Texas oversize and overweight rules
The short answer
Last checked
Without a permit, a load in Texas can be up to 8 ft 6 in wide, 14 ft high and 80,000 lb gross, with the conditions in the legal limits table. The first pilot car is required for loads over 14 ft wide or over 110 ft long, and a height pole car for loads over 17 ft high, with the conditions in the pilot car table. It treats a load as a superload when it is over 254,300 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 inThis 102 inch figure covers all vehicles and loads other than passenger vehicles, which are held to 8 feet. | All roads | TxDMV, Texas Size/Weight Limits, Legal Size and Weight Limits |
| Height | 14 ft | All roads | TxDMV, Texas Size/Weight Limits, Legal Size and Weight Limits |
| Length, single truck | 45 ft | All roads | TxDMV, Texas Size/Weight Limits, Legal Size and Weight Limits |
| Length, semitrailer | 59 ftThis is the semitrailer in a truck tractor and semitrailer combination. TxDMV’s size page gives no overall length for that combination; ask the permit office before a long move. | All roads | TxDMV, Texas Size/Weight Limits, Legal Size and Weight Limits |
| Length, whole combination | 65 ftThis is for two-vehicle combinations that are not a truck tractor with a trailer. | All roads | TxDMV, Texas Size/Weight Limits, Legal Size and Weight Limits |
| Gross weight | 80,000 lbVehicles running chiefly on natural gas or battery power get an extra 2,000 pounds, for 82,000 pounds total. | All roads | Tex. Transp. Code § 621.101(b) |
Source: TxDMV, Texas Size/Weight Limits, Legal Size and Weight Limits, Tex. Transp. Code § 621.101
Axle weight limits
| Axle or group | Without a permit | With a permit | Roads |
|---|---|---|---|
| Any single axle | 20,000 lb | Not set | All roads |
| 2 axles in a group | 34,000 lb | 46,000 lbOr 650 pounds per inch of tire width, if lower. A trunnion pair with eight tires per axle, set 5 to 6 feet apart, may carry 30,000 pounds an axle. A heavier group needs a Super Heavy permit. | All roads |
| Gross weight | 80,000 lbVehicles running chiefly on natural gas or battery power get an extra 2,000 pounds, for 82,000 pounds total. | 254,300 lbA load above this weight, or above 200,000 pounds with under 95 feet of axle spacing, needs a Super Heavy permit plus a route and bridge review. | All roads |
| Single axle standing alone | Not set | 25,000 lbThe lower of this figure or 650 pounds per inch of tire width applies, and never more than the tire’s rated capacity. Heavier loads need a Super Heavy permit. | All roads |
| 3 axles in a group | Not set | 60,000 lbThe lower of this figure or 650 pounds per inch of tire width applies. Heavier loads need a Super Heavy permit. | All roads |
| 4 axles in a group | Not set | 70,000 lbThe lower of this figure or 650 pounds per inch of tire width applies. Heavier loads need a Super Heavy permit. | All roads |
| 5 axles in a group | Not set | 81,400 lbThe lower of this figure or 650 pounds per inch of tire width applies. Heavier loads need a Super Heavy permit. | All roads |
| Per inch of tire width | Not set | 650 lb an inch | All roads |
The bridge formula applies to axle groups on all roads (Tex. Transp. Code § 621.101(a)(3)). “With a permit” lists the state’s permit figures; read each row’s condition, since some are review thresholds rather than limits.
