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The following information of North Dakota 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.

North Dakota DOT #: 701-227-6500

PERMITS:

Oversize permits for North Dakota are effective for a duration of three days. It is imperative to obtain the permit before entering the state.

OPERATING TIME:

Travel is permitted from sunrise to sunset, encompassing both Saturday and Sunday, with the exception of loads exceeding 16 feet in width and 110 feet in length, which are restricted from Saturday noon onward and throughout the entire day on Sunday. However, continuous travel is allowed for overweight loads.

RESTRICTED TRAVEL:

Travel restrictions may apply on major holidays or holiday weekends, contingent on dimensions. It is advised to verify holiday restrictions with the permit office.

LEGAL DIMENSIONS

Length:

• 53′ semi-trailer and load
• 75 overall including load and any rear overhang

Permits are required for the length or rear overhang of items such as poles, pipes, beams, utility poles, etc. They are not exempt from these permit requirements.

Width:

8’6″

Height:

14′

Weight:

80,000 Gross

• Single – 20,000
• Tandem – 34,000
• Tridem – 48,000

Register the tractor at a maximum of 105,500 pounds to be eligible for permits equal to or exceeding that weight, or pay an additional fee on the overweight (O/W) permit.

Divisible Loads Legal Dimensions:

For divisible loads exceeding 80,000 pounds: You can surpass 80,000 pounds gross weight without requiring a permit on state highways, as long as you comply with all axle/group weight regulations and hold a license for at least the declared gross weight. However, if your route includes any Interstate segments, obtaining an “Interstate Permit” is necessary.

Call (832) 454-5883 For Permit Consultation

ROUTINE PERMIT LIMITS

Length:

120′

Width:

18′

Height:

18′

Weight:

• Steer – 12,100 for 11″ tires (550 pounds per inch of tire width)
• Single – 24,000
• Tandem – 45,000
• Tridem – 60,000
• Quad – 68,000

Note: North Dakota prefers not to issue overweight permits when axle group weights are not evenly distributed as much as possible.

Loads exceeding these dimensions or over 150,000 pounds are considered superloads.

ESCORTS REQUIREMENTS FOR NORTH DAKOTA OVERSIZE PERMITS

Length:

Over 120′ – 1 escort

Width:

On 2-lane highways:

• Over 14’6″ up to 16′ – 1 escort, or may use lighted rotating or flashing amber light(s) visible for 500′ from the front and rear in lieu of escort
• Over 16′ – 2 escorts

On 4-lane highways:

• Over 16′ – 1 escort
• All highways: Over 18′ – Official escort (unless exempted by Highway Patrol)
• Instead of a pilot car, for widths over 14 feet 6 inches but not exceeding 16 feet, the vehicle may be equipped with lighted rotating or flashing amber lights visible from both the front and rear at a distance of 500 feet.

Height:

Over 18′ – 1 escort and written clearances from utility companies.

SEASONAL LOAD (WEIGHT) RESTRICTIONS:

Spring thaw load weight restrictions on non-Interstate highways typically come into effect in February and extend through May, with certain exceptions lasting even later, depending on the number of axles. Ton-mile exceptions may be an option, but they tend to be costly. The weight restrictions during this period vary, ranging from legal weight only to limits of 8 tons, 7 tons, and 6 tons, depending on the specific regulations in place.

SIGNS, FLAGS & LIGHTS:

An “Oversize Load” sign must be displayed on the rear of the vehicle when the overall length exceeds 75 feet. For all overdimensional loads, flags are required on the traffic side of the load, both at the front and rear. Overwidth and overheight loads, on the other hand, only necessitate the use of flags, and signs are not mandatory.