Notice is hereby given in accordance with § 2.2-4007.01 of the Code of Virginia that the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) intends to consider repealing 24VAC20-80, Overload Permit Regulations, and 24VAC20-81, Hauling Permit Regulation, and promulgating 24VAC20-82, Permit Regulations. DMV concluded a periodic review of 24VAC20-80 and 24VAC20-81 and determined the regulations should be repealed, amended, and combined into a new chapter to bring them into conformity with law and current practices. The purpose of the proposed action is to repeal both chapters, which prescribe requirements for obtaining permits to operate overweight vehicles, and promulgate a new set of regulations that update and combine the existing regulations into one new chapter to more clearly describe permitting requirements, to bring the regulations into conformity with existing law, and to incorporate procedural changes adopted to enhance efficiency and user experience. Considered amendments to the regulations include clarifying the regulations as necessary, deleting obsolete or duplicative information, and updating processes to make them more efficient and cost effective, while maintaining the safety of the traveling public and the integrity of the Commonwealth's transportation infrastructure.

Technology changes have provided an opportunity for DMV to update the way it accepts and processes permit applications and issues permits, making the system more efficient for consumers and the agency, and new processes for permitting will be reflected in proposed regulations. DMV is currently preparing a Request for Proposals for a new Virginia Automated Permitting System to issue oversize and overweight permits and expects that procedural changes associated with a new Virginia Automated Permitting System may require revisions to the regulations. DMV may propose other changes it identifies as necessary during the regulatory review process.

The agency does not intend to hold a public hearing following the publication of the proposed stage in the Virginia Register.

Statutory Authority: §§ 46.2-203, 46.2-1128, and 46.2-1139 of the Code of Virginia.

Public Comment Deadline: April 14, 2021.

Agency Contact: Melissa Velazquez, Legislative Services Manager, Department of Motor Vehicles, P.O. Box 27412, Richmond, VA 23269-0001, telephone (804) 367-1844, FAX (804) 367-6631, TDD (800) 272-9268, or email melissa.velazquez@dmv.virginia.gov.