Texas Oversize Regulations: Permits, Limits, and Rules

Transporting oversize or overweight loads in Texas requires compliance with Texas DOT regulations to avoid fines and delays. Proper permits, legal size limits, and escort requirements ensure safe travel on Texas highways. This guide covers Texas oversize permits, weight limits, escort rules, and restrictions to help you stay compliant.

What Is Considered an Oversize Load in Texas?

In Texas, a load is considered oversize if it exceeds legal size and weight limits set by the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT). Generally, a vehicle or load requires an oversize permit if it exceeds:

• Width: 8 feet 6 inches
• Height: 14 feet
• Length: 65 feet (for some vehicle combinations)
• Weight: 80,000 pounds gross vehicle weight

Any load exceeding these limits requires a Texas oversize permit before traveling on Texas roadways. Special overweight permits may also be required for heavy haul loads that exceed legal weight limits.

Discover More:
Axle Weight Calculator
Texas Overweight Fines

 

Legal Size and Weight Limits in Texas

To operate legally in Texas without a permit, trucks and trailers must stay within state-mandated size and weight limits. Exceeding these limits requires an oversize or overweight permit from the Texas DOT.

Maximum Legal Size Without a Permit

• Width: 8 feet 6 inches
• Height: 14 feet
• Length:
  • 65 feet (single vehicle)
  • 59 feet (truck-tractor and semitrailer)

Maximum Legal Weight Limits Without a Permit

• Single axle: 20,000 lbs
• Tandem axle: 34,000 lbs
• Tridem axle: 42,000 lbs (varies based on axle spacing)
• Quad axle: 50,000 lbs (varies based on axle spacing)
• Gross vehicle weight: 80,000 lbs

Texas Oversize and Overweight Permit Limits

For loads exceeding legal size and weight limits, Texas DOT requires specific oversize and overweight permits. This section covers the maximum dimensions and weight limits allowed with a permit, ensuring compliance on Texas roadways.

• Single axle: 25,000 lbs
• Tandem axles: 46,000 lbs
• Tridem axles: 60,000 lbs
• Quad axle: 63,000 lbs
• Five axles: 105,000 lbs
• Six axles: 119,000 lbs
• Seven axles: 129,000 lbs
• Eight axles: Depends on axle configuration

Types of Oversize and Overweight Permits in Texas

Texas DOT offers different permits based on load size, weight, and travel frequency. This section covers the most common oversize and overweight permit types, their uses, and key regulations.

Single Trip Permits

A Single Trip Permit allows a vehicle to transport an oversize or overweight load on Texas highways for a one-time journey.

• When to Use: Required for loads exceeding legal limits that are not regularly transported.
• Validity Period: Typically valid for five days from issuance.
• Travel Restrictions: Subject to curfews, holiday restrictions, and approved routes.

Annual Permits

An Annual Permit allows repeated transportation of oversize or overweight loads over a set period.

• Who Qualifies: Companies transporting similar oversized loads frequently.
• Seasonal Permits: Some industries, like agriculture and oil, qualify for special seasonal oversize permits.

Super-Heavy Permits

A Super-Heavy Permit is required for extremely large and heavy loads that exceed standard overweight permit limits.

• When a Load is Classified as a Super Load:
  • • Exceeds 254,300 pounds gross weight
    • Exceeds 20,000 pounds per single axle
    • Requires a special route analysis due to bridge or road stress concerns.

Texas Oversize and Overweight Permit Requirements

Before transporting an oversize or overweight load in Texas, you must meet Texas DOT requirements. This section outlines the key documents, bonds, and fees needed to obtain a permit.

• Texas Vehicle Registration – Your vehicle must be registered under Texas law.
• $15,000 Over Axle/Over Gross Weight Bond – Required before applying for an overweight permit.
• Complete Permit Application – Submit via TxPROS or by mail using Form MCD-1751.
• Pay Fees – Includes a $90 base fee, $5 admin fee, and additional county-specific fees.
• Provide USDOT Number – Must be active and registered with the FMCSA.

