Iowa Governor Extends Harvest Overweight Truck Exemption Through Nov. 7, Up to 90,000 Pounds Without Permit
Iowa Gov. Kim Reynolds has signed a proclamation extending weight-limit exemptions for vehicles transporting grain, fertilizer and manure through Nov. 7, 2026, according to the governor's office. The extension continues a proclamation that took effect Sept. 10 and was originally set to expire Oct. 10.
According to KCRG, the proclamation allows vehicles hauling corn, soybeans, hay, straw, silage, stover, fertilizer and manure to operate overweight without a permit on all highways within Iowa, excluding the interstate system. Fertilizer covered includes dry, liquid and gas forms; manure covered includes dry and liquid forms. Vehicles may weigh up to 90,000 pounds gross while the proclamation is in effect.
Several conditions apply: loads cannot exceed 90,000 pounds gross weight; axle weights cannot exceed the maximum set by the non-primary highway maximum gross weight table in Iowa Code Section 321.463(6)(a)-(b) by more than 12.5 percent; the legal maximum axle weight of 20,000 pounds still applies; and haulers must comply with posted limits on all roads and bridges.
Reynolds signed the original exemption proclamation on Sept. 10. With harvest entering a critical phase, the state said strict compliance with normal permit and weight requirements could hinder the time-sensitive work, hence the extension for added flexibility. The Iowa Department of Public Safety has been directed to monitor the proclamation's implementation.
Notably, the overweight exemption is separate from another Iowa diesel relief measure. According to Brownfield Ag News, Reynolds signed a proclamation on Oct. 6 temporarily suspending state penalties for vehicles using dyed diesel to transport certain agricultural products on public roads, aimed at lowering fuel costs for farmers; that policy runs through Feb. 2, 2027. Iowa joins neighboring states including Missouri and Nebraska in issuing such waivers.
During harvest, agricultural truck traffic increases sharply across Iowa. The state reminds motorists: harvest means more farm equipment and farm trucks on the road, some carrying heavier loads than usual — give them plenty of space, be patient when passing, and watch for traffic at intersections, rural roads and field entrances.
Published by GSM · USA (original Chinese edition)
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