Source: Tex. Transp. Code § 621.101, 43 Tex. Admin. Code § 219.11(d), TxDMV, General Single Trip Permits page, Super Heavy Single-Trip Permit
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 16 ft wideTxDOT can waive these escorts following its own route and traffic review.§ 219.11(k)(2)(C) | All roads | 1 in front, 1 behind | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| over 125 ft longTxDOT can waive these escorts following its own route and traffic review.§ 219.11(k)(3)(C) | All roads | 1 in front, 1 behind | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| over 17 ft highThe height pole rides on the lone front escort. TxDOT can waive it following its own route and traffic review.§ 219.11(k)(4)(A) | All roads | 1 height pole car | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 |
| over 18 ft highThe height pole rides on the front escort. TxDOT can waive these escorts following its own route and traffic review.§ 219.11(k)(4)(B) | All roads | 1 behind, 1 height pole car | 0 | 1 | 1 | 0 |
| over 14 ft wide and over 110 ft longWidth and length each exceed their own escort trigger, so escorts cover both ends. TxDOT can waive them following its own route and traffic review.§ 219.11(k)(5) | All roads | 1 in front, 1 behind | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| over 14 ft wide and over 17 ft highThe height pole rides on the front escort. TxDOT can waive these escorts following its own route and traffic review.§ 219.11(k)(5) | All roads | 1 behind, 1 height pole car | 0 | 1 | 1 | 0 |
| over 17 ft high and over 110 ft longThe height pole rides on the front escort. TxDOT can waive these escorts following its own route and traffic review.§ 219.11(k)(5) | All roads | 1 behind, 1 height pole car | 0 | 1 | 1 | 0 |
| over 14 ft wideThis applies on a two lane roadway. TxDOT can waive it following its own route and traffic review.§ 219.11(k)(2)(A) | Two-lane roads | 1 in front | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| over 110 ft longThis holds up to 125 feet; above that, front and rear escorts are needed on all roads. TxDOT can waive it following its own route and traffic review.§ 219.11(k)(3)(A) | Two-lane roads | 1 in front | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| over 14 ft wideThis applies on roads with four or more lanes. TxDOT can waive it following its own route and traffic review.§ 219.11(k)(2)(B) | Two or more lanes in your direction | 1 behind | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| over 110 ft longThis holds up to 125 feet; above that, front and rear escorts are needed on all roads. TxDOT can waive it following its own route and traffic review.§ 219.11(k)(3)(B) | Two or more lanes in your direction | 1 behind | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
- The lead pilot car is the one that carries the height pole.
Superloads
Texas treats a load as a superload when it is any one of these:
- over 254,300 lb gross
Source: 43 Tex. Admin. Code § 219.11(k)(2) to (5), TxDMV General Single-Trip Permits page, Super Heavy Single-Trip Permit
When you can travel
Holidays
Loads over 14 ft wide, 16 ft high or 110 ft long; all manufactured housing
Not moved on listed holiday dates (calendar days) unless TxDMV grants an exception after a route and traffic study. 2026: Memorial May 25; Independence Sat Jul 4; Labor Sep 7; Thanksgiving Thu Nov 26; Christmas Fri Dec 25; New Year’s Day Fri Jan 1, 2027. Manufactured housing also: Veterans Day Nov 11, MLK Jan 18, 2027, Presidents Feb 15, 2027.
43 TAC 219.11(l)(2); TxDMV Holiday Hours and Movement Restrictions page
Weekends
No general Saturday or Sunday bar found; weekend limits appear only in specific local curfews.
43 TAC 219.11(l); TxDMV Holiday Hours and Movement Restrictions page
Lockhart (Austin district)
Loads over 20 ft wide, 17 ft high or 200 ft long on all highways in Lockhart
No movement Mon to Thu 7 to 9 a.m. and 4 to 6 p.m., and none on weekends, Fri through Sun. Law enforcement escorts required.
TxDOT Austin District restriction sheet, City of Lockhart restrictions 67528 and 67529
Night
All permitted vehicles
Daytime only, unless the vehicle is overweight only, or on an interstate at no more than 10 ft wide and 100 ft long with legal overhang. TxDOT may grant a night exception after a route and traffic study; escort flag vehicles may be required.
Tarrant County: IH 820 southbound (about 1 mi north of SH 180 to 3/4 mi south of SP 303)
All permits
No permits southbound on IH 820 (about 1 mi north of SH 180 to 3/4 mi south of SP 303) every night: weekdays 10 p.m. to 6 a.m., weekends 10 p.m. to 9 a.m.
TxDOT Fort Worth District restriction sheet, E. IH 820 SB, restriction 71149
Round Rock (Austin district)
House moves 20 ft wide and over on all roads in Round Rock
House moves of this size must move only between 12:01 a.m. and 4:30 a.m.
