Missouri oversize and overweight rules
The short answer
Last checked
Without a permit, a load in Missouri can be up to 8 ft 6 in wide, 14 ft high on designated truck routes or 13 ft 6 in high on roads off the designated routes and 80,000 lb gross, with the conditions in the legal limits table. The first pilot car is required for loads over 12 ft 6 in wide, over 110 ft long on roads other than interstates, or over 220,000 lb gross on two-lane roads, and a height pole car for loads over 15 ft 6 in high, with the conditions in the pilot car table. It treats a load as a superload when it is over 16 ft wide, over 16 ft high, over 150 ft long or over 160,000 lb gross; the conditions in the axle and fee tables name other superload triggers.
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Legal limits without a permit
| Limit | Up to | Roads | Rule |
|---|---|---|---|
| Width | 8 ft 6 inClearance lights, mirrors and other accessories the law requires are not counted. | All roads | RSMo 304.170.1 |
| Height | 14 ftCovers the Interstate and routes the state highways and transportation commission designates. | Designated truck routes | RSMo 304.170.2 |
| Height | 13 ft 6 inVehicles carrying automobiles or other motor vehicles may be 14 feet high. | Roads off the designated routes | RSMo 304.170.2 |
| Length, single truck | 45 ft | All roads | RSMo 304.170.3 |
| Length, whole combination | 60 ftA truck tractor and semitrailer, with or without a dromedary. On the Interstate the overall length is not capped. The same applies on routes MoDOT designates and up to 10 miles off them. | Roads other than interstates | RSMo 304.170.5 |
| Length, semitrailer | 53 ftOn the Interstate, the tractor and semitrailer together have no overall length limit beyond their own lengths. The same applies on routes MoDOT designates and up to 10 miles off them. | Interstates | RSMo 304.170.5 |
| Gross weight | 80,000 lbApplies off the Interstate too, despite the 2,000 pound axle allowance there. The group table reaches 80,000 pounds only at its longest spans. | All roads | RSMo 304.180.6 |
Source: RSMo 304.170, RSMo 304.180
Axle weight limits
| Axle or group | Without a permit | With a permit | Roads |
|---|---|---|---|
| Any single axle | 20,000 lb | Not set | Interstates |
| Any single axle | 22,000 lbThe 20,000 pound axle limit plus the 2,000 pounds allowed off the Interstate. | Not set | Roads other than interstates |
| 2 axles in a group, spread over 3 ft 4 in to 8 ft | 34,000 lbAny two or more axles more than 40 and up to 96 inches apart count as a tandem, also inside a longer group. | Not set | Interstates |
| 2 axles in a group, spread over 3 ft 4 in to 8 ft | 36,000 lbThe 34,000 pound tandem limit plus the 2,000 pounds allowed off the Interstate. | Not set | Roads other than interstates |
| 3 axles in a group, spread over 3 ft 4 in to 8 ft | 34,000 lbThree consecutive axles within 8 feet, measured to the nearest foot, carry no more than a tandem. | Not set | Interstates |
| 3 axles in a group, spread over 3 ft 4 in to 8 ft | 36,000 lbThree axles within 96 inches count as a tandem, so the 2,000 pound tandem allowance off the Interstate applies. | Not set | Roads other than interstates |
| Gross weight | 80,000 lbApplies off the Interstate too, despite the 2,000 pound axle allowance there. The group table reaches 80,000 pounds only at its longest spans. | 160,000 lbAbove this, the move is a superload: a structure analysis and feasibility study, about two weeks, issued only by the Central Office. | All roads |
| Single axle standing alone, when the gross is over 80,000 lb | Not set | 20,000 lbApplies over 80,000 pounds gross. A configuration up to 160,000 pounds that passes a bridge analysis may carry up to 22,400 pounds on a single axle outside a group. | All roads |
| 2 axles in a group, spread over 3 ft 4 in to 8 ft | Not set | 46,000 lb (24,000 lb an axle)Each axle is also held to 24,000 pounds. Above this, the move is a super heavy load needing a bridge analysis and an escrow of at least $425. | All roads |
| 3 axles in a group, spread over 8 ft to 12 ft | Not set | 60,000 lb (21,000 lb an axle)The triple must be fully equalized, and each axle is also held to 21,000 pounds. Above this, the move is a super heavy load needing a bridge analysis. | All roads |
