Rhode Island Oversize Permits: Overweight Trucking Permits Rules and Requirement
Rhode Island Oversize permits OR Rhode Island 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.
Rhode Island oversize permits phone number: 630-222-5770
Chicago Permit offers fast and affordable solutions for Rhode Island Oversize Permits, Rhode Island Overweight Permits, and RI overweight permits. We help carriers obtain Rhode Island Single Trip Permits, RI trip permits, and Rhode Island Annual Permits, including the annual overweight permit RI. Our team ensures full compliance with Rhode Island oversize load regulations, handles Rhode Island Overhang Permits, and works directly with RI DOT permits to simplify the process for all oversize and overweight moves.
Rhode Island oversize regulations
Rhode Island Legal Dimension Limit
Legal Dimensions for Trucking in Rhode Island
Length:
- On interstates and designated highways: Semitrailers are allowed up to 53 feet in length (with the kingpin to the rear axle group centerline not exceeding 41 feet).
- On other roadways: Semitrailers are limited to 48 feet.
Overhang:
- Front overhang: Maximum of 3 feet
- Rear overhang: Maximum of 6 feet
Width:
- Maximum permitted width is 8 feet 6 inches.
Height:
- Maximum legal height is 13 feet 6 inches
Rhode Island Legal Weight Limit
The maximum allowable gross vehicle weight is up to 80,000 pounds, subject to axle configurations:
Axle weight limits Rhode Island
Single axle: Up to 22,400 pounds
Tandem axle: Up to 36,000 pounds
Tridem axle:
42,000 pounds if axle spacing is under 4 feet 6 inches
42,750 pounds if axle spacing is 4 feet 6 inches or greater
Rhode Island Oversize and Overweight Limits
- Length: vary depending on the selected route and the overall load size.
- Width: vary depending on the selected route and the overall load size.
- Height: vary depending on the selected route and the overall load size.
Maximum Axle Weights With RI Overweight Permit:
Weight (based on axle configuration and spacing)
- Typically, permits allow about 22,500 pounds per axle.
- The number of axles (5, 6, or 7) and the permitted weight depend on axle spacing and the specific route.
Loads exceeding 200,000 pounds require a route survey conducted by an independent engineering firm.
Rhode Island oversize permits validity period
To operate legally in Rhode Island, 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 Rhode Island trucking permits, including oversize, overweight, superload, IRP, IFTA, TRP, and temporary trip and fuel permits.
| Permit Type | Validity | Requirement |
|---|---|---|
| Single Trip Permit for Oversize/ One-dimensional or Overweight | Valid for 5 consecutive days | Covers one movement of an oversize or overweight load on approved routes within Rhode Island. |
| Superload Permits | Valid for 5 consecutive days (case-by-case approval) | Required for exceptionally large or heavy loads beyond routine oversize/overweight limits; additional review and approvals needed |
| Temporary Trip Permit (IRP) | Valid for 72 hours | Allows operation of commercial vehicles in Rhode Island without IRP registration for a limited time |
| IFTA Trip Permit/ Fuel Tax Permit | Valid for 72 hours | Required for carriers without an IFTA license traveling into or through Rhode Island |
Important Note:
- All movement must comply with Rhode Island Department of Transportation rules and approved routes.
- Superloads or extremely large moves may require additional engineering surveys and police escorts
Operating Time Rhode Island:
Travel is allowed starting 30 minutes before sunrise until 30 minutes after sunset. Movement is generally prohibited during weekends.
Restricted Travel Rhode Island:
Transport is not permitted on major holidays, including Victory over Japan (V-J) Day, observed on the second Monday of August. Additionally, travel may be restricted after 12:00 PM on the day preceding a holiday.
Amber Light Permits
Vehicles carrying oversize loads must be equipped with amber warning lights mounted on the roof.
Oversize Tire Regulations
Tires must be in good operating condition, properly inflated, and maintain a minimum tread depth of 2/32 inches.
Use of tires with flathead studs is permitted from November 15 through April 1
Rhode Island Escort Requirement
Length:
- Over 80 feet: One escort vehicle is required.
