When Does Your Equipment Trailer Need An Oversize Load Permit?

Permit thresholds and regulations change. Verify current requirements with each state's DOT or a licensed permit service before any commercial haul.

An oversize load permit is triggered by exceeding any one of four federal thresholds — width, height, length or weight — and the contractor who discovers this after loading is already non-compliant. The most commonly triggered threshold for contractors hauling construction equipment on equipment trailers is width: a loaded excavator, bulldozer with blade, motor grader or wide-track machine frequently exceeds 8 ft 6 in (102 in) — the standard legal maximum — even in transport configuration. The permit requirement attaches to the combination of the load and the trailer, not just the machine. This post covers the federal baseline thresholds that apply in every state, which equipment types commonly trigger each dimension, and every state's specific permit thresholds in a searchable alphabetical reference. Check your state before loading — not after.

The Four Federal Thresholds

Width: 8 ft 6 in — the threshold most contractors trigger first

Federal maximum vehicle width on the National Network — Interstate highways and designated federal routes — is 102 in (8 ft 6 in), established by the Surface Transportation Assistance Act of 1982. Any load, including the trailer deck plus any load overhang on either side, that exceeds 102 in total width requires a permit in every state. Width is the most frequently triggered threshold for contractors hauling construction equipment because many machines exceed 8 ft 6 in in transport configuration: a standard bulldozer with blade attached runs 8–14 ft wide; a motor grader runs 8–11 ft wide; a full-size excavator runs 8'6"–12'+ wide; a telehandler runs 7–8'2" wide and may be borderline. The measurement is total loaded width — machine width plus any attachment overhang beyond the trailer deck rails. New York City enforces 8 ft maximum on city streets, narrower than the federal standard.

• Federal threshold: 102 in (8'6") on Interstate and National Network routes
• Measurement: total load width including any attachment or overhang beyond trailer rails
• Commonly triggered by: bulldozers with blade, motor graders, full-size excavators, wide-track loaders
• NYC exception: 8'0" maximum on city streets — narrower than the federal standard

Height: 13 ft 6 in to 14 ft 6 in — varies significantly by state

There is no federal maximum vehicle height. Each state sets its own threshold. Most Eastern states use 13'6" as the permit trigger; most Western states use 14'0" or higher. The measurement is loaded height — trailer deck height above the road surface plus machine height in transport configuration. A standard equipment trailer deck sits 2'6"–4' above the road surface. A machine with a transport height of 10'6" on a 3'6" deck equals a 14 ft loaded height — triggering Eastern state permits but legal in most Western states. Confirm loaded height using the specific rental trailer's deck height spec, not a generic estimate. Deck heights vary by trailer type: low-boy and tilt deck trailers are purpose-built with lower deck heights to keep tall equipment under height limits.

• No federal maximum: state thresholds range from 13'6" (Eastern states) to 14'6" (Plains and Mountain states)
• Measurement: trailer deck height above road + machine transport height = total loaded height
• Standard equipment trailer deck: 2'6"–4' above road surface
• Low-boy and tilt deck trailers: lower deck height — purpose-built for tall loads to stay under height limits
• Confirm loaded height: use the specific rental trailer's deck height spec, not a size class estimate

Weight: 80,000 lbs gross vehicle weight — with axle limits that apply separately

Federal maximum gross vehicle weight (GVW) on Interstate highways is 80,000 lbs — the combined weight of the tow vehicle, trailer and load. Individual axle limits apply in addition to GVW: 20,000 lbs per single axle; 34,000 lbs per tandem axle. The Federal Bridge Formula also governs: as axle spacing decreases, the legal axle load decreases to protect bridge structures. For contractors hauling a single compact machine on a bumper-pull equipment trailer, the GVW limit is unlikely to be the triggering factor — a 20,000-lb excavator on a 10,000-lb trailer towed by a 10,000-lb truck totals 40,000 lbs, well under the limit. For larger machines — full-size excavators, large bulldozers, cranes — weight becomes the primary compliance concern.

• Federal GVW maximum: 80,000 lbs — tow vehicle + trailer + load combined
• Single axle limit: 20,000 lbs | Tandem axle limit: 34,000 lbs
• Federal Bridge Formula: axle spacing affects legal weight — closer spacing reduces legal weight
• Compact equipment: GVW rarely the trigger | Large equipment: primary compliance concern
• Michigan exception: up to 164,000 lbs on certain multi-axle configurations — unique to Michigan

Length: 48 ft single vehicle, 65 ft combination

Federal maximum semitrailer length is 53 ft on the National Network; overall combination vehicle length is typically 65 ft before permits are required on most state routes. For contractors hauling equipment on bumper-pull trailers behind a pickup or medium-duty truck, length is rarely the trigger — the combination typically stays well under 65 ft. Length becomes relevant when hauling very long machines (motor graders, paving equipment) where the load overhangs the front or rear of the trailer. Rear overhang over 4 ft typically requires red flag or light; overhang exceeding 15 ft may trigger a permit independently of other dimensions.