| 4 axles in a group, spread over 0 ft to 16 ft | Not set | 72,000 lb (19,000 lb an axle)Must be fully equalized, each axle at most 19,000 pounds. After a bridge analysis, a configuration up to 160,000 pounds may carry 80,000 on a quadrum, 21,000 an axle. | All roads |
| Gross weight, 5 axles | Not set | 104,000 lbFor a single, tandem, tandem layout at least 51 feet from first to last axle. Up to 160,000 pounds may still be routine after a bridge analysis. | All roads |
| Gross weight, 6 axles | Not set | 120,000 lb112,000 pounds when the layout is under 51 feet from first to last axle. Up to 160,000 pounds may still be routine after a bridge analysis. | All roads |
| Gross weight, 7 axles | Not set | 150,000 lbOnly a single and three tandems reach 150,000 pounds; other seven axle layouts allow 130,000 to 138,000. Up to 160,000 may still be routine after a bridge analysis. | All roads |
The Missouri rules on file give no bridge formula for this page to apply to axle groups; the axle table and its source give the group limits. “With a permit” lists the state’s permit figures; read each row’s condition, since some are review thresholds rather than limits.
Source: RSMo 304.180, 7 CSR 10-25.020, MoDOT Motor Carrier Services OSOW FAQ
Pilot cars and escorts
Each row is one rule. A load can meet several; the permit lists the escorts for your move.
| Load | Roads | Front | Rear | Height pole | Police | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| over 125 ft up to 150 ft longEach dimension needs its own escorts, up to two front and two rear per load, more for unusually complex moves.Escort Requirements Table, Length, second bullet | All roads | 1 behind | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| over 150 ft longMoDOT’s table runs this tier to 200 feet; the Highway Patrol escort starts over 150 feet under the rule. Up to two front and two rear civilian escorts per load.Escort Requirements Table, Length, third and fourth bullets | All roads | 1 behind | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| over 150 ft longThe rule doesn’t state how many Highway Patrol vehicles. MoDOT’s table says over 200 feet. Motor Carrier Services may waive it or allow local or military law enforcement instead.7 CSR 10-25.020(15)(G)5.C, in Super Heavy and Large Load Movement | All roads | police escort | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 |
| over 16 ft up to 18 ft wideThe load is also a superload, and on any two-lane highway a Highway Patrol escort is required. Up to two front and two rear civilian escorts per load.Escort Requirements Table, Width, fourth bullet | All roads | 1 in front, 1 behind | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| over 18 ft wideThe law enforcement escort is the Highway Patrol, number not stated; Motor Carrier Services may waive it or allow local or military law enforcement. Up to two front and two rear civilian escorts.Escort Requirements Table, Width, fifth bullet | All roads | 1 in front, 1 behind, police escort | 1 | 1 | 0 | 1 |
| over 15 ft 6 in highThe height detection vehicle fills any front escort place unless several front escorts are required. Up to two front and two rear civilian escorts per load.Escort Requirements Table, Height, first bullet | All roads | 1 height pole car | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 |
| over 16 ft highThe load is also a superload. Up to two front and two rear civilian escorts per load, more for unusually complex moves.Escort Requirements Table, Height, second bullet | All roads | 1 height pole car | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 |
| over 17 ft highThe rule doesn’t state how many Highway Patrol vehicles; MoDOT’s table says over 18 feet. You also need the utility’s written approval to disturb aerial lines. The escort may be waived or replaced.7 CSR 10-25.020(15)(G)5.D, in Super Heavy and Large Load Movement | All roads | police escort | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 |
| over 18 ft highThe law enforcement escort is the Highway Patrol, number not stated; Motor Carrier Services may waive it or allow local or military law enforcement. Up to two front and two rear civilian escorts.Escort Requirements Table, Height, third bullet | All roads | 1 height pole car, police escort | 0 | 0 | 1 | 1 |
