Vermont Oversize/Overweight Permits

PERMITS IN VERMONT

Vermont oversize permits are valid for ten days of travel. You must have a permit prior to entering the state.

OPERATING TIME

One-half hour before sunrise to one-half hour after sunset. No weekend travel for loads over 100’ long, 10’6” wide, or 108,000 lbs. gross. Movement may be restricted on Friday afternoons between July 1st and Labor Day. Overweight-only loads that are capable of traveling with the traffic flow are not restricted to daylight-only travel.

LEGAL DIMENSIONS

Width: 8’6″
Height: 13’6″
Length:
  • 53’ semi-trailer on Interstate and designated highways (43’ from the kingpin to the center of rear axle)
  • 75’ overall length
  • 48’ trailer on non-designated highways
Weight: 80,000 lbs. gross

  • Single – 20,000 lbs. on designated highways, 22,400 lbs. on other roads
  • Tandem – 34,000 lbs. on designated highways, 36,000 lbs. on other roads
  • Tridem – follow the Federal Bridge Formula (34,000 lbs. for 8’ axle spacing, 42,500 lbs. for 9’ of spacings)

VERMONT PERMIT LIMITS

Width: 14’11”
Height: 13’11”
Length: 99’
Overhang: Cannot exceed one-third of the length of the load.
Weight: DOT decides on a case-by-case basis.

Loads exceeding these dimensions or exceeding 150,000 lbs. gross weight are treated as superloads and require an engineering review for state highways. This can take up to 10 working days.

The costs for an engineering review are:

  • $800.00 for loads less than 150,000 lbs. gross
  • $2,000.00 for loads from 150,000 to 200,000 lbs. gross
  • $5,000.00 for loads from 200,001 to 250,000 lbs. gross
  • $10,000.00 for loads from 250,001 lbs. gross and above
  • The cost can increase even for heavier loads

A $40.00 permit fee will be charged for each permit submitted for an engineering inspection.

ESCORTS IN VERMONT

Width: 12’ or more – 1 escort
Height: Usually not required (over 14’ height is heavily restricted)
Overhang:

Note: A second escort may be required at state’s discretion.

 15’ or more – 1 escort
Length: 80’ or more – 1 escort

ESCORTS FOR WIDELOAD AND OVERSIZED SHIPPING

When Escorts are Needed

On 2-lane roads with traffic in both directions OR on multi-lane divided highways with 2 or more lanes in each direction with shoulders:

Large or hazardous moves 2 (front and rear)

A police escort may also be required
Length of 80’ or more 1 escort
Overhang of 15’ or more

(max 1/3 of the length of the load)

 1 escort
Width of 12’ or more 1 escort
Convoy operation: There shall be a minimum spacing of 1,000 feet between permitted vehicles.

SIGNS, FLAGS & LIGHTS

An “Oversize Load” sign is required for loads:

  • Over eight feet, six inches (8’6”) in width.
  • Over thirteen feet, six inches (13’6”) in height.
  • Over seventy-five feet (75’) in length.

It is required on the front of an oversize vehicle and on the rear of the vehicle or load for any overdimensional move. Mount flags (at least 18″ square) on the corners and extremities of overwidth and overlength loads or vehicles. For overlength loads or rear overhangs that exceed 4’ in length, one flag must be displayed at the end of the overhang if it is less than 2’ wide, and two flags if it is 2’ wide or greater. Loads at or over 12’ wide or 80’ long require a flashing amber light on the towing vehicle. Signs are not required for movements that are overweight only.

RESTRICTED TRAVEL IN VERMONT

Permits for loads not originating or delivering in Vermont are only issued if travel through Vermont is the most direct route. Vermont tries not to permit loads that do not originate or will not end in Vermont. Unless otherwise posted, speeds are not to exceed 45 miles per hour on state highways for loads exceeding 90,000 lbs. or 10 feet in width, overweight, or over 75’ long. No travel on holidays for loads over 100’ long, 10’6″ wide, or 108,000 lbs. gross.

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