ODPERMIT / STATE FIELD GUIDE ME
MaineOversize & overweight permits.
Maine overlimit moves require the right BMV permit and attention to town roads and the Turnpike. Work through loaded measurements, pilot cars and registration-based fee inputs.
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?
The rule in full5 official sources
General width: 8′6″
Vehicle and load; listed exceptions apply.
NN semitrailer: 48′
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.
Length
Over 80′, Maine requires a pilot vehicle. That is not a legal length limit for every vehicle setup.
Rear overhang
Rear overhang over 5′ requires a pilot vehicle. Below that, the rules depend on the permit type.
Weight permits
Weight permits fall under Chapter 21 and §2382. You need the gross weight, axle weights, spacing, tires, registration and route.
Width, vehicle height & cargo height
General width is 8′6″. Maine distinguishes the vehicle's structure from its cargo: structural height is limited to 13′6″, and the load may extend no more than 6″ above that maximum, for 14′ loaded height. Adequate overhead clearance is still required. Listed vehicle and cargo exceptions have their own conditions.
- 02Requirements
Where each requirement starts
Pilot carsWidth over 12′Over 12′ and under 16′ wide: 1 pilot vehicle, in front on undivided highways and behind on divided highways.
529-250 C.M.R. Chapter 157 — The Administration of Over Dimension and Overweight Permits (amended Feb. 16, 2025) · checked Oct 13, 2026What official sources leave open12
Where Maine’s official sources disagree or say nothing, confirm with the agency before dispatch.
- Conflict: the BMV overlimit page says moves are not routinely permitted on weekends in July and August. Chapter 157 §8 and the 2026 holiday letter allow Saturday moves until 9 a.m. on I-95 and noon on other roads from June 3 to August 26, and Chapter 157 §8 allows Sunday moves in July and August with MaineDOT pre-clearance (at least two working days' notice).
- Chapter 157 lists Monday–Saturday hours only for April 22–November 18 and does not state Sunday rules outside July and August.
- The 2027 holiday list is not yet published.
- No general legal front or rear overhang limit is published for ordinary loads (only tree-length logs: 8½′ without a permit). The sources give only the flag/light rule over 4′ and escort rules over 5′ and 15′ of rear overhang, so no overhang markers are shown.
- Maine does not say whether electronic permits are accepted; the rule says the permit must accompany the move.
- No pilot vehicle certification, training or out-of-state reciprocity rule is published beyond age, license history and rule knowledge.
- No simple legal or permit axle table is published in the permit sources; permits are capped by gross weight per configuration, with axle limits only for 7-axle and long-term permits.
- No convoy rule beyond State Police deciding escort numbers for loads traveling in convoy.
- Chapter 157 version: the linked file carries the February 16, 2025 amendment (filing 2025-033). Its text matches the copy the Secretary of State's rule chapter list links (250c157-2025-033 ACK.docx, accessibility check April 7, 2026), and the weekly rulemaking notices for 2026 (through October 7, 2026) list no Chapter 157 rulemaking.
- Chapter 157 §1 generally presumes loads over 160,000 lb to be extreme, but its §12 routine permit table allows 7-axle tractor-semitrailers up to 159,000–167,000 lb and 8-axle up to 177,000 lb without a detailed MaineDOT review.
- Mobile/modular homes over 14′6″ wide: Chapter 157 Table 2 lists 2 pilot vehicles (over 14′6″ and under 16′), while §21 requires only 1 following pilot vehicle on divided highways and 2 elsewhere.
- Chapter 157 requires a pole car over 15′ high but does not say where it runs; the general rule puts a single pilot vehicle behind the load on divided highways.
The rule in full2 official sources
Width 8′6″: Legal width
Up to 102″ (8′6″) wide moves without a permit; wider needs an overlimit permit.
Width 12′: 1 pilot vehicle
Over 12′ and under 16′ wide: 1 pilot vehicle, in front on undivided highways and behind on divided highways.
Width 14′6″: Maine Turnpike width cap
On the Maine Turnpike, total width is limited to 14′6″ and total height to 13′6″.
