RALEIGH — Sixteen-foot-wide mobiles homes made in the state can travel on highways if they are bound for another state, but they still cannot be purchased by North Carolinians.

That's the decision today from state Board of Transportation. Before the vote, it was illegal to move 16-foot-wide mobile homes, better known as "double-wides," on state roads. Fourteen-foot homes were the maximum size allowed.

North Carolina mobile home manufacturers, who lead the nation in manufactured home production, said the old 14-foot limit was killing their businesses.

Friday's vote is only a partial victory for makers of mobile homes. They still cannot transport the homes for sales within North Carolina. Also, the state placed several restrictions on the larger homes. The can only travel on specific portions of Interstates 95, 85, 40 and 77, and only between 9 a.m. and 2:30 p.m., Mondays through Thursdays. Makers also must get a permit for each home they want to export.

On Thursday, the board's safety committee heard from both sides. Steve Zamiara, a mobile home manufacturer, says the larger homes are safe to move.

David Parsons of AAA of the Carolinas says safety is already affected with the current limits.