North Dakota Oversize/Overweight Permits

North Dakota

PERMITS

North Dakota oversize permits are valid for three days. You must have a permit prior to entering the state.

OPERATING TIME

Sunrise to sunset, including Saturday and Sunday, except for loads over 16 feet wide and 110 feet long, which cannot travel Saturday afternoon or Sunday all day. Continuous travel is allowed for overweight-only loads.

 LEGAL DIMENSIONS

Weight: 80,000 lbs. – Gross weight

  • Single – 20,000 lbs.
  • Tandem – 34,000 lbs.
  • Tridem – 48,000 lbs.
Length:
  • 53′ semi-trailer and load
  • 75′ overall including load and any rear overhang

Poles, pipes, beams, utility poles, etc. are not exempt from permits for length or rear overhang.
Height: 14”
Width: 8’6″

Register your tractor at the maximum of 105,500 pounds to be permitted for that much or more, or pay extra for the overweight permit.

Divisible Loads Exceeding 80,000 lbs.: You can exceed 80,000 lbs. gross without a permit on state highways as long as you are legal on all axle/group weights and you are licensed for at least the amount of your gross weight. However, if you need any Interstate route, you will need to get an Interstate Permit.

 

ROUTINE PERMIT LIMITS

Height: 18′
Width: 18′
Length: 120′
Weight:
  • Steer – 12,100 lbs. for 11″ tires (550 pounds per inch of tire width)
  • Single – 24,000 lbs.
  • Tandem – 45,000 lbs.
  • Tridem – 60,000 lbs.
  • Quad – 68,000 lbs.

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

ESCORTS FOR WIDE LOAD AND OVERSIZED SHIPPING

When Escorts are Needed:

On 2-Lane Highways:
Width over 16′ 2 escorts (front and rear)
Width over 14’6″ 1 front escort

On 4 or More Lane Divided Highways:

Width over 16′ 1 rear escort

On All Highways:

Height over 18′ 1 escort & written clearances from utility companies
Length over 120; 1 rear escort
Width over 18′ Official escort (unless exempted by highway patrol)
Weight of self-propelled earthmoving equipment that exceeds legal axle weights 1 rear escort
Weight of any load that exceeds normal permittable weights 1 or 2 escorts may be required

SIGNS, FLAGS & LIGHTS

“Oversize Load” sign is required on the rear of the vehicle when the overall length exceeds 75′. All over-dimensional loads must have flags on the traffic side of the load at the front and rear. Overwidth and overheight loads only require flags, not signs.

RESTRICTED TRAVEL

Travel may be restricted on major holidays or holiday weekends depending on dimensions. (Double check with the permit office for holiday restrictions).

You can also obtain any trip and fuel permits you may need with our sister site!