ODPERMIT / STATE FIELD GUIDE CO
ColoradoOversize & overweight permits.
Colorado loads need attention to vehicle configuration, mountain routes and route-specific pilot-car conditions. Start with loaded measurements and the state permit fee.
General information only, not legal advice or a permit. Confirm with the issuing agency before you move. Read the disclaimer
AI-generated illustration · not to scale
- 01Legal size
What is legal without a permit?
Axle limits Legal With a permit- The single-axle limit is the same on Interstate and secondary state highways.
The rule in full4 official sources
General width: 8′6″
Ordinary vehicle-and-load limit; safety-device, vehicle and load exceptions may apply.
Loaded height: 14′6″
Lower designated clearances still control the route.
NN semitrailer: 57′4″
Federal National Network allowance for a tractor with one semitrailer. Longer trailers may qualify under state axle-position and route rules; local roads can differ.
Overall length: No NN cap*
*For a tractor with one compliant semitrailer on the National Network. Other combinations, trailers, projecting loads and local access have separate limits; see the state measurements below.
Interstate weight: 80,000 lb*
*Federal baseline, subject to the bridge formula, registration and postings: 20,000 lb single axle and 34,000 lb tandem. A particular configuration may have a lower limit; state grandfather allowances need verified spacing and route eligibility.
Legal size
Legal limits are 8′6″ wide and 14′6″ high. Length depends on the vehicle setup. A lower posted clearance on the route controls.
Weight limits
Gross weight alone does not make a load legal in Colorado. Check axle groups, spacing, the bridge formula, tire and rating limits, road class, posted limits and the route.
Width
Legal width is 8′6″, with the exceptions listed in state law.
Height
Legal height is 14′6″. A lower posted clearance still controls.
Axle limits: legal and with a permit
Legal: single 20,000 lb, tandem (interstate) 36,000 lb, tandem (other state highways) 40,000 lb. With a permit: . The single-axle limit is the same on Interstate and secondary state highways.
- 2CDOT Freight — Rules & Regulations Checked
- 02Requirements
Where each requirement starts
Pilot carsWidth over 8′6″By day on blue-coded routes of CDOT's Pilot Escort and Oversize Restriction Map, over 8′6″ to 11′ wide needs 1 front pilot car. On a red-coded route, any width over 8′6″ needs a Chapter 6 Special permit.
32 CCR 601-4 — CDOT Rules Pertaining to Transport Permits for the Movement of Extra-Legal Vehicles or Loads · checked Oct 13, 2026What official sources leave open11
Where Colorado’s official sources disagree or say nothing, confirm with the agency before dispatch.
- CDOT publishes no fixed size threshold for Colorado State Patrol escorts; Rule 603 lets CDOT require them as a Chapter 6 permit condition.
- Super Load definition conflict: CDOT's permitting page says a Superload has a gross weight that 'exceeds 500,000 pounds, or has a double dolly and is greater than 15 feet wide'; Rule 609 says a combination of 500,000 lb or more that occupies two lanes (over 15′ wide), or an unladen expandable dual-lane transport trailer occupying two lanes.
- Tandem axle conflict with the page's legal line: CDOT's Rules & Regulations page and FYI sheet list a 36,000 lb tandem on Interstates (40,000 lb on other state highways), while the page note uses the federal 34,000 lb baseline.
- No statewide permit axle-weight table is published; permitted axle weights come from the Bridge Weight Limit Map.
- CDOT publishes no dated holiday list. 2027 dates were derived from Rule 404 using the definitions on CDOT's holiday schedule (Memorial Day the last Monday in May, Labor Day the first Monday in September); Rule 404 itself names the holidays without dates. No restricted holiday remains in 2026.
- The Cripple Creek holiday window (3–7 p.m. Fri–Sun 'for' the listed holidays) does not say which Friday–Sunday applies when a holiday falls midweek, so no dates are listed.
- Chapter 6 processing time: CDOT's FAQ says three to five business days but warns staffing shortages may stretch it to two to three weeks.
- CDOT's separate pilot escort page (codot.gov) redirected to a login page; certification and reciprocity details come from the permitting FAQ and Rule Chapter 5.
- Length pilot cars (Rule 410) depend on road type (mountainous two-lane, other two-lane, four-lane), not on route color; the page's 85′ band says 'set by CDOT route color and road type'.
- E-470 sets its own rules: a pilot car at 15′ wide and over, and no travel 6–9 a.m., 3–7 p.m. or in inclement weather, separate from CDOT's route-color widths.
- The rule's pilot-car rules for widths on green- and white-coded routes and the full metro curfew segment lists are longer than this guide shows; check the Pilot Escort and Oversize Restriction Map and Rule 401 for the exact segments.
The rule in full4 official sources
Width 8′6″: Legal width
Up to 8′6″ wide moves without a permit; wider needs one.
- 2CDOT Freight — Rules & Regulations Checked
Width 8′6″: Blue routes: 1 front pilot
By day on blue-coded routes of CDOT's Pilot Escort and Oversize Restriction Map, over 8′6″ to 11′ wide needs 1 front pilot car. On a red-coded route, any width over 8′6″ needs a Chapter 6 Special permit.
Width 11′: Blue: front + rear · yellow: front
Over 11′ to 13′ wide by day: a front and a rear pilot car on blue routes, 1 front pilot car on yellow routes.
Width 12′: Night: pilot car needed
At night, over 12′ to 14′ wide may travel with 1 front pilot car on two-lane highways and 1 rear pilot car on four-lane highways.
