North Dakota oversize and overweight rules
The short answer
Last checked
Without a permit, a load in North Dakota can be up to 8 ft 6 in wide, 14 ft high and 80,000 lb gross on interstates or 105,500 lb gross on roads other than interstates, with the conditions in the legal limits table. A pilot car is required for loads over 16 ft wide, over 120 ft long or over 18 ft high; the start differs on some routes or with some loads, with the conditions in the pilot car table. It treats a load as a superload when it is over 200,000 lb gross.
Jump to a section
Legal limits without a permit
| Limit | Up to | Roads | Rule |
|---|---|---|---|
| Width | 8 ft 6 inSafety devices the Highway Patrol approves are not counted, nor non-load-carrying safety attachments up to 3 inches from each side of a trailer. | All roads | N.D.C.C. § 39-12-04(1) |
| Height | 14 ftExisting bridges and underpasses lower than 14 feet stay as they are, so check clearances on your route. | All roads | N.D.C.C. § 39-12-04(2) |
| Length, single truck | 50 ftA single unit with two or more axles, load included. | All roads | N.D.C.C. § 39-12-04(3)(a) |
| Length, whole combination | 75 ftAlso covers three and four unit combinations, under the director’s safety rules. | Roads off the designated routes | N.D.C.C. § 39-12-04(3)(b) |
| Length, whole combination | 110 ftCovers four-lane divided highways and highways the director or local authorities designate; two, three or four units, under the director’s safety rules. | Designated truck routes | N.D.C.C. § 39-12-04(3)(d) |
| Length, semitrailer | 53 ftTrailers titled and registered in North Dakota before July 1, 1987, and towed vehicles, may be 60 feet. | All roads | N.D.C.C. § 39-12-04(3)(e) |
| Gross weight | 80,000 lb | Interstates | N.D.C.C. § 39-12-05(2) |
| Gross weight | 105,500 lbOn state highways unless posted lower. Other roads allow 80,000 pounds unless the local authority designates up to 105,500. The whole vehicle must also meet the bridge formula over its extreme axles. | Roads other than interstates | N.D.C.C. § 39-12-05.3(2) |
Source: N.D.C.C. § 39-12-04
Axle weight limits
| Axle or group | Without a permit | With a permit | Roads |
|---|---|---|---|
| Any single axle | 20,000 lbNo wheel may carry more than 10,000 pounds. | Not set | Interstates |
| Steering axle | 20,000 lbOr the manufacturer’s axle rating, whichever is lower. | Not set | Interstates |
| 2 axles in a group, spread over 3 ft 4 in to 7 ft 11 in | 17,000 lb an axleEach axle of a two axle group more than 40 inches and under 8 feet apart. | Not set | Interstates |
| 3 or more axles in a group | 17,000 lb an axleEach axle of a group of three or more axles spaced under 8 feet apart. | Not set | Interstates |
| Gross weight | 80,000 lb | Not set | Interstates |
| Any single axle | 20,000 lbNo wheel may carry more than 10,000 pounds. | Not set | Roads other than interstates |
| 2 axles in a group, spread over 3 ft 4 in to 7 ft 11 in | 34,000 lbTwo axles more than 40 inches and under 8 feet apart. A group of three or more is held to 48,000 pounds instead. 19,000 lb an axleEach axle of a two axle group more than 40 inches and under 8 feet apart. | Not set | Roads other than interstates |
| 3 or more axles in a group | 48,000 lb (19,000 lb an axle)For axles each more than 40 inches and under 8 feet apart, with no axle over 19,000 pounds. | Not set | Roads other than interstates |
| Gross weight | 105,500 lbOn state highways unless posted lower. Other roads allow 80,000 pounds unless the local authority designates up to 105,500. The whole vehicle must also meet the bridge formula over its extreme axles. | Not set | Roads other than interstates |
| Per inch of tire width | 550 lb an inchOn the Interstate, steering axle tires are exempt; off the Interstate the same 550 pounds applies to every wheel. | 600 lb an inchOn single and tandem axles; a group of three or more axles is held to 550 pounds an inch. | All roads |
| Single axle standing alone | Not set | 24,000 lbWith four tires 10 inches or wider; narrower tires allow less, at 600 pounds an inch of tire width. | All roads |
| 2 axles in a group | Not set | 45,000 lbWith eight tires 10 inches or wider; narrower tires allow less, at 600 pounds an inch of tire width. | All roads |
