South Dakota Oversize/Overweight Permits

South DakotaPERMITS

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

OPERATING TIME

One-half hour before sunrise to one-half hour after sunset, including Saturday and Sunday. Loads not exceeding 10 feet wide, 14 feet high, and 110 feet overall length may travel continuously on interstate highways and within a 2-mile radius of Interstate Highway interchanges on state highways. Loads that are only overweight may operate 24/7.

LEGAL DIMENSIONS

Height: 14″
Width: 8’6″
Length:
  • 53′ semi-trailer
  • Overall length not limited
Weight: 80,000 lbs. gross weight:

  • Single – 20,000 lbs.
  • Tandem – 34,000 lbs.
  • Tridem – 42,000 lbs.

Steer axle may not exceed 600 lbs. per inch of tire width
Overhang:
  • 3′ front
  • 4′ rear
  • Or 53′ trailer and load

Poles, pipes, beams, utility poles, etc. are not exempt from permits for length or rear overhang.

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 to travel on any Interstate route, you will need to get an Interstate Permit.

 

 PERMIT LIMITS

Weight:
  • Single – 24,000 lbs.
  • Tandem – 46,000* lbs.
  • Tridem – 60,000* lbs.
  • Quad – 68,000* lbs.
  • Steer – 600 lbs. per inch of width (13,200 for 11″ steers)

*Register for at least the amount of weight you wish to permit, pay extra for a trip permit. Some routes will allow more weight. South Dakota will determine whether permits are necessary or not by route. All axles must be on the ground when permitting overweight loads. Tractors must be registered for weight hauled, or pay an extra fee for the trip with the permit order.
Length: Depends on routes
Height: Depends on routes
Width: Depends on routes

ESCORTS FOR WIDELOAD AND OVERSIZED SHIPPING

When Escorts are Needed:

On State Highways:

Width over 20’ 1 escort (front if 2-lane, rear if multi-lane)

On Interstate:

Width over 16′ 1 rear escort

On All Highways:

Escorts may be required by permit for the limitations, traffic conditions, or unusual configuration of the permit vehicle. Earthmoving equipment, whether moved alone or in convoy, must also be marked. When moving on an interstate, the escort must immediately follow the unit or convoy and the sign must be visible from the rear.

In Black Hills Area on state highways, except on US16 from Rapid City to Keystone, WY & US18:

Width over 10′ 1 front

SIGNS, FLAGS & LIGHTS

All over-dimensional vehicles and loads must display flags. Flags must be attached to all corners of vehicles or loads wider than 8’6″ and to the corners of any load extending beyond the width of the hauling vehicle. Flags are also to be attached to load projections exceeding 3 feet in front of the vehicle’s front bumper or more than 4 feet beyond the rear of the trailer. If the front or rear projection is not wider than two feet, the projection needs at least one flag. If it is over two feet in width, the projection requires two flags.

South Dakota requires “Oversize Load” signs on the front and rear on all permit vehicles that exceed a width of 12 feet or a length of 95 feet, or that operate during nighttime hours. Signs must be reflectorized when used for night moves. Signs must be covered or removed when they are not required. Load projections must be lighted for nighttime running with amber lights, red lights, and reflectors. The specific requirements for nighttime lighting are listed on the South Dakota permit.

RESTRICTED TRAVEL

Travel is restricted in congested areas during high volume traffic periods.

*Contact the state for additional information on restricted travel for wide loads, oversize, and overweight permitted cargo.

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