Legal size limits without a permit
| Measurement | Tennessee legal limit |
|---|---|
| Height | 13 ft 6 in |
| Width | 8 ft 6 in |
| Front Overhang | Confirmed at filing |
| Rear Overhang | Confirmed at filing |
Axle and gross weights
How much each axle group and the whole vehicle can carry in Tennessee, without a permit and with an overweight permit.
| Axle group | Legal limit | With a permit |
|---|---|---|
| Steer axle | Confirmed at filing | Confirmed at filing |
| Single axle | 20,000 lbs | 23,000 lbs |
| Tandem axle | 34,000 lbs | 46,000 lbs |
| Tridem axle | Confirmed at filing | Confirmed at filing |
| Quad axle | Confirmed at filing | Confirmed at filing |
| Gross weight | 80,000 lbs | 150,000 lbs standard permit cap; 165,000 lbs annual towing permit cap |
Superload: Gross weight exceeding 165,000 lbs is designated 'Super Heavy,' requiring bridge evaluation
Permit types we file in Tennessee
Single Trip PermitValid for 10 calendar days, covers one specific movement.
Annual PermitValid for 365 days for a specific vehicle/configuration.
Mobile Home PermitShort-term or annual permits specific to manufactured/mobile home moves.
Maximum dimensions with a permit
| Dimension | Maximum with a permit |
|---|---|
| Length | Up to 90 ft standard permit; up to 120 ft with escorts |
| Width | Up to 16 ft standard; over 16 ft is 'Extra-Overdimensional' |
| Height | Up to 15 ft 6 in standard; over that is 'Extra-Overdimensional' |
| Rear Overhang | Confirmed at filing |
TDOT defines 'Extra-Overdimensional' as width over 16 ft or height over 15 ft 6 in, and 'Super Heavy' as gross weight over 165,000 lbs.
Escorts and travel restrictions
Escort & pilot car rules
- Width 12'6"-13'6": one escort.
- Width 13'6"-16': front and rear escort vehicles required.
- Width over 16': front and rear escorts plus mandatory route survey.
When you can travel
- Loads over 12'6" wide, 15' high, or 90' long prohibited 7-9 a.m. and 4-6 p.m. in large counties.
- Mobile homes restricted to sunrise-to-sunset, Monday-Saturday.
- Holiday blackout periods around major federal holidays.
Signs, flags and lights
Most states require
- An “OVERSIZE LOAD” banner on the front of the truck and the rear of the load.
- Red or fluorescent orange warning flags at each corner and at the widest points of the load.
- Amber warning lights or clearance lights when moving at night, where night travel is allowed.
Tennessee specifics
- Banner size, flag size and light rules for Tennessee are listed on your permit.
- We include them in your permit notes so your driver has them before the trip.
Rules change. Limits and requirements are set by TDOT and can change. We confirm the current rules for your exact load before filing.