| 3 axles in a group | Not set | 60,000 lbWith twelve tires 10 inches or wider; narrower tires allow less, at 550 pounds an inch in a group of three or more. | All roads |
| 4 axles in a group | Not set | 68,000 lbWith sixteen tires; the table gives the same figure at every tire size. | All roads |
| 4 or more axles in a group | Not set | 19,000 lb an axleEach axle in a group of four or more on a single trip permit. | All roads |
| 5 axles in a group | Not set | 85,000 lb | All roads |
| 6 axles in a group | Not set | 102,000 lb | All roads |
| Single axle standing alone, when the gross is over 150,000 lb | Not set | 22,000 lbApplies over 150,000 pounds gross. With eight tires on the axle, permit staff may allow more on review. | All roads |
| 2 axles in a group, when the gross is over 150,000 lb | Not set | 40,000 lbApplies over 150,000 pounds gross. With eight tires on an axle, permit staff may allow more on review. | All roads |
| Gross weight | Not set | Not a hard ceiling: above this, the load must be reduced where reasonable and a district engineer approves the route, unless it is a pre-approved route and the load is within that route’s Annex D weights; more conditions apply over 175,000 pounds.150,000 lb Not a hard ceiling: above this, the move falls under the heavy load rules in Annex E of Policy 9-6.200,000 lb | All roads |
The federal bridge formula applies to axle groups on interstates (N.D.C.C. § 39-12-05(2)). “With a permit” lists the state’s permit figures; read each row’s condition, since some are review thresholds rather than limits.
Source: N.D.C.C. §§ 39-12-05 and 39-12-05.3, NDHP Policy 9-6 (11/21/2025), NDHP E-Permits page, Oversize/Overweight Single Trip
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 120 ft longThe pilot car follows 300 to 700 feet behind.38-06-02-03(3) | All roads | 1 behind | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| over 18 ft highThe pilot car leads 300 to 700 feet ahead. The rule doesn’t mention a height pole.38-06-02-03(4) | All roads | 1 in front | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| over 14 ft 6 in up to 16 ft wideOne pilot car 300 to 700 feet ahead, or in its place an amber rotating or flashing light on the vehicle visible 500 feet front and rear. Four-lane divided highways need no pilot car at this width.The condition says what goes along38-06-02-03(1) | Two-lane roads | See the source | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| over 16 ft wideEach pilot car runs 300 to 700 feet from the load. Over 18 feet wide the Highway Patrol can also require its own escort.38-06-02-03(2) | Two-lane roads | 1 in front, 1 behind | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| over 16 ft wideThe rule names four-lane divided highways; other multilane roads are shown the same way. Over 18 feet wide the Highway Patrol can also require its own escort.38-06-02-03(2) | Two or more lanes in your direction | 1 behind | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
Superloads
North Dakota treats a load as a superload when it is any one of these:
- over 200,000 lb gross
Source: N.D. Admin. Code § 38-06-02-03, NDHP Policy 9-6 (11/21/2025), items 4 and 8
When you can travel
Holidays
Permitted loads over 16 ft wide (16 ft or less may travel any day in daylight)
No overwidth permit valid from noon the day before a holiday until sunrise the day after. Six holidays. 2026: Thanksgiving noon Wed Nov 25 to sunrise Fri Nov 27; Christmas noon Thu Dec 24 to sunrise Sat Dec 26; New Year 2027 noon Thu Dec 31, 2026 to sunrise Sat Jan 2, 2027.
ND Highway Patrol 2026 Oversize Travel Restrictions calendar; Policy 9-6, section 2.b
Weekends
Single-trip permits for loads over 16 ft wide
Not issued for travel on Saturday after noon or all day Sunday. Loads 16 ft wide or less may travel any day in daylight.
Night
Single-trip permits for overdimensional loads
Not issued for travel from half an hour after sunset to half an hour before sunrise, unless the load is 12 ft wide or less and 120 ft long or less, or the superintendent approves. Night moves need clearance lights and amber lights.
Cities and rush hour
No city or corridor rush-hour curfew found in the state’s oversize policy or its 2026 calendar.