- 2CDOT Freight — Rules & Regulations Checked
Width 13′: Blue: Chapter 6 · yellow: pilots
Over 13′ wide by day: blue routes need a Chapter 6 Special permit. On yellow routes, over 13′ to 15′ needs a front pilot plus a rear pilot or flashing yellow light.
Width 14′: No night travel
Over 14′ wide may not move during darkness (sunset to sunrise) unless a Chapter 6 Special permit allows it.
- 2CDOT Freight — Rules & Regulations Checked
Width 15′: Green two-lane: pilots or light
Over 15′ to 17′ wide by day on green-coded two-lane highways: a front pilot plus a rear pilot or flashing yellow light. On yellow routes, over 15′ needs a Chapter 6 Special permit.
Width 17′: Annual max · Chapter 6 beyond
17′ is the annual-permit maximum width. Wider loads need a Chapter 6 Special permit, with at least 1 front and 1 rear pilot car unless CDOT designates otherwise.
Height 14′6″: Legal height
Up to 14′6″ high moves without a permit. Some state highway structures clear less than 14′6″; check CDOT's Vertical Clearances map.
- 2CDOT Freight — Rules & Regulations Checked
Height 13′11″: No Eisenhower-Johnson tunnels
A permitted load over 13′11″ high may not go through the Eisenhower-Johnson Memorial Tunnels on I-70.
Height 16′: Height pole · Chapter 6
Over 16′ high: a front pilot car with a height pole. 16′ is the annual-permit maximum height, so taller loads need a Chapter 6 Special permit.
Height 17′: Signal contractor
Over 17′ high: a licensed signal contractor must accompany the load through every intersection with overhead traffic signals.
Height 17′6″: Route survey
Over 17′6″ high: submit a route survey for the route of travel with the application.
Length 70′: Legal combination length
A tractor-semitrailer has no overall length limit if the trailer is 57′4″ or less. Other combinations are limited to 70′ and four units.
- 2CDOT Freight — Rules & Regulations Checked
Length 85′: Mountain two-lane: front pilot
Over 85′ long on mountainous two-lane highways (hash-marked on the CDOT map): 1 front pilot car.
Length 110′: Two-lane: front pilot
Over 110′ long on non-mountainous two-lane highways: 1 front pilot car. 110′ is the annual-permit maximum on mountainous two-lane highways.
Length 115′: Four-lane: rear pilot
Over 115′ long on four-lane highways: 1 rear pilot car.
Length 120′: Two-lane annual max
120′ is the annual-permit maximum on non-mountainous two-lane highways; longer needs a Chapter 6 Special permit.
Length 130′: Route survey · four-lane annual max
Over 130′ long: the application must include a route survey. 130′ is also the annual-permit maximum length on four-lane highways.
Overhang 4′ front: Legal front overhang
Front overhang over 4′ needs a permit.
- 2CDOT Freight — Rules & Regulations Checked
Overhang 10′ rear: Legal rear overhang
Rear overhang over 10′ needs a permit.
- 2CDOT Freight — Rules & Regulations Checked
Overhang 4′ rear: Red flags and lights
A rear projection over 4′ needs red flags at its end by day and a red light or lantern at night.
Overhang 15′ front: Front pilot
Front overhang over 15′: 1 pilot car in front.
Overhang 25′ rear: Rear pilot
Rear overhang over 25′: 1 pilot car in the rear.
Overhang 35′ rear: Annual max rear overhang
Annual permits allow up to 35′ rear overhang; more needs a Chapter 6 Special permit.
Weight 80,000 lb: Legal gross
80,000 lb gross on Interstates and 85,000 lb on non-Interstate highways.
- 2CDOT Freight — Rules & Regulations Checked
Weight 200,000 lb: Chapter 6 Special permit
Annual and single-trip permits cannot exceed 200,000 lb gross. From 200,000 to 500,000 lb gross, use a Chapter 6 Special permit.
Weight 500,000 lb: Super Load
A combination of 500,000 lb or more that occupies two lanes (over 15′ wide) may get a Super Load permit, with third-party documentation of the load's gross weight.
- 03The permit
Which permit do you need?
- CDOT issues permits for state highways.
- E-470 and other local, federal, tribal and private roads need their own owner's approval.
Chapter 6 Special permitOver any annual-permit maximum
A load that exceeds any annual-permit maximum (see Annual permit limits) needs a Chapter 6 Special permit:
- Not issued for divisible loads
- Valid for a single one-way trip
Super Load permit500,000 lb+ using two lanes
Super Load permits may be issued for:
- A combination of 500,000 lb or more that occupies two lanes
- An unladen combination with an expandable dual-lane transport trailer occupying two lanes
- Over 15′ wide counts as two lanes
Processing time2 hours · Chapter 6: 3–5 days
Single-trip permits have a two-hour turnaround, but applications received after 3 p.m. MT are not guaranteed same-day processing. Chapter 6 Specials take three to five business days, and CDOT warns a staff shortage can stretch that to two to three weeks.
5CDOT Freight — Permitting Information · checked Oct 13, 2026Route surveyOver 17′6″ high · over 130′ long
A route survey is required for:
- Loads over 17′6″ high
- Loads over 130′ long
- Surveys required for dimensions other than height stay valid 30 days unless CDOT decides otherwise
City and county roadsSeparate city/county permits
A CDOT permit covers only the state highways listed on it. Get permission or permits from each city and county whose roads you use.
