Maine Oversize / Overweight Trucking Permits Rules and Requirement
Maine Oversize permits OR Maine 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.
Maine oversize permits phone Number: 630-222-5770
Compare Transport LLC is your trusted source for Maine oversize permits online. As a leading freight broker and permit agency, we assist with all Maine Oversize Permits, including Maine overweight permits, Maine Single Trip Permits, and Maine Annual Permits. Whether you’re transporting wide, tall, long, or heavy loads, we ensure compliance with all Maine oversize load regulations, including Maine overhang permits, escort needs, and curfews.
We offer fast support for temporary registration permit Maine, Maine temporary plates online, annual overweight permit processing, and Maine commercial vehicle registration. From state of Maine permits to temporary fuel and IFTA permits, Compare Transport makes permitting easy and reliable.
Maine Oversize Regulations
| Category | Legal Limits |
|---|---|
| Legal Length in Maine |
On interstates and designated highways: Up to 53 feet for the trailer and 74 feet total vehicle length On non-designated highways: Limited to 48 feet for the trailer and 69 feet overall. For any travel exceeding one mile off the National Network: The legal vehicle and load length must not exceed 74 feet |
| Overhang | The total combined length, including overhang, must not exceed 74 feet. |
| Width | Standard legal width is 8 feet 6 inches. |
| Height | Legal height is 13 feet 6 inches. However, a load may extend up to 14 feet in total height if it is non-reducible and the route does not include the Maine Turnpike. |
| Maine Legal Weight Limit | The maximum allowable gross vehicle weight is up to 80,000 pounds, subject to axle configurations: |
| Axle weight limits Maine |
Single Axle: up to 20,000 pounds Tandem Axle: up to 34,000 pounds Tridem Axle: 42,000 pounds |
Maine Legal Weight Limit
| Category | Legal Limits |
|---|---|
| Legal Length in Maine |
On interstates and designated highways: Up to 53 feet for the trailer and 74 feet total vehicle length On non-designated highways: Limited to 48 feet for the trailer and 69 feet overall. For any travel exceeding one mile off the National Network: The legal vehicle and load length must not exceed 74 feet |
| Overhang | The total combined length, including overhang, must not exceed 74 feet. |
| Width | Standard legal width is 8 feet 6 inches. |
| Height | Legal height is 13 feet 6 inches. However, a load may extend up to 14 feet in total height if it is non-reducible and the route does not include the Maine Turnpike. |
| Maine Legal Weight Limit |
The maximum allowable gross vehicle weight is up to 80,000 pounds, subject to axle configurations: Axle weight limits Maine Single Axle: up to 20,000 pounds Tandem Axle: up to 34,000 pounds Tridem Axle: 42,000 pounds |
Maine Routine Limit: Maine Oversize and Overweight Limits
| Category | Legal Limits |
|---|---|
| Legal Length in Maine |
On interstates and designated highways: Up to 53 feet for the trailer and 74 feet total vehicle length On non-designated highways: Limited to 48 feet for the trailer and 69 feet overall. For any travel exceeding one mile off the National Network: The legal vehicle and load length must not exceed 74 feet |
| Overhang | The total combined length, including overhang, must not exceed 74 feet. |
| Width | Standard legal width is 8 feet 6 inches. |
| Height | Legal height is 13 feet 6 inches. However, a load may extend up to 14 feet in total height if it is non-reducible and the route does not include the Maine Turnpike. |
| Maine Legal Weight Limit |
The maximum allowable gross vehicle weight is up to 80,000 pounds, subject to axle configurations: Axle weight limits Maine Single Axle: up to 20,000 pounds Tandem Axle: up to 34,000 pounds Tridem Axle: 42,000 pounds |
| Maine Routine Limit |
Maine Oversize and Overweight Limits Length: 125 feet Width: 16 feet Height: 16 feet |
| Maximum Axle Weights With ME Overweight Permit |
Weight (based on axle configuration and spacing) Axle Group Weight Limits Single Axle: up to 20,000 pounds Tandem Axle: up to 52,000 pounds Tridem Axle: up to 75,000 pounds Quad Axle: up to 100,000 pounds |
Vehicle Registration Requirement: To transport loads weighing up to 90,000 pounds, the truck must be registered accordingly.
For loads exceeding 90,000 pounds, registration must reflect up to 100,000 pounds.
Superload Classifications: Loads that go beyond these routine limits are classified as superloads and require additional approvals.
