If you’re planning to drive to the car capital of the world, cruise over one of the longest suspension bridges in the world or zip through the first tunnel built between two nations, you’ll first need to obtain a Michigan oversize permit.
If you need assistance obtaining a permit, we at The Permit Company can help. We work directly with state and local agencies on your behalf to take the hassle out of obtaining oversize and overweight truck permits. Below you can find everything you need to know about moving oversized loads through Michigan and how to obtain the necessary permits.
1. How long are oversize permits valid for in Michigan?
Single-trip permits are valid for five consecutive days (excluding Saturday and Sunday).
2. What are the legal dimensions for loads in Michigan?
The legal limits in Michigan are as follows:
- Gross weight: 80,000 lbs. for five axles; 164,000 for 11 axles (federal bridge formula applies)
- Width: 8’6” on designated highways (8’ on all other roads)
- Height: 13’6” on all roads
- Length: 40’ for single units and buses; 65’ for articulated buses; 53’ for semi-trailers on designated highways, 53’ on all other roads (must have a kingpin setting of 41′ from kingpin to center of tandem; trailers may only have three axles); 28’6” for twins/doubles on designated highways, 59’ overall on all other roads; 65’ plus overhang for autotransporters on all roads; 75’ plus overhang for stinger-steered on designated highways, 65’ plus overhang on all other roads; 65’ for three-unit saddle mounts on designated highways, 55’ on all other roads; Rocky Mountain doubles, turnpike doubles and triples not allowed on any roads.
- Overhang: 3’ in front and 4’ in the rear for autotransporters
3. What are the permit limits for loads in Michigan?
The routine-issue permit limits in Michigan are as follows:
- Weight: handled on a case-by-case basis
- Length: 150’; 105’ for mobile homes
- Width: 16’; 14’ during spring restrictions
- Height: 15’
If the load exceeds any of these dimensions or weights, refer to the section on super loads.
You must be registered for the weight that you are hauling. The maximum weight that the state allows you to register for your IRP cab card is 160,000 lbs.
4. Is continuous travel allowed for oversize permits in Michigan?
Travel is allowed from sunrise to sunset. Weekend travel is allowed if overall dimensions do not exceed 10′ wide, 14′ high or 90′ long. Saturday and Sunday daylight hours end at 3 p.m. The weekend travel allowance will not be applied to modular or mobile home movement since section 257.719a (2)(5) of the Michigan Vehicle Code specifically prohibits it.
The following counties are restricted for loads over 12′ wide and 90′ long from 7 a.m. to 9 a.m. and from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m.: Genesee, Kalamazoo, Muskegon, Wayne, Ingham, Kent, Oakland, Westenau, Jackson, Macomb, and Saginaw.
Travel is prohibited on New Year’s Day, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day.
5. When are escorts needed in Michigan?
On all highways:
- One escort is needed for widths of 12’–14’.
- One front and one rear escort (two total) are needed for widths of over 14’.
- One rear escort is needed for lengths of 90’–100’.
- One front escort is needed for heights of over 14’6” with a high pole.
- One front and one rear escort (two total) are needed for heights of over 15’ with a high pole.
- One rear escort is needed for overhang of over 15’.
Mobile home / modular loads:
- One rear escort is needed for widths of 12’–14’.
- One front and one rear escort (two total) are needed for widths of over 14’.
- One front and one rear escort (two total) are needed for widths of over 12’ and heights of over 14’6”.
Escorts in Michigan must have a roof mount of “oversize” signs on vehicles.
Route survey: Applications for permits in excess of 13’6″ in height shall certify that the proposed route has been traveled to ensure vertical clearance.
6. What is a superload in Michigan?
Loads 16′ wide, 15′ high and/or 150′ long are considered super loads. The following information must be submitted in writing by the shipper:
- Description of the load
- Number of pieces
- Load dimensions and overall dimensions
- A statement certifying that the route has been surveyed (if overheight)
- Weight of the object
- Origin and destination
- Routes
- Dates of move
- Reason why the load cannot be reduced
- Name of transporter (if known)
Drawings are required if the vehicle has more than 11 axles. Allow 1–10 days for approval. Overweight loads or loads over 14′ wide will not be issued during spring thaw. The route survey must be on Michigan form # 2465.
If you need help getting an oversize permit in Michigan or have a question about permits in any other states, give us a call at (800) 359-9407 or send us an email.