Wisconsin Oversize Permits: Wisconsin Oversize / Overweight Trucking Permits Rules and Requirement
Wisconsin Oversize permits OR Wisconsin 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.
Wisconsin oversize permits phone number: 630-222-5770
Chicago Permit is your trusted source for obtaining Wisconsin oversize permits online. From Wisconsin Single Trip Permits and Wisconsin Overweight Permits to Wisconsin Annual Oversize Permits and Multiple Trip Permits Wisconsin, we make the process fast and affordable. Our services cover all Wisconsin oversize/overweight permits, including Wisconsin Overhang Permits, 72-hour trip permit Wisconsin, and Wisconsin Drive Away Permit. Stay compliant with Wisconsin oversize load regulations, avoid Wisconsin overweight fines, and manage your Wisconsin Oversize Permits login with ease. Contact us today for low-cost solutions and expert help with all State of Wisconsin permits and Wisconsin wide load permit costs.
Wisconsin oversize regulations
Wisconsin Legal Dimension Limit
Legal Dimensions for Trucking in Wisconsin
- Length:
o Semi-trailers up to 53 feet may operate on approved highways, as long as the distance from the kingpin to the center of the rear tandem axle (or center axle of a tridem) stays within 43 feet.
o On other roads, trailers up to 48 feet and a maximum overall vehicle length of 75 feet are permitted. - Maximum Width: 8 feet 6 inches
- Maximum Height: Maximum legal height is 13 feet 6 inches
Wisconsin Legal Weight Limit
The allowable gross weight is 80,000 pounds, subject to axle configurations:
Axle weight limits Wisconsin
- Single axle: 20,000 pounds
- Tandem axle: 34,000 pounds
- Tridem axle: 42,000 pounds (up to 43,000 pounds permitted if axle spacing is at least 9 feet)
Wisconsin Routine Limit: Wisconsin Oversize and Overweight Limits
Length: No specific maximum; determined on a case-by-case basis
Width: A permit can allow widths reaching up to 16 feet
Height: Varies depending on the selected route and clearances
Maximum Weights With Wisconsin Overweight Permit:
Weight (based on axle configuration and spacing)
- Maximum gross weight allowed is 120,000 pounds.
- Single axle: Permitted up to 30,000 pounds
- Tandem axle: Up to 65,000 pounds
- Tridem axle: Up to 81,000 pounds
Superload Classification: Any load that exceeds 16 feet in width or 150,000 pounds in weight is typically classified as a Super Load and may require additional review.
Wisconsin oversize permits validity period
To operate legally in Wisconsin, 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 Wisconsin trucking permits, including oversize, overweight, superload, IRP, IFTA, TRP, and temporary trip and fuel permits.
| Permit Type | Validity Period | Requirements |
|---|---|---|
| Oversize (OS) Permit – Single Trip | Valid for 5 consecutive days | For non-divisible loads exceeding legal size limits |
| Oversize (OS) Permit – Multiple Trip | Valid for 1 year | For repeated movements of similar oversize loads over the same route |
| Oversize / Overweight (OS / OW) Single Trip | Valid for 5 consecutive days | For single trips involving both oversize and overweight conditions |
| Oversize / Overweight (OS / OW) Multiple Trip | Valid for 1 year | Authorizes repetitive moves for OS / OW combinations |
| Superload Permit | Valid for 5 consecutive days (unless otherwise noted) | For loads exceeding standard oversize / overweight thresholds |
| Temporary Trip Permit | Valid for 72 hours | Allows out-of-state carriers to operate in Wisconsin without IRP registration |
| Temporary Fuel Permit | Valid for 72 hours | Allows travel without IFTA credentials |
| IRP Registration (Full) | Valid for 1 year from issuance | Interstate registration for commercial vehicles |
| IRP Temporary Authorization | Valid for 30 days | Temporary proof of IRP while full credentials are processed |
| IFTA License | Valid for 1 calendar year (Jan–Dec) | Interstate fuel tax license for qualified motor vehicles |
| IFTA Temporary Permit | Valid for 30 days | Temporary authorization in lieu of IFTA decals |
| School Bus Permit (72-hour) | Valid for 72 hours | For temporary operation of school buses |
| Common Carrier / Contract Carrier Permits | Typically valid for one trip | For temporary or one-time movements under intrastate authority |
| Oversize (OS) Permit – Single Trip | Valid for 5 consecutive days | For non-divisible loads exceeding legal size limits |
Operating Time Wisconsin:
- Overweight-Only Vehicles: Unless specified otherwise in the permit, vehicles that are overweight only may operate 24 hours a day, including weekends and holidays.
