Legal size limits without a permit
| Measurement | Colorado legal limit |
|---|---|
| Height | 14'6" |
| Width | 8'6" |
| 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 Colorado, 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 (all highways) | UNCONFIRMED - set via bridge formula per permit |
| Tandem axle | 36,000 lbs (Interstate); 40,000 lbs (non-Interstate) | UNCONFIRMED - set via bridge formula per permit |
| Tridem axle | Confirmed at filing | Confirmed at filing |
| Quad axle | Confirmed at filing | Confirmed at filing |
| Gross weight | 80,000 lbs | Non-Divisible Load Annual Permit capped at 200,000 lbs; Chapter 6 Special Permits cover 200,000-500,000 lbs |
Superload: Exceeds 500,000 lbs gross weight, or a double-dolly configuration wider than 15'
Permit types we file in Colorado
Single-Trip PermitValid for a single move, not to exceed 5 days.
Annual (Non-Divisible Load) PermitValid for one year for a specific configuration, capped at 200,000 lbs GVW.
Chapter 6 Special / Superload PermitFor loads between 200,000-500,000+ lbs or oversize double-dolly configurations, requiring individualized route review.
Maximum dimensions with a permit
| Dimension | Maximum with a permit |
|---|---|
| Length | 110'-130' depending on highway type under Non-Divisible Load permits |
| Width | Up to 17' under Non-Divisible Load permits |
| Height | Up to 16', subject to CDOT's Height Restriction Map |
| Rear Overhang | Up to 35' (25' front overhang) under Non-Divisible Load permits |
CDOT classifies loads exceeding 500,000 lbs gross weight (or an over-15'-wide double-dolly configuration) as superloads requiring individualized route review.
Escorts and travel restrictions
Escort & pilot car rules
- Two-lane (Blue) highways: widths 8'6"-11' require a front escort; 11'-13' require front and rear escorts.
- Yellow highways: widths 11'-13' require a front escort; 13'-15' require front and rear escort or a rear warning light.
- Heights over 16' prohibited unless a pilot escort vehicle with a height pole precedes the load; over 17'6" requires a route survey.
- Widths over 14' are prohibited from travel during hours of darkness (except under Chapter 6 Special permits).
When you can travel
- Regional weekday curfews apply in Denver, Colorado Springs/Pueblo, and the Aspen-Carbondale corridor.
- The I-70 mountain corridor has seasonal weekend travel restrictions during winter and summer peak periods.
- LCVs are prohibited from travel on Memorial Day, Independence Day, and Labor Day.
- Extra-legal vehicles/loads are prohibited from travel during hazardous conditions.
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.
Colorado specifics
- Banner size, flag size and light rules for Colorado 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 CDOT and can change. We confirm the current rules for your exact load before filing.