• Federal semitrailer maximum: 53 ft on National Network
• Combination vehicle: typically 65 ft before state route permits required
• Rarely the trigger: bumper-pull combinations typically stay under 65 ft
• Overhang rules: rear overhang over 4 ft needs flagging; over 15 ft may trigger permit independently

Which Equipment Commonly Triggers a Permit

Equipment types and the threshold they most commonly trigger

Mini excavator (1–4 ton): 4'11"–6'7" wide in transport — typically within 8'6" on a standard deck; loaded height 10'–13' in most configurations (usually under Eastern thresholds). Permits rarely required for compact mini excavators on standard trailers.

Full-size excavator (10–40 ton): 8'6"–12'+ wide in transport — frequently triggers a width permit; loaded height may trigger a height permit depending on state. Width permit required in almost every configuration. See available flatbed trailers for wide machine transport.

Skid steer and compact track loader: 5'–7' wide — typically within 8'6"; loaded height 7'–9' plus deck usually under state height thresholds. Permits rarely required.

Bulldozer (with blade attached): 8'–14'+ wide depending on blade type and size — blade width almost always triggers a width permit. Alabama specifically requires an escort when the blade overhangs the trailer sides.

Motor grader: 8'–11'+ wide — blade width triggers a width permit in every state for most configurations.

Telehandler: 7'–8'2" wide — borderline; confirm total loaded width before assuming no permit is required.

Crane (truck-mounted or crawler): Weight is almost always the primary trigger; width and height are secondary. A permit is virtually always required for any crane transport.

Any machine on a standard flatbed trailer (deck at 3'6"): If the machine's transport height exceeds 10' in Eastern states (13'6" threshold) or 10'6" in most Western states (14' threshold), a height permit is required in addition to any width permit.

State-by-State Permit Threshold Reference

Requirements reflect 2025 published state DOT sources and industry permit references. Verify current thresholds with the applicable state DOT before any haul.

Alabama

• Width: Permit required over 8'6". Signs required for any overwidth vehicle over 9'. Blade attachments that overhang trailer sides require an escort regardless of overall width.
• Height: Permit required over 13'6". Loads over 15'5" require an escort with a height pole.
• Weight: Permit required over 80,000 lbs GVW. Alabama requires a $300,000 indemnity bond or equivalent insurance for overheight permits per Ala. Code § 32-9-29. Permit validity: 5 consecutive days.

Notes: Daylight only, Monday through Saturday. No Sunday travel. Alabama requires 2 escort vehicles for any load over 12' wide — stricter than most states. No oversize loads over 16' wide permitted on interstates. Alabama treats bulldozers as non-divisible loads; blade removal is not required for permitting purposes.

More information: Alabama DOT Permits

Alaska

• Width: Permit required over 8'6" on most routes; 8'0" on some narrower rural roads.
• Height: Permit required over 15'0" — among the highest legal height limits nationally.
• Weight: Alaska relies on the Federal Bridge Formula with state axle group limits rather than a stated GVW cap. Axle spacing matters more than total weight. Permit validity: Typically 3 days.

Notes: Spring thaw weight restrictions (approximately March–June) may reduce allowable weights to 85%, 75% or 50% of normal on affected routes. Plan around spring thaw for any heavy equipment haul in Alaska. Confirm specific paperwork requirements with the Alaska DOT Licensing division before booking a permit.

More information: Alaska DOT Permits

Arizona

• Width: Permit required over 8'6". Two escorts required for loads over 12' wide.
• Height: Permit required over 13'6".
• Weight: Permit required over 80,000 lbs GVW. Arizona does not issue permits for reducible loads. Weight violations under 1,000 lbs carry a minimum fine of $1 per Ariz. Rev. Stat. § 28-1101(1)(b).

Notes: Certain Interstate segments allow up to 129,000 lbs GVW under grandfathered provisions predating federal restrictions — not available to new operations. Arizona scales verify that permit weights closely match actual weights. Obtain accurate measurements before applying — scale operators may deny a move if actual weight differs significantly from the permit.

