Oversize / Overweight Permits in Delaware

Delaware Oversize/Overweight Regulations

According to Delaware law, any load exceeding the following weight and size limits is considered an oversize/overweight load:

Legal Size Limit:

Width: 8′ 6″ (from the outside points of the widest extremities, excluding safety devices)
Height: 13′ 6″ (from the roadbed to the highest point of the load or vehicle, whichever is higher)
Length of a semi-trailer: 53′ (from the foremost point of the vehicle or load, whichever extends further, to the rearmost point of the vehicle or load, whichever extends further)
Length of a single unit: 40′ (45′ for buses)
Front overhang: 3′
Rear overhang: 6′

Legal Weight Limit:

Maximum gross weight: 80,000 lb. (including the weight of the load)
Single axle: 22,400 lb. (20,000 lb. interstate)
Tandem axle: 40,000 lb. (34,000 lb. interstate; spaced less than 8′ apart)
Tridem axle: 65,000 lb. (54,000 lb. interstate)
Four axles: 72,280 lb.

Note: Maximum legal per axle weight may vary depending on the axle spacing and axle combinations. For more information see https://deldot.gov/CLF4Apps/osow/pdfs/policy.pdf.

Delaware Single Trip Oversize/Overweight Permits

A general 5-day single-trip oversize permit is issued for non-divisible oversize loads exceeding the legal limits. It covers one movement from point A to point B during the running times specified in the permit. The cost of the permit is $30.

A general 5-day single-trip overweight permit is issued for overweight loads exceeding the legal limits (2 axles – 40,000 lbs.; 3 axles – 65,000 lbs.; 4 axles – 73280 lbs.; 5 or more axles – 80,000 lbs) but less than superload criteria. It covers one movement from point A to point B during the running times specified in the permit. The cost of the permit is $30 plus $10 for each 8,000 lbs over the legal weight limit.

For more details:

https://deldot.gov/CLF4Apps/osow/pdfs/policy.pdf

Delaware Annual Oversize/Overweight Permits

Delaware does not issue annual permits except for self-propelled cranes and other equipment.

Self-propelled cranes with an annual blanket permit may move 24 hours a day, Monday through Sunday, except during restricted holidays.

The cost is $1,500 for cranes with a gross weight not exceeding 24,000 lbs and $2,500 if heavier.

Permitted weight and dimensions:

length – 70′
width – 12′
height -13′ 6”
2 axles – 56,000 lbs.
3 axles – 84,000 lbs.
4 axles – 112,000 lbs.
5 axles or more – 120,000 lbs.

Note: single axle weight should not exceed 28,000 lbs

Delaware Wide Load Requirements

All loads wider than 8′ 6″ require an oversized permit issued by the Delaware Department of Transportation.

Oversize Load Flag Requirements:

All extremities of oversized vehicles and loads must be marked with red or fluorescent orange 18″ square flags.

Flags must be used on vehicles and loads that are longer than allowed by law or have a rear overhang that extends more than 4 feet. If the overhanging part is 2 feet wide or less, a single flag should be placed at the very back. However, if the overhanging part is wider than 2 feet, two flags are needed, and they should be positioned to show the maximum width.

Oversize Load Banner Requirements:

Delaware trailers, vehicles, or loads exceeding legal dimensions must be equipped with “oversize load” banners (signs).

Oversize Load Sign Requirements:

7′ long and 18″ high signs with 10″ high with a 1.41-inch brush stroke black letters on the yellow background.

Oversize Load Lighting Requirements:

Amber lights on all extremities visible from the front of the vehicle (load) and lights on extremities in the middle or near the front of the vehicle (load).

Red lights on extremities visible at the rear or near the rear of the vehicle (load).

Oversize vehicles and escort vehicles shall travel with low beam headlights on 24/7.

Oversize Pilot Cars or Escort Vehicles Requirements:

Length: over 90′ – 1 rear; 100′-120′ – 1 front and 1 rear; over 120′ – 1 front, 1 rear, and DSP
Width: over 13′ – 1 rear (multi-lane highways) and 1 front (two-lane highways); over 14′ – 1 front and 1 rear; over 15′ – 1 front, 1 rear, and DSP
Height: at 15′ – 1 front and 1 rear; at 17′ 6” – 1 front, 1 rear, and DSP
Weight: over 120,000 lbs – 1 front and 1 rear
Overhang: at 15′ – 1 rear (unless otherwise permitted)

Note: Escort vehicles must feature “oversize load” signs and roof-mounted rotating yellow light.

Delaware Wide Load Restrictions

All loads wider than 8′ 6″ are subject to the following restrictions:

Oversize Holiday Restrictions:

Unless otherwise mentioned in Delaware wide load permits, oversize loads are not allowed to be transported on New Year’s Day, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving Day, and Christmas Day.

