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ODPERMIT / STATE FIELD GUIDE IA

IowaOversize & overweight permits.

An Iowa overweight quote needs the carrier's registration details as well as loaded weight. Check the permit charge and any single-trip tonnage registration together.

Calculate IA permit feesRequest permit help

General information only, not legal advice or a permit. Confirm with the issuing agency before you move. Read the disclaimer

AI-generated illustration of a cobalt heavy-haul tractor and lowboy carrying an electrical transformer.
Iowa · General width8′6″
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AI-generated illustration · not to scale

  1. 01Legal size

    What is legal without a permit?

    Axle limits Legal With a permit
    • Single20k / 20k lb
    • Tandem34k / 46k lb
    • Crane single axle24k lb
    • Special mobile equipment single axle36k lb
    • Legal single 20,000 lb and tandem 34,000 lb are from the Iowa Truck Information Guide (all road systems).
    • A permitted tandem cannot be part of a larger axle group whose centers are more than 96″ apart.
    • Special mobile equipment between tire sizes: axle weight = 20,000 lb + (tire width − 18) × 1,882 lb.
    2761 IAC Chapter 511 — Special Permits for Operation and Movement of Vehicles and Loads of Excess Size and Weight · checked Oct 13, 2026
    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: 13′6″

    Ordinary vehicle-and-load limit; listed exceptions and actual route clearances apply.

    NN semitrailer: 53′

    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 13′6″ high. Length and weight depend on the vehicle setup and road system.

    Weight limits

    Gross weight alone does not settle it in Iowa. Check the axle count, spacing, bridges and road system, registration and any exceptions.

    Width

    Legal width is 8′6″, with exceptions for some farm loads and equipment.

    Height

    Legal height is 13′6″, with exceptions for some passenger vehicles and hay.

    Axle limits: legal and with a permit

    Legal: single 20,000 lb, tandem 34,000 lb. With a permit: single 20,000 lb, tandem 46,000 lb, crane single axle 24,000 lb, special mobile equipment single axle 36,000 lb. Legal single 20,000 lb and tandem 34,000 lb are from the Iowa Truck Information Guide (all road systems). A permitted tandem cannot be part of a larger axle group whose centers are more than 96″ apart. Special mobile equipment between tire sizes: axle weight = 20,000 lb + (tire width − 18) × 1,882 lb.

  2. 02Requirements

    Where each requirement starts

    Pilot carsWidth over 12′

    Over 12′ up to 14′6″ wide: 1 pilot car in front on two-lane roads and behind on four-lane roads. An amber or strobe light on the power unit and the rear of the load can replace it.

    2761 IAC Chapter 511 — Special Permits for Operation and Movement of Vehicles and Loads of Excess Size and Weight · checked Oct 13, 2026
    What official sources leave open14

    Where Iowa’s official sources disagree or say nothing, confirm with the agency before dispatch.