More information: Arizona DOT Oversize/Overweight

Arkansas

• Width: Permit required over 8'6". "Oversize" signs required on any wide load.
• Height: Permit required over 13'6".
• Weight: Permit required over 80,000 lbs GVW. Spring thaw weight restrictions may reduce allowable weights on secondary routes approximately March–June. Permit validity: 3 days (72 hours).

Notes: Permits must be obtained before entering the state. Travel daylight only (sunrise to sunset), 7 days a week. No reducible load permits.

More information: Arkansas DOT Permits

California

• Width: Permit required over 8'6". Loads over 11' wide require a California Highway Patrol escort. Loads over 12' wide restricted to 11 a.m.–1 p.m. Monday through Friday on most routes.
• Height: Permit required over 14'0".
• Weight: Permit required over 80,000 lbs GVW; overweight permit also required for trailers exceeding 40,000 lbs gross. Fines for overloading: $238–$1,000 based on weight above the limit. Permit validity: 7 days.

Notes: Night and weekend travel must be requested at the time of permit application. No oversize travel during weekday rush hours in major metro areas (Sacramento, San Francisco, San Diego: 7–9 a.m. and 4–6 p.m.; Los Angeles: 6–9 a.m. and 3–6 p.m.). 24-hour CHP notice required for wide loads on I-5.

More information: Caltrans Transportation Permits

Colorado

• Width: Permit required over 8'6".
• Height: Permit required over 14'6" — one of the most permissive height thresholds nationally.
• Weight: Permit required over 80,000 lbs GVW.

Notes: Night travel allowed for loads up to 12' wide with required lighting — more permissive than most states. Rural canyon roads may restrict long combinations on mountain corridors — confirm routing before hauling overlong loads through canyon routes.

More information: Colorado DOT Oversize Vehicles

Connecticut

• Width: Permit required over 8'6". Pilot car required for loads over 12' wide.
• Height: Permit required over 13'6".
• Weight: Permit required over 80,000 lbs GVW. Permit validity: 3 days (72 hours) — one of the shortest permit windows nationally.

Notes: No oversize travel on Saturdays or Sundays — no weekend moves in Connecticut. No travel during weekday rush hours on major corridors. Permits are verified at state borders; have the permit in hand before entering.

More information: Connecticut DOT Permits

Delaware

• Width: Permit required over 8'6". Delaware often requires escorts for loads even slightly over the legal width due to narrow highway configurations — expect an escort requirement for any load over approximately 10' wide on two-lane routes.
• Height: Permit required over 13'6".
• Weight: Permit required over 80,000 lbs GVW. Permit validity: 5 days.

Notes: No Sunday travel. No travel on Fridays before holiday weekends. Permits enforced at ports of entry.

More information: Delaware DOT Permits

Washington, D.C.

• Width: Permit required over 8'6". D.C. maintains a separate permit system from Maryland and Virginia — a D.C. permit is required even if Maryland and Virginia permits are already in hand for a through-haul.
• Height: Permit required over 13'6".
• Weight: Permit required over 80,000 lbs GVW. Permit validity: Large loads typically authorized for overnight or off-peak hours only with a police escort.

Notes: D.C. is a separate permitting jurisdiction from the surrounding states. Police escort required for large or heavy loads. Consult a permit service for any oversize load entering the District.

More information: D.C. DDOT

Florida

• Width: Permit required over 8'6". One escort required over 12' wide; 2 escorts over 14' wide.
• Height: Permit required over 13'6". Loads over 14'6" require a route survey — Florida has low-clearance structures outside Interstate routes.
• Weight: Permit required over 80,000 lbs GVW. Permit validity: 10 days.

Notes: Sunrise to sunset only. No Sunday travel for loads over 10' wide. No travel on major holidays or after noon the day before. No oversize travel during rush hours through Miami on major corridors.

More information: Florida DOT Oversize/Overweight

Georgia

• Width: Permit required over 8'6". One escort over 12' wide; 2 escorts over 14' wide.
• Height: Permit required over 13'6".
• Weight: Permit required over 80,000 lbs GVW. Permit validity: 10 days.

Notes: Travel permitted 7 days a week during daylight hours — one of the more permissive weekend travel states. No travel on major holidays. Metro Atlanta corridors impose rush-hour curfews (7–9 a.m. and 4–6 p.m.) on designated highways. Overweight-only loads may run 24 hours with required lighting.

More information: Georgia DOT Permits

Hawaii

• Width: Permit required over 8'6".
• Height: Permit required over 14'0".
• Weight: Permit required over 80,000 lbs GVW.