Cities and rush hour
38 local rules
Austin
Loads over 12 ft wide and/or 95 ft long
No movement Mon to Fri 7 to 9 a.m. and 4 to 6 p.m. Applies to time permits and listed annual permit types (annual Exempt permits are exempt); check the district sheet for single-trip permits.
Bandera
All oversize and overweight vehicles
No movement Mon to Fri 3 to 9 p.m., and all day Sat and Sun. Applies to time permits and listed annual permit types (annual Exempt permits are exempt); check the district sheet for single-trip permits.
Bay City (SH 35, SH 60, FM 2668)
All oversize and overweight vehicles
No movement Mon to Fri 7 to 8:30 a.m. Applies to time permits and listed annual permit types (annual Exempt permits are exempt); check the district sheet for single-trip permits.
Brazos/Robertson Counties: FM 50 (US 79/US 190 to E. SH 21)
Overwidth loads
Brazos and Robertson counties, FM 50 (US 79/US 190 to E. SH 21): no movement Mon to Fri 7 to 8 a.m. and 3 to 5 p.m. Applies to time permits and listed annual permit types (annual Exempt permits are exempt); check the district sheet for single-trip permits.
Bryan/College Station
Loads over 16 ft 6 in high and/or 254,300 lb gross
Bryan and College Station: no movement every day 7 to 9 a.m. and 4 to 7 p.m. Applies to time permits and listed annual permit types (annual Exempt permits are exempt); check the district sheet for single-trip permits.
Buffalo
All oversize and overweight vehicles
No movement Mon to Fri 7 to 9 a.m. and 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Applies to time permits and listed annual permit types (annual Exempt permits are exempt); check the district sheet for single-trip permits.
Cameron County: IH 69E/US 77 (SH 550 to SP 54)
Loads over 12 ft wide
No movement every day 6 to 9 a.m. and 3 to 6 p.m. Applies to time permits and listed annual permit types (annual Exempt permits are exempt); check the district sheet for single-trip permits.
Comal County: FM 306 (US 281 to IH 35)
Loads over 110 ft long
No movement Mon to Fri 3:30 p.m. to 8:30 a.m. Applies to time permits and listed annual permit types (annual Exempt permits are exempt); check the district sheet for single-trip permits.
Conroe
Loads over 14 ft wide, 14 ft high and/or 110 ft long
No movement Mon to Fri 6 to 9 a.m. and 3 to 7 p.m. Applies to time permits and listed annual permit types (annual Exempt permits are exempt); check the district sheet for single-trip permits.
El Paso (inside and/or on Loop 375)
Loads over 12 ft wide and/or 95 ft long
No movement Mon to Fri 7 to 9 a.m. and 4 to 6 p.m. Applies to time permits and listed annual permit types (annual Exempt permits are exempt); check the district sheet for single-trip permits.
Friendswood: FM 518, FM 528, FM 2351
Loads over 14 ft wide, 14 ft high and/or 110 ft long
Friendswood (FM 518, FM 528, FM 2351): no movement Mon to Fri 6 to 9 a.m. and 3 to 7 p.m. Applies to time permits and listed annual permit types (annual Exempt permits are exempt); check the district sheet for single-trip permits.
Galveston County: FM 518 (FM 528 to IH 45)
Oversize vehicles
No movement Mon to Fri 6 to 9 a.m. and 4 to 7 p.m. Applies to time permits and listed annual permit types (annual Exempt permits are exempt); check the district sheet for single-trip permits.
Galveston County: FM 646 (IH 45 to SH 146)
Oversize vehicles
No movement Mon to Fri 6 to 9 a.m. and 4 to 7 p.m. Applies to time permits and listed annual permit types (annual Exempt permits are exempt); check the district sheet for single-trip permits.
Gatesville: US 84 and SH 36 junction (all turns)
Loads over 125 ft long
Gatesville, US 84 and SH 36 junction (all turns): no movement every day 7 to 8:30 a.m. and 3 to 6 p.m. Applies to time permits and listed annual permit types (annual Exempt permits are exempt); check the district sheet for single-trip permits.
