Governor Kimberly K. Reynolds issued a disaster emergency proclamation that temporarily lifts weight restrictions on agricultural trucks to help farmers complete the 2026 harvest on time.
The order, effective Sept. 10 through Oct. 10, allows trucks carrying corn, soybeans, hay, straw, silage, fertilizer, manure and related products to exceed normal weight limits without obtaining special permits. The suspension aims to address concerns about completing the harvest efficiently as large amounts of agricultural traffic move across the state.
Under the proclamation, trucks can carry up to 90,000 pounds gross weight on all Iowa highways except interstates. The normal process requires permits for overweight loads, which can slow down time-sensitive harvest operations.
The order sets specific safety limits. Axle weights cannot exceed standard limits by more than 12.5%, and no single axle can carry more than 20,000 pounds. Drivers must still follow all posted weight restrictions on roads and bridges.
Reynolds suspended several sections of Iowa Code and administrative rules that normally govern overweight divisible loads. The proclamation states that strict compliance with these registration, permit and fee requirements would “prevent or hinder efforts to cope with time-sensitive harvest activities” statewide.
The Iowa Department of Public Safety will monitor truck operations during the 30-day period to maintain public safety while helping agricultural vehicles move more freely during harvest season.
The order applies only to the specific agricultural products listed and does not exempt drivers from other portions of Iowa Code or administrative rules not mentioned in the proclamation.
Reynolds can terminate or extend the order before the Oct. 10 expiration date if conditions warrant changes.