- Over 90 feet: Two escort vehicles are needed.
- Overhang exceeding 15 feet: One escort is mandatory.
Width:
- Over 12 feet wide: One escort vehicle is necessary.
- Over 14 feet 6 inches wide: Two escort vehicles are required.
Height:
- Loads taller than 14 feet must have one escort.
Additional Notes:
Certain metropolitan areas may also require police escorts depending on local regulations
Rhode Island Banners, Lighting & Flage Requirement
Warning signs are mandatory for all oversize movements. Loads that exceed the legal width, length, or rear overhang must display “Oversize Load” signs at the front of the vehicle and at the end of the load.
- Wide loads require a minimum of two flags and up to six flags placed at the widest points.
- For loads extending in length, one flag is necessary if the width is less than 2 feet; if it exceeds 2 feet, two flags must be attached.
- For rear overhangs less than 2 feet, one flag is needed, while overhangs greater than 2 feet require two flags, one at each rear corner.
Additional Information
Vehicles transporting poles, pipes, or other indivisible structural materials do not require special permits, provided the total load length does not exceed 80 feet.
Rhode Island Oversize Overweight Fee structure
Rhode Island 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 |
|---|---|
| Trip Permit Fee | A fee of $20.00 must be submitted to the Division of Motor Vehicles for each permit granted for a non-reducible vehicle or load. |
| Annual Fee | A payment of $100.00 to the Division of Motor Vehicles exempts the payer from paying individual trip permit fees. However, paying the annual fee does not allow the holder to ignore the regulations outlined in the State of Rhode Island Manual for Overweight and Oversize Vehicle Permits, as set by the Department of Transportation. |
Frequently Asked Questions
Rhode Island oversize permits can be obtained online through our website chicagopermit.net or by calling us at 630-222-5770
In most states, including Rhode Island, a load can be up to 8 feet 6 inches wide before a special oversize permit is required. Anything wider typically needs a permit for legal travel.
Rhode Island mandates permit for vehicles and loads that exceed standard size and weight limits. This includes dimensions over 8’6″ wide, 13’6″ high, 75′ long (including the vehicle), or 80,000 pounds gross weight. Travel is generally limited to certain hours, and escorts may be required based on the load size
Rhode Island oversize permits can be obtained online through our website chicagopermit.net or by calling us at 630-222-5770
Yes, Rhode Island requires temporary trip permits for vehicles that are not registered under the International Registration Plan (IRP) but need to operate within the state.
The cost of an overweight permit in Rhode Island varies depending on the weight and distance traveled. Typically, fees start around $20 to $30 and increase based on the total excess weight and number of miles.
Applications for Rhode Island oversize permits can be submitted online via our website chicagopermit.net or by calling us at 630-222-5770
An overweight permit in Rhode Island usually starts at about $20 for minor overweight loads, but fees can rise significantly for heavier loads that greatly exceed standard limits.
Oversize permit fees in Rhode Island typically start around $20 for basic dimensions that exceed the legal maximum. The final cost may vary depending on the size of the load and any special travel conditions.
The phone number for assistance is 630-222-5770.
Rhode Island law states that any vehicle or load exceeding 8’6″ wide, 13’6″ tall, or 75′ long must obtain an oversize permit before traveling. Additional regulations apply for very large loads, including escort requirements and restricted travel times.
Generally, oversize loads are restricted to daylight travel hours in Rhode Island, typically from 30 minutes before sunrise to 30 minutes after sunset. Night travel is not allowed unless special permission is granted under the permit.
To get your Rhode Island oversize permits fast and at competitive prices, contact Chicago Permit at (630) 222-5770. Their experienced team will handle all permit types across the U.S. and Canada.
Yes, you can get Rhode Island oversize permit online by calling us at 630-222-5770.
In Rhode Island, a load is considered oversized if it is wider than 8 feet 6 inches, taller than 13 feet 6 inches, longer than 75 feet, or if the gross weight exceeds 80,000 pounds without proper permits.