Notes: Hawaii's permit system applies to each island independently. Port and dock access constraints are the primary logistical concern for contractors hauling equipment to or within Hawaii. Confirm current requirements with the Hawaii DOT for the specific island.

More information: Hawaii DOT Highways Rules and Permits

Idaho

• Width: Permit required over 8'6".
• Height: Permit required over 14'0".
• Weight: Permit required over 80,000 lbs GVW. Permit validity: 5 days.

Notes: Idaho's higher 14'0" height threshold reflects the state's rural industrial and agricultural character. Daylight travel standard; confirm current escort thresholds with the Idaho ITD — requirements vary by route type.

More information: Idaho ITD Permits

Illinois

• Width: Permit required over 8'6".
• Height: Permit required over 13'6".
• Weight: Permit required over 80,000 lbs GVW. Illinois allows significantly higher weights on designated agricultural routes — relevant for farm equipment haulers, not general construction. Permit validity: 5 days.

Notes: Daylight only, Monday through Friday and Saturday until noon. No Sunday travel. Chicago metro area has additional restrictions on oversize movements — confirm Chicago-area routing before transiting the metro on any oversize load.

More information: Illinois Secretary of State Commercial Vehicles

Indiana

• Width: Permit required over 8'6". Escort required over 12' wide on two-lane routes.
• Height: Permit required over 13'6".
• Weight: Permit required over 80,000 lbs GVW. Loads over 134,000 lbs require a bridge analysis. Permit validity: 15 days — the most generous single-trip validity nationally.

Notes: Travel sunrise to sunset, Monday through Saturday. No Sunday travel without a special exception (available by request for urgent or smaller oversize loads).

More information: Indiana DOT Motor Carrier Services

Iowa

• Width: Permit required over 8'6".
• Height: Permit required over 14'6" — tied with Colorado, Nebraska and Wyoming for the most permissive height threshold nationally.
• Weight: Permit required over 80,000 lbs GVW. Permit validity: 5 days.

Notes: Spring thaw weight restrictions apply on secondary routes.

More information: Iowa DOT Oversize/Overweight Permits

Kansas

• Width: Permit required over 8'6".
• Height: Permit required over 14'0".
• Weight: Permit required over 80,000 lbs GVW.

Notes: Kansas's 14'0" height threshold and flat terrain make it a relatively permissive state for equipment hauling. Holiday travel restrictions apply.

More information: Kansas DOT Truck Permits

Kentucky

• Width: Permit required over 8'6". One escort over 12' wide; 2 over 14'.
• Height: Permit required over 13'6".
• Weight: Permit required over 80,000 lbs GVW. Permit validity: 10 days.

Notes: Kentucky allows 24/7 continuous travel for many oversize loads — one of the few states that permits night and Sunday travel for standard oversize configurations. Confirm specific load dimensions against current restrictions before planning a night or Sunday move.

More information: Kentucky Transportation Cabinet Oversize/Overweight

Louisiana

• Width: Permit required over 8'6".
• Height: Permit required over 13'6".
• Weight: Permit required over 80,000 lbs GVW. Permit validity: 1–3 days typically — short window, plan accordingly.

Notes: Daylight only, Monday through Saturday. No Sunday travel. Louisiana DOTD Truck Permit Office: 800-654-1433 for oversize/overweight questions.

More information: Louisiana DOTD Permits

Maine

• Width: Permit required over 8'6". Escorts typically required for loads over 12' wide.
• Height: Permit required over 14'0" on most routes. The Maine Turnpike enforces a stricter 13'6" maximum — a load legal on the state permit may still be over-height on the Turnpike. Confirm Turnpike routing for any load between 13'6" and 14'0".
• Weight: Permit required over 80,000 lbs GVW. Permit validity: 7 days.

Notes: Daylight only. No Sunday travel if over-dimensional.

More information: Maine DOT Office of Freight and Special Permits

Maryland

• Width: Permit required over 8'6". One escort over 13' wide; 2 escorts over 14'.
• Height: Permit required over 13'6". Loads over 14'6" require a special approval and route survey.
• Weight: Permit required over 80,000 lbs GVW. State Police escort required for some superloads. Permit validity: 5 days.

Notes: No Sunday travel for loads over 12' wide or overweight. Saturday allowed until noon. Weekday rush hour restrictions (7–9 a.m. and 4–6 p.m.) in and around Baltimore and D.C. suburbs. Low-bridge concentration in eastern Maryland makes height routing critical on non-Interstate routes.

