1. No category

Oversize/
Overweight
Permit Manual
California
Foreword
The Specialized Carriers & Rigging Association is pleased to publish this Oversize/ Overweight Permit Manual.
Each state analysis includes information in a standardized format: contact, legal limits, special permit limits,
general restrictions, types of permits available, fees, escort needs, fines, and restricted travel areas. Telephone
numbers, locations, and hours of operation are listed for ports of entry and permit branches. However, readers
are always advised to check with the state offices on current laws and procedures. This project could not have
been completed without the advice and consultation of many state officials. We thank all of those who provided
permit manuals, maps, laws, regulations, and various other forms of documentation.
Legal Notice
This SC&RA Oversize/Overweight Permit Manual is intended only to provide concise, easily read information,
useful in planning movements of overdimensional and overweight loads. This Permit Manual is not intended to be
an accurate summary of all the applicable laws and regulations. Users of the Permit Manual should confirm the
information contained herein before dispatching vehicles and loads. The SC&RA cautions Permit Manual users
that state laws and regulations are subject to change without notice, and that some time elapses between the
effective date of such changes and the amendment of the Permit Manual to reflect those changes. The SC&RA
assumes no responsibility for accident, injury, loss or claim, penalties or any other damage resulting from
reliance on the contents of this Permit Manual.
Specialized Carriers &
Rigging Association
5870 Trinity Parkway, Suite 200
Centreville, VA 20120
PHONE: (703) 698-0291
Fax: (571) 722-1698
Website: www.scranet.org
Email: [email protected]
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Copyright 1987-2015 by the Specialized Carriers & Rigging
Association. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may
be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any
form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying,
recording, scanning, or otherwise, without the prior written
permission of the publisher, Joel M. Dandrea, Executive Vice
President, Specialized Carrier & Rigging Association. Requests to
the publisher for permission should be addressed to Joel M.
Dandrea, Specialized Carriers & Rigging Association, 5870 Trinity
Parkway, Suite 200, Centreville, VA 20120.
SC&RA Oversize/Overweight Permit Manual
CALIFORNIA
CONTACT:
CALTRANS
Oversize/Overweight Permits Office
P.O. Box 942874, MS #41
Sacramento, CA 94274-0001
1823 14th Street
Sacramento, CA 95811-7119
Hours: 8:00 am – 5:00 pm
North Region (Main Number) : Ph (916) 322-1297
Fax (916) 322-4966
South Region: Ph (909) 383-4637
Fax (909) 388-7001
STARS Fax: (916) 322-6664
Annuals Fax: (916) 445-0469
Variance Fax: (916) 322-1505
E-mail: [email protected]
Permit forms, attachments, and instructions may be obtained online at
http://www.dot.ca.gov/hq/traffops/permits or by calling (916) 651-6129, 24 hours/day.
Walk-in customers are not taken after 3:00pm
LEGAL LIMITS
GVW
o (including
steering)
oo
ooo
80,000 pounds (US)
20,000 (or tire capacity,
whichever is less)
34,000
34,000 (42,500 @ 8’ 6” spacing;
43,500 @ 9’ 6” spacing)
–— Federal Bridge Formula applies as modified by
California Vehicle Code Section 35551. Chart
distance between axles is measured to the nearest
whole foot. When a fraction of a foot is exactly six
inches or more, round up to the next whole foot.
TOLERANCES
• Platform scales: 200 pounds.
• Portable scales: 2% of the scale weight. If the
measurement variation factor is not an even
hundred pounds, it shall be rounded off to the
next higher hundred–pound increment.