Texas Oversize Load Sign, Light, and Safety Requirements

To ensure visibility and road safety, Texas requires specific signs, lights, and flags for oversize loads. This section outlines the mandatory display requirements for trucks, trailers, and escort vehicles.

Oversize Load Sign Requirements

• Dimensions: Signs must be at least 7 feet wide and 18 inches tall.
• Color: Yellow background with black lettering for high visibility.
• Wording: Must display “OVERSIZE LOAD” in 10-inch capital letters.
• Placement: Signs must be placed on the front and rear of the vehicle.
• Escort Vehicle Signs: Must also display “OVERSIZE LOAD” signs if required.

Oversize Load Lighting Requirements

• Night Travel: Vehicles must have amber warning lights visible from at least 500 feet.
• Low Visibility Conditions: Flashing or rotating beacon lights are required during fog, rain, or dusk.
• Placement: Lights must be mounted at the widest points of the load.

Oversize Load Flag and Banner Requirements

Texas imposes strict travel restrictions on oversize and overweight loads to ensure road safety and minimize traffic disruptions. This section covers permitted travel hours, weekend and holiday restrictions, night travel rules, and weather limitations.

Permitted Travel Hours For Oversize Loads In Texas

 

Day	Permitted Travel Hours
Monday – Friday	Sunrise to Sunset (No travel during rush hours in major cities)
Saturday	Limited travel (Restrictions vary by permit type)
Sunday & Holidays	No travel for most oversize loads

Pilot Car and Escort Requirements in Texas

Pilot cars and escort vehicles help ensure the safe transportation of oversize and overweight loads on Texas roadways. This section outlines when pilot cars are required, how many are needed, and their essential equipment and responsibilities.

• When Pilot Cars Are Required:
  • Width over 12 feet: At least one pilot car is required.
  • Width over 14 feet: Two pilot cars (one in front, one behind).
  • Height over 17 feet: Route survey and escort vehicles required.
• Number of Escort Vehicles Needed:
  • One escort vehicle: Required for moderate oversize loads.
  • Two escort vehicles: Required for wide or tall loads that affect clearance.
• Required Equipment for Pilot Cars:
  • “OVERSIZE LOAD” signs (visible on front and rear).
  • Amber flashing lights for visibility.
  • Two-way radios for communication with the truck driver.
• Responsibilities of Escort Vehicle Operators:
  • Warn other motorists of the oversize load.
  • Communicate with the truck driver about road hazards.
  • Ensure compliance with Texas DOT safety regulations.

Get Your Texas Oversize and Overweight Permit Bond

Before obtaining an overweight permit, Texas requires a $15,000 Over Axle/Over Gross Weight Bond to ensure compliance with state regulations.

This bond protects against damage to Texas roadways caused by overweight vehicles.

At TMD, we help truckers and heavy haulers secure their permit bond quickly and hassle-free. Don’t let paperwork delay your trip.

Apply for your permit bond today!

FAQs About Texas Oversize Regulations

Find answers to common questions about oversize and overweight regulations in Texas to ensure compliance and avoid fines.

Can Oversize Loads Travel at Night in Texas?

Most oversize loads are restricted to daylight travel (sunrise to sunset). However, some permits allow night travel with proper lighting, pilot cars, and route approval from Texas DOT.

How Wide Can You Haul Without a Permit?

The maximum legal width for vehicles and loads in Texas is 8 feet 6 inches. Anything wider requires a permit before traveling on Texas highways.

How Much Does a Texas Overweight Permit Cost?

Base fees for a Texas overweight permit start at $90, plus a $5 administrative fee. Additional county-specific fees may apply depending on route and load size.

How Much Is an Overweight Ticket in Texas?

Fines for overweight violations vary but can exceed $10,000, depending on excess weight and the number of offenses. Additional penalties may include route restrictions and permit revocation.

What Is the Max Trailer Width Without Permit?

The maximum trailer width without a permit in Texas is 8 feet 6 inches. Loads exceeding this must obtain an oversize permit before travel.