Travel Restrictions for Oversize Loads

Travel restrictions for oversize and overweight loads are designed to enhance road safety, reduce congestion, and protect infrastructure during high-risk periods like holidays, peak hours, or inclement weather.

Essential Tips for Navigating Oversize Load Travel Restrictions

Stay compliant and avoid fines by understanding travel restrictions for oversize loads. Utilize real-time tools and carry updated documents to ensure a smooth journey.

Carry electronic copies of updated restrictions.

Monitor real-time weather conditions using NOAA apps.

Check DOT apps for route-specific travel updates.

Holiday Restrictions

Most U.S. states impose bans or limits on oversize/overweight (OSOW) travel during major holidays to manage traffic spikes. Restrictions often apply to loads exceeding 10'-12' wide, 14'6" high, or 110' long, with full closures for superloads. Permit offices may close, delaying issuances—plan ahead by securing permits early.

Holiday
California (Caltrans)
Texas (TxDMV)
Michigan (MDOT)
General U.S. Notes
New Year's Day (Jan 1)
No OSOW travel exceeding 10' wide, 14'6" high, or 105' long from 2 p.m. Dec 31 until sunrise Jan 2. Permit office closed Jan 1.
No permitted travel from sunset Dec 31 until sunrise Jan 2; office closed Jan 1.
No travel after noon Dec 31 until sunrise Jan 2; mobile homes banned entire period. Office closed Jan 1.
43 states restrict; e.g., AZ bans >10' wide from noon Dec 31 to sunrise Jan 2.
Juneteenth (Jun 19)
Permit office closed; no escorted loads from 4 p.m. Jun 18 until sunrise Jun 20 if >10' wide/14'6" high.
Office closed; no travel >10' wide from noon Jun 18 to sunrise Jun 20.
No travel after noon Jun 18 until sunrise Jun 20; applies to >12'6" wide/110' long.
Recognized in 30+ states; restrictions similar to weekends in non-federal holidays.
Independence Day (Jul 4)
No pilot = no restrictions; with pilot/escort = no travel from 4 p.m. Jul 3 until midnight Jul 3, and noon to midnight Jul 4-6. Office closed Jul 4.
No travel >10' wide from noon Jul 3 until sunrise Jul 5; office closed Jul 4.
No travel from noon Jul 3 until sunrise Jul 5; mobile homes banned entire weekend. Office closed Jul 4.
Bans in 43 states; e.g., no moves >16' wide from Jul 3 noon in ND.

Pro Tip: In CA, restrictions apply to escorted loads on three-day weekends (e.g., after 4 p.m. Thursday to noon Monday). Superloads (>250,000 lbs) face full bans. FMCSA has no federal holiday bans but defers to states.

Weather-Related Restrictions

Essential Guidelines for Safe Oversize Load Travel

Weather conditions can significantly impact travel plans for oversize loads.

Seasonal Limitations: Protecting Road Integrity During Spring Thaw

Seasonal restrictions, like spring thaw, are crucial for maintaining road safety.

Mandatory Stops: Navigating Adverse Weather Conditions

All states require mandatory stops during severe weather to ensure safety.

Get Your Permits Today!

Start your permit application now and get your heavy haul moving smoothly.

Get Started!