5CDOT Freight — Permitting Information · checked Oct 13, 2026E-470 toll roadOwn permit · pilot at 15′+ wide
E-470 issues its own oversize/overweight permit:
- No travel 6–9 a.m., 3–7 p.m. or in inclement weather
- Pilot car at 15′ wide and over
- Can't hold 50 mph: travel only midnight–5 a.m.
- Allow 2 business days for review
Official route and permit tools- COOPR permit systemApply for and buy CDOT permits
- CDOT freight mapsLinks to all restriction, bridge, clearance and curfew maps
- Pilot Escort & Oversize Restrictions mapRoute colors that set pilot car needs
- Bridge Weight Limit mapPermitted axle and gross weight limits
- Vertical clearancesLow structures under 14′6″
- Freight curfew restrictions mapMetro and corridor curfews
- Active oversize/overweight restrictions (COtrip)Current closures and restrictions
- 2 CCR 601-4 transport permit rulesFull rule text
- E-470 oversize/overweight permitSeparate permit for the E-470 toll road
The rule in full3 official sources
Roads & authorities
CDOT issues permits for state highways. E-470 and other local, federal, tribal and private roads need their own owner's approval.
When a permit is needed
Any move over legal limits on a Colorado state highway needs a permit. The permit's route, map, times, safety and weather conditions all still apply.
Annual permit limits
Annual permits list maximum sizes, but the map, road class, route, vehicle setup and permit conditions decide. Loads above those limits need special review. Divisible loads cannot use the Chapter 6 special permit.
Chapter 6 Special permit
A load that exceeds any annual-permit maximum (see Annual permit limits) needs a Chapter 6 Special permit: Not issued for divisible loads. Valid for a single one-way trip.
Super Load permit
Super Load permits may be issued for: A combination of 500,000 lb or more that occupies two lanes. An unladen combination with an expandable dual-lane transport trailer occupying two lanes. Over 15′ wide counts as two lanes.
Processing time
Single-trip permits have a two-hour turnaround, but applications received after 3 p.m. MT are not guaranteed same-day processing. Chapter 6 Specials take three to five business days, and CDOT warns a staff shortage can stretch that to two to three weeks.
Route survey
A route survey is required for: Loads over 17′6″ high. Loads over 130′ long. Surveys required for dimensions other than height stay valid 30 days unless CDOT decides otherwise.
City and county roads
A CDOT permit covers only the state highways listed on it. Get permission or permits from each city and county whose roads you use.
E-470 toll road
E-470 issues its own oversize/overweight permit: No travel 6–9 a.m., 3–7 p.m. or in inclement weather. Pilot car at 15′ wide and over. Can't hold 50 mph: travel only midnight–5 a.m. Allow 2 business days for review.
- 04Permit cost
What does the permit cost?
Example agency fee$30- 8′7″ W
- 13′ H
- 70′
- 72,000 lb
- 100 miles
The rule in full3 official sources
Example agency fee
$30 for a nondivisible load 8′7″ wide, 13′ high and 70′ long at 72,000 lb gross, on a five-axle truck with a 48′ trailer, for 100 miles in Colorado. Enter your own load in the calculator below.
What the fee covers
Colorado's fee depends on the permit product and the loaded vehicle. The calculator itemizes the published charges it can price. Local permits, escorts, tolls, payment charges and ODPermit services are separate.
- 05Pilot cars
When do you need pilot cars?
WidthHeightLength1 front on blue-coded routesNo pilot car on yellow-coded routes, green-coded routes and white-coded routesPositions here aren’t fixed by size alone; the scene shows the load only.May need: Red-route special permitMinimums by size alone. Combined dimensions, night moves and the issued permit can add escorts.
Daytime width limits by route colorCh. 6 over 8′6″/13′/15′/17′ by color
A load wider than the limit for its route's color on CDOT's Pilot Escort and Oversize Restriction Map needs a Chapter 6 Special permit. Pilot cars below those widths are in the width markers and the green/white card.
- Red: over 8′6″
- Blue: over 13′
- Yellow: over 15′
- Green and white: over 17′
Green and white routesRear pilot or flashing yellow light
By day, other width rules on green- and white-coded routes:
- Green, over 13′ to 15′: a rear pilot or flashing yellow light on four-lane highways
- White, over 15′ to 17′: a rear pilot or flashing yellow light
Height poleOver 16′ high · front pilot
Over 16′ high, the front pilot car uses a height-measuring pole with a non-conductive tip, made of flexible material, set no more than 6″ above the load's maximum height.
32 CCR 601-4 — CDOT Rules Pertaining to Transport Permits for the Movement of Extra-Legal Vehicles or Loads · checked Oct 13, 2026State Patrol escortsWhen CDOT requires (Chapter 6)
On Chapter 6 Special and Super Load moves, CDOT may require a Colorado State Patrol escort, extra pilot cars and flaggers as a permit condition.