Giddings
Loads over 16 ft wide, 16 ft high and/or 130 ft long
No movement Sat to Thu 7 to 9 a.m. and 4 to 6 p.m. The Austin district sheet adds no movement on Fridays and none on the six holidays. Applies to time permits and listed annual permit types (annual Exempt permits are exempt); check the district sheet for single-trip permits.
Hallettsville: US 77/US 90A (August to May)
Oversize vehicles
No movement Mon to Fri 7:30 to 8:15 a.m. and 3 to 3:45 p.m. Applies to time permits and listed annual permit types (annual Exempt permits are exempt); check the district sheet for single-trip permits.
Kerrville
Loads over 14 ft wide, 14 ft high and/or 110 ft long
No movement Mon to Fri 7 to 8:15 a.m., 11:30 a.m. to 1:15 p.m. and 3:30 to 5:30 p.m. Applies to time permits and listed annual permit types (annual Exempt permits are exempt); check the district sheet for single-trip permits.
Kinney County: SH 131 (Maverick/Kinney line to US 90)
Loads over 11 ft wide
No movement Mon to Fri 6 to 9 a.m. and 2:30 to 5 p.m. Applies to time permits and listed annual permit types (annual Exempt permits are exempt); check the district sheet for single-trip permits.
Mathis: BS 359 (S. SH 359 to N. SH 359)
All oversize and overweight vehicles
Mathis, BS 359 (S. SH 359 to N. SH 359): no movement Mon to Fri 7 to 8:30 a.m. and 3:30 to 5 p.m. Applies to time permits and listed annual permit types (annual Exempt permits are exempt); check the district sheet for single-trip permits.
Montgomery
Loads over 14 ft wide, 14 ft high and/or 110 ft long
No movement Mon to Fri 6 to 9 a.m. and 2:30 to 7 p.m. Applies to time permits and listed annual permit types (annual Exempt permits are exempt); check the district sheet for single-trip permits.
New Braunfels: BS 46 (IH 35 to LP 337)
Loads over 12 ft wide
No movement Mon to Fri 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Applies to time permits and listed annual permit types (annual Exempt permits are exempt); check the district sheet for single-trip permits.
New Waverly
Loads over 13 ft wide, 14 ft high and/or 110 ft long
No movement Mon to Fri 7 to 8 a.m. and 3 to 5 p.m. Applies to time permits and listed annual permit types (annual Exempt permits are exempt); check the district sheet for single-trip permits.
Nolan and Taylor Counties: SH 153 (US 277 to SH 70)
All oversize and overweight vehicles
No movement Sunday 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Applies to time permits and listed annual permit types (annual Exempt permits are exempt); check the district sheet for single-trip permits.
Orange County: SH 87/SH 73 southbound over the Neches River (Rainbow) Bridge
Oversize vehicles
No movement every day 3 p.m. to 9 a.m. Applies to time permits and listed annual permit types (annual Exempt permits are exempt); check the district sheet for single-trip permits.
San Angelo: US 67 (US 87 to Jefferson St)
Loads over 13 ft 6 in wide and/or 95 ft long
San Angelo, US 67 (US 87 to Jefferson St): no movement Mon to Fri 7 to 9 a.m., 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. and 3:30 to 6 p.m. Applies to time permits and listed annual permit types (annual Exempt permits are exempt); check the district sheet for single-trip permits.
Sealy: US 90 and LP 350
All oversize and overweight vehicles
Sealy, US 90 and LP 350: no movement Mon to Fri 7 to 9 a.m. and 3 to 4 p.m. Applies to time permits and listed annual permit types (annual Exempt permits are exempt); check the district sheet for single-trip permits.
Seguin: BS 123 and US 90 (August 10 to May 31)
Loads over 95 ft long
Seguin, BS 123 and US 90 (August 10 to May 31): no movement Mon to Fri 7 to 9 a.m. and 3 to 5 p.m. Applies to time permits and listed annual permit types (annual Exempt permits are exempt); check the district sheet for single-trip permits.