| over 350,000 lb grossAn extra power unit must go with the load, and bridge crawl moves in Kansas City and St. Louis need a front and two rear escorts.Escort Requirements Table, Weight, third bullet | All roads | 1 in front, 1 behind | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| over 150 ft longAn added front escort, on top of the rear escort for this length. Up to two front and two rear civilian escorts per load.Escort Requirements Table, Length, third and fourth bullets | Two-lane roads | 1 in front | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| over 12 ft 6 in up to 14 ft wideEach dimension needs its own escorts, up to two front and two rear per load. The Highway Patrol or other law enforcement may also be required.Escort Requirements Table, Width, second bullet | Two-lane roads | 1 in front | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| over 16 ft up to 18 ft wideAn added front escort, on top of the front and rear escorts for this width. Up to two front and two rear civilian escorts per load.Escort Requirements Table, Width, fourth bullet | Two-lane roads | 2 in front | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| over 16 ft wideThe rule doesn’t state how many Highway Patrol vehicles. MoDOT’s table says over 18 feet. Motor Carrier Services may waive it or allow local or military law enforcement instead.7 CSR 10-25.020(15)(G)5.A, in Super Heavy and Large Load Movement | Two-lane roads | police escort | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 |
| over 18 ft wideAn added front escort, on top of the escorts for this width. Up to two front and two rear civilian escorts per load.Escort Requirements Table, Width, fifth bullet | Two-lane roads | 2 in front | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| over 16 ft highAt least two front vehicles on a two-lane road: the height detection vehicle and an added front escort. Up to two front and two rear civilian escorts per load.Escort Requirements Table, Height, second bullet | Two-lane roads | 2 in front | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| over 18 ft highAt least two front vehicles on a two-lane road: the height detection vehicle and an added front escort. Up to two front and two rear civilian escorts per load.Escort Requirements Table, Height, third bullet | Two-lane roads | 2 in front | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| over 220,000 lb grossFrom 160,000 to 220,000 pounds, a front escort is needed on two-lane roads when another dimension already calls for escorts. Up to two front and two rear civilian escorts per load.Escort Requirements Table, Weight, second bullet | Two-lane roads | 1 in front | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| over 350,000 lb grossAn added front escort, on top of the front and rear escorts for this weight. Up to two front and two rear civilian escorts per load.Escort Requirements Table, Weight, third bullet | Two-lane roads | 2 in front | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| over 12 ft 6 in up to 14 ft wideCovers divided and undivided multilane highways. Each dimension needs its own escorts, up to two front and two rear per load. Law enforcement may also be required.Escort Requirements Table, Width, second bullet | Two or more lanes in your direction | 1 behind | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| over 14 ft up to 16 ft wideApplies on every divided highway. Each dimension needs its own escorts, up to two front and two rear per load. Law enforcement may also be required.Escort Requirements Table, Width, third bullet | Interstates | 1 behind | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| over 110 ft up to 125 ft longNot needed on divided highways, including divided highways other than the Interstate. Each dimension needs its own escorts, up to two front and two rear per load.Escort Requirements Table, Length, first bullet | Roads other than interstates | 1 behind | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| over 14 ft up to 16 ft wideOn any divided highway, the Interstate or not, only the rear escort is needed. Each dimension needs its own escorts, up to two front and two rear per load.Escort Requirements Table, Width, third bullet | Roads other than interstates | 1 in front, 1 behind | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
- The lead pilot car is the one that carries the height pole.
- Escorts for different dimensions add up, to at most 2 in front and 2 behind.