32 CCR 601-4 — CDOT Rules Pertaining to Transport Permits for the Movement of Extra-Legal Vehicles or Loads · checked Oct 13, 2026Pilot car vehicle and signsRoof sign · 1–3 amber lights
A Colorado pilot car must be:
- A passenger vehicle or two-axle truck, 16,000 lb GVW or less and at least 60″ wide
- Not towing a trailer while piloting
- Signs mounted on top of the vehicle
- Fitted with 1–3 flashing yellow or amber lights
Pilot car equipment½-mile radio · paddles · cones · flags
A Colorado pilot car must also carry:
- A two-way radio good for ½ mile
- STOP/SLOW paddle signs
- 3 orange traffic cones, 18″ or taller
- Two red or orange flags on the roof
Pilot car certificationCourse · $1M insurance · reciprocity
Colorado pilot car drivers must be certified:
- Complete the pilot escort course
- Carry at least $1 million commercial liability or combined single limit insurance
- Colorado recognizes certifications from Arizona, Florida, Minnesota, Oklahoma, Utah, Washington and SC&RA
Convoys and spacingPermit only · ½ mile apart
Convoys are not allowed unless the permit says so. Keep at least ½ mile between extra-legal loads, with limited exceptions such as passing.
32 CCR 601-4 — CDOT Rules Pertaining to Transport Permits for the Movement of Extra-Legal Vehicles or Loads · checked Oct 13, 2026The rule in full2 official sources
Daytime width limits by route color
A load wider than the limit for its route's color on CDOT's Pilot Escort and Oversize Restriction Map needs a Chapter 6 Special permit. Pilot cars below those widths are in the width markers and the green/white card. Red: over 8′6″. Blue: over 13′. Yellow: over 15′. Green and white: over 17′.
Green and white routes
By day, other width rules on green- and white-coded routes: Green, over 13′ to 15′: a rear pilot or flashing yellow light on four-lane highways. White, over 15′ to 17′: a rear pilot or flashing yellow light.
Height pole
Over 16′ high, the front pilot car uses a height-measuring pole with a non-conductive tip, made of flexible material, set no more than 6″ above the load's maximum height.
State Patrol escorts
On Chapter 6 Special and Super Load moves, CDOT may require a Colorado State Patrol escort, extra pilot cars and flaggers as a permit condition.
Pilot car vehicle and signs
A Colorado pilot car must be: A passenger vehicle or two-axle truck, 16,000 lb GVW or less and at least 60″ wide. Not towing a trailer while piloting. Signs mounted on top of the vehicle. Fitted with 1–3 flashing yellow or amber lights.
Pilot car equipment
A Colorado pilot car must also carry: A two-way radio good for ½ mile. STOP/SLOW paddle signs. 3 orange traffic cones, 18″ or taller. Two red or orange flags on the roof.
Pilot car certification
Colorado pilot car drivers must be certified: Complete the pilot escort course. Carry at least $1 million commercial liability or combined single limit insurance. Colorado recognizes certifications from Arizona, Florida, Minnesota, Oklahoma, Utah, Washington and SC&RA.
Convoys and spacing
Convoys are not allowed unless the permit says so. Keep at least ½ mile between extra-legal loads, with limited exceptions such as passing.
Over 8′6″ wide
Daylight: Blue-coded routes: 1 front. Yellow-coded routes: no pilot from these dimensional triggers. Green-coded routes: no pilot from these dimensional triggers. White-coded routes: no pilot from these dimensional triggers. Chapter 6 Special/Super Load permits require at least one front and one rear pilot unless CDOT expressly specifies otherwise. Any width over 8 ft 6 in on a red-coded route needs a Chapter 6 special permit. Plan at least one front and one rear pilot unless CDOT expressly specifies otherwise; CDOT may add vehicles for that route.
Over 11′ wide
Daylight: Blue-coded routes: 1 front and 1 rear. Yellow-coded routes: 1 front. Green-coded routes: no pilot from these dimensional triggers. White-coded routes: no pilot from these dimensional triggers. Chapter 6 Special/Super Load permits require at least one front and one rear pilot unless CDOT expressly specifies otherwise. Any width over 8 ft 6 in on a red-coded route needs a Chapter 6 special permit. Plan at least one front and one rear pilot unless CDOT expressly specifies otherwise; CDOT may add vehicles for that route.
Over 13′ wide
Daylight: Blue-coded routes (width crew requires a Chapter 6 permit; other minimums follow): 1 front and 1 rear. Yellow-coded routes: 1 front and 1 rear or compliant flashing yellow light. Green-coded routes: Mountain two-lane: 1 front; Other two-lane: 1 front; Four-lane: 1 rear or compliant flashing yellow light. White-coded routes: no pilot from these dimensional triggers. Chapter 6 Special/Super Load permits require at least one front and one rear pilot unless CDOT expressly specifies otherwise. Any width over 8 ft 6 in on a red-coded route needs a Chapter 6 special permit. Plan at least one front and one rear pilot unless CDOT expressly specifies otherwise; CDOT may add vehicles for that route.
Over 15′ wide
Daylight: Blue-coded routes (width crew requires a Chapter 6 permit; other minimums follow): 1 front and 1 rear. Yellow-coded routes (width crew requires a Chapter 6 permit; other minimums follow): 1 front and 1 rear. Green-coded routes: Mountain two-lane: 1 front and 1 rear or compliant flashing yellow light; Other two-lane: 1 front and 1 rear or compliant flashing yellow light; Four-lane: 1 rear or compliant flashing yellow light. White-coded routes: 1 rear or compliant flashing yellow light. Chapter 6 Special/Super Load permits require at least one front and one rear pilot unless CDOT expressly specifies otherwise. Any width over 8 ft 6 in on a red-coded route needs a Chapter 6 special permit. Plan at least one front and one rear pilot unless CDOT expressly specifies otherwise; CDOT may add vehicles for that route.