Width 16′: Police escort required
16′ wide or more: state law requires a police escort.
Width 20′: 2 police + pilot · notices
20′ wide or more: 2 police escorts plus 1 pilot vehicle, utility and town notifications, clear visibility only, and no commuter or school bus hours.
Height 14′: Legal height
No structural part may exceed 13′6″, and the load may rise 6″ more, for 14′ loaded height. The Maine Turnpike limit is 13′6″.
Height 15′: Pole car
Over 15′ high: a pole car is required. Contact the utility companies for any overhead wires that must be moved.
Length 65′: Legal length
Legal: 45′ single vehicle and 65′ combination, with longer allowances for some combinations on the Interstate and designated highways.
Length 80′: 1 pilot vehicle
Over 80′ and under 125′ long: 1 pilot vehicle, in front on undivided highways and behind on divided highways.
Length 125′: Police escort required
125′ long or more: state law requires a police escort.
Length 150′: 2 police + pilot · outreach
150′ long or more: 2 police escorts plus 1 pilot vehicle, utility and town notifications, and public outreach such as a press release.
Weight 80,000 lb: Legal gross (5-axle)
A 5-axle combination is legal to 80,000 lb gross and a 6-axle combination to 100,000 lb; smaller trucks have lower limits. Heavier needs an overweight permit.
Weight 130,000 lb: Routine cap (5-axle)
Without a detailed MaineDOT review, a 5-axle tractor-semitrailer may be permitted to 130,000 lb (6-axle 140,000 lb; 8-axle 177,000 lb).
Weight 160,000 lb: Presumed extreme load
Over 160,000 lb is generally presumed an extreme load (superload) and may need extra safety measures. Any weight over the routine permit cap for its axle setup is also an extreme load and may need a detailed engineering review.
- 03The permit
Which permit do you need?
- The BMV Overlimit Permit Unit issues permits for MDOT highways and bridges.
- Towns and the Maine Turnpike need their own approval.
Extreme loadsAbove routine caps · 2–5 days
Weights above Maine's routine permit table are extreme loads and may need a detailed engineering review by MaineDOT or the Maine Turnpike Authority.
- Routine caps: 120,000 lb (4-axle tractor-semitrailer), 130,000 (5-axle), 140,000 (6-axle), 159,000–167,000 (7-axle), 177,000 (8-axle)
- Generally presumed extreme: 125′ or longer, or over 15′ high, 16′ wide or 160,000 lb
- 3% tolerance on any axle or axle group
- You may need to send an axle weight and spacing diagram
- Pilot vehicles or police escorts may be required
20′ wide or 150′ longNotices · clear visibility · outreach
Loads 20′ or wider or 150′ or longer need:
- Utility and town department notifications
- Movement only in clear visibility
- Movement outside commuter and school bus hours
- At 150′ or longer, public outreach such as a press release and municipal notice
Utilities and railroadsCall utilities · railroads
The permit holder must contact utility companies for any overhead wires that need moving.
- Contact the railroad if underclearance is 10″ or less, a police escort is required, or the load can't hold 10 mph through a crossing
- You may be required to do a route review before the move
Maine TurnpikeSeparate MTA permit · $10 cash
The Maine Turnpike needs its own overlimit permit: $10 cash at a staffed over-limit lane of any toll plaza, plus the toll. A BMV permit that lists the Turnpike does not replace it, and you still need the BMV permit for all other highways.
- Turnpike limits: 13′6″ total height and 14′6″ total width
- No overlimit loads on the Turnpike when speeds are cut to 45 mph
- Many Turnpike bridges clear only 13′6″
Town and county roadsLocal permits separate
BMV permits cover only MaineDOT highways and bridges. Towns and municipalities give permission for their own roads, if they require it.