More information: Maryland SHA Oversize/Overweight Permits

Massachusetts

• Width: Permit required over 8'6".
• Height: Permit required over 13'6".
• Weight: Permit required over 80,000 lbs GVW. State permit required for any trailer-and-load combination exceeding 5,000 lbs on public roads (700 CMR 8.00). Hoisting machinery requirements (520 CMR 6.00) may apply to vehicles with hydraulic lifting systems. Permit validity: 5 days.

Notes: No oversize travel during weekday rush hours in the Boston metro area. No Sunday travel for loads over 12' wide. Massachusetts Turnpike requires a separate permit and possibly State Police escort for loads over 80,000 lbs or over 13'6" high or 12' wide.

More information: Massachusetts DOT Oversize/Overweight

Michigan

• Width: Permit required over 8'6". Escort required over 12' wide on most highways.
• Height: Permit required over 13'6".
• Weight: Michigan uses an axle-count-based weight system — trucks with sufficient axles can legally gross well above 80,000 lbs without an overweight permit (up to 164,000 lbs on 11 axles). For out-of-state haulers, assume anything over 80,000 lbs requires a permit unless the specific Michigan axle configuration is met. Permit validity: 5 days.

Notes: Daylight only, Monday through Saturday. No Sunday travel for oversize. Michigan's unique weight system is a significant advantage for contractors who regularly haul heavy loads within the state and configure their trailer setups to meet the axle spacing requirements.

More information: Michigan Oversize/Overweight

Minnesota

• Width: Permit required over 8'6".
• Height: Permit required over 13'6".
• Weight: Permit required over 80,000 lbs GVW.

Notes: Spring thaw weight restrictions apply on secondary and county routes — a significant constraint for contractors moving equipment in late winter and spring. Confirm current spring weight restrictions with the Minnesota DOT before hauling on non-Interstate routes between March and May.

More information: Minnesota DOT Oversize/Overweight

Mississippi

• Width: Permit required over 8'6". One escort over 12' wide; 2 over 14'.
• Height: Permit required over 13'6".
• Weight: Permit required over 80,000 lbs GVW. Permit validity: 3 days.

Notes: Plan to complete the haul within the 72-hour window or arrange for permit renewal. Sunrise to sunset, Monday through Saturday. No Sunday travel.

More information: Mississippi DOT Truck Permits

Missouri

• Width: Permit required over 8'6".
• Height: Permit required over 14'0".
• Weight: Permit required over 80,000 lbs GVW.

Notes: Missouri's 14'0" height threshold is more permissive than neighboring Illinois and provides additional headroom for contractors hauling tall equipment through the Midwest corridor. Holiday travel restrictions apply.

More information: Missouri DOT Permits

Montana

• Width: Permit required over 8'6".
• Height: Permit required over 14'0".
• Weight: Permit required over 80,000 lbs GVW.

Notes: Montana's wide-open highway network and low traffic density make it one of the more permissive states in practice. Weekend travel generally allowed. Triple-trailer combination permits ("special vehicle combination" permits) available through the Montana DOT.

More information: Montana DOT Trucking Permits

Nebraska

• Width: Permit required over 8'6".
• Height: Permit required over 14'6" — tied with Iowa, Colorado and Wyoming for the most permissive height threshold nationally.
• Weight: Permit required over 80,000 lbs GVW. Permits not issued for reducible loads. Permit validity: Up to 10 days.

Notes: Nebraska's combination of a 14'6" height threshold and 10-day permit validity makes it one of the more contractor-friendly states for tall equipment hauling.

More information: Nebraska DOT Oversized Vehicles

Nevada

• Width: Permit required over 8'6". One escort over 12' wide; 2 escorts over 14' on two-lane roads.
• Height: Permit required over 14'0".
• Weight: Permit required over 80,000 lbs GVW. Permit validity: 5 days.

Notes: Daylight only, 7 days a week — Nevada allows weekend travel. Major holiday restrictions apply. Night travel may be permitted on wide-open sections of I-80 or I-15 for loads under specific widths with required lighting — confirm with the Nevada DOT before planning a night move.

More information: Nevada DOT Permits

New Hampshire

• Width: Permit required over 8'6". Pilot car required for loads over 12' wide.
• Height: Permit required over 13'6". Many New Hampshire bridges are low-clearance — route confirmation is critical for any load approaching 13'.
• Weight: Permit required over 80,000 lbs GVW. Permit validity: 5 days.

Notes: Daylight only. No major Sunday restrictions for moderate oversize — more permissive than neighboring New England states. No travel on major holidays.

