Legal size limits without a permit
| Measurement | Connecticut legal limit |
|---|---|
| Height | 13'6" |
| Width | 102.36" (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 Connecticut, 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 | 22,400 lbs (axles spaced 6'+ apart); 18,000 lbs (under 6' apart) | UNCONFIRMED - loads over legal weight evaluated individually |
| Tandem axle | UNCONFIRMED - not published as a flat combined figure | UNCONFIRMED - no flat figure published |
| Tridem axle | Confirmed at filing | Confirmed at filing |
| Quad axle | Confirmed at filing | Confirmed at filing |
| Gross weight | Up to 80,000 lbs | Up to just under 200,000 lbs under standard permits; engineering-analysis fee applies above 200,000 lbs |
Superload: Length over 150', width over 16', height over 16', or weight of 200,000 lbs or more
Permit types we file in Connecticut
Single Trip PermitValid over a 3-day period for one-way or round-trip movement during daylight hours.
Annual Indivisible Load PermitFor Connecticut-based carriers, valid May 1-April 30 for a specific configuration.
Industrial PermitFor state-highway movement tied to a specific industrial plant.
Maximum dimensions with a permit
| Dimension | Maximum with a permit |
|---|---|
| Length | Up to 150' before superload classification |
| Width | Up to 16' before superload classification |
| Height | Up to 16' before superload classification |
| Rear Overhang | Confirmed at filing |
Connecticut classifies loads over 150' long, 16' wide, 16' high, or 200,000 lbs as superloads, requiring nighttime-only travel and State Police escort.
Escorts and travel restrictions
Escort & pilot car rules
- Loads 14'6" and wider require a front pole/escort car.
- Superloads (over 150' long, 16' wide, or 16' high) require Connecticut State Police escort and nighttime-only travel.
- Escort vehicles must display amber warning lights, two-way radios, and 'OVERSIZE LOAD' signage at least 5' long by 12" high.
When you can travel
- Standard single-trip permits restrict movement to daylight hours over a 3-day validity period.
- Superloads are generally restricted to nighttime-only travel.
- Weekend travel permits available for loads up to 12' wide, 13'6" high, 80' long, and 160,000 lbs.
- Holiday travel restrictions apply on 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.
Connecticut specifics
- Banner size, flag size and light rules for Connecticut 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 CTDOT and can change. We confirm the current rules for your exact load before filing.