Minnesota Oversize / Overweight Trucking Permits Rules and Requirement
Minnesota Oversize permits OR Minnesota 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.
Minnesota oversize permits phone number: 270-908-9656
Compare Transport LLC is your trusted partner for obtaining Minnesota Oversize Permits and Minnesota Overweight Permits quickly and affordably. Whether you need Minnesota Single Trip Permits, Minnesota Annual Permits, or Minnesota Winter Overweight Permits, we make the process simple with fast processing and expert support. Access your MN Oversize Permits Online or through our secure MN Oversize Permits Login portal. From MN DOT Single Trip Permit applications to MnDOT Permits for various needs, we cover it all, including Minnesota Overhang Permits and detailed guidance on Minnesota Oversize Permit Cost.
We also serve neighboring states get your Wisconsin Oversize Permits processed with the same efficiency. If you’ve searched for MN Got Permits, Compare Transport LLC is your go-to solution for all things oversize. Apply now and keep your haul moving legally and safely.
Minnesota oversize regulations
Minnesota Legal Dimension Limit
Legal Dimensions for Trucking in Minnesota
Legal Length in Minnesota
- Maximum overall length: 75 feet
- Maximum semi-trailer length: 53 feet
- Maximum kingpin-to-rear axle group: 43 feet
Width
- Standard legal width limit is 8 feet 6 inches
Height
- The tallest allowable height is 13 feet 6 inches
Note for length: Utility poles do not require a permit if clearly identified as such on the Bill of Lading. Other items like beams or pipes are not exempt and require proper permitting.
Minnesota Legal Weight Limit
The maximum allowable gross vehicle weight is up to 80,000 pounds on designated highways and
- Non-designated highways:
5 axles: up to 73,280 lbs
6 axles: up to 80,000 lbs - Axle weight limits Minnesota
Steer axle: 600 pounds for every inch of tire width (e.g., 11″ tires = 13,200 lbs)
Single axle:
– 20,000 lbs on designated highways
– 18,000 lbs on other roads
Tandem axles: 34,000 lbs
Tridem axles: 42,000 lbs
Minnesota Routine Limit: Minnesota Oversize and Overweight Limits
Length
- Up to 95 feet for a dual-vehicle combination (75′ wheelbase)
- Up to 103 feet with a single articulation point
Width
- 14 feet 6 inches
- allowed up to 16 feet on designated routes
Height
- Permit allows height from 14 feet to 15 feet 6 inches, based on route conditions
- Heights exceeding 15 feet 6 inches require a detailed route survey
Maximum Axle Weights With MN Overweight Permit:
Weight (based on axle configuration and spacing)
Axle Group Weight Limits
Steer Axle: 600lbs per inch of tire width (13,200lbs with 11″ tires)
Pusher Axle: 500lbs per inch of tire width (11,000lbs with two 11″ tires)
Single Axle: up to 27,000 pounds
Tandem Axle: 40,000 pounds (can increase to 46,000 pounds if supported by bridge analysis)
Tridem Axle: Up to 60,000lbs
Quad Axle:Up to 72,000lbs
Important: Your vehicle must be registered for the total weight you plan to permit within Minnesota.
Superload Classifications: Any load that surpasses these parameters may be classified as a Super Load.
Minnesota oversize permits validity period
To operate legally in Minnesota, 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 Minnesota trucking permits, including oversize, overweight, superload, IRP, IFTA, TRP, and temporary trip and fuel permits.
| Permit Type | Validity Period | Requirement |
|---|---|---|
| Oversize/Overweight Single Trip Permit | Valid for 5 consecutive days | For vehicles exceeding legal size/weight limits for a single, specific trip. |
| Oversize/Overweight Annual Permit | Valid for 12 months | Allows repetitive trips for oversize/overweight loads within preset dimensions and routes. |
| Oversize/Overweight Seasonal Permit | Typically valid for 90 days or season-specific | For seasonal operations exceeding legal limits, typically in agriculture or logging. |
| 120-Hour Trip Permit | Valid for 120 hours (5 days) | Temporary registration to allow out-of-state trucks to operate in Minnesota without IRP registration. |
| 120-Hour Fuel Permit | Valid for 120 hours (5 days) | Temporary IFTA permit for out-of-state carriers not registered under IFTA. |
| 120-Hour Unladen Weight Hunter's Permit | Valid for 120 hours (5 days) | For hunters transporting unladen vehicles temporarily in Minnesota. |
| 30-Day Temporary Vehicle Registration | Valid for 30 days | Allows out-of-state owners to legally operate their vehicles temporarily in Minnesota. |
| Temporary Weight Increase Permit | Valid for 30 days (per increment paid) | Allows vehicles to exceed 80,000 lbs during temporary periods; additional fees apply per ton. |
| Motor Carrier of Property Certificate | Valid for 12 months (annual renewal) | Needed for carriers transporting property for hire within Minnesota. |
| IFTA (Fuel Tax) Permit | Valid for the calendar year (Jan–Dec) | Required for interstate carriers to report and pay fuel taxes. |
| IRP (Apportioned Registration) | Valid for 12 months (annual renewal) | Used for registering commercial vehicles in multiple jurisdictions. |
Operating Time Minnesota:
Movement is allowed from 30 minutes before sunrise until 1.5 hours after sunset, Monday through Friday, and on Saturdays until noon. (Refer to the limited travel section below for exceptions.)
