New Hampshire Oversize/Overweight Permits
PERMITS
New Hampshire oversize permits are valid for five days of travel. You must obtain your permit prior to entering the state.
OPERATING TIME
New Hampshire permits travel for oversize or overweight loads from one-half hour before sunrise to one-half hour after sunset, Monday through Friday. No weekend or holiday travel is allowed for overdimensional loads. Overweight-only loads are not restricted to specific times.
LEGAL DIMENSIONS
Width: | 8’6″ |
Height: | 13’6″ |
Length: |
Length limitations do not apply to vehicles transporting poles, pipes, logs, timbers, and steel beams (not for stretch trailers). |
Weight: | 80,000 lbs. gross weight
*When GVW doesn’t exceed 73,280 lbs., 22,440 lbs. legal on a single axle, and 36,000 lbs. on a tandem. |
PERMIT LIMITS
Width: | 16’ |
Height: | 16’ |
Length: | 90’ |
Weight: |
|
Loads exceeding these dimensions are treated as superloads.
A bridge review is required when:
- Any single axle bears more than 27,500 lbs.
- Any axle of a tandem bears more than 25,000 lbs.
- Any axle of a tridem bears more than 22,500 lbs.
- Any axle of a quad bears more than 20,000 lbs.
- Any 5-axle combination exceeds 100,000 lbs.
- Any 6-axle combination exceeds 120,000 lbs.
- Any 7-axle combination exceeds 130,000 lbs.
- Any combination of 8 or more axles exceeds 149,999 lbs.
ESCORTS FOR WIDELOAD AND OVERSIZED SHIPPING
When Escorts are Needed:
Length:
- 80’-100’ – 1 escort
- Over 100’ – A state police escort is required (needs a 48-hour notice) unless exempted by the state.
Overhang:
- Over 15’ – 1 escort
- On a 2-lane undivided highway, 2 escorts are required if the overhang exceeds 15’ and width is over 12’
Width:
- 12’-18’ – 1 escort
- Over 18’- 2 state police escorts are required (need 48-hour notice). The state may require a second escort for some routes.
Height:
- A route survey may be required for loads over 13’6″ tall. Escorts are not usually required for height.
Police Escort: | Cost $132/half day. State police escorts need 48-hour notice. Call 603-271-6298 or 800-443-5268 to schedule. After hours, call 603-271-3636.
Loads with a length of 100’ or more or a width of 18’ or more require state police escorts. |
Mobile homes: | Manufactured homes cannot exceed 95’ long and 16’ wide. |
On Less Than 4-Lane Highways:
Width 12’ or less | 1 front escort |
Width greater than 12’ but not exceeding 14’6″ with approved routes | 2 SP+ |
On 4-land Highways:
Width 12’ or less | None |
Width between 12’ and 14’6″ within 2 miles of an exit from such highway | 1 rear escorts |
Width between 14’6″ and 16’ with approved route | 2 SP+ |
SIGNS, FLAGS & LIGHTS
“Oversize Load” signs are required on the front of an oversize vehicle and on the rear of the vehicle or load, whichever provides the best rear display. When the load extends more than 4″ over the sides of the trailer, place red flags (at least 12′′ square) on all extremities of the load. When the rear overhang exceeds 4’, one flag must be displayed at the end of the overhang if it is less than 2’ wide, and two flags must be displayed if the overhang is greater than 2’ wide. There are no special lighting requirements.
SEASONAL LOAD RESTRICTIONS
During the spring thaw, weight may be limited to 20,000 lbs. gross axle weight or less.
RESTRICTED TRAVEL
The City of Manchester restricts travel during the hours of 7:00 a.m.–9:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m.–6:00 p.m. Toll road requirements are the same as other highways. No travel on major holidays, including some holiday weekend restrictions.
You can also obtain any trip and fuel permits you may need with our sister site!