• When a maximum has been established, there
is no maximum tolerance
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WIDTH
HEIGHT
LENGTH
8’ 6”
14’
40’
65’ & 75’
vehicle + load
single vehicle
combinations
COMBINATION LENGTH LIMITS:
NATIONAL NETWORK AND TERMINAL ACCESS
HIGHWAYS (STAA NETWORK) ONLY:
Tractor/Semitrailer
• Semitrailer up to 48’–no KPRA limit, no overall
length limit
• Semitrailer over 48’ up to 53’- 40’ KPRA on two
axle semitrailer, 38’ KPRA on single axle
semitrailer, no overall length limit
Doubles:
• Semitrailer & trailer up to 28’ 6” no overall
length limit
Triples: not allowed in California
ALL HIGHWAYS:
Tractor/Semitrailer:
• Two-axle semitrailer - center of kingpin to
center of rear axle (KPRA) 40’ maximum
• One-axle semitrailer - 38’ maximum KPRA
• Overall length 65’ maximum (some exceptions)
• Load length plus combination length may not
exceed 75’ (permit required)
SC&RA Oversize/Overweight Permit Manual
Manuel Fonseca (916) 653-2017
Steve Sowers, Branch Chief, (916) 654-6914
http://www.dot.ca.gov/hq/traffops/trucks/trucksize
/
KPRA means the distance from center of kingpin to
center of rearmost axle
Doubles:
• Option A: Semitrailer or trailer exceed 28’ 6”,
65’ overall length limit
• Option B: Semitrailer & trailer up to 28’ 6”, 75’
overall length limit
OVERHANG:
• Front: 3’
• Rear: 2/3 of wheelbase measured from last
means of support (wheel base = center line of
last drive axle to center line of last trailer axle),
within 75’ overall
TIRE WEIGHT LIMIT (whichever is least):
• 620 lbs. per lateral inch of tire width
• Manufacturer’s weight rating on sidewall
• Gross wheel weight: One wheel, or wheels,
supporting one end of an axle shall not exceed
10,500 pounds.
LEGAL SIZE & WEIGHT EXCEPTIONS:
Motorsports, boats, automobile transport, log
haulers, agricultural, buses, household goods
movers, extension devices, livestock haulers.
CONTACT:
Legal Truck Size & Weight Group:
General Number (916) 654-5741
Casey Robb (916) 651-6125
See Transportation Permits Policy Memorandums:
“Four or Five Axle Cranes – Tridem Bonus Weight”,
effective 4/25/2011 and “Tridems Bonus Purple –
Equal Axles Weight Distribution for Hauled
Vehicle”, effective 6/7/2010. A summary of these
changes is noted within under section “Recent
Changes”.
Per CVC Section 35410, the load upon a vehicle,
trailer or semitrailer shall not extend to the rear
beyond the last point of support for a greater
distance than that equal to two-thirds of the length
of the wheelbase. The wheelbase of a semitrailer
shall be considered as the distance between the
rearmost axle of the towing vehicle and the
rearmost axle of the semitrailer.
Per CVC Section 35406 (a), the load upon any
vehicle, or on the front vehicle of a combination of
vehicles, shall not extend more than three feet
beyond the foremost part of the front tires of the
vehicle or the front bumper of the vehicle, if it is
equipped with a front bumper.
PERMIT LIMITS
o
oo
ooo
oooo
20,000 in general depends on
axle spacings;
Review Permit Manual
Review Permit Manual
WIDTH:
15'*
HEIGHT:
depends on routes
(3" clearance required)
LENGTH:
135'*
*10' 0" WIDE TRUNNION AXLES: 60,000 lbs.
Dimensions may be exceeded with California
Highway Patrol escort
PERMIT RESTRICTIONS
General - Permits are valid for 7 days. Travel is permitted from one-half hour before sunrise to one-half
hour after sunset, although the Department of Transportation may grant night and weekend operations
depending on the dimensions of the load. Night and weekend travel must be requested at time of ordering.
To be eligible for an oversize or overweight (or "extralegal") permit, the main criterion is that the load be
non-reducible, that is, that it cannot be reduced down and transported in a legal vehicle.
Divisible load permits are not available. Vehicles with lift axles are allowed overweight permits if inspected
by Department of Transportation.
If it's determined that you are not eligible for an extralegal permit, you may contact Caltrans Legal Truck
Access Branch staff to discuss legal truck size and weight requirements.
Legal Truck Access Contact Info: Phone (916) 654-5741
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SC&RA Oversize/Overweight Permit Manual
Use of Platform Trailers –
The California Department of Transportation’s long standing policy is conventional trailers must be used
when possible on California highways. This policy was discussed and agreed to by representatives of the
trucking industry through the Caltrans Advisory Committee (CAC), more than 10 years ago.
