Legal size limits without a permit
| Measurement | New Mexico legal limit |
|---|---|
| Height | 14 ft |
| Width | 8 ft 6 in / 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 New Mexico, 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 | 21,600 lbs | Evaluated per load |
| Tandem axle | 34,320–45,240 lbs depending on axle spacing (bridge formula) | Per bridge formula analysis on the specific route |
| Tridem axle | Confirmed at filing | Confirmed at filing |
| Quad axle | Confirmed at filing | Confirmed at filing |
| Gross weight | 80,000 lbs | 140,000 lbs for standard and continuous-movement special permits |
Superload: Loads over 170,000 lbs gross weight require an engineering analysis before a special permit can be issued
Permit types we file in New Mexico
Single-Trip PermitValid for 5 days.
Multiple-Trip PermitValid up to one year, tied to a specific vehicle, max 14 ft wide / 15 ft tall / 120 ft long.
Special-Use PermitsIncludes wrecker service, oilfield equipment, and specialized-haul permits.
Maximum dimensions with a permit
| Dimension | Maximum with a permit |
|---|---|
| Length | Up to 65 ft (single vehicles) / 120 ft (continuous-movement and multiple-trip permits) |
| Width | Up to 14 ft under multiple-trip permits |
| Height | Up to 14 ft standard / 14 ft 6 in for continuous-movement permits |
| Rear Overhang | Confirmed at filing |
Loads exceeding 170,000 lbs gross weight require an NMDOT engineering analysis before a special permit is issued.
Escorts and travel restrictions
Escort & pilot car rules
- Escort required for all widths at or exceeding 14 ft.
- 1 escort for lengths 110 ft 1 in – 120 ft; 2 escorts for lengths exceeding 120 ft.
- Escort may be required for heights exceeding 16 ft.
When you can travel
- No movement from 30 minutes after sunset until 30 minutes before sunrise unless continuous movement is authorized.
- Heavy-traffic-hour restrictions in Santa Fe, Las Cruces, Albuquerque, and Rio Rancho.
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 Mexico specifics
- Banner size, flag size and light rules for New Mexico 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 NMDOT and can change. We confirm the current rules for your exact load before filing.