More information: New Hampshire DOT Permits

New Jersey

• Width: Permit required over 8'6". Typically 1 escort over 12' wide; 2 over 14'. In dense northern New Jersey counties, escorts may be required for loads over 10' wide.
• Height: Permit required over 13'6".
• Weight: Permit required over 80,000 lbs GVW. Permit validity: 5 days.

Notes: 7-day travel allowed for loads up to 14' wide (daylight). Over 14' wide typically restricted to weekdays. New Jersey Turnpike restricts most oversize loads; the Garden State Parkway prohibits most oversize loads south of certain exits due to low overpasses — plan routing to avoid these corridors for any overwidth or overheight load.

More information: New Jersey DOT Oversize Loads

New Mexico

• Width: Permit required over 8'6".
• Height: Permit required over 14'0".
• Weight: Permit required over 80,000 lbs GVW.

Notes: New Mexico's location on major freight corridors (I-10, I-40) and 14'0" height threshold make it a relatively permissive transit state. Holiday travel restrictions apply.

More information: New Mexico DOT Motor Transportation

New York

• Width: Permit required over 8'6" on state routes. New York City enforces 8'0" maximum on city streets — a separate NYC permit is required in addition to the state permit. Loads over 12' wide: 1 escort; over 14': 2 escorts.
• Height: Permit required over 13'6" on most roads; 14'0" permitted on designated highways.
• Weight: Permit required over 80,000 lbs GVW. Permit validity: State permits typically valid 5 business days.

Notes: NYC requires a separate city permit with severely restricted travel windows — large loads in the five boroughs typically move overnight with police escort. Upstate New York: no Sunday travel for loads over 14' wide. Any contractor moving equipment into or through NYC must obtain both a state permit and a city permit and must plan for police escort requirements.

More information: New York DOT Permits

North Carolina

• Width: Permit required over 8'6". One escort over 12' wide; 2 over 14'.
• Height: Permit required over 13'6". Loads over 14' require route clearance from NCDOT.
• Weight: Permit required over 80,000 lbs GVW. Permit validity: 10 days.

Notes: Travel Monday through Saturday plus Sunday for loads not over 10' wide or especially long — more permissive Sunday policy than most Eastern states. No travel on major holidays.

More information: North Carolina DOT Motor Carrier Permits

North Dakota

• Width: Permit required over 8'6".
• Height: Permit required over 14'0".
• Weight: Permit required over 80,000 lbs GVW.

Notes: North Dakota's low population density, flat terrain and energy sector infrastructure make it one of the more permissive states for equipment hauling in practice. Spring thaw weight restrictions apply on secondary routes.

More information: North Dakota DOT Permit Information

Ohio

• Width: Permit required over 8'6". Escort required over 13' wide on two-lane roads; over 14' on multi-lane. Overlength loads over approximately 90' may also require an escort.
• Height: Permit required over 13'6". Loads over 14' need route clearance — Ohio has many low overpasses on older non-Interstate routes.
• Weight: Permit required over 80,000 lbs GVW. Permit validity: 5 calendar days.

Notes: Daylight only. No Sunday travel for loads over 10' wide or overweight. Saturday allowed until noon. Major Ohio metros impose rush-hour curfews for oversize loads. Height routing is critical on secondary routes.

More information: Ohio DOT Oversize/Overweight

Oklahoma

• Width: Permit required over 8'6".
• Height: Permit required over 14'0".
• Weight: Permit required over 80,000 lbs GVW.

Notes: Oklahoma's 14'0" height threshold and location on major equipment transit routes between Texas and the Midwest make it a relatively permissive transit state. Energy sector equipment hauling is routine — permit processing is well-established. Holiday travel restrictions apply.

More information: Oklahoma DOT Permits

Oregon

• Width: Permit required over 8'6".
• Height: Permit required over 14'0".
• Weight: Oregon uses a detailed route-specific weight table system — allowable weights vary by route and axle configuration. Review Oregon's permit weight tables (Attachments H and 70A–82A from the Oregon DOT) for specific route and axle combination weights. Permit validity: 7 days.

Notes: Oregon accepts electronic permits on smartphones or tablets. Mountain passes may impose seasonal or weather-related restrictions on oversize loads.

More information: Oregon DOT Oversize/Overweight

Pennsylvania

• Width: Permit required over 8'6". Pilot car required over 13' wide on two-lane roads; over 14' on multi-lane. Loads over 14' wide require a detailed route survey.
• Height: Permit required over 13'6".
• Weight: Permit required over 80,000 lbs GVW. Permit validity: Approximately 5 days.