Over 17′ wide
Daylight: Blue-coded routes (width crew requires a Chapter 6 permit; other minimums follow): 1 front and 1 rear. Yellow-coded routes (width crew requires a Chapter 6 permit; other minimums follow): 1 front and 1 rear. Green-coded routes (width crew requires a Chapter 6 permit; other minimums follow): 1 front and 1 rear. White-coded routes (width crew requires a Chapter 6 permit; other minimums follow): 1 front and 1 rear. Chapter 6 Special/Super Load permits require at least one front and one rear pilot unless CDOT expressly specifies otherwise. Any width over 8 ft 6 in on a red-coded route needs a Chapter 6 special permit. Plan at least one front and one rear pilot unless CDOT expressly specifies otherwise; CDOT may add vehicles for that route.
Over 16′ high
Daylight: Blue-coded routes: 1 front (height pole required) and 1 rear. Yellow-coded routes: 1 front (height pole required) and 1 rear. Green-coded routes: 1 front (height pole required) and 1 rear. White-coded routes: 1 front (height pole required) and 1 rear. Chapter 6 Special/Super Load permits require at least one front and one rear pilot unless CDOT expressly specifies otherwise. Above 16 ft high, a front escort with a height pole is required on every road. This front vehicle is included in the listed plans.
Over 17′ high
Daylight: Blue-coded routes: 1 front (height pole required) and 1 rear. Yellow-coded routes: 1 front (height pole required) and 1 rear. Green-coded routes: 1 front (height pole required) and 1 rear. White-coded routes: 1 front (height pole required) and 1 rear. Chapter 6 Special/Super Load permits require at least one front and one rear pilot unless CDOT expressly specifies otherwise. Above 16 ft high, a front escort with a height pole is required on every road. This front vehicle is included in the listed plans. Above 17 ft high, a licensed signal contractor must accompany the move through intersections controlled by overhead traffic signals.
Over 17′6″ high
Daylight: Blue-coded routes: 1 front (height pole required) and 1 rear. Yellow-coded routes: 1 front (height pole required) and 1 rear. Green-coded routes: 1 front (height pole required) and 1 rear. White-coded routes: 1 front (height pole required) and 1 rear. Chapter 6 Special/Super Load permits require at least one front and one rear pilot unless CDOT expressly specifies otherwise. Above 16 ft high, a front escort with a height pole is required on every road. This front vehicle is included in the listed plans. Above 17 ft 6 in high or 130 ft long, submit a route survey for the proposed route with the permit application. Above 17 ft high, a licensed signal contractor must accompany the move through intersections controlled by overhead traffic signals.
Over 85′ long
Daylight: Blue-coded routes: Mountain two-lane: 1 front; Other two-lane: no pilot from these dimensional triggers; Four-lane: no pilot from these dimensional triggers. Yellow-coded routes: Mountain two-lane: 1 front; Other two-lane: no pilot from these dimensional triggers; Four-lane: no pilot from these dimensional triggers. Green-coded routes: Mountain two-lane: 1 front; Other two-lane: no pilot from these dimensional triggers; Four-lane: no pilot from these dimensional triggers. White-coded routes: Mountain two-lane: 1 front; Other two-lane: no pilot from these dimensional triggers; Four-lane: no pilot from these dimensional triggers. Chapter 6 Special/Super Load permits require at least one front and one rear pilot unless CDOT expressly specifies otherwise.
Over 110′ long
Daylight: Blue-coded routes: Mountain two-lane: 1 front and 1 rear; Other two-lane: 1 front; Four-lane: no pilot from these dimensional triggers. Yellow-coded routes: Mountain two-lane: 1 front and 1 rear; Other two-lane: 1 front; Four-lane: no pilot from these dimensional triggers. Green-coded routes: Mountain two-lane: 1 front and 1 rear; Other two-lane: 1 front; Four-lane: no pilot from these dimensional triggers. White-coded routes: Mountain two-lane: 1 front and 1 rear; Other two-lane: 1 front; Four-lane: no pilot from these dimensional triggers. Chapter 6 Special/Super Load permits require at least one front and one rear pilot unless CDOT expressly specifies otherwise.
Over 115′ long
Daylight: Blue-coded routes: Mountain two-lane: 1 front and 1 rear; Other two-lane: 1 front; Four-lane: 1 rear. Yellow-coded routes: Mountain two-lane: 1 front and 1 rear; Other two-lane: 1 front; Four-lane: 1 rear. Green-coded routes: Mountain two-lane: 1 front and 1 rear; Other two-lane: 1 front; Four-lane: 1 rear. White-coded routes: Mountain two-lane: 1 front and 1 rear; Other two-lane: 1 front; Four-lane: 1 rear. Chapter 6 Special/Super Load permits require at least one front and one rear pilot unless CDOT expressly specifies otherwise.
Over 120′ long
Daylight: Blue-coded routes: Mountain two-lane: 1 front and 1 rear; Other two-lane: 1 front and 1 rear; Four-lane: 1 rear. Yellow-coded routes: Mountain two-lane: 1 front and 1 rear; Other two-lane: 1 front and 1 rear; Four-lane: 1 rear. Green-coded routes: Mountain two-lane: 1 front and 1 rear; Other two-lane: 1 front and 1 rear; Four-lane: 1 rear. White-coded routes: Mountain two-lane: 1 front and 1 rear; Other two-lane: 1 front and 1 rear; Four-lane: 1 rear. Chapter 6 Special/Super Load permits require at least one front and one rear pilot unless CDOT expressly specifies otherwise.
