 412(a)(2) of STAA 1982 relates to bus length and reasonable access. Division 73 rules also authorize special equipment transporting logs. (3) When a conflict between OAR Chapter 734, Division 71 and Division 73 occurs and the conflict will result in the loss of Federal funds, Division 73 rules must prevail for the specified combinations of vehicles when operating on National Network Highways and those other highways where reasonable access beyond one mile has been granted. (4) Drivers of all combinations of vehicles authorized by OAR Chapter 734, Division 73, must have a valid commercial driver license appropriate for the combination of vehicles being operated. (5) OAR Chapter 734, Division 73 does not apply to vehicles licensed as, or which can be used as, recreational vehicles as defined in ORS 174.101(3) or to any combination of more than two vehicles not used exclusively for commercial purposes and subject to ORS Chapters 823 and 825.