Colorado Oversize Overweight Permits
Colorado Oversize Overweight Permits are required when a vehicle or its load exceeds the state feet legal size or weight limits and needs to travel on public highways. These permits ensure compliance with safety standards and protect road infrastructure.
Colorado Oversize Phone Number 270-908-9656
Our team assists with Colorado Single Trip Permits, Annual Permits, Overhang Permits, and IRP services. We handle applications, forms, and guidance for both oversize and overweight permits online.
Our team assists with Colorado Single Trip Permits, Annual Permits, Overhang Permits, and IRP services. We handle applications, forms, and guidance for both oversize and overweight permits online. Whether it’s a 72-hour trip permit, an annual overweight permit, or expert guidance you need, we’re here to help? Call today your trusted partner for oversize permits Colorado!
Colorado Oversize Regulations
Colorado Legal Dimension Limit
Legal Dimensions for Trucking in Colorado:
Legal Length in Colorado: A combined trailer and load length of up to 57 feet 4 inches is permitted on interstates and other designated highway routes.
Legal overhang allowances:
Front: Up to 4 feet
Rear: Up to 10 feet
Note: Rear overhangs extending beyond 4 feet must be properly illuminated for night travel (refer to lighting and safety requirements).
Width: The maximum width allowed is 8 feet 6 inches.
Height:
14 feet 6 inches on designated highways
13 feet on non-designated routes.
Colorado Legal Weight Limit
The maximum allowable gross vehicle weight on interstate highways. Up to 85,000 pounds on non-interstate routes, subject to axle configurations:
Axle weight limits Colorado:
- Steering Axle: Up to 20,000 pounds
- Single Axle: Up to 20,000 pounds
- Tandem Axle: Up to 36,000 pounds
- Tridem Axle Group: Up to 54,000 pounds
Colorado Routine Limit: Colorado Oversize Overweight Permits Limits
Maximum Dimensions:
- Length: Up to 130 feet on four-lane highways.
- Width: 17 feet.
- Height: 16 feet. Any load exceeding 14 feet 6 inches in height requires a route survey.
Maximum Axle Weights With CO Overweight Permit:
Permitted Weight Ranges (varies by route and axle spacing):
- Single axle: 22,000 to 27,000 pounds
- Tandem axle: 42,000 to 50,000 pounds
- Tridem axle: 55,000 to 65,000 pounds
- Quad axle: 60,000 to 72,000 pounds
- Superload Classifications: Loads that are wider than 17 feet or have a total gross weight exceeding 200,000 pounds are considered Super Loads. These require a more detailed review process, typically taking between 6 to 10 business days for approval.
Colorado Oversize Overweight Validity Period
To operate legally in Colorado, commercial carriers must secure the appropriate permits based on vehicle size, weight, and registration status. Below is a detailed guide to the validity of all key Colorado trucking permits, including oversize, overweight, superload, IRP, IFTA, TRP, and temporary trip and fuel permits.
- Colorado Oversize Overweight Permits
Colorado Single Trip Permits: Valid for a single continuous trip, typically 3 to 5 days, depending on route and conditions. Carriers must obtain this permit when a load exceeds legal size/weight limits.
Colorado Superload Permit: Generally, valid for 5 to 10 business days, depending on route approval and complexity. The DOT issues this permit for extremely heavy or large loads (e.g., over 500,000lbs or wider than 15 ft) requiring special routing and review.
Chapter 6 Special Permit: Valid for one trip, typically within 3 to 5 days. It required for loads exceeding 200,000lbs but not classified as superloads must be accompanied by two escorts.
Non-Interstate OWD 2/3 Axle Single Trip Permit: Single trip use, valid for up to 5 days. This is for divisible loads up to 97,000lbs on non-Interstate highways using two or three axles.
5. Non-Interstate OWD Quad Axle Single Trip Permit: Valid for a single move within 5 days. It required for divisible loads up to 110,000lbs on non-Interstate roads, requiring a quad-axle setup. - Temporary and Fuel Permits
IRP Trip Permit (Temporary Registration): Colorado 72-hour trip permit: Valid for 72 hours (3 days). It is required for out-of-state carriers entering Colorado without IRP registration.
IFTA Fuel Trip Permit (CFTP): Valid for 96 hours (4 days). Needed for motor carriers without IFTA credentials operating in Colorado for short durations.
Temporary Fuel & Trip Permit (Combined): Usually valid for 72 to 96 hours depending on carrier type. It covers both registration and fuel tax requirements for out-of-state vehicles temporarily operating in Colorado. - Local Travel Permits
City and County Oversize Permits: Varies by local jurisdiction (typically 1–5 days). It required for travel on municipal or county roads where local rules apply beyond state permits.
