Overdimensional Permit Limitations

Maryland Overdimensional Permit Limitations (Updated May 2018)

If your dimensions exceed any of the following limits, a permit is required.

Weight - General

All weights must be compliant with the Federal Bridge Formula Charts in Title 24 of the Maryland Transportation Article unless authorized by a Maryland Department of Transportation State Highway Administration (MDOT SHA) Hauling Permit.

Single-20,000; Tandem-34,000; Tridum-42,500;80,000 maximum gross.

Width

The maximum allowable vehicle width in Maryland is 102 inches, except where prohibited by posted signs. The width of a vehicle includes any load that it carries, exclusive of safety and energy conservation devices such as side mirrors, turn signal lamps, marker lamps, steps and handholds for entry and egress.

For a detailed description of the Maryland vehicle width law, see Title 24, Subsection 102 of the Maryland Vehicle Law.

Over 102 inches wide requires a permit. Any load extending more than 4 inches beyond the sides of any transport vehicle requires lamps and flags.

Height

The vehicle and load height limit in Maryland is 13 feet 6 inches.

14’6” in height requires a pole vehicle and route survey before a permit will be issued.

Length

The length of a vehicle includes its front and rear bumpers and any part of its load that extends beyond the vehicle but excludes non-load bearing safety and energy conservation devices, front-mounted refrigeration units, and front-mounted air compressors. Refer to the Maryland Vehicle Law Title 24, subsection 104.1 for a list of vehicle length limits in Maryland. Indivisible loads over 70’ require a permit. Pilings, poles and mill logs exceeding 75’ require a permit. Indivisible loads up to 70’ may be moved during daylight hours without a permit on a combination vehicle.

Semi-trailers over 48’ but not over 53‘ are allowed on interstates and the Maryland truck route system. Pickup or delivery on local roads must be the closest practicable distance from an authorized route.

Load extensions- Max front 3’ Max rear 6’ (except for indivisible cargo). Flags and lamps are required beyond 4’ of rear overhang.

Super Load Permits Over 150,000 lbs. Gross Weight

WEIGHT: Single-27,000; Tandem-52,000; Tridum-63,000; WEIGHT: LENGTH: 120’ WIDTH: 16’ HEIGHT: 16’ POLECAR: 14’6” POLICE & PRIVATE ESCORTS REQUIRED

Day moves are permitted 9:00 a.m.-3:30 p.m.; night moves can be done from 8:00 p.m.-6:00 a.m. (see Code of Maryland Regulations COMAR 11.04.02.06) Travel is prohibited on the following: New Year’s Day, Good Friday, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving Day, and Christmas Day. The MDOT SHA Permit Office is closed on the above-mentioned holidays, as well as Martin Luther King Day, Columbus Day, Election Day, and the day after Thanksgiving, but travel is not restricted on these additional days (see Holiday Restrictions).

Procedure

Superload applications require an engineering review. Once the application is approved, you must activate the permit by opening the seed application and entering the driver's name and phone number, then resubmitting the application for final approval.

Travel Time

Moves for loads up to and including 200k GVW, 13'11" wide, 14'6' high, 120' long may move 24/7.

Curfew

If 14’ wide or more, 9:00 a.m.-3:30 p.m. on any highway.

Maryland has many toll, bridge, and tunnel restrictions. Make sure to check them before you make your move. Curfew restrictions will be noted on your permit.

For further information, call the MDOT SHA Permit Office at 1-800-846-6435.

Travel is prohibited on the following: New Year’s Day, Good Friday, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving Day, and Christmas Day. The MDOT SHA Permit Office is closed on the above-mentioned holidays as well as on Martin Luther King Day, Columbus Day, Election Day, and the day after Thanksgiving, but travel is not restricted on these additional days. (See Holiday Restrictions).

Truck Signing and Flags

“Wide Load” or “Oversize Load” signs are required if the vehicle and load exceeds 9’ in width, front and rear. The sign must appear in black letters not less than 10” high, with a brush stroke not less than 1 5/8” wide. The letters must appear on a yellow background, 18” high and 7’ wide on the front and rear of vehicle load. You must display red or orange fluorescent flags during daylight hours at least 18” square fastened by at least one corner on a staff placed at the widest extremities instead of flags; two red lights must be displayed on a rear overhang exceeding 4’ indicating the widest part of the overhang and one on each side of the load.

Escort Requirements

One escort must be provided for a permit move on any highway in the State if the permit move is:

More than 13’ wide, unless the load is a manufactured housing unit
More than 85’ long
14’6” high or more (pole vehicle required)
More than 60 tons gross weight
Traveling when weather or road conditions justify the requirement of one escort vehicle

Two escorts. The permittee shall provide two escort vehicles for a permit move if the permit move is:

14’ wide or more including a load that is a manufactured housing unit
140’ long or more

The permittee must provide for police escort for any permit move that is 16’ wide or more, 75 tons gross weight or more, or the road or weather condition justify, or traveling against traffic may require two escort vehicles.

Escort Vehicle Signing and Lighting Requirements

Must have two-way radio contact and maintain constant communication.
A private escort must have at least one oscillating or rotating yellow light on the roof that is at least 3” in diameter and is visible from the front and rear.
Headlights must be on while conducting the move.
Escort vehicle must display a sign on the front and rear of the escort vehicle that is in black letters not less than 10” high, with a brush stroke not less than 15’8” wide.
The letters must appear on a yellow background, 18” high and 7’ wide, or on the roof of the vehicle at least 5’ long, 12” high, letters 8” high.

Toll Facilities and Phone Numbers

JFK Memorial Highway - I-95 - (410) 537-1150
*Ft. McHenry Tunnel - I-95 - (410) 537-1230
Francis Scott Key Bridge I-695 -(410) 537-1230
Chesapeake Bay Bridge US 50/301 - (410) 537-6601
*Potomac River Bridge (Nice Bridge) – US 301 - (410) 537-6800
Hatem Bridge - (410) 537-1197

*Far RIGHT toll lane MUST be used at toll plaza. Toll facilities MUST be contacted at least one hour prior to arrival.
If the lane is closed, pull up and wait - MDTA will open for you. DO NOT proceed until authorized. Loads may not go through other toll lanes.