The following information about Minnesota 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.

Minnesota DOT #: 256-234-4265

Minnesota Oversize Permits Duration

Minnesota oversize permits remain valid for a period of five travel days, and it is crucial to obtain the permit before entering the state.

Operating Time

During the period from sunrise to sunset, running can be done without special lighting. Vehicles up to and including 10 feet wide usually have the flexibility to run from 2:00 am to 10:00 pm on weekdays and Saturdays (excluding curfew areas and Friday summer restrictions, mentioned below). However, during this time frame, they must have flashing amber lights at both the front and rear during nighttime hours, and lights in place of flags, outlining both the vehicle and the load for night running.

For vehicles exceeding 10 feet in width, front and rear escorts are required, along with lights, to run before sunrise or after sunset. During the summer months (from Memorial Day weekend through the Friday after Labor Day), there is no movement allowed from 2:00 pm on Friday until sunrise on Saturday, except for loads up to 9 feet wide on a 22 feet or wider roadway, and up to 14 feet high. Travel is permitted throughout the day on Saturday and on Sunday from sunrise to 12:00 noon. Vehicles over 10 feet wide can travel at night only with front and rear escorts and must meet all lighting requirements.

Restricted Travel in Minnesota

Travel restrictions include major holidays, certain holiday weekends, and Fishing Opener Weekend in May. For vehicles exceeding 12 feet 6 inches in width, over 95 feet in length, or over 14 feet in height, travel is prohibited in the Twin City Metro area between 6:00 am – 8:30 am and 3:30 pm – 6:00 pm. In Duluth city limits, travel restrictions are in place between 7:00 am – 8:30 am and 4:00 pm – 5:30 pm, unless explicitly stated on the permit. The specific metro areas are outlined on the OD/OW Travel Hours sheet available on their website, accessible by clicking here.

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Call (832) 454-5883 For Permit Consultation

Legal Dimensions for Minnesota Oversize Load Permits

Length:

  • 75′ overall
  • 53′ semi-trailer
  • 43′ kingpin setting measured from kingpin to center of rear axle group

Note: Utility poles are only exempt from permits if the Bill of Lading specifically designates the load as utility poles. Other items such as pipes, beams, etc., are not exempt.

Width:

8′-6″

Height:

13′-6″

Weight:

  • 80,000 Gross on designated highways
  • 73,280 non-designated with 5 axles
  • 80,000 non-designated with 6 axles
  • Steer Axle – 600 pounds per inch of tire width (13,200 pounds with 11″ tires)
  • Tandem – 34,000
  • Tridem – 42,000
  • Single – 20,000 Designated highways (18,000 other roads)

Routine Permit Limits at Minnesota

Length:

  • 95′ for two-vehicle combination (wheelbase of 75′)
  • 103′ with a single pivot point

Width:

14′-6″, and up to 16′ for certain routes

Height:

  • 14′ to 15′-6″ with route restrictions
  • Loads over 15′-6″ are highly restricted and a route survey is required

Weight:

  • Single – 20,000
  • Tandem – 40,000 (46,000 with bridge check)
  • Tridem – 60,000
  • Quad – 72,000
  • Steer – 600 pounds per inch of tire width (13,200 on 11″ tires)
  • Pusher Axle – 500 pounds per inch of tire width (11,000 pounds with two 11″ tires)

Registration must cover a minimum weight equal to the permitted amount for Minnesota..

Loads exceeding these dimensions or weights are considered as Super Loads.

Minnesota Oversize Permits image

Escort Requirements for Minnesota Oversize Permits

Length:

  • Over 95′ – one escort
  • Over 110′ – two escorts

Width:

  • Over 14′-6″ – one escort on multi-lane divided highways
  • two escorts on two-lane highways
  • Police escort required if load encroaches on opposing lane

Height:

  • Over 15′-5″ – one escort with high pole suggested, but not required
  • Over 15′-6″ a height survey is required to get a permit.

Note: A few routes with “deficiencies” may require an extra escort.

Seasonal Load (Weight) Restrictions

Winter load increases, permitting up to 10% over maximum axle weights, typically become effective in December, with the start date varying annually. During the spring thaw period, typically from around February 1 or March 1 (depending on the zone) through early to mid-May, exceeding legal axle/group weights is generally restricted. Afterward, middle-range limits come into effect until about May 31.

Signs, Flags & Lights for Minnesota Oversize Permits

Oversize Load” signs are mandatory when escorts are required or when the vehicle is over 12 feet wide. These signs must be illuminated for nighttime travel. Flags, measuring 18 inches square, are necessary when the rear overhang exceeds 4 feet or when the vehicle/load exceeds 9 feet in width or 75 feet in length. Flags should be positioned at the tip of the overhang, at corners, and at the widest points of the load. An overwidth or overlength vehicle/load necessitates flags at each corner of the load, with an additional flag at the widest point on each side if it extends beyond the corner flags. An overhang exceeding 4 feet requires lighting during the night. Flashing amber lights are typically required on the permit when the vehicle is over 12 feet wide.