Maine Oversize Permits Validity Period
| Permit Type | Details |
|---|---|
| Maine Single-Trip / Round-Trip Permits |
Validity: 7 days Purpose: Required for vehicles entering Maine with loads that exceed legal size or weight limits. A single-trip permit allows one journey, while a round-trip permit covers travel to a destination and return. |
| Multiple Trip Permits |
Validity: 7 days Purpose: Issued to allow several trips within a limited period, typically for repetitive routes or deliveries involving oversize/overweight loads. |
| Long-Term Permits (1–12 Months) |
Validity: Ranges from 1 month to 12 months Purpose: Suitable for ongoing transport operations involving oversize or overweight loads. These permits are beneficial for consistent movement along approved routes with pre-approved dimensions and weights. |
| Ocean-Going Container Permit |
Validity: 1 year Purpose: Designed for transporting sealed ocean-going containers over state roads. This permit ensures compliance with Maine DOT standards for containerized freight, with specific limits on length and weight. |
| Maine Oversize/Overweight Permits |
Validity: Typically, valid for 7 days (unless otherwise specified) Purpose: Issued when a load exceeds the legal dimensions or weight allowed on Maine roads. Required for safe and legal transport of large or heavy items. |
| 5-Axle Crane Permit |
Validity: Usually valid for up to 1 year (based on type and use) Purpose: For transporting 5-axle cranes, with or without a dolly. These permits regulate crane movements based on axle configurations and roadway conditions. |
| Canadian Weight Limit Permit |
Validity: Generally valid for the specific trip or time period stated on the permit Purpose: Required for Canadian vehicles that exceed Maine's standard weight limits. Ensures foreign carriers comply with local weight regulations while operating in Maine. |
| Exemption Certificate |
Validity: Legacy permits may vary in duration Purpose: These are limited-use permits based on axle configuration. They offer exemptions from standard weight limits for partial loads, mostly issued under historical regulations. |
| Limited Load Permit |
Validity: Specific to commodity and use case; varies Purpose: Allows transport of designated commodities (e.g., logs, agricultural products) under special provisions or seasonal conditions, often during frost law enforcement periods. |
| Transit Plate |
Validity: Short-term (exact duration varies by situation) Purpose: Used for moving unregistered vehicles from one location to another, typically for sales, repairs, or deliveries. |
| Fuel Trip Permit |
Validity: 72 hours Purpose: Enables vehicles that would normally require IFTA (International Fuel Tax Agreement) credentials to operate in Maine temporarily without full registration. Often used by out-of-state carriers entering Maine for short-term operations. |
| IRP Trip Permit |
Validity: 72 hours Purpose: Allows out-of-state commercial carriers to operate in Maine temporarily without being registered under the International Registration Plan (IRP). This permit is ideal for one-time or short-term trips into the state when full IRP credentials are not held |
Maine Operating Time
Movement is permitted from 30 minutes before sunrise until 30 minutes after sunset, seven days a week. However, weekend travel is not allowed during the months of July and August.
Restricted Travel maine
Maine Turnpike Restrictions:
Seasonal Weight Restrictions:
Maine Oversize Tire Regulation
- All tires must be in good working condition, properly inflated, and meet the minimum legal tread depth of 2/32 inches.
Tread depth is checked using a 1/32-inch gauge and must be measured in the main grooves at two separate points spaced at least 15 inches apart. - Measurements should be taken across the center of the tire following the tread design.
- During icy conditions, studded tires are allowed from October 2 through April 30
Spring Road Thaw Protection in Maine
Maine assesses potential damage to highways during spring thaw and imposes temporary weight limits to reduce strain on roads. Municipalities may also implement their own limits on local roads. A road supporting 15 tons in colder months may be restricted to just 5 tons during thawing. The state highway limit remains 23,000 pounds. Temporary postings are essential to protect roads at higher risk of damage.
Amber Light Permits
Maine Escort Requirement
Length-Based Requirements
- Loads 80 feet or longer: One pilot/escort vehicle is required.
- Loads over 125 feet in total length: A police escort is typically mandated.
Width-Based Requirements
- Loads wider than 12 feet or more than 11 feet 11 inches on two-lane roads must be accompanied by at least one escort vehicle.
- Loads exceeding 16 feet in width may also require a police escort depending on the route and conditions.
