The department is responsible for regulating the movement of oversize and overweight vehicles and loads on the state highway system, in order to insure the safety of the traveling public, and to protect the integrity of the highways and the bridges. This responsibility is accomplished through the issuance of permits for the movement of oversize and overweight vehicles and loads. The sections under this chapter prescribe the policies and procedures for the issuance of permits. All applications for permits and all questions regarding the permits should be directed to the department, even though TxDOT is responsible for certain issues regarding permits.