02 / FEES
Count Indiana even when it is not an endpoint.
Dimensions select the ordinary permit tier.
Indiana's published fee table separates standard and larger dimensional single-trip permits. Overweight nondivisible loads use a base charge and weight-dependent mileage charge, with bridge-review costs where required. Keep this state's miles in the quote when the shipment only passes through Indiana.
Gross weight is not the whole weight check.
The program lists an 80,000 lb gross baseline subject to axle weights. Include the tractor, trailer and cargo, then retain the axle information for the permit application. An estimate using gross weight does not establish that each axle group or bridge crossing is legal.
Calculator fee reference: Indiana DOR vehicle permit fees, July2026 — greater of size or weight fee
03 / ESCORTS
A height stick is not a bucket truck.
The general escort rules consider three dimensions.
M-204 calls for escorts above 12′4″ width, 110′ length or 14′6″ height. General positioning changes between undivided and divided highways; a load above 14′6″ needs the height stick in front. Wider loads and the permit's special conditions can require additional vehicles.
Leaving the Interstate matters for a tall load.
Under M-204S, a load above 15′ routed off the Interstate needs a prequalified signal contractor with a bucket truck. Above 17′, the carrier/driver must complete a route survey and provide the specified no-interference affidavit or utility letters. These duties are separate from a pilot car's height check.
04 / TRAVEL
Read the actual movement window.
Indiana does not use one daylight rule for every load.
M-204's hours table has continuous, daylight and weekday-restricted categories. Weather, visibility, wind and holidays add conditions. Its general permit also excludes county roads, city streets and I-65/I-70 inside I-465. Match the truck and proposed timing to the issued provisions instead of assuming all permitted loads travel alike.
Large moves need additional coordination.
M-204S sets separate police and bridge conditions for very heavy moves, including an Interstate-only exception with defined limits. It also calls for surveys above specified width or length thresholds. Treat a changed route or equipment configuration as a reason to recheck the permit conditions before moving.
BEFORE DISPATCH
Match the paperwork to the move.
- Include Indiana's mileage even when pickup and delivery are in other states.
- Carry the permit, M-204 and applicable M-204S in the driver's packet.
- For overheight movements, check the roads off the Interstate and distinguish pole, bucket-truck and survey work.
The issued permit controls the authorized vehicle, load, route and travel conditions. Check current closures and the pickup and delivery approaches. A planning estimate does not approve clearance or replace the permit.
SOURCE RECORD
Go straight to the authority.
ODPermit prepared this guide with AI-assisted review of the official sources below on . This is a dated planning reference, not agency approval or an independently certified legal review. Source dates and the roads, product and load covered by each rule matter.
- Indiana DOR OSOW program
Agency responsibilities, legal dimensions and required permit accompaniments
Official page checked September 7, 2026 - Indiana M-204 general provisions
Escort vehicles, weather, excluded roads and hours of operation
Revision April 2022; official published copy checked September 7, 2026 - Indiana M-204S special provisions
Items 1–5 and 9: police, signal contractor, utility documentation and route surveys
Official undated current attachment checked September 7, 2026 - Indiana DOR permit fees
Oversize/overweight permit fees: dimensional tiers and nondivisible weight-mile charges
Official page checked September 7, 2026