- Vehicles Not Exceeding 12′ Wide, 13′6″ High, or 150′ Long:
No hours of operation restrictions in 67 counties unless specified on an individual permit.
In Columbia, Dane, Milwaukee, Rock, or Waukesha counties, operation is restricted:
Between 4 p.m. and 8 p.m. on Sundays.
Between 4 p.m. and 8 p.m. on Fridays between the 4th Friday in May and Labor Day.
Between 4 p.m. and 8 p.m. on any restricted-travel holiday. - Vehicles Exceeding 12′ Wide, 13′6″ High, or 150′ Long:
o Nighttime operation is prohibited.
o No travel from Saturday noon until sunrise on Monday.
o Additional restrictions apply during restricted-travel holidays and the day before such holidays. - Milwaukee County Expressway Restrictions:
For vehicles exceeding legal width, height, or length:
Monday through Thursday: 6 a.m. to 9 a.m. and 3 p.m. to 6 p.m.
Friday: 6 a.m. to 9 a.m. and 3 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Sunday: 3 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Expressway limits: width ≤ 14′, height ≤ 14′6″, length ≤ 150′..
Seasonal Load Restrictions
- Spring Thaw Restrictions:
Typically enforced between early March and mid-May on roads classified as “Class 2”.
These restrictions limit weight to protect road integrity during thawing periods.
Interstate and U.S. highways are generally exempt from these restrictions. - Frozen Road Declarations:
Applies between mid-December and late February or early March, depending on conditions.
Allow increased weight limits for certain vehicles, such as those carrying salt or forest products, without requiring special permits, provided they are registered for 80,000 lbs or the maximum gross vehicle weight rating if lower.
Special Provisions
- Farm Equipment:
Farm machinery delivered within Wisconsin and not traveling on interstate highways does not need a permit
Operation is allowed from Monday through Thursday and until 2:00 p.m. on Friday.
Tire Regulations:
- All tires must be in good operating condition, properly inflated, and meet minimum legal tread depth requirements.
- Highway use requires compressed air or elastic tires.
- Tire chains are permitted for safety in snow or ice conditions.
- Tires with wire or tungsten carbide studs are restricted to specific uses, such as emergency vehicles, school buses, mail delivery, and short-term out-of-state vehicles, with stud projection not exceeding 1/8 inch beyond the tread.
Amber Light Permits
Vehicles transporting oversize loads must be equipped with amber warning lights mounted on the roof to enhance visibility.
Escort requirement
- Length: Escorts are not typically necessary based on vehicle length alone.
- Width: Loads going beyond 15 feet in width usually need one escort vehicle.
- Height: Escort needs vary by route and are usually determined by potential obstructions and clearances.
Wisconsin Banners, Lighting & Flage Requirement
- “Oversize Load” Signs:
Required signage must be placed on the front and back of vehicles or loads that go over 10′ in width or are longer than standard.
The sign must state “OVERSIZE LOAD” in black lettering on a yellow background, measuring a minimum of 7 feet long by 18 inches high, with letters no less than 10 inches tall and a brush stroke at least 1.4 inches thick. - Flags:
Red or orange flags, at least 18 inches square, must be mounted on all four corners of overwidth loads and at the point where the load extends more than 4 inches beyond the vehicle’s width - Lights for Night Travel:
Flashing amber lights are required for nighttime travel.
Lights must be visible from the front and rear, and evenly spaced at a maximum of 20-foot increments between required steady-burning lamps.
