Rhode Island Oversize/Overweight Permits

Rhode IslandPERMITS: Rhode Island oversize permits are valid for five days. OPERATING TIME: Travel is permitted from one-half hour before sunrise to one-half hour after sunset. Weekend travel is not permitted.

LEGAL DIMENSIONS

Weight: 80,000 lbs. gross weight
  • Single – 22,400 lbs.
  • Tandem – 36,000 lbs.
  • Tridem – 42,000 lbs. with axles spacings less than 4’6″, 42,750 lbs. with 4’6″.
Height: 13’6″
Overhang:
  • 3’ front
  • 6’ rear
Length:
  • Interstate and designated highways – 53’ semitrailer (kingpin to the centerline of the rear axle group must not exceed 41’)
  • Other roads – 48’ semitrailer
Width: 8’6″

PERMIT LIMITS

Height: Determined by routes and dimensions.
Width: Determined by routes and dimensions.
Weight:
  • Determined by spacings, usually 22,500 lbs. per axle is permitted.
  • 5, 6, or 7 axles – depends on spacings, weight and routing.
  • Over 200,000 lbs. – an outside engineering firm must survey the routes.
Length: Determined by routes and dimensions.

ESCORTS FOR WIDELOAD AND OVERSIZED SHIPPING

When Escorts are Needed:

On 2-Lane Highways:

Height over 14’ 1 escort
Length over 80’ up to 90’ 1 escort
Width over 12’ up to 14’6″ 1 escort
Width over 14’6″ 2 escorts
Length over 90’ 2 escorts
Overhang of 15’ or more 1 escort
Ingrequent – overhang of 15’ or more (example: 2-lane highway w/width 12’ or more) 2 escorts
Cranes – interstate moves of 12’ or over 2 escorts
Building 2 escorts. Also requires a police escort.
 

SIGNS & FLAGS

Warning signs are required for all oversize movements. “Oversize Load” signs are to be displayed on the front of the vehicle and at the end of the load for all loads exceeding the legal width, length, or rear overhang. Wide loads require at least two flags and up to six flags mounted at the widest extremities. Overlength vehicles/loads require one flag if the load is less than 2’ wide, and two flags if load is more than 2’ wide. If there is overhang, it requires one flag if the overhang is less than 2’. If there is more than 2’ of overhang, two flags are required – one on each corner.

RESTRICTED TRAVEL

No travel on major holidays and on VJ Day (2nd Monday in August). Travel may be restricted after 12:00 noon the day before a holiday. No travel is allowed when road conditions, weather conditions, or visibility make traveling hazardous. You can also obtain any trip and fuel permits you may need with our sister site!