Beginning April 1, 2013, Minnesota permits overnight travel from 9:00 PM to 5:00 AM, but only for loads not exceeding 12 feet in width, 75 feet in length, 14 feet 6 inches in height, or 120,000 pounds in weight, and solely on routes where night movement is permitted. Night travel must be specifically requested when applying for a permit and is granted under the state’s night travel program.
Restricted Travel Minnesota:
No travel is permitted during major holidays, certain holiday weekends, or on the Fishing Opener Weekend in May. Vehicles exceeding 12 feet 6 inches in width, 95 feet in length, or 14 feet in height are not allowed to operate:
In the Twin Cities Metro Area from 6:00 a.m. to 8:30 a.m. or 3:30 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.
In Duluth city limits from 7:00 a.m. to 8:30 a.m. or 4:30 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.
These restrictions apply unless stated otherwise on the permit. Definitions for these metro areas are outlined in Minnesota’s Oversize/Overweight (OD/OW) guidelines.
Seasonal Load (Weight) Restrictions:
During winter, increased weight limits may be allowed typically up to 10% above legal axle weight—starting sometime in December, with exact dates varying by year. In spring thaw season, no axle or group weight may legally exceed standard limits; these restrictions typically begin between February 1 and March 1 (depending on zone) and can continue into May. Intermediate weight limits may remain in effect until approximately May 31.
Minnesota Oversize Tire Regulation
Tires must be in safe operating condition, properly inflated, and meet the minimum legal tread depth standards.
Maximum tire weight: 600 pounds per inch of tire width
Vehicles equipped with legally permitted metal-studded tires from another U.S. state or foreign country may operate in Minnesota. However, if the vehicle is used in the state for more than 30 days within a 6-month period, it is no longer considered an occasional use.
Minnesota Escort Requirement
Length-Based Escorts
- Over 95 feet required 1 escort required
- Over 110 feet required 2 escorts required
Width-Based Escorts
- More than 14 feet 6 inches required one escort on divided highways
- More than 14 feet 6 inches required Two escorts on undivided (two-lane)highways
- More than 14 feet 6 inches Police escort required if load extends into opposing traffic lanes
Height-Based Escorts
- Over 15 feet 5 inches: An escort with a high pole is advised but not mandatory
- Over 15 feet 6 inches: A route survey becomes mandatory before the permit can be issued
Additional Note: Certain routes may impose extra escort requirements due to specific limitations or hazards.
Minnesota Banners, Lighting & Flage Requirement
“Oversize Load” signs are required whenever escorts are needed or the vehicle/load exceeds 12 feet in width. These signs must be illuminated for night travel.
Red or orange flags (18 inches square) are required when the rear overhang exceeds 4 feet or when the vehicle/load exceeds 9 feet in width or 75 feet in length. Flags should be placed at the ends of overhangs, corners, and widest points of the load. If a load projects beyond the edges, flags must be attached at the outermost points on both sides.