However, platform trailers may be allowed only as the last resort in situations where conventional hauling
equipment cannot be used. Approval to use platform type trailers requires a policy exemption. The customer
is responsible for explaining why conventional hauling equipment cannot be used and providing supporting
documentation.
Policy exemptions are considered on a case-by-case basis. If an exemption to use platform trailers is
approved, the customer will be required to mitigate the impacts that platform trailers may have on California
highways. This may include the following costs:
Perform and assess current roadway condition (e.g. coring sample)
Provide pavement analysis (stamped by a registered civil engineer)
Provide restitution for the reduction in pavement service-life
Provide protection for highway and bridge facilities (e.g. steel plating, blanket of asphalt concrete, etc…)
Provide monitoring of pavement conditions during the move
Restore state facilities to pre-move condition
To request a policy exemption, please refer to the following link:
http://www.dot.ca.gov/hq/traffops/permits/pdf_documents/policy/excreqchk.pdf.
All requests must be supported with documentation detailing or outlining the steps that the customer has
taken to comply with California’s laws and the Department’s oversize and overweight policies.
Insurance - Not required to be on file. Exempt carriers must have public liability insurance of $600,000;
ICC-regulated carriers must follow federal standards ($750,000-$5,000,000, depending on the commodity
hauled and hazardous nature).
Weekend/Night Travel – Allowed when no escort is required as long as vehicle combination does not
exceed 2 vehicles and loading does not exceed “green” weight. No travel if load requires detours off state
routes,
Unless the face of permit states “No Night Travel” the following policies shall apply:
Travel on “Yellow Routes”
Without a Pilot Car
Travel is authorized 24/7.
With a Pilot Car
All permit vehicles/loads are authorized travel 24/7 until the loaded width exceeds 16’ 0”. When the
loaded width exceeds 16’ 0” on Yellow routes, the load will be escorted by the California Highway
Patrol (CHP). The CHP in coordination with the District Traffic Manager(s) (DTMs) will determine hours
of travel.
Travel on “Green Routes”
Without a Pilot Car
Travel is authorized 24/7.
With a Pilot Car
Daylight hours, including Weekends; All permit vehicles/loads are authorized travel until the loaded
width exceeds 15’ 0”. When the loaded width exceeds 15’ 0” on Green routes, the vehicle/load will be
escorted by the California Highway Patrol (CHP). The CHP in coordination with the District Traffic
Manager(s) (DTMs) will determine hours of travel.
Hours of Darkness, including Weekends; All permit vehicles/loads are authorized travel during hours
of darkness until the loaded width exceeds 14’ 0”. When the loaded width exceeds 14’ 0”, travel during
hours of darkness is not authorized.
Travel on “Blue and Brown Routes”
Without a Pilot Car
Travel is authorized 24/7.
With a Pilot Car
Daylight hours, excluding Weekends; All permit vehicles/loads are authorized travel until the loaded
width exceeds 15’ 0”. When the loaded width exceeds 15’ 0” on Blue and Brown routes, the
vehicle/load will be escorted by the California Highway Patrol (CHP). The CHP in coordination with the
District Traffic Manager(s) (DTMs) will determine hours of travel.
Hours of Darkness; Travel during hours of darkness is not authorized.
Weekend Travel; Travel is authorized on Saturday and Sunday from one-half hour prior to sunrise to
12 noon.
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Travel on “Red Routes”
Operational restriction, consult the “Red Route Summary Table” for travel restrictions.
Applicant's Responsibilities:
Local Traffic Conditions:
In the urban areas of San Diego, Los Angeles, San Francisco, and Sacramento curfew conditions shall
apply as indicated on the curfew maps when the loaded width exceeds 10’ 0”.
Pilot Car Maps for California:
It is a condition of this permit that the driver has in his or her possession a current color-coded copy of the
Pilot Car Requirements for California when traveling during hours of darkness or on Saturday and/or
Sunday on Blue or Brown routes with a pilot car. The driver will present this copy to any law enforcement
officer or Department of Transportation employee upon request. Current pilot car maps are dated Sept 04.