Smithville: SH 95 and SP 230
Loads over 16 ft wide, 16 ft high and/or 130 ft long
Smithville, SH 95 and SP 230: no movement Mon to Fri 7 to 9 a.m. and 4 to 6 p.m. The Austin district sheet adds no movement on the six holidays. Applies to time permits and listed annual permit types (annual Exempt permits are exempt); check the district sheet for single-trip permits.
Somervell County: FM 199 and FM 200
Loads over 10 ft wide and/or 80 ft long
No movement Mon to Fri 7 to 8 a.m., 11:30 a.m. to 12:15 p.m. and 4 to 4:30 p.m. The Fort Worth district sheet gives the season as August 15 to June 1. Applies to time permits and listed annual permit types (annual Exempt permits are exempt); check the district sheet for single-trip permits.
Tarrant County (all highways; includes Fort Worth)
All oversize vehicles (mobile cranes not affected)
No movement Mon to Fri 7 to 9 a.m. and 4 to 6 p.m. Applies to time permits and listed annual permit types (annual Exempt permits are exempt); check the district sheet for single-trip permits.
Uvalde: US 83 and US 90
Loads over 10 ft wide, 15 ft high, 75 ft overall length and/or 59 ft trailer
Uvalde, US 83 and US 90: no movement Mon to Fri 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Applies to time permits and listed annual permit types (annual Exempt permits are exempt); check the district sheet for single-trip permits.
Walker County: SH 75 and SH 150
Loads over 13 ft wide, 14 ft high and/or 110 ft long
No movement Mon to Fri 7 to 8 a.m. and 3 to 5 p.m. Applies to time permits and listed annual permit types (annual Exempt permits are exempt); check the district sheet for single-trip permits.
Weatherford: FM 2421, FM 51, FM 920, SH 171/FM 51, SP 312, US 180 (segments near Ric Williamson Memorial Hwy and IH 20)
All oversize and overweight vehicles
Weatherford (FM 2421, FM 51, FM 920, SH 171/FM 51, SP 312, US 180 near Ric Williamson Memorial Hwy and IH 20): no movement every day 7 to 9 a.m. and 4 to 6 p.m. The Fort Worth district sheet says vehicles starting or ending on FM 51, FM 920, FM 2421 or SP 312 must call Weatherford Police 48 hours and 2 hours before arrival. Applies to time permits and listed annual permit types (annual Exempt permits are exempt); check the district sheet for single-trip permits.
Wichita Falls
Loads over 12 ft wide and/or 95 ft long
No movement Mon to Fri 7 to 9 a.m. and 4 to 6 p.m. Applies to time permits and listed annual permit types (annual Exempt permits are exempt); check the district sheet for single-trip permits.
Ovilla, Ellis County: FM 664
Overwidth, overheight and overlength vehicles inside Ovilla city limits
On FM 664 in Ovilla, movement before 9 a.m. or after 4 p.m. needs permission from Ovilla Police, so 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. is the open window. Permanent restriction.
TxDOT Dallas District restriction sheet, Ellis County FM 664, restriction 37804
Red Oak, Ellis County: FM 664
Loads over 17 ft high on FM 664 in Red Oak
Travel only 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on FM 664; contact Red Oak Police before traveling in Red Oak city limits. Permanent restriction.
TxDOT Dallas District restriction sheet, Ellis County FM 664, restriction 34630
Fort Worth (inside the IH 20 / IH 820 loop)
All permitted loads
No permits on any highway inside the loop formed by IH 20 and IH 820, except named crossing routes (Pharr St, Seminary Dr, SH 183, US 377, BU 287 and others).
TxDOT Fort Worth District restriction sheet, City of Fort Worth restriction 17787
Houston and Dallas districts
No metro-wide rush-hour curfew found in the Houston or Dallas districts. Local limits are listed in the Friendswood, Galveston County, Conroe, Montgomery, Ovilla and Red Oak entries; the Tarrant County curfew is listed separately.
