Home to the first Tonka Truck, water skis and roller skates, Minnesota is all about the fun and games. But before the fun begins, you need make sure you’re set to drive with a Minnesota oversize permit—and we’re here to help.
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 Minnesota and how to obtain a permit.
1. How long are oversize permits valid in Minnesota?
Single trip permits are valid for 5 consecutive days (excluding Saturday and Sunday). This applies to an oversize permit in Minnesota.
2. What are the legal dimensions for loads in Minnesota?
The legal limits in Minnesota are as follows:
- Gross Weight: 80,000 lbs. on designated highways and 80,000 lbs. for 6 or more axles on all other roads
- Width: 8’6” on all roads
- Height: 13’6” on all roads
- Length: 40’ for single unit and buses on all roads; 48’ for single truck cranes on all roads; 53’ for semi-trailers on all roads, 43′ kingpin setting, measured from kingpin to center of rear axle group; 28’6” for twins/doubles on designated highways (not allowed on other roads); 65’ overall length for autotransporters on all roads; 75’ for stinger steered on all roads; 75’ for saddle mounts on all roads; 48’ for mobile cranes on all roads; Rocky Mountain doubles, turnpike doubles and triples not allowed.
3. What are the permit limits for loads in Minnesota?
The routine-issue permit limits in Minnesota are as follows:
- Weight:
- Single: 20,000 lbs.
- Tandem: 40,000 lbs. (46,000 lbs. with bridge check)
- Tridum: 60,000 lbs.
- Quad: 72,000 lbs.
- Trunnion: 60,000 lbs.
- Gross Weight:
- 5 axles: 92,000 lbs.
- 6 axles:112,000 lbs.
- 7 axles: 132,000 lbs.
- 8 axles: 144,000 lbs.
- Length: Two vehicle combination overall maximum length is 130′.
- Width: Up to 14’6″ wide is commonly permittable. For loads 14’6″ to 16′ wide, there are certain routes available. Anything over 16′ is highly restricted.
- Height: Easy movement up to 14′. Movement from 14′ to 15’6″ has many route restrictions. Loads over 15’6″ are highly restricted and a route survey is required.
- If load exceeds any of these dimensions or weights, refer to the section on superloads. Must be registered for the weight you are hauling.
4. Is continuous travel allowed for oversize permits in Minnesota?
Travel is not restricted up to 14’6 wide, 16′ high or 110′ long unless noted on the permit. If vehicle is over these dimensions, special restrictions will apply depending on area of travel.
Travel is prohibited on New Year’s Day, Fishing Opener Weekend, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day.
No travel from 2:00 p.m. the day before the holiday to 2:00 a.m. the day after the holiday when exceeding 9′ wide or 110′ long.
5. When are escorts needed in Minnesota?
Escorts may be increased if axles exceed 8′, with lengths that are excessive without rear steering or if route has deficiencies.
- On undivided highways:
- 1 front and 1 rear escort (2 total) needed for widths 14’6”-16’*
- 1 front police escort and rear escort needed for widths over 16’
- 1 front and 1 rear escort (2 total) needed for lengths 110’-150’
- 1 front and 1 rear escort (2 total) needed for lengths over 150’*
- On multi-lane divided highways:
- 1 rear escort is needed for widths 14’6”-16’
- 1 front and 1 rear escort (2 total) needed for widths over 16’
- 1 rear escort needed for lengths 110’-150’
- 1 front and 1 rear escort (2 total) needed for lengths over 150’
- On all highways:
- 1 H pole suggested though not required for heights over 16’. A pre-move survey is required.
- Night travel: front and rear escorts required when over 12’6″ wide and/or 95′ long.
- *Police also required anytime the load or vehicle encroaches over the center line.
- Pre-trip survey required when overall dimensions exceed 16’ high, 20’ wide and extensive length.
6. What is a superload in Minnesota?
Loads of 140,000 lbs. or more must submit drawings including axle weights and spacings. Need to show which axles caster and show the pivot points.
Allow up to five working days for processing.
If you need help getting an oversize permit in Minnesota or have a question about permits in any other states, give us a call at (800) 359-9407 or send us an email.