1Maine BMV — Overlimit Permits · checked Oct 13, 2026Official route and permit tools- MoveME permit systemOrder overlimit permits online
- Overlimit permit application (MV-226)Fax, mail or walk-in application (PDF)
- 2026 overlimit holiday listNo-travel holidays and weekends (PDF)
- MaineDOT posted roadsPosted roads and seasonal weight restrictions
- New England 511Check road and weather before moving
- Maine State Police field troopsBook police escorts (3 working days' notice)
- Maine Turnpike overlimit permitsSeparate $10 Turnpike permit
- Chapter 157 overlimit permit ruleFull pilot, police and safety rules (Word)
The rule in full4 official sources
Roads & authorities
The BMV Overlimit Permit Unit issues permits for MDOT highways and bridges. Towns and the Maine Turnpike need their own approval.
When a permit is needed
Nondivisible loads over legal size or weight need an overlimit permit. Each permit covers one route for a limited time.
- 1Maine BMV — Overlimit Permits Checked
How to apply
Apply through MoveMe, by fax or form, or at a BMV branch. Only the issued permit allows the move.
- 1Maine BMV — Overlimit Permits Checked
Extreme loads
Weights above Maine's routine permit table are extreme loads and may need a detailed engineering review by MaineDOT or the Maine Turnpike Authority. Routine caps: 120,000 lb (4-axle tractor-semitrailer), 130,000 (5-axle), 140,000 (6-axle), 159,000–167,000 (7-axle), 177,000 (8-axle). Generally presumed extreme: 125′ or longer, or over 15′ high, 16′ wide or 160,000 lb. 3% tolerance on any axle or axle group. You may need to send an axle weight and spacing diagram. Pilot vehicles or police escorts may be required.
20′ wide or 150′ long
Loads 20′ or wider or 150′ or longer need: Utility and town department notifications. Movement only in clear visibility. Movement outside commuter and school bus hours. At 150′ or longer, public outreach such as a press release and municipal notice.
Utilities and railroads
The permit holder must contact utility companies for any overhead wires that need moving. Contact the railroad if underclearance is 10″ or less, a police escort is required, or the load can't hold 10 mph through a crossing. You may be required to do a route review before the move.
Maine Turnpike
The Maine Turnpike needs its own overlimit permit: $10 cash at a staffed over-limit lane of any toll plaza, plus the toll. A BMV permit that lists the Turnpike does not replace it, and you still need the BMV permit for all other highways. Turnpike limits: 13′6″ total height and 14′6″ total width. No overlimit loads on the Turnpike when speeds are cut to 45 mph. Many Turnpike bridges clear only 13′6″.
Town and county roads
BMV permits cover only MaineDOT highways and bridges. Towns and municipalities give permission for their own roads, if they require it.
- 1Maine BMV — Overlimit Permits Checked
- 04Permit cost
What does the permit cost?
Example agency fee$6- 8′7″ W
- 13′ H
- 70′
- 72,000 lb
- 100 miles
The rule in full3 official sources
Example agency fee
$6 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 Maine. Enter your own load in the calculator below.
What the fee covers
Maine'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 two-lane roads and multi-lane undivided roads1 rear on divided highwaysMinimums by size alone. Combined dimensions, night moves and the issued permit can add escorts.
Police escorts16′ W · 125′ L · 15′ rear overhang
Police escorts are required at 16′ wide or more, 125′ long or more, or more than 15′ of rear overhang.
- 16′ to under 20′ wide or 125′ to under 150′ long: 1 pilot vehicle + 1 police escort, or 2 police escorts when State Police, MaineDOT or BMV deems it necessary
- Rear overhang over 15′: 1 police escort + 1 pilot vehicle
- A move across county lines needs a State Police escort; a move within one county may use the county sheriff
- Only Maine State Police escort on the Interstate
- Give State Police three working days' notice and book directly with the agency
- Night moves need a Troop Commander's approval and a State Police escort, unless the Troop Commander waives or modifies it
- The escorting officer may require a DO NOT PASS MOVING LOAD sign
Pole carOver 15′ high
A pole car is required when the overall height is over 15′.
529-250 C.M.R. Chapter 157 — The Administration of Over Dimension and Overweight Permits (amended Feb. 16, 2025) · checked Oct 13, 2026Pilot vehicle placementFront undivided · rear divided
A single pilot vehicle runs in front, except on divided highways where it follows. With two, one leads and one follows.