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 feePolicy 9-6, section 5(a) | Every single trip permit | $20 |
| Permit feePolicy 9-6, section 5(b), graduated fee schedule | over 150,000 lb up to 160,000 lb gross | $30 |
| Permit feePolicy 9-6, section 5(b), graduated fee schedule | over 160,000 lb up to 170,000 lb gross | $40 |
| Permit feePolicy 9-6, section 5(b), graduated fee schedule | over 170,000 lb up to 180,000 lb gross | $50 |
| Permit feePolicy 9-6, section 5(b), graduated fee schedule | over 180,000 lb up to 190,000 lb gross | $60 |
| Permit feePolicy 9-6, section 5(b), graduated fee schedule | over 190,000 lb gross | $70 |
| Service and routing feePolicy 9-6, section 5(g) | Every single trip permit | $8 |
| Ton mile feePolicy 9-6 Annex E, section 8(a) and (b) | over 200,000 lb gross | Not computed here, see the source |
Source: North Dakota Highway Patrol Policy 9-6 (ref 11/21/2025), section 5 Permit fees, North Dakota Highway Patrol Policy 9-6 Annex E (ref 8/2023), section 8 Permit fees
Where to apply
North Dakota issues permits through E-Permits. Start from the agency’s permit page, which leads to it.
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
- The Highway Patrol’s size guide says designated highways allow 95 or 110 feet depending on the combination, while the statute states 110 feet. Confirm the length for your combination.
- Which highways allow the longer combinations is set on NDDOT’s designated highway map; check your route on it.
Axle weights
- Off the Interstate, the whole vehicle must also meet the bridge formula over its first and last axles (§ 39-12-05.3(2)).
- Off the Interstate, state highways allow 105,500 pounds unless posted, and other roads 80,000 unless the local authority designates up to 105,500. Confirm the road class.
- Axles more than 40 inches and under 8 feet apart are held to 17,000 pounds each on the Interstate and 19,000 elsewhere. A pair inside a group of three or more falls under the 48,000 pound group limit off the Interstate.
- The Highway Patrol’s size guide gives 19,000 pounds an axle and 34,000 a tandem for close axles on the Interstate, where the statute says 17,000 an axle. Confirm before loading a tandem unevenly.
- On the Interstate, two consecutive tandems may carry 34,000 pounds each when their first and last axles are at least 36 feet apart.
- A wheel may carry at most 10,000 pounds and half the allowed axle load.
- Permit axle weights depend on tire size and count: 600 pounds an inch on single and tandem axles, 550 in a group of three or more. The figures shown assume 10 inch or wider tires.
- A steering axle rated over 20,000 pounds may carry 600 pounds an inch of tire width under a permit on the Interstate, Defense highways and state highways.
- Over 150,000 pounds gross, the E-Permits page holds a single axle to 22,000 and a tandem to 40,000 pounds.
- Truck cranes and other truck-chassis equipment, single unit trucks, earthmoving equipment and farm implements have their own permit limits.
- Divisible load permits to 129,000 pounds and seasonal 10 percent permits for farm products, solid waste, potatoes and sugar beets are separate.
- Over 200,000 pounds, the heavy load rules in Annex E of Policy 9-6 apply.
- No overweight permits issue during spring load restrictions or on restricted highways, nor on asphalt pavement at 90 degrees or above. Directors and local authorities may post lower limits.
Pilot cars and superloads
- The Highway Patrol’s permit rules (Policy 9-6) don’t define a superload by size. Over 200,000 pounds the heavy load rules apply, and their handout repeats 14 feet 6 inches wide, 18 feet high and 120 feet long as escort lines.
- From 14 feet 6 inches to 16 feet wide on a two-lane road, an amber light on the load can take the place of the pilot car.
- Over 18 feet wide, the Highway Patrol’s regional commander can require a patrol escort as well.
- The engineers or the Highway Patrol may require pilot cars for overweight moves; the rule doesn’t state a weight.
- The rule covers two-lane highways and four-lane divided highways; it doesn’t address three-lane or undivided four-lane roads.
- The escort rule doesn’t name a height pole or give escort practice below 18 feet high; ask the Highway Patrol.
Permit fees
- Confirm the routing fee: NDHP’s policy and its permit page list $8 for a single trip permit, while the page shows $10 on divisible load permits.
- A new permit system was announced on the E-Permits page; fees may change with it, so confirm before quoting.
- Over 150,000 pounds, the $30 to $70 bands replace the $20 fee, and the routing fee is added either way.
- Overweight self-propelled equipment, such as a truck crane or concrete pump, pays $25 instead of $20.