The time of day, and days of travel authorized are addressed in the Special Conditions for 24/7 Travel.
Please click on the link below to view and download the Special Conditions for 24/7 Travel.
The time of day, and days of travel authorized are addressed in the Special Conditions for 24/7 Travel.
Please click on the link below to view and download the Special Conditions for 24/7 Travel.
Holiday – Loads that request travel during holidays, or travel across the San Francisco-Oakland Bay
Bridge(SFOBB) may be subject to restricted travel days or times
See “Special Conditions for Holiday Travel” for restrictions that apply during holiday periods. In summary,
holiday travel is prohibited when the the movement requires an escort. Restricted holidays are:
New Years Day
Washington’s Birthday
Memorial Day
Independence Day
Labor Day
Thanksgiving Day
Christmas Day
Restricted 4:00 pm – 12:00 am the day before the holiday and from 12:00 pm – 12:00 am on the holiday or
days of the holiday weekend. Travel is authorized, subject to 24/7 policy, from 12:00 am or sunrise to
12:00 pm during any of the prohibited days or times.
Inclement Weather – None Noted.
Permit Information Required - Tractor and semi-trailer information; load description and dimensions;
overall dimensions; kingpin setting; applies to tractor/semi-trailer >65'; pier and berth locations (when
applicable); origin and destination; routes to be traveled; effective dates.
PERMIT TYPES
Single Trip – 7 Consecutive days duration. A single trip permit is from a single origin to a single
destination in one direction of travel. Single item non-reducible only.
Variance Permit - All applications over 15 feet in width, 17' in height or over 17', over 135 feet in length,
or on special hauling equipment which exceeds the Department's standard method of weight classification
must be approved by special processing. Written route surveys are required from the applicant for heights
equal to or greater than 17'-0 ".
Variance requests shall be submitted to the Transportation Permit Office no later than 30 days in advance of
the proposed move. The application should be addressed "Attention Variance Coordinator." Applications shall
include inspection reports, engineering justification from the manufacturer and drawing of the item(s) to be
moved.
In addition to the above, the variance program provides a means to apply for exception to policy when good
cause exists. Written application should explain the nature of the need for exception and what safety
measures will be taken.
Annual – One-year duration. Available for certain envelope loads or specific vehicles on specified highways
.
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SC&RA Oversize/Overweight Permit Manual
Repetitive – Maximum 90-day duration. Basically a single-trip permit for the delivery of the same load
over the same route on a repeated basis. They may be renewed after expiration.
Repetitive permits are not available for variance loads.
Repetitive permits are available for vehicles or vehicle-combinations hauling a load with the following
dimensions:
Height = 14' - 6" max.
Width = 12' - 0" max.
Length = 90' - 0" max.
Repetitive permits with load(s) are valid for one-way travel only. A separate permit might be required for
the unladen return trip if the vehicle is extralegal in length.
FEES
Single Trip – $16
Annual – $90
Repetitive - $90
ESCORTS AND SIGNS
Labeling - Oversize load signs must be displayed on all over-dimensional loads. Sign must have yellow
background, with black lettering at least 10" high of a 1.625" brush stroke.
Red flags at least 16" square are required on the left side, front or rear if load is 6' wider than trailer.
Escort Vehicles and Personnel – Required escorts is dictated by the permitted route and will be noted on
the permit. Flashing amber lights must be mounted atop all escort vehicles. In general, a single escort must
accompany vehicles over 12 feet in width. The escort must lead on two-lane roads, and follow on four-lane
roads. An escort may be required under certain conditions for vehicles over the legal length. Height of 18’ or
more requires one escort with utility clearance device. Escort must accompany permitted vehicle through all
CHP scales.
Certification – Pilot Car Escort Certification is not currently required.
FINES
Overdimension Only: At the discretion of the court, with a maximum of $500.
Overweight Fines:
0 - 1,000 lbs. overweight
$ 20
1,001 - 1,500
30
1,501 - 2,000
40
2,001 - 2,500
55
2,501 - 3,000
85
3,001 - 3,500
105
3,501 - 4,000
125
4,001 - 4,500
145
4,501 - 5,000
175
5,001 - 6,000
4 cents per pound
6,001 - 7,000
6 cents per pound
7,001 - 8,000
8 cents per pound
8,001 - 10,000
15 cents per pound
over 10,000 20 cents per pound
Operators are fined for axle-weight violations. Fines are calculated beginning from the permit weight.