Superloads
Missouri treats a load as a superload when it is any one of these:
- over 16 ft wide
- over 16 ft high
- over 150 ft long
- over 160,000 lb gross
Source: MoDOT Escort Requirements Table (Jan. 2026), Length, Width, Height and Weight, 7 CSR 10-25.020 (MoDOT regulations book, eff. Mar. 30, 2025)
When you can travel
Holidays
All permitted loads (metro curfews exempt overweight-only)
Restricted from noon on the last business day before the holiday until half hour before sunrise on the first business day after it. Independence Day on a Saturday is observed Friday; on a Sunday, Monday. 2026: Thanksgiving, noon Wed Nov 25 to Fri Nov 27; Christmas, noon Thu Dec 24 to Mon Dec 28; New Year 2027, noon Thu Dec 31 to Mon Jan 4 (each ending half hour before sunrise).
7 CSR 10-25.020(1)(I)1, (9)(C)Dates computed
Weekends
Lake of the Ozarks (Rt 5, 42, Bus 54); Branson (Rt 76, 13)
All permits
No movement Saturdays and Sundays: Lake of the Ozarks (Rt 5, 42, Bus 54) May 25 to Labor Day; Branson (Rt 76, 13) May 1 to Nov 30.
Night
All permits
Half hour before sunrise to half hour after sunset. Short urban moves of major equipment may be permitted 1:00 to 6:00 a.m. Monday to Friday and Sunday 1:00 a.m. to noon, outside holiday periods.
Cities and rush hour
St. Louis City and County; St. Charles; Jefferson; Kansas City; Springfield
All permits except overweight-only
St. Louis, St. Charles and Jefferson: 6:30 to 9:00 a.m. and 3:30 to 6:30 p.m., Monday to Friday (St. Charles I-70 eastbound morning, westbound afternoon). Kansas City and Springfield: 7:00 to 9:00 a.m. and 4:00 to 6:00 p.m. (Springfield I-44 and US 60: 4 to 6 p.m. only; US 65: 7 to 9 and 3:30 to 6).
Every state on one page: holiday, weekend, night and city restrictions by state. For this year’s holiday, see Thanksgiving 2026 restrictions.
Single trip permit fees
Within each kind of fee the largest that fits your load applies, and the kinds add up.
| Fee | When it applies | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Permit fee7 CSR 10-25.020(4)(B), single trip oversize permits | Every single trip permit | $15 |
| Permit fee7 CSR 10-25.020(4)(B), single trip overweight permits | over 80,000 lb gross | $15 plus $20 for each full 10,000 lb over 80,000 lb |
| Feasibility fee7 CSR 10-25.020(4)(B) | over 16 ft wide | $250 |
| Feasibility fee7 CSR 10-25.020(4)(B) | over 16 ft high | $250 |
| Feasibility fee7 CSR 10-25.020(4)(B) | over 150 ft long | $250 |
| Second permit fee7 CSR 10-25.020(4)(B), single trip oversize and single trip overweight permits | over 80,000 lb gross | Not computed here, see the source |
| Bridge analysis fee7 CSR 10-25.020(4)(B), 2020 edition, single trip overweight permits in excess of 160,000 lb | over 160,000 lb gross | Not computed here, see the source |
Source: 7 CSR 10-25.020(4)(B), 7 CSR 10-25.020(4)(B), edition of September 2020
Where to apply
Missouri issues permits through MoDOT Carrier Express (MCE). Apply at mcs.modot.mo.gov.
What the rules don’t say
Where the sources are silent or say two things. Ask the state before you rely on these.
Legal limits
- RSMo 304.170 states the 53 foot semitrailer right after its Interstate sentence. Confirm with MoDOT whether a semitrailer off the Interstate is held to 53 feet too.
- RSMo 304.170 has more exceptions, such as doubles, auto transporters and some commodities; check them if your equipment fits one.
Axle weights
- RSMo 304.180.3 sets its own group weight table by span (4 to 57 feet) and axle count, close to the federal bridge formula but capping three axles at 60,000 pounds. Check your groups against it.
- Two consecutive tandems may carry 34,000 pounds each when their first and last axles are 36 feet or more apart.
- Off the Interstate, single axles and tandems get 2,000 pounds more, with the gross still capped at 80,000. The statute (RSMo 304.180.6) doesn’t state whether the allowance reaches the rest of the group table.
