Colorado Department of Transportation
2 CCR 601-4, Rules Pertaining to Transport Permits for the Movement of Extra-Legal Vehicles or Loads 
Statement of Basis and Purpose and Statutory Authority
The July 2015 rulemaking was initiated to conform the rules to a change in HB14-1160, codified at § 42-4-510(11)(a)(VII)(D), C.R.S., which created a new annual fleet permit for non-interstate overweight divisible loads pertaining to power units utilizing a trailer with two or three axles. Additionally, the Department is clarifying height restrictions in conformance with § 42-4-504(1), C.R.S., incorporating processes for the new electronic permitting system, and conforming the Auxiliary Power Unit (“APU”) requirements to a change in weight made in MAP-21 (23 U.S.C. 127), increasing the APU from 400 to 550 lbs.  Thereafter, with the passage of the FAST Act, codified at 23 U.S.C. 127, a rulemaking was initiated to conform the requirements of the Act and make other minor changes. 
Specific statutory authority for the Colorado Transportation Commission to adopt and promulgate Rules pertaining to Transport Permits for the operation or movement of Extra-legal Vehicles or Loads, is contained in § § 42-4-510 (1)(b), 511(1), and § 43-1-106(8)(k), C.R.S. Various permits issued under the law require restrictions or conditions for movement which includes using Pilot Escort Vehicles to accompany the movement of Loads, in an effort to protect the health, safety and welfare of the traveling public. Conditions for requirements prescribed by the Department are statutorily authorized under § 42-4-510 (3), C.R.S.
The purpose of the Rules is to comply with state statutes that allow the movement on State Highways of Vehicles and Loads exceeding Legal Limits provided that the Department issues a permit for such Vehicles and Loads. Section 42-4-510 (3), C.R.S. authorizes the Department to prescribe conditions of operation for the movement of Extra-Legal Loads.