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Massachusetts Oversize Permits Phone Number: (270)908-9656
Massachusetts Oversize/Overweight Permits Rules and Regulations
Massachusetts Oversize Overweight permits Validity: Oversize permits issued in Massachusetts remain valid for a total of Five consecutive days. Drivers are required to secure the permit before entering the state.
Massachusetts Traveling Time with Oversize Load: Vehicles that are up to 12 feet wide and under 14 feet tall are typically allowed to travel from 12:01 AM on Monday through noon on Saturday and Sunday. Vehicles between 12 feet and 14 feet in width, taller than 13 feet 11 inches, or longer than 80 feet (but not exceeding 114 feet) may travel only Monday through Friday from sunrise to sunset, excluding the hours of 7:00–9:00 AM and 3:00–7:00 PM.
Massachusetts Restricted Travel with Oversize Load: Travel is not allowed during major holidays and some holiday weekends. In the Boston area, travel on Routes 95 and 93 is only permitted between 9:30 AM and 3:30 PM
Massachusetts Turnpike: Between the New York line and I-95, loads up to 10 feet wide, legal weight, and up to 80 feet in length do not require a permit. For vehicles up to 12 feet wide, 13 feet 9 inches tall, 80 feet long, and 99,000 lbs, Turnpike permits are issued. For dimensions exceeding these limits, a $350 engineering fee applies and approval is required. Police escorts are mandatory for vehicles wider than 12 feet, longer than 100 feet, or over 130,000 pounds in gross weight.
Massachusetts Holiday Restriction: Unless otherwise specified in the Massachusetts permit, no oversize movements are allowed on New Year’s Day, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving Day, and Christmas Day.
Massachusetts Oversize permits Load Restricted Travel:
Loads wider than 10 feet are not allowed within a 10-mile radius of the following cities during peak hours:
- Charlotte
- Raleigh
- Durham
- Chapel Hill
Restricted hours:
- Morning: 7:00 AM to 9:00 AM
- Evening: 4:00 PM to 6:00 PM
Additionally, loads taller than 14 feet traveling near I-40 tunnels close to the Tennessee line are subject to speed and safety restrictions. Holiday weekends and major holidays also restrict travel—always confirm with the permit office for updated restrictions.
Massachusetts Road/Bridge Restriction with Oversize Load:
Massachusetts enforces federal bridge formula standards for bridge load limits. Road restrictions encompass, but are not limited to, the following:
- Avoiding travel through construction zones
- Following signals and detours within work areas
- Giving right-of-way to law enforcement, emergency responders, and other priority traffic
Oversize load Seasonal Restriction in Massachusetts:
Frost laws, similar to those in many northern U.S. states and Canadian provinces, may impose seasonal load limits. Restrictions depend on the type and nature of the load and may appear on specific permits issued in Massachusetts.
Massachusetts Oversize permits Tire Regulations:
Tires must be in proper working condition, correctly inflated, and have a tread depth of at least 2/32 of an inch. No protruding material other than rubber or chains is allowed unless necessary for safety or explicitly permitted. Studded tires are allowed from November 2 to April 30. Snow chains are generally acceptable during winter storms, except on triple-axle trucks, which must use chains on opposite wheels of at least one axle.
Vehicle Lift and Tire Size Limitations:
For 4WD vehicles, the maximum mechanical lift is calculated by multiplying the wheelbase by the track width, then dividing by 2200 (e.g., 92″ wheelbase x 58″ track width = 5336 ÷ 2200 = 2″ max lift). The installed tire size must be compatible with this lift. The combined lift from both mechanical adjustments and larger tires must not exceed allowable limits.
Chain Laws for Oversize Load in Massachusetts: Seasonal Tire Chain Restrictions:
From May 1 to November 1, the use of studded tires or chains is prohibited without special permission. Chains may be used during snowy or icy conditions when highway safety requires additional traction.
Massachusetts Legal Dimensions/Size Limit
Massachusetts Legal Length:
- Length: Semi-trailers are permitted up to 53 feet on interstates and other designated routes.
Massachusetts Oversize Permits Wide Load Limit: The legal maximum width is 8 feet 6 inches
Massachusetts Oversize Permits Legal Height: Maximum allowable height is 13 feet 6 inches
Massachusetts Oversize Permits Legal Weight Limit: Up to 80,000 pounds.
Axle Weight Limits:
- Single Axle: Up to 24,000 pounds on designated highways; 22,400 pounds on other roads
- Tandem Axle: 34,000 pounds
- Tridem Axle: 36,000 pounds
Maximum Load Dimensions with permits in Massachusetts
Limits vary depending on the specific route, distance, and any bridge crossings involved
Length: 115 feet
Width: 14 feet 11 inches
Massachusetts Oversize Permits Wide Load Requirements
Permit is required for any load exceeding 8′ 6″ in width.
Escort Requirements:
Width:
Over 12′: 1 escort
Over 13′6″: 2 escorts
15′ or more: 2 escorts + state police
Turnpike Rule: Loads over 12′ wide, 100′ long, or 130,000 lbs require police escort.