Operating Time with Oversize Load in Colorado
Travel is generally permitted from sunrise to sunset. Loads over 12 feet wide may travel at night if equipped with proper lighting. Additionally, loads exceeding 12 feet but not more than 14 feet must be accompanied by an escort vehicle.
Restricted Travel Colorado
- Restricted Travel: Curfew hours are outlined in the appendix that accompanies the oversize permit.
- I-70 Eisenhower Tunnel: The maximum height allowed is 13 feet 11 inches. Overheight loads must use US-6 to bypass the tunnel. Loads wider than 11 feet must stop and call for clearance before passing through the tunnel; even wider loads may still be allowed under specific conditions.
- For pickups or deliveries in Denver, a city permit is required to use city streets. However, the City of Denver typically takes 2–3 days to process detour approvals, so expect some delay.
Oversize Restrictions on Roads on Bridges in Colorado
- Bridge and Roadway Restrictions in Colorado:
Colorado follows the Federal Bridge Formula, which imposes specific limitations related to bridge crossings. In terms of general roadway restrictions, the following situations may apply, though this list is not exhaustive:
Driving through construction zones
Ignoring warning signals within work areas
Failing to yield to law enforcement, emergency vehicles, or other priority traffic - Eisenhower Tunnel Travel Restrictions:
Vehicles exceeding 13 feet 11 inches in height must use the US 6 bypass instead of passing through the tunnel. Vehicles wider than 11 feet must stop and request clearance before entering the tunnel.
Colorado Chain Requirement
Seasonal Weight and Chain Requirements: When chain laws are active due to icy or snowy conditions, oversize and overweight (OSOW) vehicles must be equipped with appropriate tire chains.
- Level 1 Chain Law: All commercial vehicles with a single drive axle must use chains on all four drive tires. Other commercial vehicles must have at least snow-rated tires.
- Level 2 Chain Law: All commercial vehicles must use tire chains on all drive tires.
Note: From September 1 to May 31, all commercial truck-tractors traveling on I-70 between Dotsero (milepost 133) and Morrison (milepost 259) must carry enough tire chains to comply with Colorado’s chain requirements. Failure to comply may result in fines.
Colorado Escort Requirement
Length-Based Requirements:
- For loads exceeding 85 feet on certain sections of both two-lane and four-lane roads, one escort vehicle is typically required.
- Loads over 110 feet on two-lane roads or over 115 feet on roads with four or more lanes require one escort.
- Rear overhangs greater than 25 feet mandate the use of one escort vehicle.
Width-Based Requirements:
- Interstate Highways: Loads wider than 13 feet must have either a rear escort vehicle or a flashing amber light at the rear.
- Two-Lane Highways:
Widths over 13 feet require either one escort vehicle or a flashing yellow light in the rear.
Widths exceeding 15 feet typically require two escort vehicles or a front escort combined with a rear flashing amber light. - Four-Lane Highways:
Loads over 13 feet wide require one rear escort or a flashing light at the rear.
Loads exceeding 15 feet in width generally require either two escorts or one front escort and a rear flashing light
Height-Based Requirements:
- Loads taller than 16 feet require an escort vehicle equipped with a height pole.
- If the height exceeds 17 feet 6 inches, a route survey and letters confirming utility clearance are also needed.
Important: All pilot vehicles used in Colorado must be at least 60 inches wide.
Colorado Banners, Lighting & Flag Requirement
“Oversize Load” signs are mandatory at the front and rear of all oversize loads. These signs are not required for overweight-only loads and should not be used for them.
Flags are required at all four corners of the widest or longest part of the load, as well as at the end of any rear overhang exceeding 4 feet.
For nighttime travel with wide loads, a flashing amber light must be mounted at the front of the vehicle and two or three amber lights at the extreme rear. Loads with excessive rear overhang (more than 10 feet) must also have flashing amber lights in front and one to three red cluster lights on the overhanging portion. For legal rear overhangs (10 feet or less) that extend more than 4 feet, a red light or lantern visible from 500 feet must be mounted at the rear end of the load.
Colorado Additional Regulation & Infromation
Miscellaneous: A dozer blade may be detached and transported on the same trailer alongside the dozer, provided that the load remains oversize with or without the blade attached.
Permits for Heavier Divisible Loads: Colorado now offers permits for heavier divisible loads transported using tandem, tridem, or quad-axle tractor/trailer combinations.
