Sep 13, 2022 2 min read

Highway permits: FAQ

If you have started your trucking business then you will need special trucking permits for your service. Having these permits means that you’ve met all the regulations and rules for the USA and every state in particular. While our website can help you avoid all the hassle of getting these permits there are some basic things you will have to know before getting on the road.

What are the rules for the U.S. routes?

Each state has its own set of rules regarding trucking with overweight or oversized vehicles and you won’t find any federal permits for that. But several rules cover the weight and the size of your load. You will need to consider these regulations even if there are no specific rules for width, length, and height of your load for the particular state you’re driving through.

There are some typical rules you’ll have to meet if you’re planning to work within the U.S. borders:

The standard width of a highway lane is 12 feet
Loads exceeding 8'6" feet wide are considered oversize and require a state permit
The maximum height limit is 13'6" to 14'6" feet depending on the state
Loads exceeding 12 feet wide may require pilot or escort vehicles (P/EV)
Loads over 16 feet wide are considered super loads and may require road closures in addition to an escort vehicle or police attendant

Are there any rules regarding crossing bridges?

You should calculate the Bridge weight formula for your vehicle so you’ll be able to cross the bridges that could come across your route. This formula is presented in the following equation:

W=500(LN/N-1 + 12N + 36)

W = overall gross weight on any group of two or more consecutive axles to the nearest 500 pounds
L = distance in feet between the extreme of any group of two or more consecutive axles
N = number of axles in the group under consideration

Are there any specific situations when I will need a permit?

Yes, and there are several of them:

International Fuel Tax Agreement (IFTA)

Applies to all vehicles with:

Two (2) axles weighing over 26,000 pounds or
Vehicles with three (3) or more axles regardless of weight, traveling in two or more states.

Note: When traveling to a state in which a vehicle does not hold an IFTA decal and license, a temporary fuel permit is needed.

International Registration Plan (IRP)

Also applies to all vehicles with:

Two (2) axles weighing over 26,000 pounds or
Vehicles with three (3) or more axles regardless of weight, traveling in two or more states.

Note: As with the IFTA, when traveling to a state in which a vehicle is not registered under IRP, a temporary trip permit is needed.

Overweight/Oversize Permits

If a vehicle is oversize or overweight, a temporary permit is needed. This permit authorizes movement according to vehicle configurations and weight.

A permit may be required if:

Overall vehicle height exceeds 13’6″
Overall vehicle width exceeds 8’6″
Trailer length exceeds 48′
Overall vehicle weight exceeds 80,000 pounds.