Montana Oversize/Overweight Trucking Permits
Montana Oversize permits OR Montana 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.
Montana oversize permits phone number: 270-908-9656
Compare Transport LLC is your trusted online oversize permit agency and freight broker, providing comprehensive services for all Montana oversize overweight permits requirements. We specialize in obtaining Montana Oversize Permits, Montana Overweight Permits, and Montana Overhang Permits, ensuring compliance with all Montana oversize regulations and Montana oversize permit regulations. Whether you’re moving a wide load, an overheight trailer, or a heavy haul, we make the permitting process simple and affordable.
Get your Montana oversize overweight permits online with ease our experienced team is available to assist you with Montana Single Trip Permits, Montana Annual Permits, Montana Trip Permits, and even the 40-day temporary registration permit Montana. We also process Montana livestock trip permits, Montana commercial vehicle registration, and Montana super-load applications quickly and accurately.
Need help now? Contact our permit experts at the Montana oversize permits phone number provided on our website. We also handle MT DOT permits and provide up-to-date guidance on all transportation regulations in the state of Montana. Trust Compare Transport LLC for fast, reliable service across the U.S. and Canada.
Montana oversize regulations
Montana Legal Dimension Limit
Legal Dimensions for Trucking in Montana
Length:
Semi-trailers up to 53 feet in length are permitted without restriction.
For trailers longer than 53 feet or those with rear overhang, the total combined length (including overhang) must not exceed 75 feet to remain within legal limits. Loads exceeding this length require a permit
Width: Maximum legal width is 8 feet 6 inches
Height: Legal height is up to 14 feet
Montana Legal Weight Limit
The maximum allowable gross vehicle weight is 80,000 pounds, subject to axle configurations:
Axle weight limits Montana
Single Axle: Up to 20,000 lbs
Tandem Axle:Up to 34,000 lbs
Tridem Axle Group: Up to 42,000 lbs
Note: If operating with a divisible load, exceeding 80,000 lbs gross is allowed without a permit provided axle weights are compliant and your vehicle registration covers the full gross weight.
Montana Routine Limit: Montana Oversize and Overweight Limits
Maximum Dimensions
Length:Up to 150 feet
Width:Up to 18 feet
Height: Up to 17 feet
Maximum Axle Weights With CO Overweight Permit:
Permitted Weight Ranges (varies by route and axle spacing):
Weight Limits (With Permit)
Single Axle: Up to 24,000 lbs
Tandem Axle: Up to 48,000 lbs (dependent on axle spacing)
Tridem Axle: Up to 62,700 lbs (varies with spacing)
Permitted weight is contingent on axle spacing and configuration. Vehicles must be registered to at least the weight specified in the permit.
- DW21 and 5MPH Restrictions:
Tridem axle weights exceeding approximately 54,300 lbs on two-lane roads may require DW21 conditions, including two pilot cars.
Loads above approximately 48,000 lbs on Tridem axles (depending on spacing) may activate 5MPH restrictions, which limit travel to daylight hours without requiring escorts.
Montana oversize permits validity period
To operate legally in Montana, 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 Montana trucking permits, including oversize, overweight, superload, IRP, IFTA, TRP, and temporary trip and fuel permits.
- Oversize/Overweight Permits: Typically, valid for 3 to 5 days, depending on the specific route and dimensions.
Superload Permits: Issued for loads exceeding standard oversize/overweight limits. Validity is usually 1 to 3 days, with specific conditions and route approvals. - IRP Trip Permit: International Registration Plan (IRP) Trip Permit: Allows operation of an unregistered vehicle in Montana. Valid for 72 hours.
- IFTA Temporary Permit: International Fuel Tax Agreement (IFTA) Temporary Permit: Permits operation without an IFTA license. Valid for 30 days.
- Fuel Trip Permit: Fuel Trip Permit: Required for carriers without an IFTA license traveling through Montana. Valid for 72 hours.
Operating Time Montana:
Continuous travel is allowed for loads that do not exceed 10 feet in width, 15 feet 6 inches in height, or 110 feet in overall length. Travel during daylight hours defined as 30 minutes before sunrise to 30 minutes after sunset is permitted every day, including weekends, for loads up to 18 feet wide, 18 feet tall, or 120 feet long on designated Red Route highways. On two-lane highways, travel under DW21 or 5MPH restrictions is allowed only during daylight hours.
Restricted Travel Montana:
On Red Route highways, movement is not allowed from Friday at 3:00 PM until sunrise on Saturday. If the load exceeds 10 feet in width, 14 feet 6 inches in height, or 110 feet in length, travel is also prohibited from Sunday at noon through sunrise on Monday. For loads over 18 feet in width or height or over 120 feet in length, travel is not permitted after 4:00 PM on Friday until Monday morning. Red Route maps can be accessed online or at weigh stations. Holiday travel is generally allowed for loads within 10 feet wide, 14 feet 6 inches tall, or 110 feet in length.
Seasonal Load Restrictions:
From around February to May, spring thaw restrictions may apply on certain routes. Interstates are generally not affected by these seasonal limits.