Height-Based Requirements
- Extremely tall loads may require a pilot car or law enforcement escort. Requirements depend on route analysis and potential hazards due to overhead structures
Maine Banners, Lighting & Flage Requirement
“Oversize Load” signs and flags are mandatory for all overwidth and overlength permitted loads. These signs should be displayed on the front bumper and rear of the load. Flags measuring 18″ x 18″ must be placed at the outermost edges and corners of the load. Rear overhangs extending more than 4 feet must be flagged two flags are required if the overhang is wider than 2 feet. Low-beam headlights must be on at all times (except for overweight-only loads). Additionally, an amber rotating or flashing beacon light must be mounted on the top of the cab. When the load is not oversize, the signs must be removed or covered, and amber beacon lights must be turned off.
All oversize movements must have low-beam headlights and an amber rotating or flashing beacon on the cab.
Additional Information
Construction equipment may have blades or buckets attached; if detached, they must be hauled separately on another unit.
Maine Oversize/Overweight Fee structure
| Category | Permit Details |
|---|---|
| Maine Single Trip Permit |
$10.00 A $10 fee applies for single-trip overlimit permits required on the Maine Turnpike. This payment is typically made at the toll plaza. |
| Truck Tractor Registration Fees | In Maine, registration costs for truck tractors are based on their gross vehicle weight (GVW). For instance, a truck tractor weighing between 6,001 and 10,000 pounds incurs a registration fee of $37.00. |
| Overlimit Permits – Maine Turnpike | Vehicles carrying oversize or overweight loads on the Maine Turnpike must obtain an overlimit permit for $10. This is mandated by Maine Department of Transportation guidelines and is usually paid at the point of toll collection. |
| 72-Hour Trip Permits (BMV) |
The Maine Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV) offers temporary 72-hour permits for vehicles not fully registered under IRP or IFTA. The fees vary depending on the type of permit: IRP Trip Permit: $25.00 (plus $3.00 if faxed) IFTA Fuel Trip Permit: $50.00 (plus $3.00 fax fee) Combination IRP/IFTA Trip Permit: $75.00 (plus $3.00 if sent by fax) Note: If the permit is emailed rather than faxed, the $3.00 fax fee does not apply. |
| Additional Costs | Other expenses may be associated with commercial vehicle operations in Maine, such as testing fees for commercial driver’s licenses. However, these charges are separate from oversize, overweight, or trip permit costs. |
Frequently Asked Questions
The cost of an oversize permit in Maine typically starts around $25 to $35 per single trip. However, the final cost may vary depending on the load’s dimensions and route.
An oversize permit in Maine usually ranges between $25 and $35, depending on the type of vehicle and load specifications.
In Maine, a load is considered oversized if it exceeds the following legal dimensions:
Width: 8 feet 6 inches
Height: 13 feet 6 inches
Length: 65 feet for single vehicles, or 74 feet for combinations
Loads exceeding these limits require an oversize permit
The maximum legal width for travel without a permit in Maine is 8 feet 6 inches. Anything wider requires an oversize permit
Maine’s permit rules require any vehicle exceeding legal size or weight limits to obtain an oversize or overweight permit. Travel is generally allowed from sunrise to sunset, excluding holidays and inclement weather.
Maine oversize permits can be obtained online through our website comparetransportll.com or by calling us at 630-222-5770
Yes, Maine requires trip permits for out-of-state carriers operating without IRP registration.
Maine oversize permits can be obtained online through our website comparetransportll.com or by calling us at 630-222-5770
You can log in to manage your Maine oversize permit through Our website comparetransportll.com
The official provisions can be found through our website comparetransportll.com available online.
Applications for Maine oversize permits can be submitted online via our website comparetransportll.com or by calling us at 630-222-5770
The phone number for assistance is 630-222-5770.
Yes, you can get Maine oversize permit online by calling us at 630-222-5770.
The legal limits for loads in Maine are:
Width: 8 feet 6 inches
Height: 13 feet 6 inches
Length: 65 feet (single units) or 74 feet (combinations)
Weight: 80,000 pounds gross (with standard axle limits)
For anything beyond these limits
An overweight permit in Maine usually starts around $25, but fees increase based on the weight overage and route specifics.
Maine oversize permits typically cost between $25 and $35, depending on the dimensions of the load and the distance traveled.
Maine imposes seasonal weight restrictions during the spring thaw (typically March to May), which limits heavy vehicle traffic on certain roads to protect pavement. During this period, oversize and overweight movements may be restricted.
You can reach Compare Transport LLC at 📞 630-222-5770 for all Maine oversize permit services, including guidance, pricing, and applications. Their specialists are available to assist you immediately.
The cost of a Maine overweight permit generally starts around $25 and increases based on axle configuration, total weight, and route.
