Minnesota Pilot Car Services

PERMITS
Minnesota oversize permits are valid for five travel days and must be obtained before entering the state.

OPERATING HOURS
Standard travel is allowed from sunrise to sunset without the need for special lighting. Loads up to and including 10 feet in width may generally travel from 2:00 AM to 10:00 PM on weekdays and Saturdays (with exceptions for curfew zones and summer Friday restrictions). These loads must display flashing amber lights on both ends during nighttime hours, with lighting replacing flags and outlining the load and vehicle. Loads wider than 10 feet require both front and rear escorts and full lighting compliance to travel before sunrise or after sunset. During the summer season (Memorial Day weekend through the Friday after Labor Day), travel is prohibited from 2:00 PM Friday until sunrise Saturday, except for loads up to 9 feet wide on roads that are at least 22 feet wide, with a maximum height of 14 feet. Saturday travel is allowed all day, and Sunday travel is permitted from sunrise to 12:00 noon. Over 10-foot-wide loads may travel at night only if escorted front and rear and fully lit.

RESTRICTED TRAVEL
Travel is not allowed on major holidays, certain holiday weekends, or on Minnesota’s Fishing Opener Weekend in May. Loads exceeding 12 feet 6 inches in width, 95 feet in length, or 14 feet in height are prohibited from traveling in the Twin Cities Metro area between 6:00 AM – 8:30 AM and 3:30 PM – 6:00 PM, and in Duluth between 7:00 AM – 8:30 AM and 4:00 PM – 5:30 PM, unless otherwise stated on the permit. Metro boundaries are listed on the OD/OW Travel Hours guide available online.

LEGAL DIMENSIONS

Length:

• Overall: 75 feet
• Semi-trailer: 53 feet
• Kingpin to rear axle group: 43 feet
  Note: Utility poles are exempt from length permits only if identified on the Bill of Lading. Other materials, like beams or pipes, are not exempt.

Width: 8 feet 6 inches
Height: 13 feet 6 inches
Gross Weight:

• Designated highways: 80,000 pounds
• Non-designated roads: 73,280 pounds with 5 axles, 80,000 pounds with 6 axles
• Axle limits:
  • Steer: 600 pounds per inch of tire width (13,200 for 11" tires)
  • Single: 20,000 (18,000 on non-designated roads)
  • Tandem: 34,000
  • Tridem: 42,000

ROUTINE PERMIT LIMITS

Length:

• Two-vehicle combination: 95 feet (75-foot wheelbase)
• Single pivot point: 103 feet

Width:

• Standard: 14 feet 6 inches
• Certain routes: Up to 16 feet

Height:

• 14 to 15 feet 6 inches depending on route
• Loads exceeding 15 feet 6 inches require a route survey

Weight Limits:

• Single axle: 20,000 pounds
• Tandem: 40,000 pounds (up to 46,000 with bridge verification)
• Tridem: 60,000 pounds
• Quad: 72,000 pounds
• Steer axle: 600 pounds per inch of tire width (13,200 pounds with 11" tires)
• Pusher axle: 500 pounds per inch (11,000 pounds with two 11" tires)
  Vehicle must be registered for at least the permitted weight.

Loads that exceed any of these limits are classified as Super Loads.

ESCORT REQUIREMENTS

Length:

• Over 95 feet: 1 escort
• Over 110 feet: 2 escorts

Width:

• Over 14 feet 6 inches:
  • 1 escort on multi-lane divided highways
  • 2 escorts on two-lane highways
  • Police escort is required if the load crosses into the opposing lane

Height:

• Over 15 feet 5 inches: 1 escort with high pole recommended
• Over 15 feet 6 inches: Route survey required for a permit
  Some deficient routes may require additional escorts.

SEASONAL LOAD (WEIGHT) RESTRICTIONS
Winter load increases, allowing up to 10% over standard axle weights, generally begin in December (start date varies annually). During the spring thaw—typically from February or March through mid-May—overweight permits are not usually allowed. Middle-tier weight limits apply through the end of May.

SIGNS, FLAGS & LIGHTING

• "Oversize Load" signs are required when escorts are necessary or the load is over 12 feet wide. These signs must be illuminated for night travel.
• Flags (18 inches square) are required for rear overhangs over 4 feet, widths over 9 feet, and lengths over 75 feet.
• Flags must be placed at the tip of the overhang, corners, and widest parts of the load. If the load extends beyond corner flags, additional flags must be used at the widest points.
• Rear overhangs over 4 feet must be equipped with lighting at night.
• Flashing amber lights are commonly required for loads over 12 feet wide, as stated on the permit.

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