    • Iowa uses the word “superload” (permit types page, FAQ) but publishes no superload threshold or lead time; the FAQ gives a four-hour average turnaround and says superloads needing more review take longer. Single trips over 100,000 lb get a case-by-case DOT finding.
    • Iowa publishes no size threshold for law enforcement escorts.
    • Pilot car rules (761 IAC 511.20) set age, license, insurance and equipment only; no certification, training or reciprocity rule is published.
    • No combined-trigger or convoy rule is published; the escort chart stops at 18′ wide and 20′ high.
    • No general legal overhang limit was found for ordinary freight; Iowa Code 321.457 allows 3′ front / 4′ rear load extensions only for vehicle, boat and chassis transporters (4′ / 6′ for stinger-steered auto transporters).
    • Conflict: Iowa Code 321E.11(2) and the DOT Truck Information Guide allow night travel up to 11′ wide; 761 IAC 511.3(5) says 12′ and adds legal axle weights.
    • Holiday dates for 2027 are not yet published; the rule names Memorial Day, Independence Day and Labor Day without fixing their dates.
    • No USDOT number or operating authority requirement for OS/OW permits is stated on the DOT permit pages.
    • Iowa DOT links a county engineer list for local road permits, but it is hosted by the county engineers' association, not a government site.
    • No statewide rush-hour or metro curfew list is published; area restrictions appear in the IAPS route analysis and on the permit.
    • Weight exceptions: off the Interstate, Iowa's weight tables allow 90,000 lb on six axles and 96,000 lb on seven or more axles without a permit (Iowa DOT permit types page; Truck Information Guide), so the 80,000 lb trigger is not universal.
    • Annual oversize/overweight permit: 761 IAC 511.8 says travel is not allowed on the Interstate except when the vehicle meets annual oversize permit limits; the DOT permit types page phrases it as no Interstate travel over 80,000 lb.
    • Iowa DOT's permit page says single-trip overweight permits may carry a ton fee effective Oct. 27, 2025 (HF 979); the fee amount is not stated on the pages checked.
    • The Iowa Truck Information Guide still linked by Iowa DOT is the July 2025–July 2026 edition; a newer edition was not found.
    The rule in full2 official sources

    Width 8′6″: Legal width

    Up to 8′6″ wide moves without a permit; wider needs one.

    Width 12′: Pilot car or warning lights

    Over 12′ up to 14′6″ wide: 1 pilot car in front on two-lane roads and behind on four-lane roads. An amber or strobe light on the power unit and the rear of the load can replace it.

    Width 14′6″: Front car on two-lane roads

    Over 14′6″ up to 16′6″ wide: 1 front pilot car on two-lane roads. On four-lane roads, 1 rear pilot car or the amber/strobe lights.

    Width 16′: Multi-trip and large annual cap

    16′ wide is the most a multi-trip, large annual oversize or all-systems oversize permit allows.

    Width 16′6″: Pilot car on every road

    Over 16′6″ up to 18′ wide: 1 front pilot car on two-lane roads and 1 rear pilot car on four-lane roads. Warning lights no longer replace either one.

    Width 18′: Escorts set on the permit

    Iowa's escort chart stops at 18′ wide. Above that, follow the escorts written on the permit; Iowa DOT may require more.

    Height 13′6″: Legal height

    Up to 13′6″ high moves without a permit; taller needs one.

    Height 14′6″: Height pole

    Over 14′6″ up to 20′ high: 1 front pilot car with a height pole on all roads. The escort measures every vertical clearance.

    Height 15′5″: Annual and multi-trip cap

    15′5″ high is the most a regular multi-trip, large annual oversize, annual oversize/overweight or all-systems oversize permit allows.

    Height 16′: Contact utilities

    Over 16′ high on a single-trip permit, the carrier must contact the affected public utilities. Iowa DOT may require written verification from the utility.

    Height 20′: Escorts set on the permit

    Iowa's height-pole rule stops at 20′. Above that, follow the clearance and escort conditions on the permit; Iowa DOT may require more escorts.

    Length 53′: Legal length

    Legal: 45′ single vehicle and 53′ trailer, loaded or empty (57′ lowboy hauling construction equipment). Longer needs a permit.

    Length 75′: Signs and flags

    Over 75′ long: OVERSIZE LOAD signs and flags are required.

    Length 85′: Warning lights

    Over 85′ up to 120′ long: signs, flags and warning lights.

    Length 120′: Rear pilot car · permit cap

    Over 120′ long: 1 rear pilot car on all roads. 120′ is also the most an annual or multi-trip permit allows.

    Weight 80,000 lb: Legal gross

    A permit is typically required over 80,000 lb gross. Under a permit, the most on any one axle is 20,000 lb unless a rule allows more.

    Weight 100,000 lb: Single-trip review

    Over 100,000 lb gross: Iowa DOT issues a single-trip permit only if it finds the move won't unduly damage the road and is in the public interest.