Massachusetts Oversize Permits Wide Load Restrictions
- Holiday Restrictions Applicable
- Legal Travel Times: Travel allowed from 12:01 AM Monday to noon Saturday, and 12:01 AM to noon Sunday.
- Road/Bridge Restrictions: Follows Federal Bridge Formula
- Seasonal Restrictions: Frost laws may apply depending on load type and season
Height: 14 feet 11 inches (Any load above 13 feet 8 inches requires a route-specific height clearance survey.)
Weight: Up to 130,000 pounds gross, depending on axle spacing and configuration
Important: Loads exceeding these routine limits are considered superloads. Any vehicle with a gross weight over 130,000 pounds will need an engineering assessment of all bridges and structures along the route. These assessments can cost thousands of dollars based on the complexity of the route and number of structures
Superload: The widest superload allowed in Massachusetts is 16 feet
What Are The Requirements For a Pilot Car In Massachusetts
Length Based Escort Requirement in Massachusetts:
- Over 80 feet requires one escort vehicle
- Over 95 feet requires two escorts
- 115 feet or longer requires two Massachusetts State Police escorts
- 134 feet or more requires two escorts plus state police assistance
Width Based Escort Requirement in Massachusetts:
- Wider than 12 feet Requires one escort
- Wider than 13 feet 6 inches Requires two escorts
- Wider than 14 feet 11 inches Requires two escorts along with state police
Height Based Escort Requirement in Massachusetts:
- Taller than 13 feet 8 inches Requires a front escort and a route-specific height survey
- Taller than 13 feet 11 inches (Subject to the route) typically requires two escorts
- Loads exceeding 14 feet 11 inches must be accompanied by two front escorts and a state police escort
Turnpike Escort Requirements:
On the Massachusetts Turnpike, vehicles exceeding 12 feet in width, 100 feet in length, or weighing more than 130,000 pounds must be escorted by police. Within Boston, loads exceeding legal dimensions also require city police escorts. In the Cape Cod region, widths over 12 feet necessitate a state police escort in addition to a civilian escort
Signage, Flashing Amber lights and flags Requirements and Massachusetts Additional Information
Vehicles that don’t require an escort but are oversize must display an “Oversize Load” sign at the rear. Red flags must be placed on the corners and extremities of any load that is over width or over length. For all oversize/overweight loads moved during nighttime hours, an amber flashing light must be mounted at the highest point of the vehicle and be visible from both the front and rear
Massachusetts Oversize/Overweight Permit fee:
The cost of obtaining oversize overweight permits in Massachusetts varies based on the permit type, vehicle configuration, and the size or weight of the load. Below is a categorized breakdown:
- Single Trip Oversize/Overweight Permits: A single-trip permit authorizes a one-time movement of a non-divisible load exceeding legal dimensions from one point to another.
Validity: Typically valid for up to 5 consecutive days
Maximum Dimensions Allowed:
Width: up to 14′
Height: up to 14 feet are permitted; however, anything above 13 feet 8 inches requires a height clearance survey
Length: up to 115′
Base Cost: $20–$40
Additional Charges: Application handling and processing fees may apply
Round Trip: A separate return-trip permit may be required - Annual Oversize/Overweight Permits: An annual permit allows repeated travel for one vehicle and specific load types between designated points for a full year.
Validity: 365 days from the date of issuance
Dimensions Covered:
Width: Up to 14′
Height: Up to 14′ (above 13′ 8″ requires a height clearance survey)
Length: Up to 115′
Base Cost: $400
Processing Fees: Additional administrative charges may apply - Massachusetts Superload Permits Fee: Loads that exceed the routine permit limits are classified as superloads. These require special engineering reviews, especially when the total weight exceeds 130,000 pounds.
Typical Cost Range: $300 to $600
Additional Requirements:
Engineering analysis of bridges and structures
Route-specific planning
May require multiple escorts and police assistance
Permit validity and cost depend on:
The exact dimensions
Route and infrastructure evaluations
Safety provisions such as escorts and signage - Specialty Permits: Massachusetts issues special permits based on unique vehicle configurations or cargo types:
a. Manufactured and Mobile Home Permits
Travel Restrictions:
Homes over 13′ 6″ in height or longer than 100′ are not allowed on state highways
Modular/mobile homes between 12′ and 14′ wide can travel during daylight hours (Monday to Friday), subject to restrictions
Maximum width allowed is 16′ on selected routes
Permit Cost:
o $40 for a five-day single-trip permit
o $400 for an annual permit
b. Amber Light Permits
Required for escort vehicles accompanying oversize loads
Amber flashing lights must be roof-mounted and visible from both front and rear
c. Loading Zone Permits
Available to authorize use of commercial loading zones by non-commercial delivery vehicles
Typically issued to assist in temporary or specific loading operations - Temporary Trip and Fuel Permits: These are issued for carriers not registered under the IRP (International Registration Plan) or IFTA (International Fuel Tax Agreement):
a. IRP Trip Permit
Purpose: Grants temporary travel authority in Massachusetts to out-of-state vehicles
Validity: 72 hours
Fee: $15
Additional Charges: May include processing and handling fees
b. IFTA Fuel Permit
Purpose: Allows out-of-state operators to purchase fuel legally in Massachusetts without IFTA registration
Validity: 72 hours
Fee: $20
Additional Charges: Application and handling costs may apply - Combination State and Toll Road Permits: Massachusetts offers combined permits for travel on both state highways and toll roads (such as I-90):
Annual State-Only Permit: $400
Annual I-90 Toll-Only Permit: $400
Annual State + Toll Combined Permit: $800
These are typically used for construction vehicles and other heavy equipment operating consistently across multiple routes.
