States Load, Weight, Speed and Other Limitations.

Many states tend to be deliberately imprecise when it comes to actual weight restrictions, preferring to make case-by-case decisions and constraints. Contacting the state's highway agency may be necessary to obtain the necessary information. Weather , humidity, and reported driving conditions are used to define the requirements. In separate segments of the state, various weight limitations may apply.

In locations with freezing temperatures that are more likely to cause damage to roadways, several US states pass rules restricting car weights during the spring months. States and provinces must manage weight and speed limitations periodically to maintain and preserve highways while guaranteeing maximum access for trucking interests due to seasonal temperature variations.

During the spring thaw, permitted axle weights and gross vehicle weights can be decreased by up to 35%. For essential interstate and intrastate transportation routes, each state has defined axle and gross vehicle weight restrictions.

Movement may be restricted during specific hours while planning the journey. As a result of the laws and regulations that they apply, state DOTs typically incur extra delays. On federal and even state holidays, several states impose travel restrictions.

Travel times can different between states and even within states. Several states limit the transit of big loads during daytime hours. These limitations might apply just to state highways and not all roads, or they could apply to all roads. Oversize loads wider than 10' feet may be confined to daylight hours, although oversize loads no broader than 10' may drive at night on Interstates and four-lane divided roads. Maximum width loads may be required to drive at night during low traffic periods in specific cases. Operators must thoroughly research the requirements for each state's permit in order to properly grasp and comply with each set of laws while moving cargoes between several jurisdictions. Furthermore, overweight loads that are not enormous may travel at periods when big loads are not.

On the front and back of the vehicles hauling the cargo and/or the escort vehicles accompanying the load, safety equipment includes warning signs such as "OVERSIZE LOAD" or "WIDE LOAD" banners. The size of the banner varies by state, but most demand a banner that is 7' wide by 18" tall, with 12" tall lettering. Black lettering on a yellow reflecting background are required for all banners. Banners should be placed high enough so that other cars may see them. In a few jurisdictions, if the pilot or escort vehicles have the appropriate flags, the hauling truck is not needed to carry one.

Because seasonal limits might be imposed at any time, it is advisable to verify applicable state legislation and freeze-thaw posts before each trip.