    Weight 156,000 lb: Multi-trip and annual cap

    156,000 lb gross, with 20,000 lb on any axle, is the cap for the regular multi-trip and annual oversize/overweight permits.

  3. 03The permit

    Which permit do you need?

    1. Iowa DOT permits usually cover Interstate, U.S. and Iowa highways, unless the permit says otherwise.
    2. County and city roads may need their own permits.
    Iowa Department of Transportation, Motor Carrier Services
    Single trips over 100,000 lbOver 100,000 lb · DOT review

    Iowa issues a single-trip permit over 100,000 lb gross only if it finds the move won't unduly damage the road and is in the public interest.

    • Any axle is held to 20,000 lb unless Iowa approves a special or emergency move under Iowa Code 321E.9(2); permitted tandems follow the axle table
    • Cranes may carry 24,000 lb per axle, with the route reviewed before the permit is issued
    2761 IAC Chapter 511 — Special Permits for Operation and Movement of Vehicles and Loads of Excess Size and Weight · checked Oct 13, 2026
    Route analysisClearance + bridge check

    The online system analyzes each route for clearances, bridge loads and restrictions. If it fails, pick another route, let the system generate one, or request office review.

    • Failures: vertical clearance, horizontal clearance, bridge live-load analysis or a restriction
    • Iowa will not give a detailed reason for a failure
    6Iowa DOT — Online Permit System Frequently Asked Questions · checked Oct 13, 2026
    Utility contact over 16′Over 16′ high · call utilities

    On a single-trip permit over 16′ high, the carrier must contact the affected public utilities. Iowa DOT may require written verification from the utility.

    2761 IAC Chapter 511 — Special Permits for Operation and Movement of Vehicles and Loads of Excess Size and Weight · checked Oct 13, 2026
    Interstate limitsNo Interstate over 80,000 lb on annual

    On an annual oversize/overweight permit, you may not use the Interstate above 80,000 lb gross. The All-Systems Overweight permit is not valid on Interstates at all.

    5Iowa DOT — Types of Oversize/Overweight Permits · checked Oct 13, 2026
    City and county roadsSeparate local permits

    Iowa DOT permits cover state and Interstate highways only. City and county roads need a permit from that city or county.

    • All-Systems permits cover participating city and county roads shown on the DOT map
    5Iowa DOT — Types of Oversize/Overweight Permits · checked Oct 13, 2026
    Official route and permit tools
    The rule in full5 official sources

    Roads & authorities

    Iowa DOT permits usually cover Interstate, U.S. and Iowa highways, unless the permit says otherwise. County and city roads may need their own permits.

    When a permit is needed

    Loads over legal size or weight need an Iowa DOT permit under Chapter 321E. The permit sets the route and conditions.

    Permit types

    Iowa offers single and round-trip, multi-trip, annual, crane, construction, alternative-energy and other permits. One dimension alone does not tell you which applies.

    Single trips over 100,000 lb

    Iowa issues a single-trip permit over 100,000 lb gross only if it finds the move won't unduly damage the road and is in the public interest. Any axle is held to 20,000 lb unless Iowa approves a special or emergency move under Iowa Code 321E.9(2); permitted tandems follow the axle table. Cranes may carry 24,000 lb per axle, with the route reviewed before the permit is issued.

    Route analysis

    The online system analyzes each route for clearances, bridge loads and restrictions. If it fails, pick another route, let the system generate one, or request office review. Failures: vertical clearance, horizontal clearance, bridge live-load analysis or a restriction. Iowa will not give a detailed reason for a failure.

    Utility contact over 16′

    On a single-trip permit over 16′ high, the carrier must contact the affected public utilities. Iowa DOT may require written verification from the utility.

    Interstate limits

    On an annual oversize/overweight permit, you may not use the Interstate above 80,000 lb gross. The All-Systems Overweight permit is not valid on Interstates at all.