Final Notes on Permit Costs
Permit pricing is approximate and may vary based on the vehicle, route, and exact load specifications.
Additional costs can arise due to required escorts, engineering assessments for superloads, or processing delays.
Always check for updated requirements through Massachusetts DOT or trusted permit agencies before travel.
Massachusetts Oversize/Overweight Load Fines and Penalties
Massachusetts Oversize Permits, penalties for transporting oversize or overweight loads are determined by how much the load exceeds the legal limits and the nature of the offense. Below is a categorized summary of the possible fines and enforcement actions:
- General Fines for Permit Violations
A first-time violation of oversize/overweight transport regulations typically results in a $35 fine.
A second offense can lead to penalties ranging from $35 to $75.
For repeated violations within the same year, fines increase to between $75 and $150. - Operating Without a Valid Permit or License
Operating a commercial vehicle without proper authorization is subject to:
$500 fine for the first violation
$500 to $1,000 fine for a second offense
$1,000 to $2,000 fine for any further violations - Overweight Violations Based on Excess Load
When weight restrictions are exceeded, fines are assessed based on each additional 1,000 pounds over the legal limit.
A $50 surcharge may apply for certain weight-related violations.
The first $50 collected from this surcharge is allocated to the Head Injury Treatment Services Trust Fund. - Reckless Endangerment Offenses
First-degree reckless endangerment (a Class A misdemeanor) carries penalties of:
Up to 1 year in jail, or
A fine up to $2,000, or
Both imprisonment and fine
Second-degree reckless endangerment (a Class B misdemeanor) includes:
Up to 6 months in jail, or
A fine up to $1,000, or
Both penalties - School Bus Passenger Violations
Operating a school bus with more passengers than allowed can result in:
A fine up to $100, or
Up to 30 days in jail, or
Both jail time and a fine - License and Permit Suspensions
Three violations within a single year can lead to a 30-day license suspension.
Learner’s permit holders face:
90-day suspension for a first offense
1-year suspension for repeated offenses
Mandatory completion of a state-approved road rage prevention program
Junior operator’s license holders are subject to:
A 90-day suspension for the first violation
A 1-year suspension for any following violations
Mandatory program completion and retesting for driving eligibility - Vehicle and Safety Violations
Failure to comply with safety regulations: $25 fine
Missing or failed inspection or certification: $50 fine
A $5 surcharge is added to all motor vehicle violation fines, with proceeds going to the Public Safety Training Fund
FAQ’s
You can contact at (270)908-9656 Express Heavy Haul for Massachusetts Oversize Permits.
In Massachusetts, a load is considered oversize if it exceeds 8 feet 6 inches in width, 13 feet 6 inches in height, or 48 feet in length for a single trailer. Any vehicle or load that goes beyond these dimensions requires an oversize permit before traveling on public roads.
The maximum dimensions for oversize loads vary by state and route. In general, Massachusetts allows loads up to 12 feet wide, 13 feet 11 inches high, and 99 feet long under routine permits. Larger dimensions may be approved under special or superload permits, often requiring escorts and additional restrictions.
In Massachusetts, the maximum legal height for a vehicle without requiring an oversize permit is 13 feet 6 inches. Vehicles taller than this must obtain a permit and may be subject to route restrictions or escort requirements.
The maximum legal width for a vehicle or load in Massachusetts without an oversize permit is 8 feet 6 inches. Anything exceeding this width is considered oversize and requires a state-issued permit to travel on public roads.
The cost of a wide load permit in Massachusetts typically starts at $25 per trip, but fees can vary depending on the size of the load, type of permit, number of days requested, and whether escorts are needed. Superload permits are more expensive and involve additional review.
Oversize loads in Massachusetts must follow state regulations, including designated travel times (usually daylight hours), no movement during holidays, and route restrictions for specific dimensions. Escorts may be required depending on width, length, and height. Lights, signs, and flags must be displayed on oversize loads as per state requirements.
The maximum width allowed before a vehicle is considered oversize in Massachusetts is 8 feet 6 inches. Any vehicle or load wider than this threshold requires a permit to operate legally on state roads.
A single trip permit for Massachusetts can be ordered through Our Website Express Heavy Haul, or by calling us at (270)908-9656
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Get Your Massachusetts Oversize Permits - Trucking Permits
If your vehicle exceeds those numbers, it’s likely overweight or hauling an oversize load. Let Express Heavyhaul Trucking Permits help get you your Massachusetts oversize or overweight permit. State Direct. 24/7 Live Service. Order Online Today. Trip & Fuel Combo Permits. Types: Oversize, Overweight, Trip.
