Special Motor Vehicle Permit

  1. What is a Special Motor Vehicle Permit?
  2. When do I need a permit?
  3. When do I need a pilot / escort vehicle?
  4. How do I apply?
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McNeil Canyon Road Closed to Vehicles Weighing Over 10,000 pounds

Beginning on Tuesday, August 29, 2023, McNeil Canyon Road in Douglas County, Washington, is closed to the operation of motor vehicles weighing more than 10,000 pounds.

DocumentLocal Access Special Permit for Vehicles Exceeding 10,000 Pounds

At a public hearing on September 19, 2023, the Douglas County Board of Commissioners adopted an ordinance to enact a new Local Access Special Permit for vehicles exceeding 10,000 pounds in weight to regain use of McNeil Canyon Road. Interested drivers can access the Special Motor Vehicle Permit online, or in person at the Public Services Building located at 140 19th Street NW in East Wenatchee. Most permits can be issued on the same day if the applicant can provide the necessary information.

Alternate Routes

Affected vehicles without a permit during the McNeil Canyon Road closure can use three alternate routes, including US Hwy 2 Pine Canyon Road, Road C NW (SR 172), and Bridgeport Hill Road.

Project Information

The closure to vehicles exceeding 10,000 pounds in weight allows for Douglas County crews to complete topography analysis, roadway curve design and evaluation of the necessary right-of-way acquisitions needed for a planned roadway realignment and safety improvement project on McNeil Canyon Road, anticipated to be complete by 2025. 

Visit the McNeil Canyon Road Realignment page for more information about the project.

Restrictions

Additional restrictions are outlined in:

  • Code of Federal Regulations (CFR)
  • Revised Code of Washington (RCW)
  • Washington Administrative Code (WAC)

Front/Rear Overhang - (RCW 46.44.034)

The load, or any portion of any vehicle, operated alone upon the public highway of this state, or the load, or any portion of the front vehicle of a combination of vehicles, shall not extend more than 3 feet beyond the front wheels of such vehicle, or the front bumper, if equipped with a front bumper.

No vehicle shall be operated upon the public highways with any part of the permanent structure or load extending in excess of fifteen feet beyond the center of the last axle of such vehicle.

Nighttime Movements - (WAC 468-38-075)

A vehicle or vehicle combination not exceeding the defined envelope of 12 feet wide, 14 feet 6 inches high, and 105 feet long, including legal overhang(s), may move at night. A vehicle or vehicle combination which exceeds the defined envelope may also be permitted to move at night and must have "Nighttime Travel" checked on their approved permit.

Night means one-half hour after sunset to one-half hour before sunrise. Vehicle and load must have proper lighting (49 (CFR) 393.11).

Winter Road Restrictions - (RCW 46.44.080)

Movement by permit is prohibited on roads with published traction advisories/requirements. Check our Road Closures and Restrictions Map for up to date information.

Holidays - (WAC-38-175)

Overweight vehicles that cannot maintain the speed of the surrounding traffic flow, and all over dimensional vehicles/loads are prohibited on the holidays of:

  • New Year's Day
  • Independence Day
  • Labor Day
  • Thanksgiving Day and the day after Thanksgiving Day
  • Christmas Day
  • During the afternoon of the day preceding said holidays