- A general freight combination on regular routes holds its steering axle to the manufacturer’s rating, at most 12,000 pounds.
- Milk and livestock haulers, grain at harvest, emergency vehicles, natural gas vehicles (82,000 pounds), local log trucks and idle reduction equipment (550 pounds) have their own allowances. Commercial zones may differ.
- For a permit, a tandem is two or more axles more than 40 and up to 96 inches apart, a triple three equalized axles more than 96 and up to 144 inches apart, and a quadrum four equalized axles within 192 inches. Lift axles never count.
- The routine permit gross depends on the order of your axle groups and the distance from first to last axle (7 CSR 10-25.020(11)(C)); confirm the figure for your exact configuration.
- Up to 160,000 pounds may still be routine after a bridge analysis, with higher axle and group weights and minimum lengths of 50 to 80 feet.
- Mobile cranes and similar equipment have their own permit axle and gross limits.
- Loads generally over 16 feet wide or high, 150 feet long or 160,000 pounds gross are handled as super heavy and large loads.
- 7 CSR 10-25.020 requires dual wheels or equal tread width in a group, but the statute and rule don’t state a pounds per inch tire limit.
- Missouri’s weight statute doesn’t state seasonal limits; posted bridges still apply.
Pilot cars and superloads
- Loads generally over 16 feet wide, 16 feet high, 150 feet long or 160,000 pounds gross are superloads. The word generally makes these a guide, not a hard cut.
- MoDOT’s escort table puts law enforcement escorts at over 18 feet wide, 18 feet high and 200 feet long, while the rule sets the Highway Patrol escort lower. The rule’s lower figures are shown; confirm with MoDOT.
- Missouri splits divided highways, undivided multilane highways and two-lane highways. A divided highway that is not an Interstate may need fewer escorts than shown for other roads.
- Loads of 160,000 to 220,000 pounds need a front escort on two-lane roads when another dimension already calls for escorts. Bridge crawl moves over 160,000 pounds in Kansas City and St. Louis need a front and two rear escorts.
- The height detection vehicle fills a front escort place unless several front escorts are required. Over 17 feet high you also need utility approval.
- Over 16 feet wide, the rule also asks for a front and a rear escort on divided and undivided multilane highways.
- Each dimension a load exceeds needs its own escort, up to two front and two rear civilian escorts per load; Motor Carrier Services or law enforcement may require more for unusually complex moves.
- House moves have their own escort lines.
- The rules don’t state how many Highway Patrol vehicles escort a load. Three-lane and undivided multilane roads are not split from other multilane roads.
- MoDOT’s FAQ still lists 12 feet 4 inches and 90 feet for escorts; it predates the March 30, 2025 rule, which controls.
Permit fees
- Confirm current fees with MoDOT: the bridge and roadway analysis amounts come from the 2020 edition of 7 CSR 10-25.020.
- The fee rule (7 CSR 10-25.020) doesn’t state whether a load that is both oversize and overweight pays both $15 base fees; ask MoDOT.
- The $250 movement feasibility fee is charged once per load over 16 feet wide, 16 feet high or 150 feet long, on top of the $15 base.
- The fee rule (7 CSR 10-25.020) doesn’t state how a part step of 10,000 pounds over 80,000 is charged; count full steps and confirm.
- Amendments cost $2. Annual, blanket, multi-stop and project permits are priced separately, and the analysis fee may be waived or shared for identical applications within 30 days (60 under 300,000 pounds).
Questions about Missouri
- When do I need an oversize permit in Missouri?
- Without a permit, a load in Missouri can be up to 8 ft 6 in wide, 14 ft high on designated truck routes or 13 ft 6 in high on roads off the designated routes and 80,000 lb gross, with the conditions in the legal limits table. Loads past these figures generally need a permit from the state; see the legal limits table for the exceptions and for length, which depends on the vehicle.
- How much does a Missouri oversize permit cost?
- On the fee schedule we checked, a single trip permit starts at $15. Some charges are not computed here; the fee table names them. The estimator on this page adds up the fees for your load.
- When do you need a pilot car in Missouri?