TxDOT Houston, Dallas and Fort Worth district restriction sheets
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 feeFees and Payment Information, first sentence | Every single trip permit | $60 |
| Maintenance feeFees and Payment Information, table of highway maintenance fees, 80,001 to 120,000 pounds row | over 80,000 lb up to 120,000 lb gross | $150 |
| Maintenance feeFees and Payment Information, table of highway maintenance fees, 120,001 to 160,000 pounds row | over 120,000 lb up to 160,000 lb gross | $225 |
| Maintenance feeFees and Payment Information, table of highway maintenance fees, 160,001 to 200,000 pounds row | over 160,000 lb up to 200,000 lb gross | $300 |
| Maintenance feeFees and Payment Information, table of highway maintenance fees | over 200,000 lb gross | $375 |
| Supervision feeFees and Payment Information, note under the table | over 200,000 lb up to 254,300 lb gross | $35 |
| Supervision feeFees and Payment Information, first paragraph and vehicle supervision fee table | over 254,300 lb gross | Not computed here, see the source |
Source: TxDMV, General Single-Trip Permits page, Fees & Payment Information, TxDMV, Superheavy Single-Trip Permits page, Fees & Payment Information
Where to apply
Texas issues permits through Texas Permitting and Routing Optimization System (TxPROS). Apply at txpros.txdmv.gov.
What the rules don’t say
Where the sources are silent or say two things. Ask the state before you rely on these.
Axle weights
- The TxDMV page lists triple groups at 42,000 pounds and quad groups at 50,000, but the statute gives no flat figure for them. Those match bridge formula values at short spans, and longer groups may carry more. Confirm for your spacing.
- Permit group limits need at least 4 feet between axles. Groups of six or more axles go to an engineering study, and limits drop 2.5 percent for each foot under 12 feet between consecutive groups. Confirm for your configuration.
- Load restricted roads cut permit maximums to 22,500 pounds single and 41,400 two axle, with lower figures for larger groups. Confirm whether your route has load zoning or county posted limits.
- A Super Heavy permit is needed for a load over 200,000 pounds whose axles span under 95 feet overall, even below 254,300 pounds gross. Ask the permit office to confirm spacing before you plan the route.
- A two axle trunnion with eight tires per axle, axles at least 10 feet wide and 5 to 6 feet apart, may carry 30,000 pounds an axle. Some equipment gets higher steer axle allowances, and tire ratings, even loading within 10 percent and industry exemptions also apply.
Pilot cars and superloads
- Each escort tier allows an exception through a TxDOT route and traffic study, and TxDOT may require law enforcement inside city limits or where it helps safe movement. No numeric police trigger is published, so the permit decides.
- A load extending more than 20 feet beyond the front or rear of the load-carrying surface needs a rear escort. Convoys of up to four loads, 110 to 150 feet long, need front and rear escorts at all times. Confirm these when they apply.
- Manufactured housing and portable buildings have their own escort tiers. Over 16 to 18 feet wide takes one escort, in front on two lane roads and behind on four or more lanes; over 18 feet takes front and rear.
- The width tier names two lane roads and roads of four or more lanes, and the length tier two lane roads and multi-lane highways. Neither addresses three lane roads, so ask how many escorts a three lane route needs.
- Super Heavy and route specific permits may carry their own escort conditions beyond the standard tiers, and TxDMV’s permit page gives no width, height or length line for Super Heavy permits. Check the issued permit conditions.
- A Chapter 219 rule proposal published in August 2026 could be adopted after September 27, 2026. It does not change the escort tiers as proposed, but confirm the current text.
Permit fees
- Confirm the current fee amounts before quoting. TxDMV shows no revision date, and the $35 supervision fee comes from one agency page; the statute lets the department set it to recover costs.
- Super Heavy permits (over 254,300 pounds, over axle limits, or over 200,000 pounds on less than 95 feet of spacing) have a route based supervision fee with no published dollar amount. Request a quote.
- Card payments through Texas.gov add 25 cents plus 2.25 percent. Escort and police costs are extra. Loads over 20 feet wide, 18 feet 11 inches high or 125 feet long need a Route Inspection Certification with no fee stated.
