The information provided about South Dakota Oversize Permits is solely for reference. Please carefully review your permits and provisions sheets, as we cannot guarantee the accuracy of the information. For questions or assistance, contact the number provided.

South Dakota DOT #:605.773.3265 

South Dakota Oversize Permits Duration:

South Dakota oversize permits have a three-day validity and must be obtained before entering the state.

Operating Time:

Operations are permitted from one-half hour before sunrise to one-half hour after sunset, including weekends. Loads with dimensions not exceeding 10′ wide, 14’6″ high, and 110′ overall length can travel continuously on interstate highways. Additionally, they are allowed within a 2-mile radius of Interstate Highway interchanges on state highways. Loads that are solely overweight are permitted to operate 24/7.

Legal Dimensions

Length:

  • 53′ semi-trailer
  • Overall length not limited

Overhang:

  • 3′ front
  • 4′ rear
  • or 53′ trailer and load

Poles, pipes, beams, utility poles, etc. are not exempt from permits for length or rear overhang.

Width:

 8’6″

Height: 

14″

Weight: 

80,000 Gross

  • Single – 20,000
  • Tandem – 34,000
  • Tridem – 42,000
  • Steer Axle may not exceed 600 pounds per inch of tire width

Divisible Loads Exceeding 80,000

Loads that surpass 80,000 gross weight are permissible on state highways without a permit, provided that axle/group weights adhere to legal limits, and the license corresponds to the gross weight. Yet, for Interstate routes, an “Interstate Permit” is required.

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Call (832) 454-5883 For Permit Consultation

ROUTINE PERMIT LIMITS

Length:

 Depends on routes

Width:

 Depends on routes

Height:

 Depends on routes

Weight:

  • Single – 24,000
  • Tandem – 46,000*
  • Tridem – 60,000*
  • Quad – 68,000*
  • Steer – 600 lbs. per inch of width (13,200 for 11″ steers)

Registration for the desired weight is necessary, and if exceeding the registered weight, an additional fee is applicable through a trip permit. Certain routes allow variations in weight, determined by SD based on the specific route. For overweight loads, all axles must be grounded. Tractors must be registered for the hauled weight, and an extra fee is charged for trips with permit orders.

South Dakota Oversize Permits image

Escort Conditions for South Dakota Oversize Permits

Length:

 Over 130′ – 1 escort

Width:

  • On Interstate Highways: Over 16′ – 1 escort
  • On most State Highways: Over 20′ – 1 escort

Multiple escorts needed if the load extends into adjacent lanes or if traffic can’t pass without the permitted vehicle on the road shoulder. In the Black Hills area, over 10′ requires 1 escort on US16 from Rapid City to Keystone, WY & US 18.

Height:

Normally no requirements.

Seasonal Load (Weight) Restrictions

Spring thaw load weight restrictions may go into effect any time after February 15th. Check with Permit Office.

Signs, Flags & Lights in South Dakota

All overdimensional vehicles and loads must display flags. Flags must be attached to all corners of vehicles or loads wider than 8’6” and to corners of any load extending beyond the width of the hauling vehicle. Flags are also to be attached to load projections exceeding 3 feet in front of the vehicles front bumper, or more than 4 feet beyond the rear of the trailer. If the front or rear projection is not wider than two feet, at least one flag is needed on the projection, and 2 flags are required on the projection if it is over 2 feet in width. “Oversize Load” or “Oversized Load” signs are required front and rear on all permit vehicles that exceed a width of 12 feet or a length of 95 feet, or that operate during nighttime hours. Signs must be reflectorized when used for night moves. Signs must be covered or removed when they are not required. Load projections must be lighted for nighttime running with amber lights, red lights, and reflectors. The specific requirements of nighttime lighting are listed on the South Dakota permit