Motor Carriers

Suspension of Certain Motor Carrier
Size and Weight Requirements Under Disaster Declaration
Regarding Fuel, Agricultural, or Timber Product Transportation

In accordance with the disaster declaration issued by Governor Greg Abbott on September 28, 2026, including any amendments, the size and weight requirements under Transportation Code, Chapters 621 through 623, and Title 43, Chapter 219 of the Texas Administrative Code for all divisible and non-divisible vehicles and loads are suspended, effective September 28, 2026, for operators of commercial vehicles loaded with fuel, agricultural, or timber products with a gross weight of 95,000 pounds or less to travel in and through the state of Texas pursuant to the declared disaster.

Examples of fuel, agricultural, or timber products include, but are not limited to, gasoline and diesel, agricultural products as defined under Texas Agriculture Code §46.002, and agricultural equipment, or unrefined timber, wood chips, and equipment used to load timber on a vehicle. These suspensions do not apply to any product, load, or requirement not specifically listed in this notice, including safety and insurance requirements. Also, operators are responsible and liable for safely routing their vehicles and obtaining current information concerning hazardous road conditions prior to movement.

The operator of the commercial vehicle must keep the following documentation in the cab of the vehicle and provide the documentation to any Texas peace officer upon request:

1. a copy of the Texas Department of Motor Vehicles Suspension Notice; and
2. a copy of the Governor’s disaster declaration, including any applicable amendments and extensions.

The following conditions and exceptions apply to the suspension regarding size and weight permitting requirements:

1. The suspension only applies to vehicles and loads for which the Texas Department of Motor Vehicles is authorized by Transportation Code, Chapters 621 through 623, as well as Title 43, Chapter 219 of the Texas Administrative Code, to issue a permit.
2. The vehicle and any load may only exceed legal weight if the vehicle (including any load) would qualify for an overweight permit under Transportation Code, Chapters 621 through 623, as well as Title 43, Chapter 219 of the Texas Administrative Code. Except as stated otherwise in this request, any person who is regulated under Transportation Code, Chapters 621 through 623, must comply with the applicable weight limits and restrictions under Chapters 621 through 623, as well as Title 43, Chapter 219 of the Texas Administrative Code.
3. The vehicle and any load may only exceed legal width, height, and length if the vehicle (including any load) would qualify for an oversize permit for the width, height, or length, as applicable, under Transportation Code, Chapters 621 through 623, as well as Title 43, Chapter 219 of the Texas Administrative Code. Except as stated otherwise in this notice, any person who is regulated under Transportation Code, Chapters 621 through 623, must comply with the applicable width, height, and length requirements and restrictions under Chapters 621 through 623, as well as Title 43, Chapter 219 of the Texas Administrative Code.
4. All permitting requirements are suspended, except vehicle escort requirements and restrictions on nighttime movement.
5. Operators are responsible for obtaining current restrictions (excluding curfews) prior to movement.
6. Operators may not travel across load-posted bridges when exceeding the posted capacity for gross or axle weights unless the bridge provides the only public access.
7. Suspension of permitting requirements does not imply that a road, highway, or bridge can safely accommodate the movement of an oversize or overweight vehicle and load.
8. The Texas Department of Motor Vehicles Suspension Notice will serve as a permit under Transportation Code, Chapters 621 through 623; 23 U.S.C. §127(a)(2), 49 U.S.C. §31112(b), and 49 U.S.C. §31113(c).

These suspensions remain in effect until terminated by the Office of the Governor or until the disaster declaration referenced above expires.

Daniel Avitia, Executive Director
Texas Department of Motor Vehicles