Loads with overhangs exceeding 4 feet must be equipped with lights when operating at night. Amber flashing lights are typically required when the width exceeds 12 feet, as stated on the permit
Minnesota Oversize/Overweight Fee structure
Minnesota 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:
| Permit Type | Fee | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Single Trip Permit (any load type) | $15 | Covers one-time travel for any type of oversize or overweight load. |
| Spring Road Restrictions Permit (14'6"–16' wide) | $135 | Applicable only during spring road restrictions for wider loads. |
| Annual Permit – Self-contained Compactor Truck (Refuse) | $85 | Designed specifically for self-contained compactor refuse trucks. |
| Annual Permit – Baled Hay, Straw, Corn Stalks (up to 12' wide, 14'6" high, 75' long) | $60 | For agricultural loads within stated dimensions. |
| Job-Specific Permit | $36+ | Fee increases if load exceeds legal weight limits. |
| Annual Permit – 10% Overweight & Oversize (Limited Commodities) | $200–$900 | Price varies based on commodity type and extent of overweight dimensions. |
| Seasonal Permit – 10% Winter Weight Increase | $60 | Applies during winter months for eligible routes and vehicles. |
| Seasonal Permit – 10' Wide Snow Plow | $60 | For snow plows operating during winter season only. |
| Seasonal Permit – Sugar Beet, Potato, and Carrot Harvest (Overweight) | $60 | For agricultural harvest transport during peak seasons. |
| Seasonal Permit – Studded Tires (Postal Use, ≤25% Paved Roads) | $0 | No charge; applicable only to postal workers on specific delivery routes. |
| Raw/Unprocessed Agricultural Products (6 Axle Vehicles) | $300 | Annual permit for hauling raw farm products with a 6-axle configuration. |
| Raw/Unprocessed Agricultural Products (7 Axle Vehicles) | $500 | Annual permit for 7-axle agricultural haulers. |
| Annual Permit – Commercial Boat Transporter | $120 | For commercial haulers of boats on Minnesota highways. |
| Annual Permit – Non-Commercial Boat Transporter | $60 | Intended for private, non-commercial boat hauling. |
| Annual Permit – Forest Product Overweight | $300 | For transporting overweight forest products. |
| Annual Permit – Livestock Overweight | $200 | Covers overweight transport of live animals. |
| Annual Permit – Tow Truck | $300 | Required for towing businesses operating overweight tow trucks. |
Minnesota Oversize Permits Regulations
Compare Transport LLC is your go-to choice for the best heavy-haul oversize trucking services across the United States and Canada. As a leading heavy-haul transportation company, we specialize in handling over-dimensional and overweight shipments with precision and expertise.
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
Minnesota oversize permits can be obtained online through our website comparetransportll.com or by calling us at 270-908-9656
In Minnesota, any vehicle or load that exceeds 8 feet 6 inches in width, 13 feet 6 inches in height, 75 feet in length (including load and vehicle), or 80,000 pounds gross weight is considered oversize and requires a special permit.
Generally, oversize loads are allowed to travel during daylight hours only in Minnesota. However, loads not exceeding 10 feet wide, 14 feet high, or 110 feet long may be authorized for night travel with proper lighting.
Oversize permit costs in Minnesota typically start from $24 for single-trip permits, but fees may vary depending on the dimensions and weight.
Minnesota 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 Minnesota oversize permit through Our website comparetransportll.com
As above, the cost generally starts at $24 for single trips, with additional fees for superloads or special conditions.
A load is considered oversized in Minnesota if it exceeds:
Width: 8 feet 6 inches
Height: 13 feet 6 inches
Length: 75 feet
Weight: 80,000 pounds gross (or axle-specific limits)
In most U.S. states including Minnesota and Maryland, the widest load you can haul without a permit is 8 feet 6 inches.
The official provisions can be found through our website comparetransportll.com available online.
Applications for Minnesota oversize permits can be submitted online via our website comparetransportll.com or by calling us at 270-908-9656
Minnesota oversize permits are required for loads exceeding legal dimensions or weight. Rules include:
Travel allowed from sunrise to sunset
Weekend and holiday restrictions for larger loads
Escort requirements depending on size
Yes, Minnesota requires trip permits for commercial vehicles not registered under IRP (International Registration Plan).
The fee for an overweight permit in Minnesota varies depending on the amount by which the legal weight is exceeded. A typical single-trip overweight permit may range from $36 to $150+, depending on gross weight. Contact Compare Transport LLC for accurate quotes.
The phone number for assistance is 270-908-9656.
A standard oversize permit in Minnesota costs $24, but superload or specialized loads may have additional fees.
Overweight permits in Minnesota generally cost $36 or more, depending on weight, number of axles, and distance.
Yes, you can get Minnesota oversize permit online by calling us at 270-908-9656.
You can reach Compare Transport LLC at 📞 270-908-9656 for all Minnesota oversize permit services, including guidance, pricing, and applications. Their specialists are available to assist you immediately.