    City and county roads

    Iowa DOT permits cover state and Interstate highways only. City and county roads need a permit from that city or county. All-Systems permits cover participating city and county roads shown on the DOT map.

  4. 04Permit cost

    What does the permit cost?

    Example agency fee$35
    • 8′7″ W
    • 13′ H
    • 70′
    • 72,000 lb
    • 100 miles
    The rule in full4 official sources

    Example agency fee

    $35 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 Iowa. Enter your own load in the calculator below.

    What the fee covers

    Iowa'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.

  5. 05Pilot cars

    When do you need pilot cars?

    Width
    Height
    Length
    Positions here aren’t fixed by size alone; the scene shows the load only.May need: Width escort or warning lights

    Minimums by size alone. Combined dimensions, night moves and the issued permit can add escorts.

    Height poleOver 14′6″ to 20′ · front car

    Over 14′6″ up to 20′ high, the front pilot car carries a pole and measures every vertical clearance.

    2761 IAC Chapter 511 — Special Permits for Operation and Movement of Vehicles and Loads of Excess Size and Weight · checked Oct 13, 2026
    Pilot car placementFront on 2-lane · rear on 4-lane

    For width, Iowa's chart puts the pilot car in front on two-lane roads and behind on four-lane roads. Length over 120′ takes a rear pilot car on both road types.

    • Over 12′ to 14′6″ wide: amber or strobe lights on the power unit and rear can replace the pilot car on any road
    • Over 14′6″ to 16′6″ wide: lights can replace only the four-lane rear car
    • Over 16′6″ to 18′ wide: a pilot car on both road types
    • Iowa DOT may require more escorts on the permit
    2761 IAC Chapter 511 — Special Permits for Operation and Movement of Vehicles and Loads of Excess Size and Weight · checked Oct 13, 2026
    Pilot car and driverAmber light · 18″ flags · 300′

    The driver must be 18 or older with a valid license and $100,000/$200,000/$50,000 liability insurance. The pilot car is a midsize car or truck, not towing anything, with:

    • A flashing or strobe amber light on the roof, visible 500′ with 360° warning, on while escorting
    • An 18″ × 18″ red or orange fluorescent flag on each front bumper corner
    • About 300′ ahead of or behind the load; inside city limits, a reasonable distance for traffic conditions
    • One pilot car for each load
    2761 IAC Chapter 511 — Special Permits for Operation and Movement of Vehicles and Loads of Excess Size and Weight · checked Oct 13, 2026
    Stopping trafficPilot cars may not stop traffic

    A pilot car may not take responsibility for stopping traffic. Call an on-duty peace officer for any traffic control.

    2761 IAC Chapter 511 — Special Permits for Operation and Movement of Vehicles and Loads of Excess Size and Weight · checked Oct 13, 2026
    Law enforcement escorts1 week notice to State Patrol

    Iowa publishes no size threshold for a law enforcement escort. If a move needs one and you use the Iowa State Patrol's Commercial Motor Vehicle Unit, give at least one week's notice.

    10Iowa DOT — Iowa Truck Information Guide (July 2025–July 2026 edition) · checked Oct 13, 2026
    The rule in full2 official sources

    Height pole

    Over 14′6″ up to 20′ high, the front pilot car carries a pole and measures every vertical clearance.

    Pilot car placement

    For width, Iowa's chart puts the pilot car in front on two-lane roads and behind on four-lane roads. Length over 120′ takes a rear pilot car on both road types. Over 12′ to 14′6″ wide: amber or strobe lights on the power unit and rear can replace the pilot car on any road. Over 14′6″ to 16′6″ wide: lights can replace only the four-lane rear car. Over 16′6″ to 18′ wide: a pilot car on both road types. Iowa DOT may require more escorts on the permit.

