Oversize / Overweight Permits in Vermont

Vermont Oversize/Overweight Regulations

According to Vermont 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)
Overall length: 75′ (from the foremost point of the vehicle or load, whichever extends further, to the rearmost point of the vehicle or load, whichever extends further)
Single truck length: 46′ (from the foremost point of the vehicle or load, whichever extends further, to the rearmost point of the vehicle or load, whichever extends further)

Legal Weight Limit:

Maximum gross weight: 80,000 lb. (including the weight of the load)
Single axle: 22,400 lb.
Tandem axle: 42,000 lb.
Tridem axle: 54,000 lb.

Vermont 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 round-trip permit to be brought back to the original location. The cost varies depending on the type of permit ($28 for overlength only, $40 for overweight).

More details:
https://dmv.vermont.gov/CVO/permits/single-trip-permit

Vermont Annual Oversize/Overweight Permits

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

General requirements:

width: 14′ 11”
height: 13′ 11”
length: 100′

The basic cost is $112 plus $6 every additional unit within the fleet.

More information:

https://dmv.vermont.gov/CVO/permits/blanket-permit-annual

Vermont Wide Load Requirements

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

Oversize Load Flag Requirements:

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

Overwidth loads:

At least four (4) flags on the corners of the vehicle if it’s oversize.
Irregular-shaped loads require extra flags to mark the widest points of the load.

Overlength loads or loads with overhang:

Overhang less than two feet (2′) wide: one flag at the end of the overhang.
Overhang two feet (2′) wide or more: two (2) flags at the overhang.

Oversize Load Banner Requirements:

All non-escorted oversize vehicles must be equipped with “oversize load” banners(signs).

Oversize Load Sign Requirements:

7′ long and 18″ high signs with 10″ high letters (1¼” brush stroke) on the yellow background.

Oversize Load Lighting Requirements:

Commercial motor vehicles, as defined in Permitting Rules, must have lights installed and operable on the projecting loads as required by the rules.

Oversize Pilot Cars or Escort Vehicles Requirements:

Escort vehicles are necessary for vehicles/loads meeting or exceeding these dimensions:

Width of 12′ or more
Length of 80′ or more
Overhang of 15′ or more

Escort vehicles must:

be compact car-sized or larger
maintain two-way radio contact with permitted vehicle
have a flashing amber light on the highest point or visible lights all around
display the “OVERSIZE LOAD” sign on the front and rear (10″ black letters on yellow, 5′ long, 12″ high)
cover/remove signs when not escorting
use low beam headlights
one escort precedes on undivided roads, follows on divided roads

Note: There can be additional escort requirements by the Commissioner based on the permit.

Vermont Wide Load Restrictions

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

Oversize Holiday Restrictions:

Unless otherwise mentioned in Vermont wide load permits, state highway permits exclude loads exceeding 108,000 lbs, 12′ width, or 100′ length on Saturdays and Sundays, as well as on New Year’s Day, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving Day, Veteran’s Day, and Christmas Day.

Oversize Legal Travel Times Restrictions:

Travel with oversized vehicles/loads is generally allowed only during daylight hours, within 30 minutes before sunrise to 30 minutes after sunset, unless the permit states otherwise. Overweight vehicles that can keep up with traffic aren’t limited to daylight hours. In busy areas, movement might face additional time or day restrictions.

Oversize Road and Bridge Restrictions:

Vermont 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

Using handheld devices while driving in work zones:

1st violation: $100-$200 fine, 2 points
subsequent violations: $250-$500 fine, 5 points

Oversize Seasonal Weight Restrictions:

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

In times of winter thaws, rain, or melting frost, the Transportation Agency might put up signs on state highways. Remember, permits don’t override these road signs.

Vermont Wide Load Limits

Vermont 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:

Single axle: 22,400 lb.
Tandem axle: 42,000 lb.
Tridem axle: 54,000 lb.
Four axles: 60,000 lb.

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

The maximum permitted axle weight limit:

The maximum permitted axle weight varies depending on the permit type.

three axle group: 60,000 lb.
four axle group: 69,000 lb.
4 and 5 or more axle groups: 72,000 to 76,000 lb. (with proper axle spacing)

Vehicles can’t exceed 600 pounds per inch of tire width on state highways.

For more information:

https://dmv.vermont.gov/sites/dmv/files/documents/CVO-110-Oversize_Permit_Rules.pdf

Oversize Tire Regulations:

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

Vehicles >26,000 lbs GVWR or GCWR might need chains in winter weather.

Chains requirements:

single-drive axles: chains on one tire per side
tandem-drive axles: chains on two tires per side of primary axle, or one tire per side if both axles are powered.

Vermont Trip Permits/Vermont Fuel Permits (IFTA permits )

The state of Vermont allows out-of-state operators and carriers to obtain a 72-hour IRP permit (temporary trip permit) for $20. There is also a fee for handling and processing your permit.

Vermont Specialty Permits

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

Special Excess Weight Permits:

The Commissioner of Motor Vehicles issues an annual Special Excess Weight Permit that allows vehicles to transport loads exceeding weight limits on state highways. The permit’s scope might be limited based on vehicle type and the cargo being carried.

More information: https://dmv.vermont.gov/CVO/permits/special-excess-weight-permit

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://dmv.vermont.gov/CVO/permits/rules

Oversize/Overweight Load Fines in Vermont

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

second conviction within a year: 5% increase in fine.
third conviction within a year: 10% increase.
four or more convictions within a year: 15% increase.

Fines go to the transportation fund unless enforced by town officers, and then a $6 administrative charge goes to the state.

Progressive fine system:

0-5,000 lbs: $15 per 1,000 lbs
5,001-10,000 lbs: $30 per 1,000 lbs
10,001-15,000 lbs: $45 per 1,000 lbs
15,001-20,000 lbs: $60 per 1,000 lbs
20,001-25,000 lbs: $90 per 1,000 lbs
Over 25,000 lbs: $150 per 1,000 lbs

Oversize/Overweight Permits Costs in Vermont

The cost of Vermont OSOW permits varies depending on the load type, nature, and excessive weight and size. It starts at about $28 for a single-trip permit and can reach over $400 for a special weight 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.