Over 130′ long
Daylight: Blue-coded routes: 1 front and 1 rear. Yellow-coded routes: 1 front and 1 rear. Green-coded routes: 1 front and 1 rear. White-coded routes: 1 front and 1 rear. Chapter 6 Special/Super Load permits require at least one front and one rear pilot unless CDOT expressly specifies otherwise. Above 17 ft 6 in high or 130 ft long, submit a route survey for the proposed route with the permit application.
- 06Travel hours
When can you move?
At night with flashing lights up to 12′ wide; 12′–14′ with a pilot car; wider needs a special permit.- Weekday metro curfews: Denver 6–9 a.m. and 3–6 p.m.; Colorado Springs, Pueblo and Aspen 7–9 a.m. and 4–6 p.m.
- No movement 6 a.m.–9 p.m. on Memorial Day, Independence Day or Labor Day.
No extra-legal moves 6 a.m.–9 p.m. on Memorial Day, Independence Day and Labor Day. Dates follow CDOT's holiday schedule: Memorial Day is the last Monday in May, Labor Day the first Monday in September. None of these dates remains in 2026.
- May31Memorial Day
- Jul4Independence Day
- Sep6Labor Day
The rule in full3 official sources
Night travel by width; metro curfews
Oversize loads may travel at night with flashing lights up to 12′ wide, and 12′–14′ wide with a pilot car. Over 14′ wide needs a special permit to move at night. Weekday curfews apply on listed highways in Denver (6–9 a.m., 3–6 p.m.) and Colorado Springs, Pueblo and Aspen (7–9 a.m., 4–6 p.m.), and I-70 west of Denver has weekend limits. No movement 6 a.m.–9 p.m. on Memorial Day, Independence Day or Labor Day, or noon–9 p.m. the Friday before Memorial Day and Labor Day.
What sets your hours
Your travel hours depend on regional curfews, the I-70 season, route, direction, holidays, tunnels and the permit.
Current route restrictions
For your route and date, check current limits in Denver, Colorado Springs, Pueblo, Aspen and Carbondale, Central City and Clear Creek. Also check I-70, tunnels, holidays and hazards.
Night lights
Lights for night travel (pilot-car and 14′ limits are in the width markers; overhang cluster lights in the next card): Over legal width up to 12′: 1 flashing yellow light on the front and 2–3 on the extreme rear. Overlength or overhang: a flashing yellow light on the front.
- 2CDOT Freight — Rules & Regulations Checked
Denver weekday curfew
Unless a Chapter 6 Special or Super Load permit allows it, no extra-legal travel 6–9 a.m. and 3–6 p.m., Monday–Friday, on the listed Denver-area segments.
Colorado Springs and Pueblo curfews
Unless a Chapter 6 Special or Super Load permit allows it, no extra-legal travel 7–9 a.m. and 4–6 p.m., Monday–Friday, on the listed segments in Colorado Springs and the Pueblo area.
Aspen and Central City limits
Other local limits on extra-legal loads: SH 82 Carbondale–Aspen: no travel 7–9 a.m. and 4–6 p.m. Monday–Friday unless a Chapter 6 Special permit allows it. Central City area: travel only between 3 a.m. and 11 a.m.
Clear Creek Canyon (US 6)
On US 6 in Clear Creek Canyon between SH 58 and SH 119, extra-legal loads may not travel at any time unless a Chapter 6 Special or Super Load permit allows it.
I-70 mountain corridor: winter
On I-70 between the Morrison and West Vail exits, from December 1 through March 31, unless a Chapter 6 Special or Super Load permit allows it: Westbound: no travel 3–8 p.m. Fridays or 7 a.m.–noon Saturdays and Sundays. Eastbound: no travel 3–9 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays.
I-70 mountain corridor: summer
On the same I-70 stretch (Morrison to West Vail), from May 15 through September 15: Westbound Fridays: no travel from 4 p.m. at Morrison (5 p.m. at East Idaho Springs) until 8 p.m. Westbound Saturdays: no travel 8 a.m.–noon. Eastbound Sundays: no travel 3–9 p.m.
Eisenhower-Johnson tunnels (I-70)
At the Eisenhower-Johnson Memorial Tunnels on I-70: Over 11′ wide: stop at the tunnel approach parking lot and get permission to go through. Over 13′11″ high: no travel through the tunnels. During two-way operation in one bore, nothing over 8′6″ wide may use that bore.
Far right lane at 13′ wide
At 13′ wide or more, travel only in the farthest right-hand lane, as close as practicable to the curb or shoulder line, except when passing or preparing for a left turn.
Cripple Creek holiday weekends
On SH 24 (Divide to Woodland Park) and SH 67 (Divide to Cripple Creek), no extra-legal travel 3–7 p.m. Friday, Saturday and Sunday for Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Christmas Day and New Year's Day.
Holiday blackout (6 a.m.–9 p.m.)
No extra-legal moves 6 a.m.–9 p.m. on Memorial Day, Independence Day and Labor Day. Dates follow CDOT's holiday schedule: Memorial Day is the last Monday in May, Labor Day the first Monday in September. None of these dates remains in 2026. Memorial Day (May 31, 2027), Independence Day (Jul 4, 2027), Labor Day (Sep 6, 2027).
- 2CDOT Freight — Rules & Regulations Checked
Holiday eves and July 5, 2027 (noon–9 p.m.)
