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North Dakota Oversize Permits Phone Number: (270)908-9656
North Dakota Oversize/Overweight Permits Rules and Regulations
North Dakota Oversize Overweight permits Validity: Oversize permits issued in North Dakota remain valid for a total of Three consecutive days. Drivers are required to secure the permit before entering the state.
North Dakota Traveling Time with Oversize Load: Transport is permitted from sunrise until sunset, including on weekends, unless the load goes beyond 16 feet in width or 110 feet in length. In such cases, travel is not permitted on Sunday or Saturday afternoons. Loads that are overweight but not oversized can move at any time, without restrictions.
North Dakota Oversize Load Restricted Travel: Travel may be limited during national holidays or weekends surrounding them, depending on load size. It is strongly recommended to verify with the permit office for any specific holiday-related travel limitations.
North Dakota Holiday Restriction: Unless otherwise specified on the North Dakota oversize load permit, loads wider than 16 feet are prohibited from moving on New Year’s Day, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving Day, and Christmas Day. These loads also cannot travel from noon until sunrise on the day following these holidays.
North Dakota Road/Bridge Restriction with Oversize Load:
North Dakota follows the Federal Bridge Formula, which imposes weight limits based on axle configurations. Bridge-specific and road-specific oversize restrictions may include, but are not limited to:
- Driving through active construction zones
- Ignoring construction zone warning signals
- Failing to yield to law enforcement or emergency vehicles
Note: All vehicles, whether self-propelled or towed, must comply with posted bridge weight limits.
Oversize load Seasonal Restriction in North Dakota:
Spring thaw weight restrictions are enforced on non-state highways beginning in February and may extend through May or later, depending on road conditions. Axle weight restrictions may drop to 8-ton, 7-ton, or 6-ton per axle when required. Although ton-mile exemptions may be available, they often come with significantly high costs.
North Dakota Oversize Tire Regulations:
Tires must be in legal condition, have proper air pressure, and meet tread depth requirements.
- The maximum allowable weight per inch of tire width is 550 lbs (or 600 lbs for steering axles).
- During icy or slippery conditions, studded snow tires or chains are permitted.
- Between October 15 and April 15, metal-studded pneumatic tires with 1/16-inch studs are allowed.
- For vehicles weighing below 7,000 lbs, tire height must stay within a 44-inch limit. Tires must be free from bulges or exposed cords.
- Front tire width must be at least 60% of the rear tire width
Chain Laws for Oversize Load in North Dakota:
From October 15 to April 15, North Dakota permits the use of tires with metal studs up to 1/16 inch. Chains are allowed on tires during snow, ice, or other conditions that result in slippery road surfaces, especially when required for safe operation.
North Dakota Legal Dimensions/Size Limit
North Dakota Oversize Permits Legal Length:
Length:
- The longest allowed length for a semi-trailer with load is 53 feet.
- The total legal vehicle and load length, including rear overhang, must not exceed 75 feet.
- Permits are still necessary for items like poles, pipes, beams, and utility poles when it comes to length and overhang.
North Dakota Oversize Permits Wide Load Limit: 8 feet 6 inches
North Dakota Oversize Permits Legal Height: Maximum allowable height is 14 feet
North Dakota Oversize Permits Legal Weight Limit: Up to 80,000 pounds.
Axle Weight Limits:
- Single axle: Maximum of 20,000 pounds.
- Tandem axle: Maximum of 34,000 pounds.
- Tridem axle: Maximum of 48,000 pounds.
Note: To operate at or above 105,500 pounds, the tractor must be registered at that maximum, or additional fees will be applied under an Overweight Permit
If you are traveling on state highways, divisible loads may exceed 80,000 pounds without a permit, as long as each axle and axle group remains within legal limits, and the vehicle is licensed for at least the total gross weight. Interstate travel requires a valid Interstate Permit, without exception.
Maximum Load Dimensions with permits in North Dakota
Limits vary depending on the specific route, distance, and any bridge crossings involved
Length: Up to 120 feet
Width: Up to 18 feet
North Dakota Oversize Permits Wide Load Requirements
Any load wider than 8′6″ must have a valid oversize permit from the North Dakota Department of Transportation.