- Manufactured housing, portable buildings, mobile cranes, well service units, time based and annual permits have separate fees. A proposed rule and the 2027 legislative session may change fees.
Where to apply
- Confirm the current name and address of the online permit system on the TxDMV website before relying on a link.
Questions about Texas
- When do I need an oversize permit in Texas?
- Without a permit, a load in Texas can be up to 8 ft 6 in wide, 14 ft high 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 Texas oversize permit cost?
- On the fee schedule we checked, a single trip permit starts at $60. 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 Texas?
- The first pilot car is required for loads over 14 ft wide or over 110 ft long, and a height pole car for loads over 17 ft 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 Texas?
- Texas treats a load as a superload when it is over 254,300 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 Texas?
- At night: Daytime only, unless the vehicle is overweight only, or on an interstate at no more than 10 ft wide and 100 ft long with legal overhang. TxDOT may grant a night exception after a route and traffic study; escort flag vehicles may be required. On weekends: No general Saturday or Sunday bar found; weekend limits appear only in specific local curfews. Rush hour and city curfews also apply; they are listed on this page.
- Can oversize loads move on holidays in Texas?
- Not moved on listed holiday dates (calendar days) unless TxDMV grants an exception after a route and traffic study. 2026: Memorial May 25; Independence Sat Jul 4; Labor Sep 7; Thanksgiving Thu Nov 26; Christmas Fri Dec 25; New Year’s Day Fri Jan 1, 2027. Manufactured housing also: Veterans Day Nov 11, MLK Jan 18, 2027, Presidents Feb 15, 2027. This applies to loads over 14 ft wide, 16 ft high or 110 ft long; all manufactured housing.
Sources
- Texas Transportation Code, Chapter 621: General Provisions Relating to Vehicle Size and WeightTex. Transp. Code § 621.101Texas Legislative Council (Texas Constitution and Statutes). Read .
- TxDMV, Texas Size/Weight LimitsTxDMV, Texas Size/Weight Limits, Legal Size and Weight LimitsTexas Department of Motor Vehicles. Read .
- 43 Tex. Admin. Code § 219.11(d): Maximum permit weight limits (reprinted in the Texas Register, August 28, 2026)43 Tex. Admin. Code § 219.11(d)Texas Department of Motor Vehicles (published in the Texas Register by the Secretary of State). Read .
- TxDMV, General Single Trip PermitsTxDMV, General Single Trip Permits page, Super Heavy Single-Trip PermitTexas Department of Motor Vehicles. Read .
- TxDMV, Escort and Equipment Requirements (Oversize/Overweight Permits)Escort requirements table (General tab)Texas Department of Motor Vehicles. Read .
- TxDMV, Proposed and Adopted Rules for 2024 (Chapter 219 row)Chapter 219 amendments: adoption published 7/12/24, effective 7/18/24Texas Department of Motor Vehicles. Read .
- Tex. Transp. Code § 623.008, Authority to require escort flag vehicles and escort flaggersTex. Transp. Code § 623.008(b)Texas Legislature (Texas Constitution and Statutes site). Read .
- Superheavy Single-Trip Permits (Fees & Payment Information)TxDMV, Superheavy Single-Trip Permits page, Fees & Payment InformationTexas Department of Motor Vehicles, Motor Carrier Division. Read .
- Texas Transportation Code, Chapter 623, Permits for Oversize or Overweight VehiclesTex. Transp. Code 623.076 (permit fee), 623.077 (highway maintenance fee), 623.078 (vehicle supervision fee)Texas Legislature (Texas Constitution and Statutes, Legislative Council). Read .
- Texas Department of Motor Vehicles page naming the permit systemTexas Department of Motor Vehicles, permit system pageTexas Department of Motor Vehicles. 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 Texas before you travel.
Bordering states
- Crossing into Arkansas? See Arkansas rules
- Crossing into Louisiana? See Louisiana rules
- New Mexico, coming soon
- Crossing into Oklahoma? See Oklahoma rules
More guides: all states and the rules library.
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