- Don't let other vehicles get between the pilot vehicle and the load
- Signal the load off the road for an emergency vehicle, or when 7 or more vehicles are stuck behind
- Multi-state permits need a pilot at 12′ wide or 80′ long or more
Pilot vehicle and driverUnder 8,500 lb GVWR · amber lights
A pilot vehicle is a car or light truck under 8,500 lb GVWR, equipped with:
- An inside mirror plus left and right outside mirrors
- Two roof amber lights at the left and right (flashing 6″+ or rotary 4″+), or a roof light bar with at least four amber lights
- An OVERSIZE LOAD sign at least 5′ × 12″, black letters at least 8″ high on yellow, on the roof (readable both sides), or on the front bumper when leading and the rear bumper when following
- Two-way radio with at least a half-mile range, and headlights on low beam
- A driver at least 18 who has held a license for two straight years
The rule in full1 official source
Police escorts
Police escorts are required at 16′ wide or more, 125′ long or more, or more than 15′ of rear overhang. 16′ to under 20′ wide or 125′ to under 150′ long: 1 pilot vehicle + 1 police escort, or 2 police escorts when State Police, MaineDOT or BMV deems it necessary. Rear overhang over 15′: 1 police escort + 1 pilot vehicle. A move across county lines needs a State Police escort; a move within one county may use the county sheriff. Only Maine State Police escort on the Interstate. Give State Police three working days' notice and book directly with the agency. Night moves need a Troop Commander's approval and a State Police escort, unless the Troop Commander waives or modifies it. The escorting officer may require a DO NOT PASS MOVING LOAD sign.
Pole car
A pole car is required when the overall height is over 15′.
Pilot vehicle placement
A single pilot vehicle runs in front, except on divided highways where it follows. With two, one leads and one follows. Don't let other vehicles get between the pilot vehicle and the load. Signal the load off the road for an emergency vehicle, or when 7 or more vehicles are stuck behind. Multi-state permits need a pilot at 12′ wide or 80′ long or more.
Pilot vehicle and driver
A pilot vehicle is a car or light truck under 8,500 lb GVWR, equipped with: An inside mirror plus left and right outside mirrors. Two roof amber lights at the left and right (flashing 6″+ or rotary 4″+), or a roof light bar with at least four amber lights. An OVERSIZE LOAD sign at least 5′ × 12″, black letters at least 8″ high on yellow, on the roof (readable both sides), or on the front bumper when leading and the rear bumper when following. Two-way radio with at least a half-mile range, and headlights on low beam. A driver at least 18 who has held a license for two straight years.
Over 12′ wide
Two-lane roads: 1 front pilot car. Multi-lane undivided roads: 1 front pilot car. Divided highways: 1 rear pilot car.
16′ wide or more
Maine Chapter 157 sections 12 and 17 require police escorts at 16 ft width or 125 ft overall length, and above 15 ft rear overhang. Arrange the assigned police crew in advance; give State Police three working days’ notice. Two-lane roads: 1 front pilot car. Multi-lane undivided roads: 1 front pilot car. Divided highways: 1 rear pilot car.
Over 15′ high
All road types: 1 front (height pole required) pilot car.
Over 80′ long
Two-lane roads: 1 front pilot car. Multi-lane undivided roads: 1 front pilot car. Divided highways: 1 rear pilot car.
125′ long or more
Maine Chapter 157 sections 12 and 17 require police escorts at 16 ft width or 125 ft overall length, and above 15 ft rear overhang. Arrange the assigned police crew in advance; give State Police three working days’ notice. Two-lane roads: 1 front pilot car. Multi-lane undivided roads: 1 front pilot car. Divided highways: 1 rear pilot car.
- 06Travel hours
When can you move?
Not from half an hour after sunset to half an hour before sunrise.- No travel on legal holidays or on weekends in July and August.