Oversize Legal Travel Times Restrictions:

Permitted oversized vehicles can move from sunrise till sunset from Monday through Friday. On Saturday, the time is limited from sunrise to 12 Noon.

Loads that are within the specified limits of 75 feet in length, 12 feet in width, 14 feet 6 inches in height, and 120,000 pounds in weight will be permitted to be transported between the hours of 9 pm and 5 am, from Monday to Friday, but only if prior approval has been obtained.

Oversize Road and Bridge Restrictions:

Delaware adheres to the Federal Bridge Formula that provides specific bridge restrictions. As for the oversize road restrictions, they include but are not limited to the following:

driving through work zones that are under construction
neglecting warning signals when driving through work zones
not giving traffic priority to law enforcement, emergency vehicles, etc

Oversize Seasonal Weight Restrictions:

While the Frost Law is applied in many states and provinces of Canada, no specific seasonal restrictions are provided by the state of Delaware. However, they may appear in Delaware oversize load permits, arising from the nature and type of the load.

Delaware Wide Load Limits

Delaware sticks to the Federal legal width limit of 8′ 6″. Everything wider requires a permit to be moved on public roads.

Maximum Load Limits Until a Trucking Permit Is Required:

8′ 6″ (from the outside points of the widest extremities, excluding safety devices)

Axle Weight Limits:

Legal axle weight limit:

Maximum gross weight: 80,000 lb. (including the weight of the load)
Single axle: 22,400 lb. (20,000 lb. interstate)
Tandem axle: 40,000 lb. (34,000 lb. interstate; spaced less than 8′ apart)
Tridem axle: 65,000 lb. (54,000 lb. interstate)
Four axles: 72,280 lb.

The maximum permitted axle weight limit:

The maximum permitted weight is determined by the Federal Bridge Formula. However, the DOT may apply additional restrictions based on the type of the load or weather conditions.

Oversize Tire Regulations:

Tires must be in normal operating condition, properly inflated, and feature the minimum tread depth of 2/32″.

Tires must not feature protuberances of any material other than rubber unless their use is required for safety and permitted. The use of regrooved or recut tires is not allowed unless the tire is specifically designed to undergo regrooving or recutting.

Oversize and overweight vehicles are allowed to use studded tires between October 15 and April 15. Additionally, if road conditions are hazardous due to snow, ice, or any other factors that might cause your vehicle to slide or skid, you can use tire chains of appropriate size to ensure safety.

Delaware Trip Permits

Delaware IRP permits are required for all out-of-state operators willing to enter the state. There is also a fee for handling and processing your permit.

Delaware Fuel Permits

IFTA permits are necessary for motor carriers driving in or through Delaware. The permit is valid for 72 hours.

There is also a fee for handling and processing your permit.

Delaware Specialty Permits

The need for special permits may arise from your load’s nature, size, and weight.

Superloads:

A single-trip superload permit is required for all vehicles or loads that have any one of the following conditions: 15′ or more in width; 15′ or more in height; 120′ or more in length; gross weight is 20,000 lbs.

The cost is $60 plus $10 for each 8,000 lbs over the legal weight limit.

Amber Light Permits:

Vehicles escorting oversize loads shall be equipped with roof-mounted amber warning lights.

Loading Zone Permits:

A loading zone permit is issued for using commercial loading zones by non-commercial delivery vehicles.

For more information about specialty permits:

https://deldot.gov/CLF4Apps/osow/pdfs/policy.pdf

Oversize/Overweight Load Fines in Delaware

Oversize and overweight fines in Delaware depend on the weight exceeding the maximum legal weight.

For the first offense, the person will face a penalty of at least $28.75 but no more than $230.00, or a maximum imprisonment of 30 days, or both.

If there is a subsequent offense of the same nature, the penalty will be higher, ranging from a fine of at least $115.00 to a maximum of $575.00, or a maximum imprisonment of 60 days, or both.

Additionally:

If operating on the interstate, a first offense shall be punishable by a fine of 2.3 cents per pound for the first 5,000 lbs. and 5.75 cents per pound for all excess weight over the first 5,000 lbs. or a 30-day jail time, or both.

If operating on the interstate, each subsequent offense shall be punishable by a fine of 5.75 cents per pound for the first 5,000 lbs. and 11.5 cents per pound for all excess weight over the first 5,000 lbs. or a 60-day jail time, or both.

Oversize/Overweight Permits Costs in Delaware

The cost of Delaware OSOW permits varies depending on the load type, nature, and excessive weight and size. It starts at about $30 for a single-trip permit and can exceed $2,500 for an annual permit.

You may also be charged an application fee for processing and handling your permit request.

Trucking Permit Service

Express Permits provides a full spectrum of trucking permit services, assisting motor carriers in obtaining the appropriate oversize and overweight permits, coordinating with authorities, and ensuring compliance with state regulations, saving valuable time, effort, and potential penalties. You can rely on us regardless of your load’s type, nature, and destination.