Legal size limits without a permit
| Measurement | Vermont legal limit |
|---|---|
| Height | 13'6" on all highways |
| Width | 8'6" on all highways |
| Front Overhang | Not separately published; governed by overall length limits |
| Rear Overhang | Not separately published; governed by overall length limits |
Axle and gross weights
How much each axle group and the whole vehicle can carry in Vermont, 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 | 12,000 lbs (steering axle) | Increased per Vermont DMV overweight permit rules; evaluated per axle spacing/bridge analysis |
| Tandem axle | 20,000 lbs (non-steering axles) | Evaluated per bridge formula with sufficient axles/spacing |
| Tridem axle | Confirmed at filing | Confirmed at filing |
| Quad axle | Confirmed at filing | Confirmed at filing |
| Gross weight | Set by axle configuration under 23 V.S.A. Chapter 13 | 108,000 lbs for non-divisible loads under Vermont's blanket permit rules (with sufficient axles) |
Superload: Loads exceeding the blanket-permit ceilings (108,000 lbs, 12'6" wide, 14' high) require individualized single-trip permit review
Permit types we file in Vermont
Single-Trip PermitOne-time overweight/overdimension permit issued for a specific route and move.
Blanket (Annual) PermitVehicle-specific permit allowing repeated moves within Vermont's standard ceilings.
Superload / Case-by-Case PermitIndividualized permit and route review for loads exceeding blanket-permit limits.
Maximum dimensions with a permit
| Dimension | Maximum with a permit |
|---|---|
| Length | 46' single vehicle / up to 100' for combinations under blanket permit |
| Width | 12'6" when length is 75' or less; 10'6" when length exceeds 75' |
| Height | 14' under blanket permit |
| Rear Overhang | 15' or greater overhang triggers escort requirements |
Loads at or above 108,000 lbs, 12' wide, or 100' long are barred from travel on Saturdays, Sundays, and specified legal holidays.
Escorts and travel restrictions
Escort & pilot car rules
- Escort required for wide loads of 12' or greater.
- Escort required for long loads of 80' or greater.
- Escort required when overhang is 15' or greater.
When you can travel
- Over-width, over-length, or over-height loads restricted to daylight hours.
- Loads of 108,000+ lbs, 12'+ wide, or 100'+ long may not travel on Saturdays, Sundays, or specified legal 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.
Vermont specifics
- Banner size, flag size and light rules for Vermont 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 VTrans and can change. We confirm the current rules for your exact load before filing.