Notes: No Sunday travel for loads over 10' wide or 85' long. No holiday travel. Pennsylvania Turnpike requires a separate permit for loads over 10' wide — obtain both the state DOT permit and the Turnpike permit before departure. Philadelphia and Pittsburgh have rush-hour restrictions. Pennsylvania's aging non-Interstate infrastructure makes height routing critical.

More information: PennDOT Oversize/Overweight Permits

Rhode Island

• Width: Permit required over 8'6". Escort typically required over 12' wide.
• Height: Permit required over 13'6".
• Weight: Permit required over 80,000 lbs GVW. Permit validity: 5 days.

Notes: No Sunday travel; no travel after noon on Saturdays. No holiday travel. Permits enforced at ports of entry despite Rhode Island's small geographic footprint.

More information: Rhode Island DOT Permits

South Carolina

• Width: Permit required over 8'6". One escort over 12' wide; 2 over 14'. Loads approaching 14' high should be carefully routed — low-clearance bridges are common on non-Interstate routes.
• Height: Permit required over 13'6".
• Weight: Permit required over 80,000 lbs GVW. Permit validity: 7 days.

Notes: No Sunday travel. No travel on major holidays or during peak coastal traffic periods on certain routes in summer months.

More information: South Carolina DOT Truck Permits

South Dakota

• Width: Permit required over 8'6".
• Height: Permit required over 14'0".
• Weight: Permit required over 80,000 lbs GVW.

Notes: South Dakota's agricultural and energy sector orientation means equipment hauling is routine and permit processing is straightforward. Spring thaw weight restrictions apply on secondary routes.

More information: South Dakota DOT Motor Carrier Permits

Tennessee

• Width: Permit required over 8'6". On 4-lane highways: 1 escort over 12'6" wide; 2 escorts over 14'. On 2-lane roads: escort required for loads over 10' wide — a lower threshold than most states. Tennessee generally will not permit loads over 16' wide or 15' high except under special circumstances.
• Height: Permit required over 13'6". Loads over 15' require a front escort with a height pole.
• Weight: Permit required over 80,000 lbs GVW. Permit validity: 6 days.

Notes: No Sunday travel. No movement during weekday rush hours (7–9 a.m. and 4–6 p.m.) on city corridors for loads over 12'6" wide or 85' long. Tennessee's two-lane road escort requirement at 10' wide is stricter than most states — loads that wouldn't require an escort elsewhere may require one in Tennessee on rural two-lane routes.

More information: Tennessee DOT Truck Permits

Texas

• Width: Permit required over 8'6". Escort typically required over 14' wide. Texas classifies loads over 20' wide as Super Large — a separate approval process is required.
• Height: Permit required over 14'0". Loads over 16' tall require a front escort with a height pole. Texas classifies loads over 18' high as Super Large.
• Weight: Permit required over 80,000 lbs GVW. Texas classifies loads over 254,300 lbs as Super Heavy — separate approval and possibly a bond required. Permit validity: 7 days.

Notes: No Sunday travel for loads over 14' wide or heavy configurations. No movement on major holidays or after noon the day before. Certain cities (Houston) impose curfew hours for oversize loads.

More information: Texas DOT Permits

Utah

• Width: Permit required over 8'6".
• Height: Permit required over 14'0".
• Weight: Permit required over 80,000 lbs GVW. Permit validity: 5 days.

Notes: Utah's canyon road network may restrict very long combinations on some rural routes — confirm routing through canyon corridors before hauling overlong loads. Utah often issues combination permits for multiple oversize loads for fleet operations.

More information: Utah DOT Oversize/Overweight Permits

Vermont

• Width: Permit required over 8'6". Escort required over 12' wide.
• Height: Permit required over 13'6".
• Weight: Permit required over 80,000 lbs GVW. Permit validity: 10 days.

Notes: Weekend travel permitted for loads up to 10' wide; loads over 10' wide restricted to Monday through Friday. Seasonal weight restrictions apply in spring thaw conditions. Vermont's rural two-lane road network requires careful routing for any oversize load.

More information: Vermont Agency of Transportation Oversize/Overweight

Virginia

• Width: Permit required over 8'6". One escort over 12' wide; 2 over 14'.
• Height: Permit required over 13'6". Loads over 14'4" require special permission due to low bridge concentration in eastern Virginia.
• Weight: Permit required over 80,000 lbs GVW. Permit validity: 13 days — the longest single-trip permit validity nationally.