Frost Laws and Seasonal Weight Limits: Frost laws are in effect in many U.S. states and Canadian provinces. Montana oversize permits may include specific weight restrictions based on weather conditions and load types. In designated “chain-up” zones by the Department of Transportation, chains are mandatory when posted. At least one drive axle must be equipped with tire chains.
Winter weight permits will not exceed a gross weight of 132,000 pounds.
Oversize Tire Regulations:
Tires must be in good working condition, properly inflated, and have at least the legal minimum tread depth.
Maximum allowable weight should not exceed 500 pounds per inch of tire width.
Chains or studded tires extending up to 1/16 of an inch are permitted for safety on snowy, icy, or slippery roads. Pneumatic tires may be used from October 1 to May 31, except for a spare in case of failure.
- Interstate Routes:
Length Over 120 feet: One escort vehicle required
Width Over 16 feet 6 inches: One escort vehicle required
Height Over 17 feet: May require escort depending on route; alternate routing may be necessary if over 16 feet - Two-Lane Highways:
Length Over 110 feet: One escort vehicle required
Width Over 12 feet 6 inches: One escort required
Width Over 14 feet: Two escort vehicles required
Height Over 17 feet: One escort with height pole required
Weight: Over 54,300–55,000 lbs on Tridem (depending on spacing): Two escorts under DW21 provisions
Oversize Tire Regulations:
Tires must be in good working condition, properly inflated, and have at least the legal minimum tread depth.
Maximum allowable weight should not exceed 500 pounds per inch of tire width.
Chains or studded tires extending up to 1/16 of an inch are permitted for safety on snowy, icy, or slippery roads. Pneumatic tires may be used from October 1 to May 31, except for a spare in case of failure.
Montana Escort Requirement
- Interstate Routes:
Length Over 120 feet: One escort vehicle required
Width Over 16 feet 6 inches: One escort vehicle required
Height Over 17 feet: May require escort depending on route; alternate routing may be necessary if over 16 feet - Two-Lane Highways:
Length Over 110 feet: One escort vehicle required
Width Over 12 feet 6 inches: One escort required
Width Over 14 feet: Two escort vehicles required
Height Over 17 feet: One escort with height pole required
Weight: Over 54,300–55,000 lbs on Tridem (depending on spacing): Two escorts under DW21 provisions
Montana Banners, Lighting & Flage Requirement
Vehicles or loads wider than 10 feet must display “Oversize Load” signs at the front and rear. The power unit must be equipped with two flashing amber lights (5 inches in diameter), revolving beacons, or strobe lights one on each end of the “Oversize Load” sign or a single overhead light on top of the power unit. If the load blocks visibility of the lights due to its size, an additional light must be mounted at the rear. A “Long Load” sign is required on the rear of combinations exceeding 105 feet on non-interstate roads or 120 feet on interstates. Loads under 110 feet in overall length do not require overlength signs.
Montana Oversize/Overweight Fee structure
Montana 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:
- Montana Single Trip Permit: $10.00
- Montana Triple Trailer Permit: $20.00
- Montana Annual Oversize Permit: $75.00
- Annual Overlength Doubles Permit: $125.00
- Term Permit for Triple Trailers: $200.00
Frequently Asked Questions
Montana oversize permits can be obtained online through our website comparetransportll.com or by calling us at 270-908-9656
The cost of an oversize permit in Montana typically starts around $10 per trip, depending on the dimensions, weight, and route. Additional fees may apply for escorts or special handling.
Montana requires oversize permits for vehicles exceeding standard dimensions: width over 8’6”, height over 14’, and length over 75’ (depending on vehicle type). Travel is generally permitted during daylight hours unless otherwise specified. Escorts, lighting, and signage may be required.
Yes, Montana requires trip permits for commercial vehicles operating without current registration in the state. This includes one-time travel through Montana or temporary operations.
Montana oversize permits can be obtained online through our website comparetransportll.com or by calling us at 270-908-9656
The standard legal load limits in Montana are:
Width: 8 feet 6 inches
Height: 14 feet
Length: Varies (typically up to 75 feet overall for combination vehicles)
Weight: 80,000 pounds gross vehicle weight
Loads exceeding these limits require oversize/overweight permits.
Overweight permits in Montana vary based on weight and distance traveled. Fees can range from $10 to several hundred dollars.
You can log in to manage your Montana oversize permit through Our website comparetransportll.com
While basic oversize permits may cost as low as $10, the total cost depends on the load’s size and routing. Additional charges apply for over-dimension combinations or extended mileage.
Montana enforces seasonal load restrictions, especially during spring thaw (typically March to May), when certain roads are more susceptible to damage. Weight limits may be reduced on affected routes.
Applications for Montana oversize permits can be submitted online via our website comparetransportll.com or by calling us at 270-908-9656
To obtain a Montana oversize permit, carriers must provide:
Exact dimensions of the vehicle/load
Desired route
Axle weights
Travel dates
Escort vehicles, flags, signs, and lighting may be required for larger loads.
The phone number for assistance is 270-908-9656.
In Montana, the legal height limit for vehicles without a permit is 14 feet. Any load exceeding this height requires an oversize permit.
The maximum legal width without a permit in Montana is 8 feet 6 inches. Loads wider than this requires a valid oversize permit.
Yes, you can get Montana oversize permit online by calling us at 270-908-9656.
