North Dakota Pilot Car Services

PERMITS
Oversize permits in North Dakota are valid for a duration of three days. These permits must be obtained before entering the state.

OPERATING HOURS
Travel is allowed from sunrise to sunset, including Saturdays and Sundays. However, loads exceeding 16 feet in width or 110 feet in length are not permitted to travel after noon on Saturday or at all on Sunday. Loads that are overweight only (not overdimensional) may travel at any time without time restrictions.

TRAVEL RESTRICTIONS
Restrictions may apply during major holidays or holiday weekends, based on load dimensions. It's recommended to confirm with the permit office for any holiday-related limitations.

STANDARD LEGAL DIMENSIONS

Length:

• Semi-trailer and load: 53 feet
• Total overall length including load and rear overhang: 75 feet
• Items such as poles, pipes, and utility structures are not exempt from length and overhang requirements.

Width: 8 feet 6 inches
Height: 14 feet
Gross Weight Limit: 80,000 pounds

• Single axle: 20,000 pounds
• Tandem axles: 34,000 pounds
• Tridem axles: 48,000 pounds

Note: To qualify for overweight permits, the tractor must be registered for up to 105,500 pounds or more. Additional fees may apply on overweight permits.

DIVISIBLE LOADS OVER 80,000 POUNDS
On state highways, divisible loads may exceed 80,000 pounds gross as long as all axle and group weights are legal and the vehicle is registered to cover the total gross weight. If travel involves an Interstate route, an "Interstate Permit" is required.

ROUTINE PERMIT LIMITS

Maximum Dimensions Without Superload Classification:

• Length: 120 feet
• Width: 18 feet
• Height: 18 feet

Weight Limits by Axle Type:

• Steer axle (with 11" tires): 12,100 pounds (550 pounds per inch of tire width)
• Single axle: 24,000 pounds
• Tandem: 45,000 pounds
• Tridem: 60,000 pounds
• Quad: 68,000 pounds

Note: North Dakota prefers axle group weights to be balanced as evenly as possible. Loads exceeding the above dimensions or 150,000 pounds are classified as superloads.

ESCORT REQUIREMENTS

Length:

• Over 120 feet: 1 escort required

Width on 2-Lane Highways:

• Over 14 feet 6 inches up to 16 feet: 1 escort or flashing amber lights visible from 500 feet front and rear
• Over 16 feet: 2 escorts required

Width on 4-Lane Highways:

• Over 16 feet: 1 escort required
• Over 18 feet: Official escort required unless exempted by the Highway Patrol

Height:

• Over 18 feet: 1 escort plus documented clearance from utility companies

SEASONAL WEIGHT RESTRICTIONS
During the spring thaw (typically February through May, and sometimes longer), load weight limits on non-Interstate roads may be reduced. Restrictions can vary from standard legal weight down to 6-, 7-, or 8-ton axle limits. Ton-mile permits may be granted but tend to be costly.

SIGNAGE, FLAGS, AND LIGHTING

• An "Oversize Load" sign is required on the rear of any vehicle with an overall length exceeding 75 feet.
• All loads exceeding legal dimensions must display red or orange flags at the front and rear ends of the traffic-facing side.
• Overwidth and overheight loads require flags only (signs not necessary).