Upon receipt of the necessary application, the Department of Transportation shall issue a permit to operate or move a vehicle on the highways of this State which has a load that:
1. Exceeds 14 feet in height measured from the surface on which the vehicle stands;
2. Exceeds 70 feet in length measured from the front bumper or front overhang to the rear bumper or rear overhang, whichever is longer; or
3. Exceeds 102 inches in width measured at the widest points on each side,
Ê unless the Department of Transportation determines that the operation of the vehicle would be a safety hazard or impede the flow of traffic.