Colorado Oversize Overweights Permits Fee Structure
Colorado offers a variety of vehicle and transportation permits, each with its own fee depending on the type and usage. Below is a breakdown of key permit types and their current associated costs:
Effective July 1, 2009: All Single Trip and Special Transport Permits are assessed a surcharge equal to the amount of the permit fee, as per Senate Bill 09-108.
| Category | Permit Details |
|---|---|
| Colorado Single Trip Permits |
Single Trip Oversize Permit Cost: $15.00 Single Trip Oversize and Overweight Permit Cost: $15.00 + $5.00 per axle (Fee will increase (add $5.00 per axle) if load or vehicle is overweight also. Example: 6 axles = $45.00 4 axles: $35.00 5 axles: $40.00 6 axles: $45.00 7 axles: $50.00 and so on |
| Single Trip Non-Interstate Overweight Divisible (Quad Axle Required) | This permit applies to divisible loads operating off the interstate system where the vehicle is equipped with a quad axle grouping. Fee: $30.00 plus $10.00 per axle. |
| Single Trip Non-Interstate Overweight Divisible (Two/Three Axle Trailer) | This permit is for power unit and trailer combinations where the trailer has at least two but no more than three axles. Fee: $15.00 plus $10.00 per axle. |
| Annual Permits |
Annual Oversize Permit: $250.00 Annual Oversize/Overweight Permit: $400.00 Annual Overweight Only Permit: $400.00 |
| Company Fleet Permit (CFP) |
Fleet Base Fee (First 10 Vehicles): $3,000.00 Annual CFP (Each Vehicle Over Base): $300.00 |
| Special Permits |
Special Permit: $125.00 Superload Permit: $400.00 |
| Longer Vehicle Combination (LVC) Permits | LVC Permit: $1,500.00 + $25.00 per vehicle |
| Non-Interstate Overweight Divisible Permits |
Annual (Quad Axle Grouping Required): $250.00 Fleet (Quad Axle Grouping Required): $500.00 Tandem/Triple Axle – Annual (Tractor/Trailer Combo): $2,000.00 + $35.00 per vehicle Tandem/Triple Axle – Six-Month (Tractor/Trailer Combo): $500.00 Tandem/Triple Axle – Six-Month (Duplicate Entry, Confirm If Separate): $250.00 |
Colorado Heavy Hauling Company - Heavy Equipment Shipping
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Our team of experienced heavy haul movers ensures the safe and efficient transportation of your cargo, no matter how challenging the dimensions or weight may be. We pride ourselves on providing top-notch heavy haul trucking services, utilizing state-of-the-art equipment and industry-leading techniques.
With Compare Transport LLC, you can trust that your heavy haul transportation needs are in capable hands. We prioritize customer satisfaction and strive to exceed your expectations with our reliable, timely, and cost-effective services. Experience the excellence of our heavy haul trucking services and let us handle your most demanding transportation requirements. Our Services include Flatbeds Trucking, Lowboy Trucking, Dry Van Trucking, Tractor trailers, Step Deck Trucking, Conestoga Trucking, Reefer Trucking, Intermodal Trucking, Cardo Van Trucking, Heavy Haul Trucking, and Power Only Trucking areas.
Compare Transport LLC is the single STOP for all Oversize / Overweight permits with one easy-to-use application.
Frequently Asked Questions
The cost of an oversize permit in Colorado varies depending on the dimensions and weight of the load. For example, permits for loads exceeding legal dimensions or weights typically start at $15.
You can renew your vehicle registration online through our website comparetransportllc.com. You’ll need your license plate number, current emissions test data (if applicable), insurance information, and payment details. Once completed, documents are mailed within 15 business days.
Colorado has specific rules for learner permits, including age-based requirements and supervised driving conditions. For minors, permits are valid for three years, and drivers must be accompanied by a licensed adult.
Colorado oversize permits can be obtained online through our website comparetransportll.com or by calling us at 270-908-9656
Colorado requires 72-hour Laden Weight Trip Permits for unregistered commercial vehicles entering the state. These permits can be purchased at ports of entry or in advance
Colorado oversize permits can be obtained online through our website comparetransportll.com or by calling us at 270-908-9656
You can log in to manage your Colorado oversize permit through Our website comparetransportll.com
The official provisions can be found through our website comparetransportll.com available online.
Applications for Colorado oversize permits can be submitted online via our website comparetransportll.com or by calling us at 270-908-9656
The phone number for assistance is 270-908-9656.
Yes, you can get Colorado oversize permit online by calling us at 270-908-9656.
Legal dimensions include a maximum width of 8’6″, height of 14’6″, and weight of 80,000lbs on interstates.
Single-trip overweight permits cost $30 plus $10 per axle. Annual permits are priced at $400.
Single-trip oversize permits cost $30, while annual permits are $250.
Seasonal restrictions often relate to weather conditions, such as snow and ice, which can impact travel. For example, oversize loads are prohibited during hazardous conditions
Oversize permits are required for loads exceeding legal dimensions. Specific requirements include proper lighting, flags, and escort vehicles for larger loads.
