Oversize / Overweight Permits in South Dakota

South Dakota Oversize/Overweight Regulations

According to South Dakota 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: 14′ (from the roadbed to the highest point of the load or vehicle, whichever is higher)
Single unit length: 45′ (from the foremost point of the vehicle or load, whichever extends further, to the rearmost point of the vehicle or load, whichever extends further)
Semi-trailer length: 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)
Front overhang: 3′
Rear overhang: 4′

Legal Weight Limit:

Maximum gross weight: 80,000 lb. (including the weight of the load)
Single axle: 20,000 lb.
Tandem axle: 34,000 lb.
Tridem axle: 42,000 lb.

South Dakota Single Trip Oversize/Overweight Permits

A general single-trip permit is issued for non-divisible oversize and overweight loads exceeding the legal limits. It covers one movement from point A to point B during the running times specified in the permit. You may require a separate permit to be brought back to the original location. The average fee is $25.

For more details:

https://sdtruckinfo.sd.gov/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/MCHandbook_2022_Final_Draft_12-06-2021.pdf

South Dakota Annual Oversize/Overweight Permits

This permit allows unrestricted movement for up to 365 days, allowing a particular vehicle and approved load to repeatedly travel one-way between two points on designated routes.

The average fee is $60.

Note: The size of the fee varies depending on the size and overweight.

South Dakota Wide Load Requirements

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

Oversize Load Flag Requirements:

All sides and extremities of oversized vehicles and loads, including front and rear overhang, must be marked with red or fluorescent orange 18″ square flags.

Flags must be used for projections that are 2 feet or longer, with one flag required for projections less than 2 feet wide and two flags needed for projections wider than 2 feet.

Oversize Load Banner Requirements:

All vehicles longer than 95′, wider than 12′, or driving at night must be equipped with “oversize load,” “wide load,” or “long load” banners(signs) at the front and the rear.

Oversize Load Sign Requirements:

At least 18” long and 18″ high signs with 10″ high, 1 3/8″ brushstroke black letters on the yellow background.

Oversize Load Lighting Requirements:

Night operations: Loads extending ≥4″ need amber lamps and reflectors at the front, plus red lamps at the rear and side. Amber lamps for projecting parts beyond edges, visible from all sides

Oversize Pilot Cars or Escort Vehicles Requirements:

Vehicles >16 ft. wide on interstate highways.
Vehicles >20 ft. wide on state highways.
Front escort needed for >10 ft. wide on state highways in Black Hills.
Escorts front on two-lane, rear on divided highways.
Escorts might be required due to route, traffic, or configuration.
No escort for ≤16 ft. 6 in. high loads on interstates.
Long loads likely have pilot car requirements.

Note: There can be additional escort requirements specified in the permit.

South Dakota Wide Load Restrictions

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

Oversize Holiday Restrictions:

Unless otherwise mentioned in South Dakota wide load permits, oversized loads cannot be transported on New Year’s Day, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving Day, and Christmas Day.

Oversize Legal Travel Times Restrictions:

Travel is allowed from half an hour before sunrise till half an hour after sunset, even on weekends. Only overweight loads can move 24/7. Loads ≤10′ wide, ≤14’6″ high, ≤110′ long can travel on interstates nonstop.

Oversize Road and Bridge Restrictions:

South Dakota 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

Note: All vehicles, including driven and towed must comply with posted bridge weight limits.

Oversize Seasonal Weight Restrictions:

Frost Law is applied in many states and provinces of Canada. Specific restrictions may appear in South Dakota oversize load permits, arising from the nature and type of the load.

If needed, daily temperature restrictions may be posted across the state. When in effect, axle weights (6, 7, or 8 tons) are color-coded on the Load Limit Restriction Map on the provided webpage.

For more details:
https://sdtruckinfo.sd.gov/rules-regulations/

South Dakota Wide Load Limits

South Dakota 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: 20,000 lb.
Tandem axle: 34,000 lb.
Tridem axle: 42,000 lb.

Note: You should rely on the Federal Bridge Formula to determine the maximum legal weight.

The maximum permitted axle weight limit:

Tandem axle: 40,000 lb.
Tridem axle: 60,000 lb.
Four axles: 80,000 lb
Five axles: 85,000 lb
Six axles: 90,000 lb
Seven axles: 95,000 lb

Oversize Tire Regulations:

Tires must be in normal operating condition, properly inflated, and feature the minimum tread depth of 2/32 inch (3/32 for front tires).

The maximum permitted weight should not exceed 500 lb. per tire inch of width (600 lb. for steering wheels).

Studded snow tires or chains are allowed if weather conditions tend to cause a skid.

South Dakota Trip Permits

The state of South Dakota allows out-of-state operators and carriers to obtain a temporary IRP permit for $15. There is also a fee for handling and processing your permit request.

South Dakota Fuel Permits

The state of South Dakota allows out-of-state operators and carriers to obtain a temporary 72-hour IFTA permit for $20. There is also a fee for handling and processing your permit request.

Note: The mileage and tax-paid fuel from a temporary permit must be included in your quarterly tax report.

South Dakota Specialty Permits

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

Before transporting a vehicle on the highways, the owner/operator must either obtain a special permit or show their intention to get one by contacting the Permits Office.

Emergency Single-Trip Oversize/Overweight Permit:

An emergency single-trip permit lets you move oversized or overweight loads on State Trunk Highways during emergencies. This includes situations when the Governor declares an emergency, there’s a hazardous material or national defense emergency, or a train derailment happens within South Dakota.

Amber Light Permits:

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

Loading Zone Permits:

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

For more information about specialty permits:

https://sdtruckinfo.sd.gov/permits/

Oversize/Overweight Load Fines in South Dakota

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

In South Dakota, breaking the oversize limit is a Class 2 Misdemeanor, leading to a $200 fine or 30 days imprisonment.

A vehicle exceeding weight limits on a tire, wheel, axle, or group can’t move until it’s adjusted.

Overweight violation is also a Class 2 misdemeanor, with a $200 fine, 30 days jail, or both. Plus, a civil penalty is applied as follows:

1,000 – 3,000 lb. overweight – 5 cents per pound in excess of legal weight
3,001 – 4,000 lb. overweight – 15 cents per pound in excess of legal weight
4,001 – 5,000 lb. overweight – 23 cents per pound in excess of legal weight
5,001 – 10,000 lb. overweight – 38 cents per pound in excess of legal weight
10,001 and more lb. overweight – 75 cents per pound in excess of legal weight

Oversize/Overweight Permits Costs in South Dakota

The cost of South Dakota OSOW permits varies depending on the load type, nature, and excessive weight and size. It starts at about $25 for a single-trip permit and can reach $2000 for special superload permits.

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.