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Colorado Oversize Load Permits and State Regulations
Obtaining Colorado oversize permits is crucial for transporting oversized loads across the state. With strict Colorado oversize regulations and specific Colorado oversize provisions to follow, securing the correct permits ensures compliance. Additionally, understanding the requirements for a Colorado overweight permit is essential for safe and legal transport on Colorado roads.
colorado DOT information
| Colorado DOT phone Number | (303) 757-9539. |
| Colorado DOT Opening Time | 07:30 am |
| Colorado DOT Closing Time | 04:30 pm |
| Colorado DOT permit Issue Type | Auto Issue |
| Colorado Over Dimensional Fee | $30.00 |
Colorado DOT Ph# 303-757-9539
Colorado Oversize Permits validity
Colorado oversize permits are crucial for transporting oversized loads within the state. These permits are valid for five days, allowing haulers to move their loads in compliance with Colorado oversize regulations.
Operating hours at Colorado
Travel under a Colorado oversize permit is allowed from sunrise to sunset. Night travel is permitted for loads up to 12 feet wide, provided they are properly lit (see Signs, Flags, & Lights section). For loads over 12 feet but not exceeding 14 feet in width, an escort is required for night travel.
Restricted Travel conditions for Colorado oversize permits
Certain areas in Colorado have specific restrictions for oversize loads. Curfew times will be outlined in the oversize permit addendum. For example, at the Eisenhower Tunnel on I-70, the maximum allowable height is 13 feet 11 inches. Loads exceeding this height must use US6 as an alternative route to bypass the tunnel. Loads wider than 11 feet must pull over and call for clearance to pass through the tunnel. Additionally, when traveling into or out of Denver, a city permit is required for city streets, but this process can take 2-3 days..
Legal Dimensions for Colorado Oversize Permits
The following are legal dimensional limits for colorado oversize permits. Permits are required if exceeding these dimensions.
| Length | Self-propelled unit – 45′ There is no overall length requirement for truck tractor-semitrailer combinations as long as the trailer does not exceed 57’4”. A combination of vehicles coupled together cannot exceed four units and is limited to 70′ in length. |
| Height | 14′6″ on designated highways |
| Weight | 85,000 lbs. on Non-Interstate 80,000 Ibs. on Interstate Steer – 20,000 lbs. on All Highways Single – 20,000 lbs. on All Highways Tandem – 36,000 lbs. on Interstate Tandem – 40,000 Ibs. on Non-Interstate Tridem – 54,000 lbs. |
| Overhang | Front: 4′ or less Rear: 10′ or less Over 4′ rear needs lighting for night running (see Signs, Flags, & Lights, below) |
Call (832) 454-5883 For Permit Consultation
routine limits for colorado oversize permits
The following are maximum dimensional limits allowed to be permitted at colorado DOT. Exceeding these dimensions can classify the oversize load as a super load. Depending on the load require additional processing time and review.
| Width | 17′ |
| Length | 130′ (4-lane highways) |
| Height | 16′ over 14’6″ (requires a survey) |
| Weight | Single – 22,000-27,000 lbs. Tandem – 42,000-50,000 lbs. Tridem – 55,000-65,000 lbs. Quad – up to 72,000 max |
Escort/Pilot Cars Requirements for Colorado Oversize Permits
| Width over 13′ | 1 escort car in the front |
| Width over 15′ | 2 escort pilot vehicles or 1 front escort pilot vehicle and flashing yellow light in the back (front and rear). |
| Length over 85′ on certain portions of 2-lane and 4-lane highways | 1 escort pilot vehicle in the front |
| Length over 110′ on 2 lane Length over 115′ on 4 or more lane | 1 escort pilot vehicle in the front |
| Overhang more than 25′ | 1 escort pilot vehicle |
| Height over 16′ | 1 in front with a high pole |
Escort/Pilot cars on 4 or more lane highways
| Width over 13′ to 15′ | 1 rear escort pilot vehicle or one flashing yellow light in the back |
| Width over 15′ | 2 escort pilot vehicles, or 1 front escort pilot vehicle in the front and flashing yellow light in the back |
| Length over 85′ | 1 escort pilot vehicle |
| Length over 115′ | 1 escort pilot vehicle |
| Height over 16′ | 1 escort pilot vehicle with a high pole |
| Height over 17’6″ | route survey and utility clearance letters also required |
Miscellaneous Colorado Oversize Provisions
In Colorado, a dozer blade can be detached and transported on the same trailer as the dozer, regardless of whether the load exceeds weight limits with or without the blade. Additionally, from September 1st to May 31st, commercial vehicles on I-70 between Dotsero (milepost 133) and Morrison (milepost 259) must carry chains to comply with the Colorado chain law. Non-compliance may result in fines. A permit is also available for overweight divisible loads on tractor/trailers with tandem, tridem, or quad trailers.
Signs, Flags & Lights for Colorado Oversize Permits
“Oversize Load” signs are mandatory at the front and rear of all oversize loads, but they should not be used for overweight-only loads. Flags must be placed at all four corners of wide and overlength loads, as well as at the ends of any load projections exceeding 4 feet.
For night travel, wide loads require a front-mounted flashing yellow light and two or three lights at the extreme rear. Overlength loads or those with a rear overhang (over 10 feet) may travel at night with a flashing yellow light at the front and one to three cluster lights on the overhang (red for rear, yellow for front). Legal overhangs (10 feet or less) that exceed 4 feet require a red light or lantern visible for 500 feet at the end of the load projection.