    Pilot car and driver

    The driver must be 18 or older with a valid license and $100,000/$200,000/$50,000 liability insurance. The pilot car is a midsize car or truck, not towing anything, with: A flashing or strobe amber light on the roof, visible 500′ with 360° warning, on while escorting. An 18″ × 18″ red or orange fluorescent flag on each front bumper corner. About 300′ ahead of or behind the load; inside city limits, a reasonable distance for traffic conditions. One pilot car for each load.

    Stopping traffic

    A pilot car may not take responsibility for stopping traffic. Call an on-duty peace officer for any traffic control.

    Law enforcement escorts

    Iowa publishes no size threshold for a law enforcement escort. If a move needs one and you use the Iowa State Patrol's Commercial Motor Vehicle Unit, give at least one week's notice.

    Over 12′ wide

    Use a front escort on two-lane roads and a rear escort on four-lane roads, or compliant amber/strobe lights on the power unit and rear extremity. Height and length requirements still apply.

    Over 14′6″ wide

    On four-lane roads, use a rear escort or compliant amber/strobe lights on the power unit and rear extremity. This lighting option does not replace escorts required for height or length. Two-lane roads: 1 front pilot car. Multi-lane undivided roads: no pilot car from these dimensional triggers. Divided highways: no pilot car from these dimensional triggers.

    Over 16′6″ wide

    Two-lane roads: 1 front pilot car. Multi-lane undivided roads: 1 rear pilot car. Divided highways: 1 rear pilot car.

    Over 18′ wide

    Iowa's standard table ends at 18 ft wide. The issuing authority sets the escort team for wider moves.

    Over 14′6″ high

    All road types: 1 front (height pole required) pilot car.

    Over 20′ high

    Iowa's standard height-pole table ends at 20 ft. Obtain the specific clearance and escort conditions for this height.

    Over 120′ long

    All road types: 1 rear pilot car.

  6. 06Travel hours

    When can you move?

    30 minutes before sunrise to 30 minutes after sunset.
    • At night by permit up to 12′ wide, 14′6″ high and 100′ long at legal axle weights.
    • No movement on Memorial Day, Independence Day or Labor Day, after noon the day before, or over the holiday weekend.
    Oversize holiday ban

    No permitted moves on Memorial Day, Independence Day or Labor Day, after noon on the day before the holiday or holiday weekend, or during the holiday weekend (holiday on Friday–Monday). Moves resume 30 minutes before sunrise the day after. Special high-traffic events can also be restricted.

    1. May25Memorial Day (no moves noon Fri May 22 to 30 min before sunrise Tue May 26)
    2. Jul4Independence Day, Sat (no moves noon Fri Jul 3 to 30 min before sunrise Mon Jul 6)
    3. Sep7Labor Day (no moves noon Fri Sep 4 to 30 min before sunrise Tue Sep 8)
    14Iowa DOT Motor Carrier Services — Dates to Remember · checked Oct 13, 2026
    The rule in full7 official sources

    Daylight, with night travel up to 12′ wide

    Permitted moves run from 30 minutes before sunrise to 30 minutes after sunset. Night travel is allowed by permit for loads up to 12′ wide, 14′6″ high and 100′ long at legal axle weights, on roads at least 22′ wide with 11′ lanes and lights at the widest point. No movement on Memorial Day, Independence Day or Labor Day, after noon the day before, or across a holiday weekend.

    What sets your hours

    Your hours, and whether you may move at night, come from the permit, Chapter 511, county proclamations, the route and conditions.

    Current route restrictions

    Before moving, check Iowa 511, county and city proclamations, bridge postings, weather and the permit.

    Night moves

    A permitted load may run from 30 minutes after sunset to 30 minutes before sunrise if it stays within these limits: Up to 100′ long, 11′ wide and 14′6″ high (the 761 IAC 511.3(5) rule says 12′ wide and adds legal axle weights). On roads at least 22′ wide with lanes at least 11′ wide. With projecting-load lights on, in addition to the required signs, flags and warning lights. Iowa DOT may add lighting or escorts at night.

