1. Except as otherwise provided in subsection 2, a vehicle that is used by a regional transportation commission or its contractor to provide public mass transportation may be operated or moved upon a public highway, other than a highway within the designated interstate system, if the maximum weight does not exceed, on a single axle with:

(a) Single tires, 20,000 pounds; or

(b) Dual tires, 25,000 pounds.

2. A vehicle with a maximum weight on a single axle with single tires of more than 20,000 pounds but not more than 29,000 pounds that is used by a regional transportation commission or its contractor to provide public mass transportation as part of a demonstration project may be operated or moved upon a public highway, other than a highway within the designated interstate system, if the tires are not less than 20 inches in width and the Department of Transportation, after conducting an evaluation of the vehicle:

(a) Determines that such operation or movement of the vehicle is in the best interest of the Department; and

(b) In its discretion, issues a permit authorizing such operation or movement of the vehicle.

3. As used in this section:

(a) “Contractor” means any person or governmental entity that has entered into a contract with a regional transportation commission to provide services related to the provision of public mass transportation, but only during the period in which the contract remains legally effective.

(b) “Regional transportation commission” means any regional transportation commission created and organized in accordance with chapter 277A of NRS, and which provides or sponsors public mass transportation services.

(Added to NRS by 1993, 1414; A 2001, 747) — (Substituted in revision for NRS 484.7485)