“Oversize Load” banners on front and rear for loads over 8′6″ wide
Banners must be at least 5′ × 12″ with 8″ black letters on yellow
Over 14′6″ width required 1 or more pilot cars, Over 16′ width required 2 pilot cars on 2-lane roads; 1 on 4-lane roads, Over 18′ width highway Patrol escort may be required and Under 16′ on 4-lane highways no escort needed if equipped with amber lights
North Dakota Oversize Permits Wide Load Restrictions
Over 10′ wide travel only from sunrise to sunset
Over 16′ wide, no travel on holidays or from noon Saturday to sunrise Monday
Holiday Ban: Applies on New Year’s, Memorial Day, July 4th, Labor Day, Thanksgiving, and Christmas
Road/Bridge & Seasonal Limits: Must follow Federal Bridge Formula and posted weight limits. Seasonal restrictions may apply under Frost Law during spring thaw
Height: Up to 18 feet
Weight:
- Axle Group Limits:
Steer axle (11″ tires): Up to 12,100 pounds (based on 550 pounds per inch of tire width)
Single axle: Maximum 24,000 pounds
Tandem axle: Maximum 45,000 pounds
Tridem axle: Maximum 60,000 pounds
Quad axle: Maximum 68,000 pounds
Note: North Dakota prefers even axle group distribution. Overweight permits may be denied if weights are not balanced across axles
Superload Thresholds: Any load that exceeds the above routine permit dimensions or weighs over 150,000 pounds will be classified as a superload and requires special review.
What Are The Requirements For a Pilot Car In North Dakota
Length Based Escort Requirement in North Dakota:
Loads exceeding 120 feet in length require 1 escort vehicle
Width Based Escort Requirement in North Dakota:
On 2-Lane Highways:
When the width ranges from over 14 feet 6 inches up to 16 feet:
– Either 1 escort or
– A flashing amber light (rotating or strobe) that is visible from 500 feet in both directions may be used instead of an escort.
Over 16 feet: Requires 2 escorts.On 4-Lane Highways:
Any load wider than 16 feet needs one escort vehicle.
Loads over 18 feet require an official escort, unless specifically exempted by the North Dakota Highway Patrol.
Height Based Escort Requirement in North Dakota: Any load over 18 feet in height must have 1 escort vehicle and provide written clearance from all affected utility companies
Signage, Flashing Amber lights and flags Requirements and North Dakota Additional Information
An “Oversize Load” sign is required at the rear of the vehicle if the total length exceeds 75 feet. Additionally, flags must be placed on both the front and rear of the load, facing traffic. For overwidth and overheight loads, only flags are required—signs are not mandatory in those cases.
North Dakota Oversize/Overweight Permit fee:
North Dakota offers a variety of permits for oversize and overweight (OSOW) loads. The cost of these permits is determined by the type of load, its weight, and dimensions. Additional charges may apply for application processing and special conditions. The detail is available permits, fees, and requirements.
- Single Trip Oversize/Overweight Permits
A Single Trip Permit in North Dakota is valid for five days and authorizes a one-way movement for non-divisible oversize or overweight loads exceeding legal limits.
Permit Features:
Covers a specific route between two points
A separate permit is required for return trips
Must adhere to specified travel time restrictions
Axle Weight Limits:
Single axle: Up to 22,000 lbs
Tandem axle: Up to 40,000 lbs
Fees:
Oversize/Overweight: $20 + $15 service fee
Divisible Load: $20 + $15 service fee
Special Mobile Equipment: $25 + $15 service fee
Workover Service Rig: $100 + $15 service fee - Annual Oversize/Overweight Permits
An Annual OSOW Permit allows unrestricted movement for up to 365 days for specific routes and approved vehicle configurations.
Permit Types & Fees:
Annual Oversize Only: $250
Annual Oversize/Overweight: $400
Annual Overweight (Divisible Load): $300
Additional charges may apply for:
Seasonal or route-specific permits
129 Primary Network access - Overweight Permit Fees (Based on Total Weight)
Fees for overweight loads are charged based on total gross weight beyond 150,000 pounds:
Weight Range (lbs):150,001 – 160,000
Permit Fee:$30
Weight Range (lbs):160,001 – 170,000
Permit Fee:$40
Weight Range (lbs):170,001 – 180,000
Permit Fee:$50
Weight Range (lbs): 180,001 – 190,000
Permit Fee: $60
Weight Range (lbs): 190,001 and over
Permit Fee: $70
Note: North Dakota prefers even distribution across axle groups. Permits may be denied if weights are not well-balanced. North Dakota Trip Permits
Temporary IRP Trip Permits allow out-of-state carriers to operate in North Dakota without registering under IRP.