No extra-legal moves noon–9 p.m. on the Friday before Memorial Day and Labor Day, and on the Monday after Independence Day when it falls on a Sunday (as in 2027). Dates follow CDOT's holiday schedule (last Monday in May; first Monday in September). Friday before Memorial Day (May 28, 2027), Monday after Independence Day on a Sunday (Jul 5, 2027), Friday before Labor Day (Sep 3, 2027).
- 2CDOT Freight — Rules & Regulations Checked
- 07Flags & lamps
Signs, flags and lights
Cluster lights on overhang at night1–3 lights · red rear, yellow front
At night, a load with an overhang carries 1–3 cluster lights on the overhang: red on a rear overhang, yellow on a front overhang.
2CDOT Freight — Rules & Regulations · checked Oct 13, 2026Bad weather and road hazardsHazardous road: don't move
Don't move when you know of a hazardous road condition, such as water, ice, snow, mud or wind. Drivers must also weigh conditions such as visibility under 1,000′. Overweight-only loads up to 200,000 lb may chain up and continue.
32 CCR 601-4 — CDOT Rules Pertaining to Transport Permits for the Movement of Extra-Legal Vehicles or Loads · checked Oct 13, 2026Signs on the loadFront and rear · black on yellow
Show signs visible from front and rear, such as 5′×10″ with 8″ black letters on yellow. Not required for LVCs or overweight-only loads.
32 CCR 601-4 — CDOT Rules Pertaining to Transport Permits for the Movement of Extra-Legal Vehicles or Loads · checked Oct 13, 2026Flags and lights on overhangRear projection over 4′
For a load projecting more than 4′ to the rear:
- Daytime: red flags at the end of the projection
- Darkness: a red light or lantern at the end of the projection
Over 200,000 lb on bridges10 mph · center of lane · sign
Over 200,000 lb gross:
- No faster than 10 mph on bridges listed on the permit
- Cross bridges in the center of the driving lane
- If required to slow to 10 mph, a sign reading CAUTION: THIS VEHICLE MAY SLOW TO 10 MPH TO CROSS BRIDGES
The rule in full4 official sources
Signs, lights and spacing
Use OVERSIZE signs front and rear, the required lights, convoy spacing and load securement, and follow commercial-vehicle safety rules. Stop in hazardous conditions or when visibility drops below the rule's limit.
Cluster lights on overhang at night
At night, a load with an overhang carries 1–3 cluster lights on the overhang: red on a rear overhang, yellow on a front overhang.
- 2CDOT Freight — Rules & Regulations Checked
Bad weather and road hazards
Don't move when you know of a hazardous road condition, such as water, ice, snow, mud or wind. Drivers must also weigh conditions such as visibility under 1,000′. Overweight-only loads up to 200,000 lb may chain up and continue.
Signs on the load
Show signs visible from front and rear, such as 5′×10″ with 8″ black letters on yellow. Not required for LVCs or overweight-only loads.
Flags and lights on overhang
For a load projecting more than 4′ to the rear: Daytime: red flags at the end of the projection. Darkness: a red light or lantern at the end of the projection.
Over 200,000 lb on bridges
Over 200,000 lb gross: No faster than 10 mph on bridges listed on the permit. Cross bridges in the center of the driving lane. If required to slow to 10 mph, a sign reading CAUTION: THIS VEHICLE MAY SLOW TO 10 MPH TO CROSS BRIDGES.
- 08Driver paperwork
What the driver carries
- Carry the permitKeep the permit or a legible copy in the truck, or have electronic access to it.
- Paperwork must matchThe driver's papers must match the vehicle, load, route, dates and permit type on the permit.
- Application and paperworkThe application must include the USDOT number and, for an overweight permit, axle weights with axle spacing.
Application and paperworkUSDOT # · e-copy OK
The application must include the USDOT number and, for an overweight permit, axle weights with axle spacing. An electronically transmitted copy of the permit is accepted.
32 CCR 601-4 — CDOT Rules Pertaining to Transport Permits for the Movement of Extra-Legal Vehicles or Loads · checked Oct 13, 2026The rule in full1 official source
Carry the permit
Keep the permit or a legible copy in the truck, or have electronic access to it. Annual permits don't need the rules or maps on board, but the route must follow the bridge, escort and height maps CDOT posts online.
Paperwork must match
The driver's papers must match the vehicle, load, route, dates and permit type on the permit.
Application and paperwork
The application must include the USDOT number and, for an overweight permit, axle weights with axle spacing. An electronically transmitted copy of the permit is accepted.
- 09Special permits
Special loads and permit programs
Annual permit limits16′ H · 17′ W · 200,000 lb
Annual non-divisible load permits allow up to:
- 16′ high and 17′ wide
- 130′ long on four-lane, 120′ on non-mountain two-lane and 110′ on mountain two-lane highways
- 25′ front and 35′ rear overhang
- 200,000 lb gross
Manufactured homes$100k/$300k insurance
To haul a manufactured home, upload proof of public liability insurance of at least $100,000 per person and $300,000 per crash, with the breakout shown on the certificate.
2CDOT Freight — Rules & Regulations · checked Oct 13, 2026Manufactured home open sides and eavesEnclose open sides · eaves ≤ 2′
For modular and manufactured homes:
- An open side must be fully enclosed with paneling
- Width is measured without the eaves when the base is 14′ wide or less and the eaves total 2′ or less
Mobile cranesBoom trailer ≤ 11′6″ · 100–500′ back
Crane boom sections carried side by side are not treated as a divisible load if they are 11′6″ wide or less and their trailer travels directly behind the crane, 100–500′ back.