Overlimit holiday banOverlimit loads may not move on these holidays or the listed holiday weekends unless approved as an emergency off-hour move. The list is subject to change.
- Jan1New Year's Day
- Jan19Martin Luther King Jr. Day (also Sat–Sun Jan 17–18)
- Feb16Presidents' Day (also Sat–Sun Feb 14–15)
- Apr20Patriots' Day (also Sat–Sun Apr 18–19)
- May25Memorial Day (also Sat–Sun May 23–24)
- Jun19Juneteenth (also Sat–Sun Jun 20–21)
- Jul3Independence Day (listed Fri Jul 3; also Sat–Sun Jul 4–5)
- Sep7Labor Day (also Sat–Sun Sep 5–6)
- Oct12Indigenous Peoples Day (also Sat–Sun Oct 10–11)
- Nov11Veterans Day
- Nov26Thanksgiving Day
- Nov27Thanksgiving Friday (also Sat–Sun Nov 28–29)
- Dec25Christmas Day (also Sat–Sun Dec 26–27)
The rule in full4 official sources
Daylight travel
Oversize loads do not routinely move from half an hour after sunset to half an hour before sunrise. No moves on legal holidays or on July and August weekends.
- 1Maine BMV — Overlimit Permits Checked
Other limits
Safety, route, time-of-day, holiday and escort limits all apply to overlimit moves.
Night and summer weekends
Routine oversize travel stops from half an hour after sunset to half an hour before sunrise, on legal holidays, and on July and August weekends.
Travel days and hours
From April 22 to November 18, oversize loads on designated routes may move 30 minutes before sunrise to 30 minutes after sunset Monday–Friday, and until noon Saturday. June 3 to August 26: Saturday travel ends at 9 a.m. on I-95 and noon on other roads. Sundays in July and August and any holiday move need MaineDOT pre-clearance; allow two working days. No travel on holidays and holiday weekends all year unless approved as an emergency off-hour move. Overweight-only loads that keep up with traffic may move any time of day.
Weather and slow traffic
No moves in poor visibility or when rain, snow, slush or ice makes the road dangerous. If Interstate speed is cut to 45 mph, get off at the first safe exit. Check newengland511.org or call 511 before moving. Pull over when more than 7 vehicles are following. On highways with 4+ lanes, loads 14′ or wider keep a 5-second following distance.
Night moves
A Maine State Police Troop Commander may authorize night moves. At least one State Police officer must escort unless the Troop Commander waives or modifies that, and flashing amber beacons replace or add to the flags. Timber harvesting equipment may move at night in March and April when frozen, up to 11′6″ wide and 75′ long, with two pilot vehicles. Note the night move on the permit application.
Overlimit holiday ban
Overlimit loads may not move on these holidays or the listed holiday weekends unless approved as an emergency off-hour move. The list is subject to change. New Year's Day (Jan 1, 2026), Martin Luther King Jr. Day (also Sat–Sun Jan 17–18) (Jan 19, 2026), Presidents' Day (also Sat–Sun Feb 14–15) (Feb 16, 2026), Patriots' Day (also Sat–Sun Apr 18–19) (Apr 20, 2026), Memorial Day (also Sat–Sun May 23–24) (May 25, 2026), Juneteenth (also Sat–Sun Jun 20–21) (Jun 19, 2026), Independence Day (listed Fri Jul 3; also Sat–Sun Jul 4–5) (Jul 3, 2026), Labor Day (also Sat–Sun Sep 5–6) (Sep 7, 2026), Indigenous Peoples Day (also Sat–Sun Oct 10–11) (Oct 12, 2026), Veterans Day (Nov 11, 2026), Thanksgiving Day (Nov 26, 2026), Thanksgiving Friday (also Sat–Sun Nov 28–29) (Nov 27, 2026), Christmas Day (also Sat–Sun Dec 26–27) (Dec 25, 2026).