Validity: 72 hours
Fee: $20
Additional handling fee may applyNorth Dakota Fuel Permits (IFTA)
Out-of-state carriers can obtain a 72-hour IFTA fuel permit to operate in North Dakota legally.
Fee: $15
Permit required if the vehicle has a GVW over 26,000 lbs
Processing fees may applySpecialty Permits
These are required for loads or vehicles that don’t fall under standard OSOW categories.
Types of Specialty Permits:
Special Mobile Equipment Permits:
Required for self-propelled equipment like cranes or pumps
One-way permits: Valid for 5 days
Multi-trip permits: Valid for 24 hours
Base fee: $25 minimum
Ton-mile charges may apply during spring thaw or weight-limited seasons
Amber Light Permits: Vehicles escorting oversize loads must have roof-mounted amber warning lights
Loading Zone Permits: Issued for non-commercial vehicles using commercial loading zones
Company Fleet Permits (CFP):
Base fee: $3,000
Additional vehicle fee: $300 per vehicle
FAQ’s
You can contact at (270)908-9656 Express Heavy Haul for North Dakota Oversize Permits.
An oversize load in North Dakota refers to any vehicle or combination of vehicles and loads that exceed the legal size and weight limits set by the state. Vehicles exceeding regular limits for height, width, length, or weight must obtain special permits to travel legally on public highways.
The maximum dimensions allowed under permit in North Dakota can vary depending on the route and conditions. Generally, loads beyond 16 feet wide, 16 feet high, 150 feet long, or weighing over 250,000 pounds are considered superloads and may need special routing, additional permits, and escort vehicles.
The maximum legal height for a vehicle in North Dakota without a permit is 15 feet. Any height above the standard legal maximum requires an oversize permit.
The legal maximum width without a permit in North Dakota is 8 feet 6 inches (102 inches). Any load wider than the allowed limit must secure an appropriate oversize permit.
North Dakota’s oversize regulations govern the movement of vehicles exceeding legal size or weight limits. Carriers must obtain appropriate permits before operating such loads, adhere to route restrictions, and comply with escort and safety requirements.
The cost of a wide load permit in North Dakota depends on the size and type of load. As of the latest guidelines, fees typically start at around $25 to $100 for single trip permits, with additional charges for larger or heavier loads.
Yes, North Dakota allows the use of electronic oversize permits, which can be downloaded and shown digitally on a mobile device, provided they are legible and accessible during inspections.
Generally, oversize loads are allowed to move only during daylight hours, defined as 30 minutes before sunrise to 30 minutes after sunset. Night travel may be permitted for certain loads, but only with prior approval noted on the permit.
Escort vehicle requirements in North Dakota depend on the size of the load. Typically, one or more pilot cars are required for loads wider than 12 feet or taller than 15 feet, and police escorts may be necessary for extremely large or heavy shipments.
lighting, and using escorts when required. These regulations are in place to ensure public safety and minimize road damage.
Any load exceeding 8 feet 6 inches in width is classified as oversize in North Dakota and requires a permit.
Oversize vehicles are generally allowed to operate from 30 minutes before sunrise to 30 minutes after sunset, Monday through Saturday. Travel on Sundays and holidays is usually restricted unless specifically allowed by the permit.
Nighttime movement of oversize loads is not typically permitted in North Dakota. Exceptions may be granted for certain routes or under specific conditions, but they must be clearly stated in the issued permit.
A single trip permit for North Dakota can be ordered through Our Website Express Heavy Haul, or by calling us at (270)908-9656
Oversize load travel is allowed during daylight hours only, which is 30 minutes before sunrise until 30 minutes after sunset. No movement is allowed on major holidays or Sundays unless authorized.
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Get Your North Dakota 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 North Dakota oversize or overweight permit. State Direct. 24/7 Live Service. Order Online Today. Trip & Fuel Combo Permits. Types: Oversize, Overweight, Trip.