- The first pilot car is required for loads over 12 ft 6 in wide, over 110 ft long on roads other than interstates, or over 220,000 lb gross on two-lane roads, and a height pole car for loads over 15 ft 6 in high, with the conditions in the pilot car table. How many cars, and whether they lead or follow, depends on the road; the pilot car table lists each rule.
- What is a superload in Missouri?
- Missouri treats a load as a superload when it is over 16 ft wide, over 16 ft high, over 150 ft long or over 160,000 lb gross. The conditions in the axle and fee tables name other superload triggers. The superloads list on this page gives each threshold with its source.
- When can oversize loads travel in Missouri?
- At night: Half hour before sunrise to half hour after sunset. Short urban moves of major equipment may be permitted 1:00 to 6:00 a.m. Monday to Friday and Sunday 1:00 a.m. to noon, outside holiday periods. Rush hour and city curfews also apply; they are listed on this page.
- Can oversize loads move on holidays in Missouri?
- Restricted from noon on the last business day before the holiday until half hour before sunrise on the first business day after it. Independence Day on a Saturday is observed Friday; on a Sunday, Monday. 2026: Thanksgiving, noon Wed Nov 25 to Fri Nov 27; Christmas, noon Thu Dec 24 to Mon Dec 28; New Year 2027, noon Thu Dec 31 to Mon Jan 4 (each ending half hour before sunrise). This applies to all permitted loads (metro curfews exempt overweight-only).
Sources
- Revised Statutes of Missouri § 304.180: Regulations as to weightRSMo 304.180Missouri General Assembly, Joint Committee on Legislative Research (Revisor of Statutes). Read .
- Revised Statutes of Missouri § 304.170: Regulations as to width, height and length of vehiclesRSMo 304.170Missouri General Assembly, Joint Committee on Legislative Research (Revisor of Statutes). Read .
- 7 CSR 10-25.020: Oversize/Overweight Permits7 CSR 10-25.020Missouri Highways and Transportation Commission (published in the Code of State Regulations by the Secretary of State). Read .
- MoDOT Motor Carrier Services, Oversize Overweight (OSOW) FAQMoDOT Motor Carrier Services OSOW FAQMissouri Department of Transportation, Motor Carrier Services. Read .
- MoDOT Escort Requirements Table (Oversize Overweight permits)MoDOT Escort Requirements Table (Jan. 2026), Length, Width, Height and WeightMissouri Department of Transportation, Motor Carrier Services. Read .
- 7 CSR 10-25.020 Oversize/Overweight Permits, MoDOT Oversize/Overweight Permit Regulations book (effective March 30, 2025)7 CSR 10-25.020 (MoDOT regulations book, eff. Mar. 30, 2025)Missouri Department of Transportation (rule); published by MoDOT from the Code of State Regulations. Read .
- Route Surveys for Superload Moves in MissouriMoDOT Motor Carrier Services, Route Surveys for Superload Moves in MissouriMissouri Department of Transportation, Motor Carrier Services. Read .
- Missouri Code of State Regulations, 7 CSR 10-25.020, Special permit fees7 CSR 10-25.020(4)(B)Missouri Department of Transportation (published by the Secretary of State). Read .
- Missouri Code of State Regulations, 7 CSR 10-25.020, earlier edition (September 2020)7 CSR 10-25.020(4)(B), edition of September 2020Missouri Department of Transportation (published by the Secretary of State). Read .
Found something wrong or out of date? Report an error to hello@thirteensix.com.
This page is a dated summary in our own words, not legal advice. The permit the state issues governs your move, and states change their rules; check with Missouri before you travel.
Bordering states
- Crossing into Arkansas? See Arkansas rules
- Crossing into Iowa? See Iowa rules
- Crossing into Illinois? See Illinois rules
- Crossing into Kansas? See Kansas rules
- Kentucky, coming soon
- Nebraska, coming soon
- Crossing into Oklahoma? See Oklahoma rules
- Crossing into Tennessee? See Tennessee rules
More guides: all states and the rules library.
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