    Weather

    Move only when roads are clear of ice and snow and visibility is at least a quarter mile.

    Rush-hour and route limits

    Route restrictions, such as a rush-hour ban through a specific area, show up in the online route analysis and are printed on the permit.

    Oversize holiday ban

    No permitted moves on Memorial Day, Independence Day or Labor Day, after noon on the day before the holiday or holiday weekend, or during the holiday weekend (holiday on Friday–Monday). Moves resume 30 minutes before sunrise the day after. Special high-traffic events can also be restricted. Memorial Day (no moves noon Fri May 22 to 30 min before sunrise Tue May 26) (May 25, 2026), Independence Day, Sat (no moves noon Fri Jul 3 to 30 min before sunrise Mon Jul 6) (Jul 4, 2026), Labor Day (no moves noon Fri Sep 4 to 30 min before sunrise Tue Sep 8) (Sep 7, 2026).

  7. 07Flags & lamps

    Signs, flags and lights

    Signs, flags and lights18″ flags · 18″ × 7′ sign

    When Iowa's chart calls for them, use:

    • Red or orange fluorescent flags at least 18″ square at each front corner of the towing unit, each rear corner of the load and any side protrusion
    • An “Oversize Load” sign at least 18″ high and 7′ long, 10″ black letters on yellow, on the front bumper and the rear of the load
    • A flashing or strobe amber light on the towing unit, visible 500′ with 360° warning
    • Remove or cover them when the vehicle is back within legal size
    2761 IAC Chapter 511 — Special Permits for Operation and Movement of Vehicles and Loads of Excess Size and Weight · checked Oct 13, 2026
    The rule in full3 official sources

    Signs, flags and lights

    Follow Iowa and federal rules for securement, signs, flags and amber lights, plus utility and bridge controls and the permit's conditions.

    Signs, flags and lights

    When Iowa's chart calls for them, use: Red or orange fluorescent flags at least 18″ square at each front corner of the towing unit, each rear corner of the load and any side protrusion. An “Oversize Load” sign at least 18″ high and 7′ long, 10″ black letters on yellow, on the front bumper and the rear of the load. A flashing or strobe amber light on the towing unit, visible 500′ with 360° warning. Remove or cover them when the vehicle is back within legal size.

  8. 08Driver paperwork

    What the driver carries

    • Carry the permitCarry the permit and follow its route and conditions.
    • Paperwork must matchThe driver's papers must match the vehicle, load, route, dates and conditions on the permit, with the required safety and securement records.
    • Carry the permitIowa emails the permit.
    • General ProvisionsCarry a copy of the permit in the vehicle and make it available on request; carry a copy of the Iowa General Provisions for Oversize Load Permit with it.
    • Insurance, bond and registrationCarry proof of liability insurance, paper or electronic: $100,000 bodily injury per person, $200,000 per occurrence and $50,000 property damage.
    Carry the permitElectronic permits are legal

    Iowa emails the permit. You don't need to print it; an electronic permit is legal.

    3Iowa DOT — How Do I Get Oversize & Overweight Permits? · checked Oct 13, 2026
    General ProvisionsCarry with the permit

    Carry a copy of the permit in the vehicle and make it available on request; carry a copy of the Iowa General Provisions for Oversize Load Permit with it.

    10Iowa DOT — Iowa Truck Information Guide (July 2025–July 2026 edition) · checked Oct 13, 2026
    Insurance, bond and registration$100k/$200k/$50k insurance

    Carry proof of liability insurance, paper or electronic: $100,000 bodily injury per person, $200,000 per occurrence and $50,000 property damage.

    • Register the truck for the gross weight of vehicle and load; single-trip registration costs $4 per ton over 40 tons
    • Iowa DOT may require a bond, certified check or other assurance
    2761 IAC Chapter 511 — Special Permits for Operation and Movement of Vehicles and Loads of Excess Size and Weight · checked Oct 13, 2026
    The rule in full4 official sources

    Carry the permit

    Carry the permit and follow its route and conditions. Electronic permits are fine unless the permit says otherwise.

