The following information about Massachusetts Oversize permits is for informational purposes only. It’s important to always read your permits and provisions sheets carefully as we cannot guarantee the accuracy of the information provided. If you have any questions or need assistance, you can contact the following number.

Massachusetts DOT #: 256-234-4265

Massachusetts Oversize Permits Duration

Massachusetts Oversize permits remain effective for a duration of five travel days, and it is essential to obtain the permit before entering the state.

Operating Time

In general, vehicles with a width under 12 feet and a height under 14 feet are allowed to travel from Monday morning at 12:01 am through noon on Saturday, as well as from 12:01 am until noon on Sundays. For vehicles falling between 12 and 14 feet in width, over 13 feet 11 inches in height, and exceeding 80 feet in length (but not surpassing 114 feet), travel is permitted only from sunrise to sunset on Mondays through Fridays. However, there are restrictions on travel during specific hours, namely, no travel is allowed between 7:00 am – 9:00 am or between 3:30 pm – 7:00 pm.

Restricted Travel in Massachusetts

Travel is restricted on major holidays and certain holiday weekends. Routes 95 and 93 in the Boston area are limited to travel only during the hours of 9:30 am to 3:30 pm.

On the Massachusetts Turnpike, no permit is required between the NY line and I-95 for vehicles up to 10 feet wide, legal weight, and up to 80 feet long. Turnpike permits are granted for vehicles and loads up to 12 feet wide, 13 feet 9 inches high, 80 feet long, and weighing up to 99,000 pounds. Special restrictions apply to the Sumner, Callahan, and Ted Williams Tunnels in the Boston area. Permits to exceed these dimensions on the Turnpike necessitate special engineering approval along with a $350.00 fee. Vehicles or loads exceeding 12 feet in width, over 100 feet in length, or exceeding 130,000 gross weight require a police escort. For inquiries, the Turnpike can be contacted at 781-431-5148.

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Call (832) 454-5883 For Permit Consultation

Legal Dimensions for Massachusetts Oversize Permits

Length:

53′ semi-trailer on Interstate and designated highways.

Width:

8′-6″

Height:

13′-6″

Weight:

80,000 Gross

  • Single – 24,000 designated highways (22,400 other roads)
  • Tandem – 34,000
  • Tridem – 36,000

Routine Permit Limits in Massachusetts

Length:

115′

Width:

14′-11″

Height:

14′-11″ (Over 13′-8″ requires a height survey)

Weight:

The weight limit for vehicles is 130,000 pounds gross (refer to the note below). The allowance for single, tandem, or tridem axles depends on the specific axle spacings.

Loads exceeding these dimensions are treated as super loads:

Exceeding 130,000 pounds gross weight necessitates an engineering company survey of structures, which can incur costs in the range of several thousand dollars. The expenses depend on factors such as the chosen route and the number of structures involved.

Note: The maximum superload width Massachusetts Oversize Permits is 16 feet.

Massachusetts Oversize Permits image

Escort Requirements for Massachusetts Oversize Load Permits:

Length:

  • Over 80′ – one escort
  • Over 95′ – two escorts
  • 115′ or more – two State Police escorts
  • 134′ or more – state police plus two escorts

Width:

  • Over 12′ – one escort
  • Over 13′-6″ – two escorts
  • Over 14′-11″ – two escorts plus state police

Height:

  • Over 13′-8″ – route/height survey plus one front escort
  • Over 13′-11″ – (depending on route) – two escorts
  • Over 14′-11″ – 2 front escorts plus state police escort

On the Massachusetts Turnpike, a police escort is mandatory for vehicles exceeding 12 feet in width, over 100 feet in length, or grossing over 130,000 pounds. In the City of Boston, for vehicles exceeding legal dimensions, one escort along with city police is required. On Cape Cod, if the width exceeds 12 feet, one escort plus a State Police escort are necessary.

Signs, Flags & Lights for MassachusettsOversize Load Permits

An “Oversize Load” sign must be displayed on the rear of an oversize vehicle not requiring an escort. Red flags should be mounted on extremities and corners for any vehicle exceeding width or length limits. Additionally, for all oversized loads transported during nighttime hours, a flashing amber light must be operational above the vehicle’s highest point, visible from both the front and rear of the vehicle.