32 CCR 601-4 — CDOT Rules Pertaining to Transport Permits for the Movement of Extra-Legal Vehicles or Loads · checked Oct 13, 2026The rule in full4 official sources
Special permits
Manufactured homes, longer combinations, cranes, self-propelled equipment, farm and forestry equipment, emergency, towaway and E-470 moves each need their own permit and route conditions.
Annual permit limits
Annual non-divisible load permits allow up to: 16′ high and 17′ wide. 130′ long on four-lane, 120′ on non-mountain two-lane and 110′ on mountain two-lane highways. 25′ front and 35′ rear overhang. 200,000 lb gross.
Manufactured homes
To haul a manufactured home, upload proof of public liability insurance of at least $100,000 per person and $300,000 per crash, with the breakout shown on the certificate.
- 2CDOT Freight — Rules & Regulations Checked
Manufactured home open sides and eaves
For modular and manufactured homes: An open side must be fully enclosed with paneling. Width is measured without the eaves when the base is 14′ wide or less and the eaves total 2′ or less.
Mobile cranes
Crane boom sections carried side by side are not treated as a divisible load if they are 11′6″ wide or less and their trailer travels directly behind the crane, 100–500′ back.
Price your Colorado loadAgency fees and pilot-car needs for your loaded rig. Free, no contact details.Open worksheet
CO / Permit worksheet
Price your Colorado movement.
Enter the complete loaded vehicle. Get estimated agency fees and escort requirements before sharing your contact details.
The numbers behind your next move.
Your result will show the agency fee breakdown, potential pilot-car requirements, and the rules used to calculate them.
- 01 State agency fee subtotal
- 02 Escort & survey considerations
- 03 Sources & pricing assumptions
Single-state pricing uses the mileage you enter. For a proposed route and intermediate states, use the route calculator.
About the example equipment
The samples use ODPermit’s editable 48 ft flatbed · 5 axles planning profile. Loaded dimensions, gross weight, 100 state miles and Colorado registration are example inputs, not a capacity rating or a route approval. Replace them with your actual setup.
Great Dane Freedom flatbed brochure — Drop-deck option: 20–26 in drop from the upper deck with a 40–34 in rear deck height, which gives the 60 in upper-deck planning height. Platform length, combined tare and tractor geometry are editable ODPermit assumptions.
Disclaimer
General information only. It is not legal advice and not a permit. ODPermit is operated by Frontline Express LLC, a private company, not a government agency.
We summarize official sources as of the dates shown, but rules change often and a summary can be incomplete or out of date. Only a permit issued by the state or local agency authorizes an oversize or overweight move, and that permit and the agency’s current rules control. Confirm limits, escorts, routes and travel times with the issuing agency before you move a load.
This information is provided “as is,” without warranties of any kind. To the extent the law allows, Frontline Express LLC is not liable for losses, fines or delays that result from relying on it.
Terms of service apply.
BEFORE THE TRUCK ROLLS
Turn the estimate
into a permitted move.
Confirm the loaded measurements, carrier details, travel dates and exact pickup and delivery. We can help coordinate permits, escorts and route surveys around those facts.
THE SOURCE RECORD
Official references.
Read the rule behind each requirement. These are dated references; current restrictions and the issued permit control your move.
- 01Colorado Revised Statutes 2024, Title 42 — Vehicles and Traffic
C.R.S. § 42-4-502(1) · Page 476
Source record: - 02CDOT Freight — Rules & Regulations
Traveling During Hours of Darkness; Holiday Schedule; Holiday Restrictions (Section 404); Insurance Requirements to Move a Manufactured Home; legal dimensions and weight limits
Source record: - 032 CCR 601-4 — CDOT Rules Pertaining to Transport Permits for the Movement of Extra-Legal Vehicles or Loads
Rules 244, 302–304, 401–411, 500–507, 603, 608–609, 706–710 (the version CDOT's Rules & Regulations page links; history through 03/30/2020)
Source record: - 04E-470 Public Highway Authority — Oversize & Overweight Permit Application
Required Items to Process E470 Oversized & Overweight Permits
Source record: - 05CDOT Freight — Permitting Information
Non-Divisible Load Permits (Annual, Single Trip, Chapter 6 Special, Superload); FAQ (turnaround time, city/county roads, pilot car certification)
Source record: - 06Colorado Revised Statutes 42-4-510(11) — single-trip and Special permit fees
Colorado Revised Statutes 42-4-510(11) — single-trip and Special permit fees
Source record: - 07Colorado Revised Statutes 43-4-804(1)(c) — equal mandatory single-trip surcharge
Colorado Revised Statutes 43-4-804(1)(c) — equal mandatory single-trip surcharge
Source record: - 082 CCR 601-4 — Transport Permits for the Movement of Extra-Legal Vehicles or Loads
Rules 401–402 (curfews), 404.3 (holidays) and 408.3 (hours of darkness); current version effective March 30, 2020
Source record:
All 12 references
- 09
- 10CDOT FYI — Legal Load and Permit Info (PDF)
CDOT FYI 1 — Overlength Limits (C.R.S. 42-4-209 flags and lights)
Source record: - 1123 CFR 658 Appendix B — National Network semitrailer lengths
Appendix B; 23 CFR 658.13(a)
Source record: - 1223 CFR 658.17 — Interstate gross, axle and bridge weights
23 CFR 658.17(a)–(e); grandfather exceptions are configuration-specific
Source record: