In 1989, the Texas legislature passed HB 2060 creating an annual permit for vehicles to operate above the general weight limits. Controlled and administered by the state government, the 2060 permit has satisfied industry much more than the county-run permits it replaced. Controversial, however, has been the permit's exemption from the special weight limits, generally 58,420 lb, that are posted on many light-duty state and county roads. County officials, in particular, have expressed concern about the damage to these roads that results from trucks traveling with up to 84,000 lb under permit. The costs of this damage are likely to far exceed the revenues from permit fees, which suggests that the permit is underpriced. Among the recommendations is the collection of additional data on the travel patterns of 2060 trucks to better determine the menu of prices and options that the permit should offer. Also recommended are returning some control over the permit system to the counties and an increased emphasis on economic efficiency in designing truck-related taxes and charges.
Abstract