    Paperwork must match

    The driver's papers must match the vehicle, load, route, dates and conditions on the permit, with the required safety and securement records.

    Carry the permit

    Iowa emails the permit. You don't need to print it; an electronic permit is legal.

    General Provisions

    Carry a copy of the permit in the vehicle and make it available on request; carry a copy of the Iowa General Provisions for Oversize Load Permit with it.

    Insurance, bond and registration

    Carry proof of liability insurance, paper or electronic: $100,000 bodily injury per person, $200,000 per occurrence and $50,000 property damage. Register the truck for the gross weight of vehicle and load; single-trip registration costs $4 per ton over 40 tons. Iowa DOT may require a bond, certified check or other assurance.

  9. 09Special permits

    Special loads and permit programs

    Annual and multi-trip permitsAnnual $50 or $400 · multi-trip $200

    Iowa's annual and multi-trip permits have fixed caps:

    • Small annual oversize ($50): 12′5″ wide, 13′10″ high, 120′ long, 80,000 lb
    • Large annual oversize ($50): 16′ wide, 15′5″ high, 120′ long, 80,000 lb; DOT route approval above listed dimensions
    • Annual oversize/overweight ($400): 13′5″ wide, 15′5″ high, 120′ long, 156,000 lb
    • Multi-trip ($200, 60 days, one route): 16′ wide, 15′5″ high, 120′ long, 156,000 lb
    5Iowa DOT — Types of Oversize/Overweight Permits · checked Oct 13, 2026
    Self-propelled cranes24,000 lb per axle

    Self-propelled cranes use their own $35 single or round-trip permit, up to 24,000 lb per axle, approved by DOT bridge and pavement engineers before issuance.

    5Iowa DOT — Types of Oversize/Overweight Permits · checked Oct 13, 2026
    Mobile homes and buildingsDual-wheel truck · 7′ rear sign

    Mobile homes and loads over 10,000 lb must be towed by a truck or truck tractor with dual wheels and at least 10,000 lb GVWR.

    • On a mobile home or factory-built structure, the rear OVERSIZE LOAD sign is mounted at least 7′ above the road
    • Building moves (not mobile homes) pay a registration fee of 5 cents per ton over registered weight per mile
    2761 IAC Chapter 511 — Special Permits for Operation and Movement of Vehicles and Loads of Excess Size and Weight · checked Oct 13, 2026
    The rule in full4 official sources

    Special permits

    Hay, raw farm products, construction equipment, cranes, manufactured housing, milk, forest products and emergency towing each have their own conditions. None is a blanket exemption.

    Annual and multi-trip permits

    Iowa's annual and multi-trip permits have fixed caps: Small annual oversize ($50): 12′5″ wide, 13′10″ high, 120′ long, 80,000 lb. Large annual oversize ($50): 16′ wide, 15′5″ high, 120′ long, 80,000 lb; DOT route approval above listed dimensions. Annual oversize/overweight ($400): 13′5″ wide, 15′5″ high, 120′ long, 156,000 lb. Multi-trip ($200, 60 days, one route): 16′ wide, 15′5″ high, 120′ long, 156,000 lb.

    Self-propelled cranes

    Self-propelled cranes use their own $35 single or round-trip permit, up to 24,000 lb per axle, approved by DOT bridge and pavement engineers before issuance.

    Mobile homes and buildings

    Mobile homes and loads over 10,000 lb must be towed by a truck or truck tractor with dual wheels and at least 10,000 lb GVWR. On a mobile home or factory-built structure, the rear OVERSIZE LOAD sign is mounted at least 7′ above the road. Building moves (not mobile homes) pay a registration fee of 5 cents per ton over registered weight per mile.

