Legal size limits without a permit
| Measurement | Massachusetts legal limit |
|---|---|
| Height | 13'6" |
| Width | 8'6" (102 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 Massachusetts, 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 (18,000 lbs if axles spaced less than 6 ft apart) | Permit required above 22,400 lbs |
| Tandem axle | 34,000 lbs (each tandem set, if 36+ ft between consecutive tandem sets) | Per bridge formula for the specific configuration |
| Tridem axle | Confirmed at filing | Confirmed at filing |
| Quad axle | Confirmed at filing | Confirmed at filing |
| Gross weight | 46,000 lbs | Up to 99,000 lbs for reducible-load permits (5+ axles); vehicle-trailer combination cap of 85,000 lbs |
Superload: Loads over 130,000 lbs require detailed engineering/structural calculations and a $300 single-trip fee
Permit types we file in Massachusetts
Single-Trip PermitOne-time move permit for overdimensional or overweight (reducible/irreducible) loads.
Annual Reducible-Load PermitRecurring permit for reducible loads up to the applicable axle-based gross weight cap.
Vehicle-Trailer Combination PermitFor tractor/trailer combinations up to 85,000 lbs combined and 65 ft overall length.
Maximum dimensions with a permit
| Dimension | Maximum with a permit |
|---|---|
| Length | 65 ft (maximum permitted motor vehicle + trailer combination length) |
| Width | Confirmed at filing |
| Height | Confirmed at filing |
| Rear Overhang | Confirmed at filing |
700 CMR 8.00 does not publish one fixed width/height ceiling for standard overdimensional permits; loads over 130,000 lbs automatically require full engineering review.
Escorts and travel restrictions
Escort & pilot car rules
- Confirmed for your load at filing.
When you can travel
- Movement is prohibited when there are large areas of hard-packed snow or ice, or during an active snowstorm.
- No general published daylight-only, weekend, or rush-hour restriction found in 700 CMR 8.00 itself.
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.
Massachusetts specifics
- Banner size, flag size and light rules for Massachusetts 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 MassDOT and can change. We confirm the current rules for your exact load before filing.