The Department of Transportation, in the public interest for safety on the highways, may issue open-end or annual permits for moving oversize loads and vehicles, oversize mobile homes, modular home units, utility buildings, and steel tanks, pursuant to Sections 57-3-160, 57-3-170, and 57-3-180. All heights may not exceed fourteen and one-half feet, and the owner of a transporter is responsible for damage which may occur.