- Ton mile fees during spring thaw or on restricted roads, a $25 engineering fee, a $5 fax fee and Highway Patrol escorts at $50 an hour plus 50 cents a mile per trooper are extra.
- The ton mile fee over 200,000 pounds may be reduced for axle weights and layout, so 5 cents is a ceiling.
Where to apply
- Start from the Highway Patrol’s permit page and confirm which online system currently takes applications.
Questions about North Dakota
- When do I need an oversize permit in North Dakota?
- Without a permit, a load in North Dakota can be up to 8 ft 6 in wide, 14 ft high and 80,000 lb gross on interstates or 105,500 lb gross on roads other than interstates, 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 North Dakota oversize permit cost?
- On the fee schedule we checked, a single trip permit starts at $28. 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 North Dakota?
- A pilot car is required for loads over 16 ft wide, over 120 ft long or over 18 ft high; the start differs on some routes or with some loads, 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 North Dakota?
- North Dakota treats a load as a superload when it is over 200,000 lb gross. The superloads list on this page gives each threshold with its source.
- When can oversize loads travel in North Dakota?
- At night: Not issued for travel from half an hour after sunset to half an hour before sunrise, unless the load is 12 ft wide or less and 120 ft long or less, or the superintendent approves. Night moves need clearance lights and amber lights. This applies to single-trip permits for overdimensional loads. On weekends: Not issued for travel on Saturday after noon or all day Sunday. Loads 16 ft wide or less may travel any day in daylight. This applies to single-trip permits for loads over 16 ft wide.
- Can oversize loads move on holidays in North Dakota?
- No overwidth permit valid from noon the day before a holiday until sunrise the day after. Six holidays. 2026: Thanksgiving noon Wed Nov 25 to sunrise Fri Nov 27; Christmas noon Thu Dec 24 to sunrise Sat Dec 26; New Year 2027 noon Thu Dec 31, 2026 to sunrise Sat Jan 2, 2027. This applies to permitted loads over 16 ft wide (16 ft or less may travel any day in daylight).
Sources
- North Dakota Century Code, Chapter 39-12: Size, Weight, and LoadN.D.C.C. §§ 39-12-05 and 39-12-05.3North Dakota Legislative Assembly, Legislative Council. Read .
- NDHP Policy 9-6: Permits for Oversize and Overweight Vehicles and/or Loads Excluding Workover RigsNDHP Policy 9-6 (11/21/2025)North Dakota Highway Patrol, Motor Carrier Division. Read .
- NDHP E-Permits page: Oversize/Overweight Single TripNDHP E-Permits page, Oversize/Overweight Single TripNorth Dakota Highway Patrol. Read .
- N.D. Admin. Code ch. 38-06-02, Adoption of Regulations, section 38-06-02-03 Escort requirementsN.D. Admin. Code § 38-06-02-03North Dakota Department of Transportation (rule); published by the North Dakota Legislative Council, North Dakota Administrative Code. Read .
- NDHP Motor Carrier Division, Permits for Oversize and Overweight Vehicles and/or Loads Excluding Workover Rigs (Policy 9-6)NDHP Policy 9-6 (11/21/2025), items 4 and 8North Dakota Highway Patrol, Motor Carrier Division. Read .
- NDHP Policy 9-6 Annex E, Heavy Load Permit Policy for Loads in Excess of 200,000 Pounds Gross Vehicle WeightNorth Dakota Highway Patrol Policy 9-6 Annex E (ref 8/2023), section 8 Permit feesNorth Dakota Highway Patrol, Motor Carrier Division. Read .
- NDHP Policy 9-6, Permits for Oversize and Overweight Vehicles and/or Loads Excluding Workover RigsNorth Dakota Highway Patrol Policy 9-6 (ref 11/21/2025), section 5 Permit feesNorth Dakota Highway Patrol, Motor Carrier Division. Read .
- North Dakota Highway Patrol E-PermitsNDHP E-Permits page, Over Dimensional Only, Single TripNorth Dakota Highway Patrol. 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 North Dakota before you travel.
Bordering states
- Minnesota, coming soon
- Montana, coming soon
- South Dakota, coming soon
More guides: all states and the rules library.
ThirteenSix checks these rules on every job you enter
ThirteenSix keeps each job’s permits, escorts and axle checks together, from dispatch to the driver’s paycheck.
Book a 20-minute call