One of the original 13 colonies, Connecticut is the home to a lot of firsts—the world’s first practical helicopter, the world’s first hamburger—and it was the first state to issue permanent license plates for cars. Today, you likely need no help with your license plate, but you may need assistance obtaining an oversize permit in Connecticut, which is where The Permit Company comes in.
The Permit Company takes the hassle out of obtaining oversize and overweight truck permits, working directly with state and local agencies on your behalf. Below is everything you need to know about moving oversized loads through the state of Connecticut and how to obtain a permit.
1. How long are oversize permits valid in Connecticut?
Regular single trip permits are valid for three travel days when traveling Monday through Friday.
Weekend travel must be requested in advance and weekend permits are valid on Saturdays and Sundays only.
2. What are the legal dimensions for loads in Connecticut?
The legal limits in Connecticut are as follows:
- Gross Weight: 80,000 lbs. with a 51’ wheelbase on all roads*
- Width: 8’6” on all roads
- Height: 13’6” on all roads
- Length: 45’ for single units and buses on all roads; 43’ for semi-trailers that are 53’ from the kingpin to the center of the rear axle on designated highways and 48’ on all other roads; 28’ for twins on designated highways and a special permit** is needed for all other roads; 65’ for auto/boat transporters on all roads; 75’ for stinger steered on all roads; Rocky Mountain doubles, turnpike doubles and triples not allowed on any roads; 75’ for saddle mounts on all roads.
*Bridge Formula applies.
**Must have advance approval for access routes.
3. What are the permit limits for loads in Connecticut?
The routine-issue permit limits in Connecticut are as follows:
- Weight:
- Single: 22,500
- Tandem: 45,000
- Tridem: 67,500
- Gross Weight:
- 5 axles: 120,000
- 6 axles: 130,000
- 7 axles: 140,000
- 8 axles: 160,000
- Length: 130’
- Width: 14’ for mobile or modular homes Monday through Friday, 16’ when traveling between 11:30 p.m. and 4:30 a.m.
- Height: 14’
If a load exceeds any of these dimensions or weights, refer to the section on super loads.
Vehicles must be registered for the weight being hauled. You will need to contact your base state to change the weight on your cab card.
4. Is continuous travel allowed for oversize permits in Connecticut?
Continuous travel is allowed a half-hour after sunrise to a half-hour before sunset Monday through Friday. Loads more than 13’5” wide, 14’ high or 119’ long, can travel Monday through Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Weekend travel is allowed from daylight to noon if the load does not exceed 12’ wide, 13’6″ high, 80’ long or 120,000 pounds on five or more axles. Weekend travel must be requested.
Travel is prohibited on New Year’s Day, Good Friday, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day.
5. When are escorts needed in Connecticut?
An overhang in the front or rear that lengthens the vehicle to more than 25’ requires an escort.
Routes, heights, character of load and traffic volume also determine escort requirements on a case-by-case basis.
Convoying is not permitted.
Skid boards must be on top of the load when moving loads 14’6” high or more.
Click here to read about specific escort requirements in Connecticut.
6. What is a super load in Connecticut?
Loads 16’ wide, 16’ high, 150’ long or 200,000 lbs. and over are considered super loads. Anything over 160,000 lbs. requires an engineer review. Diagrams are required, and a steerable dolly might be required.
Applications require two weeks to review.
If you need help getting an oversize permit in Connecticut or have a question about permits in any other states, give us a call at (800) 359-9407 or send us an email.