Legal size limits without a permit
| Measurement | New Hampshire legal limit |
|---|---|
| Height | 13'6" (no permit) |
| Width | 8'6" (no permit) |
| 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 New Hampshire, 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 (22,400 lbs on axles 10'+ apart under lighter gross loads) | UNCONFIRMED |
| Tandem axle | 34,000 lbs | UNCONFIRMED |
| Tridem axle | Confirmed at filing | Confirmed at filing |
| Quad axle | Confirmed at filing | Confirmed at filing |
| Gross weight | 80,000 lbs | Set per permit by the state |
Superload: Loads of 150,000 lbs or more trigger New Hampshire's 'supermove' classification
Permit types we file in New Hampshire
Single-Trip PermitOne-way or round-trip authorization, generally processed within 5 business days.
Annual PermitStatewide, 100-mile-radius, or limited-area annual permits.
Emergency PermitExpedited permit issued for immediate response to a declared emergency.
Maximum dimensions with a permit
| Dimension | Maximum with a permit |
|---|---|
| Length | 110' (single-trip permit ceiling) |
| Width | 15' (single-trip permit ceiling) |
| Height | 13'6" (single-trip permit ceiling) |
| Rear Overhang | 15' (threshold above which extra escorts are required) |
A load exceeding 15' wide, 110' long, or 149,999 lbs gross is reclassified by NHDOT as a 'supermove,' requiring individualized handling.
Escorts and travel restrictions
Escort & pilot car rules
- No escort required: width under 12', length under 90', rear overhang under 15'.
- One non-police escort required: width 12'–14', OR length 90'+, OR height over 14'.
- State police escort added at length 100'+.
When you can travel
- Oversize/overweight loads generally prohibited from traveling on weekends and designated holidays.
- Daylight-only travel required: 1/2 hour before sunrise to 1/2 hour after sunset.
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.
New Hampshire specifics
- Banner size, flag size and light rules for New Hampshire 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 NHDOT and can change. We confirm the current rules for your exact load before filing.