Price your Iowa loadAgency fees and pilot-car needs for your loaded rig. Free, no contact details.Open worksheet

IA / Permit worksheet

Price your Iowa movement.

Enter the complete loaded vehicle. Get estimated agency fees and escort requirements before sharing your contact details.

Crossing state lines? Estimate the whole trip
Single-trip · nondivisible loadOther permits & charges
Start with an example

Example loaded measurements are filled in. Adjust the equipment, mileage and registration to match your movement.

01

Loaded dimensions

Measure ground to highest point, widest point, and the full tractor–trailer–load length. These are not cargo-only dimensions.

Width
Height
Overall length
02

Equipment & registration

Trailer length
Trailer + load length
Axle weights, overhangs & movement details Optional
Front overhang
Enter 0 when there is no overhang.
Rear overhang
Enter 0 when there is no overhang.

Actual axle groups

Some weight fees depend on axle loads and spacing. Enter measured groups in travel order; do not divide gross weight evenly.

No ODPermit fee or markup. No contact details required.

Your estimate

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.

  1. 01 State agency fee subtotal
  2. 02 Escort & survey considerations
  3. 03 Sources & pricing assumptions

Single-state pricing uses the mileage you enter. For a proposed route and intermediate states, use the route calculator.

Agency fees only. Annual permits, specialized products and conditional services have separate terms.See the fee reference
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 Iowa 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.

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.

Request permit help

THE SOURCE RECORD

Official references.

Read the rule behind each requirement. These are dated references; current restrictions and the issued permit control your move.

  1. 01
  2. 02
    761 IAC Chapter 511 — Special Permits for Operation and Movement of Vehicles and Loads of Excess Size and Weight

    Rules 511.3, 511.5, 511.6, 511.11, 511.13, 511.17, 511.19, 511.20 (IAC 6/10/26)

    Source record:
  3. 03
    Iowa DOT — How Do I Get Oversize & Overweight Permits?

    Apply for a Permit; Apply by Mail

    Source record:
  4. 04
  5. 05
    Iowa DOT — Types of Oversize/Overweight Permits

    What Type of Permit Do I Need?; Single Trip, Multi-Trip and Annual Permit Types

    Source record:
  6. 06
    Iowa DOT — Online Permit System Frequently Asked Questions

    Vehicle Routing Questions

    Source record:
  7. 07
    Iowa DOT IM25-26 — single-trip tonnage and registration basis

    Iowa DOT IM25-26 — single-trip tonnage and registration basis

    Source record:
  8. 08
    Iowa Code 321E.12 — single-trip registration fee

    Iowa Code 321E.12 — single-trip registration fee

    Source record:
All 17 references
  1. 09
    Iowa adopted rule ARC 0327D, effective July 15, 2026 — 511.5(5) single-trip registration

    Iowa adopted rule ARC 0327D, effective July 15, 2026 — 511.5(5) single-trip registration

    Source record:
  2. 10
    Iowa DOT — Iowa Truck Information Guide (July 2025–July 2026 edition)

    Oversize Load, pp. 26–28

    Source record:
  3. 11
    Iowa Administrative Code 761—511.3 — Movement restrictions

    Rule 761—511.3(3)–(5)

    Source record:
  4. 12
  5. 13
    Iowa Code 2026, Chapter 321E — Vehicles of Excessive Size and Weight

    §321E.11 Movement under permit

    Source record:
  6. 14
    Iowa DOT Motor Carrier Services — Dates to Remember

    2026 dates: Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day

    Source record:
  7. 15
    Iowa Commercial Driver's License Manual

    3.3.5

    Source record:
  8. 16
    23 CFR 658 Appendix B — National Network semitrailer lengths

    Appendix B; 23 CFR 658.13(a)

    Source record:
  9. 17
    23 CFR 658.17 — Interstate gross, axle and bridge weights

    23 CFR 658.17(a)–(e); grandfather exceptions are configuration-specific

    Source record:
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