Wisconsin Oversize Overweight Fee structure
Wisconsin 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:
| Category | Type / Description | Fee |
|---|---|---|
| IFTA (International Fuel Tax Agreement) | IFTA Decals (Set of 2) | $2.00 |
| New IFTA License (1 Year) | $3.00 + $15.00 application fee | |
| IFTA Renewal | $3.00 + $2.00 per decal set | |
| IRP (International Registration Plan) | IRP Plate Fee | $3.00 |
| Cab Card Fee | $3.00 | |
| IRP Vehicle Registration | Costs vary based on vehicle weight and total mileage | |
| Heavy Vehicle Use Tax | Unified Carrier Registration (UCR) | Based on fleet size |
| Local Carriage (LC) Carrier (One-Time Fee) | $500.00 | |
| Public Carrier (PC) – Bus on Fixed Route (One-Time Fee) | $50.00 | |
| Temporary Vehicle Permits | 72-Hour School Bus Permit | $10.00 |
| 72-Hour Trip Permit | $15.00 | |
| Common Carrier Permit | $5.00 | |
| Contract Carrier – Interstate Permit | $5.00 | |
| Oversize / Overweight Permits | Single Trip – Oversize Only | $15.00 – $25.00 (based on size) |
| Single Trip – Oversize / Overweight | Starts at $20.00 (based on weight) | |
| Multi-Trip – Oversize Only | $25.00 – $90.00 (size-based) | |
| Multi-Trip – OS / OW Combined | $65.00 – $1,050.00 (depends on route & weight) | |
| Overweight Permit Fees | Up to 90,000 lbs. GVW | $20.00 + $200.00 base fee |
| 90,001 – 100,000 lbs. | $35.00 + $350.00 | |
| 100,001 – 110,000 lbs. | $45.00 + $450.00 | |
| 110,001 – 120,000 lbs. | $55.00 + $550.00 | |
| 120,001 – 130,000 lbs. | $65.00 + $650.00 | |
| 130,001 – 140,000 lbs. | $75.00 + $750.00 | |
| 140,001 – 150,000 lbs. | $85.00 + $850.00 | |
| Over 150,000 lbs. | $105.00 + $10.00 per 1,000 lbs. over |
Frequently Asked Questions
Wisconsin oversize permits can be obtained online through our website chicagopermit.net or by calling us at 630-222-5770
In Wisconsin, any vehicle or load that is 8 feet 6 inches wide or less may travel without a special permit on most roads.
Wisconsin requires a permit for vehicles or loads exceeding legal limits in width, height, length, or weight. Permits can be issued for single trips or multiple trips, depending on the load and route.
Yes, Wisconsin issues 72-hour trip permits for out-of-state carriers operating in the state without IRP registration.
Wisconsin oversize permits can be obtained online through our website chicagopermit.net or by calling us at 630-222-5770
The cost of an overweight permit in Wisconsin varies by gross vehicle weight. For example, a load under 90,000 pounds may cost $200, while heavier weights increase the fee accordingly.
Fees range from $200 to over $850 based on the weight class. Loads exceeding 150,000 lbs. require an additional $10 for every 1,000 lbs. over that threshold.
Oversize permit fees range between $15 and $90 for single trips and can reach up to $1,050 for multiple-trip oversize/overweight permits, depending on dimensions and load type.
Wisconsin law requires oversize permits for loads that exceed 8 feet 6 inches wide, 13 feet 6 inches high, or 75 feet in overall length. Escorts and special signage may be required for larger dimensions.
Applications for Wisconsin oversize permits can be submitted online via our website chicagopermit.net or by calling us at 630-222-5770
Night travel is generally not allowed for oversize loads unless specifically stated on the permit. Restrictions also apply during weekends and holidays for certain dimensions.
Truck regulations in Wisconsin cover vehicle size, weight, safety equipment, fuel tax, and registration requirements. Vehicles must comply with both state and federal guidelines.
The maximum allowable Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) on most Wisconsin highways is 80,000 pounds, unless a permit is obtained for heavier loads.
Any load that is over 8 feet 6 inches wide, 13 feet 6 inches high, or 75 feet long is classified as oversized and requires a permit.
The phone number for assistance is 630-222-5770.
Yes, you can get Wisconsin oversize permit online by calling us at 630-222-5770.
You can obtain a Wisconsin trip permit online Chicago Permit, which simplifies the process and ensures compliance.
The standard legal limit for trucks operating without a permit is 80,000 pounds GVW, though it can vary by axle configuration and number of axles.
Single-trip oversize permits generally cost between $15 and $25, depending on the size of the load. Multiple-trip permits can range up to $90 or more, depending on dimensions.
To get your Wisconsin 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.
