Legal size limits without a permit
| Measurement | South Dakota legal limit |
|---|---|
| Height | 14 ft 0 in |
| Width | 102 in (8 ft 6 in) |
| Front Overhang | 3 ft |
| Rear Overhang | 4 ft |
Axle and gross weights
How much each axle group and the whole vehicle can carry in South Dakota, 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 | 20,000 lbs (statutory single-axle cap generally maintained even under permit) |
| Tandem axle | 34,000 lbs | 34,000 lbs; LCV permits also capped at 34,000 lbs tandem |
| Tridem axle | Confirmed at filing | Confirmed at filing |
| Quad axle | Confirmed at filing | Confirmed at filing |
| Gross weight | 80,000 lbs | 95,000+ lbs achievable on 7+ axle configurations; LCV permits capped at 129,000 lbs gross |
Superload: Reviewed case by case
Permit types we file in South Dakota
Single Trip Oversize/Overweight PermitOne-time movement authorization for non-divisible loads exceeding size/weight limits.
Extended Length / Annual PermitsIncludes Non-Divisible Loads, Manufactured Home, and Self-Propelled Equipment permits.
Special-Use PermitsIncludes Haystack Mover, Booster Axle, and Farm Implement permits.
Maximum dimensions with a permit
| Dimension | Maximum with a permit |
|---|---|
| Length | Single-unit 60 ft, two-unit combination 85 ft under standard extended oversize permit |
| Width | 14 ft 6 in for non-divisible loads; escort required above 16 ft (Interstate) or 20 ft (state highway) |
| Height | General permit ceiling beyond legal 14 ft not separately published |
| Rear Overhang | Combined front/rear overhang up to 30 ft maximum |
A defined statewide superload threshold was not found on official South Dakota Truck Information pages.
Escorts and travel restrictions
Escort & pilot car rules
- Escort vehicles required when width exceeds 16 ft on the Interstate; 20 ft on the State Highway System.
When you can travel
- On Interstate highways, oversize vehicles may move at night unless an escort is required.
- On non-Interstate highways, nighttime movement is not permitted for oversize vehicles.
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.
South Dakota specifics
- Banner size, flag size and light rules for South Dakota 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 the state DOT and can change. We confirm the current rules for your exact load before filing.