Legal size limits without a permit
| Measurement | Wisconsin legal limit |
|---|---|
| Height | 13'6" (no permit) |
| Width | 8'6" (no permit) |
| Front Overhang | 3' beyond the front bumper |
| Rear Overhang | 6" beyond the right fender line (lateral) |
Axle and gross weights
How much each axle group and the whole vehicle can carry in Wisconsin, 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 | 35,000 lbs (any axle other than the steering axle, under single-trip permits) |
| Tandem axle | 40,000 lbs (2 consecutive axles spaced 10'+ apart) | Up to 55,000 lbs (2-axle tandem) scaling to 80,000 lbs (4-axle tandem) under multiple-trip permits |
| Tridem axle | Confirmed at filing | Confirmed at filing |
| Quad axle | Confirmed at filing | Confirmed at filing |
| Gross weight | 80,000 lbs on Class "A" highways | Evaluated per bridge formula and axle spacing rather than one flat statewide cap |
Superload: WisDOT does not publish one specific figure; loads over 350,000 lbs require one law-enforcement escort
Permit types we file in Wisconsin
Single Trip PermitOne-time permit for a specific oversize/overweight, non-divisible load and route.
Multiple Trip PermitVehicle-specific permit (often annual) allowing repeated moves within defined envelopes.
SM/MH (Special Mobile / Mobile Home) PermitSpecial-use permit category for mobile home and modular housing moves.
Maximum dimensions with a permit
| Dimension | Maximum with a permit |
|---|---|
| Length | 50' single vehicle / 150' vehicle combination under multiple-trip permits |
| Width | 14' under multiple-trip permits (mobile homes/modular: 15'-16') |
| Height | 16' under multiple-trip permits |
| Rear Overhang | Not separately published; governed by overall length and escort rules |
WisDOT does not define a single numeric 'superload' weight threshold; it charges a route-review fee for loads whose size or weight requires regional review.
Escorts and travel restrictions
Escort & pilot car rules
- Width 15'1"–18'0": 1 private escort.
- Width over 20'0": 2 private escorts plus 2 law-enforcement escorts.
- Loads greater than 350,000 lbs require one law-enforcement escort.
When you can travel
- Oversize loads must display required flags and signage.
- Additional lighting is required for oversize loads during darkness.
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.
Wisconsin specifics
- Banner size, flag size and light rules for Wisconsin 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 WisDOT and can change. We confirm the current rules for your exact load before filing.