Notes: Daylight only, Monday through Saturday. No Sunday travel for over-dimensional loads. Many Virginia mountain highways restrict oversize loads to Interstate routes — confirm routing before planning secondary route hauls.

More information: Virginia DOT Permits and Routing

Washington

• Width: Permit required over 8'6".
• Height: Permit required over 14'0".
• Weight: Permit required over 80,000 lbs GVW. Permit validity: 5 days.

Notes: Washington classifies commercial cargo securement violations as a gross misdemeanor — among the highest-penalty states for load compliance violations. Confirm all load securement and permit requirements are met before departure. Electronic permits accepted on smartphones or tablets.

More information: Washington State DOT Oversize/Overweight

West Virginia

• Width: Permit required over 8'6". Pilot car required for loads over 12' wide.
• Height: Permit required over 13'6".
• Weight: Permit required over 80,000 lbs GVW. Permit validity: 5 days (some permit types allow up to 10 days — confirm with WVDOT).

Notes: No Sunday travel. Mountainous terrain means oversize loads over certain sizes may only be routed on Interstate highways. Narrow non-Interstate routes may make some hauls impractical regardless of permit.

More information: West Virginia DOT Oversize/Overweight

Wisconsin

• Width: Permit required over 8'6".
• Height: Permit required over 13'6".
• Weight: Permit required over 80,000 lbs GVW.

Notes: Some industrial grandfather provisions exist for heavy manufacturing equipment — relevant for contractors with Wisconsin manufacturing sector operations. Spring thaw weight restrictions apply on secondary routes March through May.

More information: Wisconsin DOT Oversize/Overweight

Wyoming

• Width: Permit required over 8'6".
• Height: Permit required over 14'6" — tied with Iowa, Colorado and Nebraska for the most permissive height threshold nationally.
• Weight: Permit required over 80,000 lbs GVW. Permits not issued for loads that can be reduced or divided. Permit validity: 4 days maximum; extensions available for weather or escort delays.

Notes: Wyoming's 14'6" height threshold and open highway network make it one of the most permissive states for tall equipment transport. Mountain passes may impose weather-related movement restrictions in winter — confirm pass conditions before hauling through mountain corridors.

More information: Wyoming DOT Permits

Pre-Departure Compliance Checklist

Measure the loaded combination before comparing against thresholds. Width is total width including any attachment or overhang beyond the trailer rails. Height is trailer deck height above the road plus machine transport height. Both measurements are for the specific rented trailer and the specific machine — not generic estimates for the size class. The specific rental trailer's deck height spec is available from the rental partner.

Check every state the route passes through — not just the origin state. A load legal in the origin state may trigger a permit in a transit state. Each state must be confirmed independently before departure. Multi-state hauls require separate permits for each jurisdiction.

Obtain permits before loading and before departure. The contractor who discovers the permit requirement after the machine is loaded is already non-compliant. Some states require 2–5 business days of lead time for permit processing — apply before the job, not the morning of.

Confirm escort requirements for the specific load dimensions in each state. Escort thresholds vary by state and by road type (two-lane vs. multi-lane). A load that doesn't require an escort in one state may require two in the next.

Confirm permitted travel times before scheduling the haul. Many states restrict oversize movement to daylight hours, prohibit Sunday travel and ban holiday moves. A haul planned for Sunday through a Sunday-restricted state requires a schedule adjustment — not an assumption that enforcement is light.

Carry the permit on the vehicle and have it available for inspection. Most states require the permit to be present on the vehicle during the move. Electronic permits are accepted in an increasing number of states — confirm the specific state's requirements for electronic vs. paper copies before relying on a smartphone copy.

Insurance and Damage Protection

Before towing a rented trailer commercially, confirm your business insurance policy covers liability for commercial trailer use including any oversize or overweight movement, third-party property damage during transport and bridge or road damage liability.

Eligible rentals booked through Big Rentals also include Basic Rental Protection at checkout. This added protection can help limit your financial responsibility for certain damage or theft events during the rental period.

For full details on how Basic Rental Protection works, including deductibles, exclusions and renter responsibilities, review our FAQ and platform terms.

The Short Version

Width over 8'6" triggers a permit in every state — and width is the threshold most contractors trigger first without realizing it. Measure the total loaded combination, including any blade, bucket or attachment overhang beyond the trailer rails, before comparing against state thresholds. Check every state the route passes through, obtain permits before loading and confirm escort and travel time requirements for each jurisdiction. The state-by-state reference above covers every jurisdiction; regulations change, so verify current thresholds with the applicable state DOT before any commercial haul.

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