PERMITS
Wisconsin oversize permits are valid for 14 consecutive days and must be obtained prior to entering the state.
OPERATING HOURS
Loads that do not exceed 12 feet in width, 13 feet 6 inches in height, or 100 feet in length may travel 24/7, with exceptions:
- No travel from 4:00 PM to 11:00 PM on Sundays
- No travel from 4:00 PM to 11:00 PM between the fourth Sunday in May and Labor Day
Loads exceeding these dimensions may not operate during nighttime hours, from noon on Saturday until sunrise on Monday, or between 4:00 PM and 11:00 PM during the restricted summer period. Overweight-only loads may travel at any time, including weekends and holidays, unless otherwise stated on the permit.
RESTRICTED TRAVEL
Travel is restricted during major holidays and holiday weekends. Limitations may vary depending on the size of the load.
LEGAL DIMENSIONS
Length:
- 53 feet for semi-trailers on designated highways (must not exceed 43 feet from kingpin to center of rear tandem or to center of the last axle of a tridem)
- 48-foot trailers and 75 feet overall on all other roads
Width: 8 feet 6 inches
Height: 13 feet 6 inches
Gross Weight: 80,000 pounds
- Single axle: 20,000 pounds
- Tandem: 34,000 pounds
- Tridem: 42,000 pounds (43,000 pounds with 9 feet of spacing)
ROUTINE PERMIT LIMITS
Length: No defined maximum
Width: 16 feet
Height: Varies by route
Weight Limits:
- Single axle (with 4 tires): 30,000 pounds
- Tandem: 65,000 pounds
- Tridem: 81,000 pounds
Loads exceeding 16 feet in width or 150,000 pounds in gross weight are considered Super Loads.
ESCORT REQUIREMENTS
Length: Escorts are generally not required for long loads.
Width: Over 15 feet requires one escort
Height: Generally not required; dependent on route specifics
SEASONAL LOAD (WEIGHT) RESTRICTIONS
Overweight restrictions during the spring thaw season typically apply to "Class 2 Roads" from early March to mid-May. Interstates and U.S. Highways are generally exempt. The start date may vary each year.
MISCELLANEOUS
Farm equipment being delivered within Wisconsin and not traveling on Interstate highways does not require a permit, but may only move Monday through Thursday and until 2:00 PM on Friday.
SIGNS, FLAGS & LIGHTING
- “Oversize Load” signs are required for vehicles or loads over 10 feet wide or overlength. Signs must be illuminated for night travel.
- Red flags (18 inches square) are required on the front and rear corners of overwidth loads and at the widest point if the load extends more than 4 inches beyond the vehicle.
- For overlength loads, one flag must be attached to the rear end if the projection is 2 feet wide or less; two flags are required if the projection is wider than 2 feet.
- Nighttime lighting requirements are outlined in the Wisconsin Permit General Provisions (Form MV2605).