Drivers are not permitted to shift load to avoid over-axle citation, but may be required to shift the load
before leaving the scale facility. Off-route vehicles are vehicles without permits, and may be enforced from
legal weights.
Violation of permit carries a maximum $500 fine. If an overweight violation is also involved, the fine will be
calculated by adding the permit violation to the overweight fine violation.
Court may add administrative fee.
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SC&RA Oversize/Overweight Permit Manual
RESTRICTED TRAVEL
Weekend Travel – Allowed when no escort is required as long as vehicle combination does not exceed 2
vehicles and loading does not exceed “green” weight. No travel if load requires detours off state routes,
otherwise no travel on weekends.
Operators of vehicles over 10' in width may not travel Monday through Friday through the following areas at
the times noted:
Los Angeles and vicinity
6:00-9:00
Sacramento and vicinity
7:00-9:00
San Diego and vicinity
7:00-9:00
San Francisco/Oakland Bay Bridge
San Francisco and vicinity
7:00-9:00
am
am
am
am
3:00-6:00
4:00-6:00
4:00-6:00
6:30-9:00
4:00-6:00
pm
pm
pm
am
pm
3:30-6:30 pm
Detailed curfew maps are available at http://www.dot.ca.gov/hq/traffops/permits/forms.htm
On the Bay Bridge, all overheight vehicles must have Highway Patrol escorts. Fees vary, so contact the
Highway Patrol directly at (707) 648-5550.
EFFECTIVE AUGUST 6, 2009, COMMERCIAL VEHICLES WITH 3 OR MORE AXLES, OR A GROSS VEHICLE
WEIGHT OF 9,000 POUNDS OR MORE, ARE PROHIBITED on Rte 2 between I-210 (City of La Canada
Flintridge) and County Route N4 (Big Pines Highway). For exceptions, see California Vehicle Code Section
35655.6(b).
Moving heavy equipment at railroad grade crossings.
No rule on file.
PORTS OF ENTRY
Includes but is not limited the following:
Port Of Entry-San Ysidro - Class A
Port Information
Port Code:
Location Address:
2504
Mailing Address:
720 East San Ysidro Blvd
San Ysidro, CA 92173
Same As Above
General Phone:
General Fax:
(619) 690-8800
(619)662-7374
Operational Hours:
Twenty Four (24) Hours A Day
Seven Days A Week (7)
Port Of Entry-Andrade - Class A
Port Information
Port Code:
Location Address:
Mailing Address:
2502
235 Andrade Road
Winterhaven, CA 92283
Same As Above
General Phone:
General Fax:
(760) 572-0089
(760)572-5602
Operational Hours:
6:00 AM-10:00 PM(Pacific)
Seven Days A Week (7)
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Service Port-Calexico East - Class A
Port Information
Port Code:
Location Address:
Mailing Address:
General Phone:
General Fax:
Operational Hours:
2507
1699 East Carr, Rd
Bldg A
Calexico, CA 92231
P O Box 632
Calexico, CA 92231
(760) 768-2330
(760)768-2331
6:00 AM-10:00 PM(Pacific)
Seven Days A Week (7)
Port Of Entry-Calexico West - Class A
Port Information
Port Code:
2503
Location Address:
200 East First Street
Calexico, CA 92231
Mailing Address:
P O Box 632
Calexico, CA 92231
General Phone:
General Fax:
Operational Hours:
(760) 768-2626
(760)768-2631
Twenty Four (24) Hours A Day
Seven Days A Week (7)
Port Of Entry-Eureka
Port Information
Port Code:
Location Address:
2802
317 3rd Street, Suite 6
Eureka, CA 95501
Mailing Address:
317 3rd Street, Suite 6
Eureka, CA 95501
General Phone:
General Fax:
(707) 442-4822
(707) 442-0152
Operational Hours:
8:30 AM-4:30 PM(Pacific)
Weekdays (Monday-Friday
Port Of Entry-Fresno (2803/2882)
Port Information
Port Code:
Location Address:
Mailing Address:
2803
5177 E. Clinton Way
Fresno, CA 93727
Same As Above
General Phone:
General Fax:
(559) 456-6830
(559) 456-6843
Operational Hours:
4:00 PM-8:00 PM(Pacific)
Weekdays (Monday-Friday)
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Port Of Entry-Port Hueneme
Port Information
Port Code:
2713
Location Address:
333 Ponoma St.
Port Hueneme, CA 93041
Mailing Address:
General Phone:
Same As Above
(805) 488-8574
General Fax:
Operational Hours:
(805) 488-1224
8:00 AM-5:00 PM(Pacific)
Weekdays (Monday-Friday)
Service Port-Los Angeles/Long Beach Seaport
Port Information
Port Code:
Location Address:
2704
Mailing Address:
301 E. Ocean Blvd.
Suite 1400
Long Beach, CA 90802
Same As Above
General Phone:
General Fax:
(562) 366-5555
(562) 628-7900
Operational Hours:
8:00 AM-4:30 PM(Pacific)
Weekdays (Monday-Friday)
Service Port-Los Angeles International Airport-Cargo Operations
Port Information
Port Code:
Location Address:
Mailing Address:
General Phone:
General Fax:
Operational Hours:
2720
11099 South La Cienega Blvd.
Los Angeles, CA 90045
Same As Above
(310) 215-2618
(310) 215-2013
8:00 AM-4:30 PM(Pacific)
Weekdays (Monday-Friday)
PERMIT ORDERING
Complete the required Caltrans Transportation Permit application form.
There are several methods for obtaining the application form. Please see below.
Via this Web Site:
Please click here to access our permit application forms and accompaniments.
Please click here for application instructions.
Via our Transportation
Permits Office:
For information on how to contact our Transportation Permits Office, please
click here.
Via a Permit Service:
Experienced personnel who charge a fee to obtain a permit for their client.
Recommended for applicants who are not familiar with program requirements.
Fax, mail, or deliver completed Caltrans Transportation Permit application forms to our office.
Transportation Permits office hours are from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM, Monday through Friday.
Walk-in counter service is available from 8:00 AM to 3:00 PM, Monday through Friday. Faxed applications
are accepted 24 hours per day, seven days per week.
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Applications may NOT be sent by e-mail.
The Permits office is open on three State holidays: Martin Luther King's Birthday, Cesar Chavez Day, and
Veterans Day. Walk-in counter service is NOT available on these State holidays.
The Permits office is closed on: New Year's Day, President's Day, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor
Day, Thanksgiving Day, Day After Thanksgiving, and Christmas.
The Transportation Permits Manual can be purchased for $27 from the Publications Unit. At 916 263 0822.
The Caltrans Single-Trip Application and Routing System (STARS) is an automated method for customers to
obtain single trip oversize/overweight transportation permits. Customers interested in participating in the
STARS program should contact a Regional Office to apply for a Caltrans debtor account.
Single Trip Permit Application - 1 - Click on "Application Forms and Accompaniments."
2 - Select the single-trip application and the appropriate accompaniments.
3 - Click on "Interactive Application Instructions" and open the single-trip instructions.
4 - Fill out the application electronically or by hand.
5 - Fax the application to the fax number to the right.
Single-Trip Contact Info: Phone: (916) 322-1297, Fax: (916) 322-4966
Annual Permit Application - 1 - Click on "Application Forms and Accompaniments."
2 - Select the annual application and the appropriate accompaniments.
3 - Click on "Interactive Application Instructions" and open the annual instructions.
4 - Fill out the application electronically or by hand.
5 - Fax the application to the fax number to the right.
Annual Contact Info: Phone: (916) 322-4958, Fax: (916) 445-0469
RECENT & PENDING CHANGES
This section contains all recent and pending changes shared by this state with SC&RA in the past 12 months.
PENDING CHANGES
4/7/15 – CALTRANS issued a tentative release date of 5/4/15 for the new version of the Single Trip
Application and Routing System (STARS2) that will replace the existing STARS software.
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