(a) The definitions contained in Transportation Code, Chapters 621, 622, and 623 apply to this chapter. In the event of a conflict with this chapter, the definitions contained in Transportation Code, Chapters 621, 622, and 623 control.
(b) The following words and terms, when used in this chapter, will have the following meanings, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.
  (1) Annual permit--A permit that authorizes movement of an oversize and/or overweight load for one year commencing with the effective date.
  (2) Applicant--Any person, firm, or corporation requesting a permit.
  (3) Axle--The common axis of rotation of one or more wheels whether power-driven or freely rotating, and whether in one or more segments.
  (4) Axle group--An assemblage of two or more consecutive axles, with two or more wheels per axle, spaced at least 40 inches from center of axle to center of axle, equipped with a weight-equalizing suspension system that will not allow more than a 10% weight difference between any two axles in the group.
  (5) Closeout--The procedure used by the department to terminate a permit, issued under Transportation Code, §623.142 or §623.192 that will not be renewed by the applicant.
  (6) Complete identification number--A unique and distinguishing number assigned to equipment or a commodity for purposes of identification.
  (7) Concrete pump truck--A self-propelled vehicle designed to pump the concrete product from a ready mix truck to the point of construction.
  (8) Crane--Any unladen lift equipment motor vehicle designed for the sole purpose of raising, shifting, or lowering heavy weights by means of a projecting, swinging mast with an engine for power on a chassis permanently constructed or assembled for such purpose.
  (9) Day-A calendar day.
  (10) Daytime--As defined in Transportation Code, §541.401.
  (11) Digital signature--An electronic identifier intended by the person using it to have the same force and effect as a manual signature. The digital signature shall be unique to the person using it.
  (12) Electronic identifier--A unique identifier which is distinctive to the person using it, is independently verifiable, is under the sole control of the person using it, and is transmitted in a manner that makes it infeasible to change the data in the communication or digital signature without invalidating the digital signature.
  (13) Escort flag vehicle--A vehicle that precedes or follows an oversize or overweight vehicle to facilitate the safe movement of the oversize or overweight vehicle over roads.
  (14) Four-axle group--Any four consecutive axles, having at least 40 inches from center of axle to center of axle, whose extreme centers are not more than 192 inches apart and are individually attached to or articulated from, or both, to the vehicle by a weight equalizing suspension system.
  (15) Gauge--The transverse spacing distance between tires on an axle, expressed in feet and measured to the nearest inch, from center-of-tire to center-of-tire on an axle equipped with only two tires, or measured to the nearest inch from the center of the dual wheels on one side of the axle to the center of the dual wheels on the opposite side of the axle.
  (16) Gross weight--The unladen weight of a vehicle or combination of vehicles plus the weight of the load being transported.
  (17) Height pole--A device made of a non-conductive material, used to measure the height of overhead obstructions.
  (18) Highway maintenance fee--A fee established by Transportation Code, §623.077, based on gross weight, and paid by the permittee when the permit is issued.
  (19) Highway use factor--A mileage reduction figure used in the calculation of a permit fee for a permit issued under Transportation Code, §623.142 and §623.192.
  (20) Hubometer--A mechanical device attached to an axle on a unit or an unladen lift equipment motor vehicle for recording mileage traveled.
  (21) HUD label number--A unique number assigned to a manufactured home by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development.
  (22) Indirect cost share--A prorated share of administering department activities, other than the direct cost of the activities, including the cost of providing statewide support services.
  (23) Load-restricted bridge--A bridge that is restricted by the Texas Department of Transportation, under the provisions of Transportation Code, §621.102, to a weight limit less than the maximum amount allowed by Transportation Code, §621.101.
  (24) Load-restricted road--A road that is restricted by the Texas Department of Transportation, under the provisions of Transportation Code, §621.102, to a weight limit less than the maximum amount allowed by Transportation Code, §621.101.
  (25) Manufactured home--Manufactured housing, as defined in Occupations Code, Chapter 1201, and industrialized housing and buildings, as defined in Occupations Code, §1202.002, and temporary chassis systems, and returnable undercarriages used for the transportation of manufactured housing and industrialized housing and buildings, and a transportable section which is transported on a chassis system or returnable undercarriage that is constructed so that it cannot, without dismantling or destruction, be transported within legal size limits for motor vehicles.
  (26) Motor carrier--A person that controls, operates, or directs the operation of one or more vehicles that transport persons or cargo over a public highway in this state, as defined by Transportation Code, §643.001.
  (27) Nighttime-As defined in Transportation Code, §541.401.
  (28) Nondivisible load or vehicle--
    (A) A nondivisible load or vehicle is defined as follows:
      (i) Any load or vehicle exceeding applicable length or weight limits which, if separated into smaller loads or vehicles, would:
        (I) compromise the intended use of the vehicle, i.e., make it unable to perform the function for which it was intended;
        (II) destroy the value of the load or vehicle, i.e., make it unusable for its intended purpose; or
        (III) require more than eight workhours to dismantle using appropriate equipment. The applicant for a nondivisible load permit has the burden of proof as to the number of workhours required to dismantle the load.
      (ii) Emergency response vehicles, including those loaded with salt, sand, chemicals or a combination thereof, with or without a plow or blade attached in front, and being used for the purpose of spreading the material on highways that are or may become slick or icy.
      (iii) Casks designed for the transport of spent nuclear materials.
      (iv) Military vehicles transporting marked military equipment or materiel.
    (B) A vehicle or load that exceeds legal weight (without the properly secured components) and for which an appropriate permit is obtained from the department under this chapter may travel as a mobile vehicle or as a load, as applicable, with properly secured components in accordance with the manufacturer's specifications to the extent the components are necessary for the vehicle or load to perform its intended function or purpose, provided the axle weights, axle group weights, and gross weight do not exceed the maximum applicable permit weights listed in this chapter. For example, a crane permitted under Subchapter E of this chapter that exceeds legal weight without the properly secured components may travel with properly secured components, such as outriggers, booms, counterweights, jibs, blocks, balls, cribbing, outrigger pads, and outrigger mats, in accordance with the manufacturer's specifications to the extent the components are necessary for the crane to perform its intended function, provided the axle weights, axle group weights, and gross weight do not exceed the maximum permit weights listed in Subchapter E of this chapter. An example of a load being transported is a dozer with the blade detached that is permitted under §219.12 of this title (relating to Single-Trip Permits Issued under Transportation Code, Chapter 623, Subchapter D) when both are being transported on a trailer or semitrailer if the dozer without the blade is overweight, provided the axle weights, axle group weights, and gross weight do not exceed the maximum permit weights listed in §219.12.
  (29) Oil field rig-up truck--An unladen vehicle with an overweight single steering axle, equipped with a winch and set of gin poles used for lifting, erecting, and moving oil well equipment and machinery.
Cont'd...