Assessment of New Mexico\u2019s Fee Structure for Oversize and Overweight Vehicles Compared to Practices in Other Western States [cover title]

US Transportation Collection2018PDFTech ReportDehghan-Niri, EhsanCortes, DouglasAlvidrez, FernandoZamen, SinaNew Mexico State University. Department of Civil EngineeringNew Mexico. Dept. of Transportation. Research BureauUnited States. Department of Transportation. Federal Highway AdministrationNew Mexico. Dept. of Transportation. Research BureauUnited StatesNew MexicoAlternatives analysisFeesOversize loadsOverweight loadsPermitsRevenuesState lawsStatesTrucksBridgesPavementsNM17ADM-03Final reportThis research project provides a comparative assessment of oversize /overweight (OS/OW) vehicle permits and fees in New Mexico and other western states. The authors provide a review of current permitting practices, fee structures, fines, legal and permitted maximum weight and dimension limits, escort requirements and charges, compliance assessment practices, and available information on revenue generation and allocation. The research team surveyed Departments of Transportation, Motor Vehicle Divisions, and Offices of Public Safety in the following states: Arizona, California, Colorado, Idaho, Montana, Nevada, New Mexico, North Dakota, Oklahoma, Oregon, Texas, Utah, and Wyoming. In addition, state laws and regulations related to OS/OW vehicles were reviewed. However, the research team did not attempt to determine or quantify direct impacts of OS/OW vehicles on pavements, bridges, and traffic. Comparison of OS/OW permit structures in the state of New Mexico against the rest of the Western States reveals significant differences in fees, fines, and weight limits. The research team recommends an overhaul of the current permit structure to accommodate the demand for higher maximum permitted weights and to collect sufficient funds to rebuild and maintain the impacted transportation infrastructure. The comparison shows a clear disparity in the fees charged by New Mexico and other western states. In fact, New Mexico charges the lowest fees among neighboring states. A scientific study is needed to quantify the costs associated to the operation of OS/OW vehicles and to develop a revenue-neutral fee structure that can generate sufficient funds to mitigate the impact to transportation infrastructure.120