- 07Flags & lamps
Signs, flags and lights
Signs, flags and lights7′ × 18″ sign · 18″ flags · amber
On the load vehicle:
- OVERSIZE LOAD (or OVERWIDTH LOAD) sign at least 7′ × 18″, 10″ black letters on yellow, on the front bumper and the rear
- 18″ × 18″ red or fluorescent orange flags at the ends of the front bumper and the ends of the load
- Headlights on low beam unless the load is only overweight
- An amber flashing (6″), rotary (4″) or four-light bar centered on the cab roof, or at the highest front point of a load over the cab
- Cover signs and turn off beacons when no longer oversize
The rule in full3 official sources
Signs, flags and lights
Use OVERSIZE signs, red or orange flags, radio communication and amber warning lights, under Rule 157 and the quick reference.
Oversize signs
Oversize moves need OVERSIZE LOAD signs front and rear. Exact rules depend on the permit type.
- 1Maine BMV — Overlimit Permits Checked
Signs, flags and lights
On the load vehicle: OVERSIZE LOAD (or OVERWIDTH LOAD) sign at least 7′ × 18″, 10″ black letters on yellow, on the front bumper and the rear. 18″ × 18″ red or fluorescent orange flags at the ends of the front bumper and the ends of the load. Headlights on low beam unless the load is only overweight. An amber flashing (6″), rotary (4″) or four-light bar centered on the cab roof, or at the highest front point of a load over the cab. Cover signs and turn off beacons when no longer oversize.
- 08Driver paperwork
What the driver carries
- Prepare the driver packetThe permit must accompany the move it describes and be in the permittee's legal name.
- Permit in the company's nameThe permit must travel with the move and be in the permit holder's legal name.
- Permit paperworkThe permit must travel with the move and be in the permit holder's legal name.
Permit paperworkLegal name · USDOT · plates
The permit must travel with the move and be in the permit holder's legal name.
- Give registration plate numbers, and your USDOT number if you need one
- You may be asked for proof of liability insurance
- For overweight, register for the maximum gross weight allowed for the vehicle
- Most permits can't be bought more than 10 days ahead
- Carriers with an unsatisfactory FMCSA safety rating may be denied
The rule in full3 official sources
Prepare the driver packet
The permit must accompany the move it describes and be in the permittee's legal name. Confirm the accepted document format when the permit is issued.
Permit in the company's name
The permit must travel with the move and be in the permit holder's legal name.
- 1Maine BMV — Overlimit Permits Checked
Permit paperwork
The permit must travel with the move and be in the permit holder's legal name. Give registration plate numbers, and your USDOT number if you need one. You may be asked for proof of liability insurance. For overweight, register for the maximum gross weight allowed for the vehicle. Most permits can't be bought more than 10 days ahead. Carriers with an unsatisfactory FMCSA safety rating may be denied.
- 09Special permits
Special loads and permit programs
- Combinations up to: 108
- 000 lb on five axles
- Or 120
- 000 lb on six or more
Mobile and modular homes11′6″+ wide: extra rules
Homes 11′6″ or wider at the base need a tow vehicle with dual drive wheels and at least 26,001 lb GVWR, plus corner flags, clearance lights, reflectors and safety chains.
- Over 11′6″ to 13′6″: no travel at night, Saturday afternoons (Apr 22–Nov 18), after 9 a.m. Saturday on I-95 (Jun 3–Aug 26), Sundays or legal holidays
- Over 13′6″ to 14′6″: also no travel after noon Friday; two extra amber lights at the rear corners
- Over 14′6″: no travel Fridays or Thursdays before a Friday holiday; 1 following pilot on divided highways, 2 pilots elsewhere
- Used mobile homes need a tax release (MV-47 or MV-47E) from the town of origin
Long-term (monthly) permitsUp to 12 months · 11′6″ W
Long-term permits are issued monthly for up to 12 months, for legal-height loads up to 11′6″ wide and 45′ (single) or 75′ (combination) long.
- Overweight load carriers: tri-axle semitrailer with tandem- or tridem-drive tractor, up to 120,000 lb
- Not valid on city or town roads
- Some bridges are posted at 90,000 lb
5-axle cranes on 5 mph bridges110,001–130,000 lb cranes
A 5-axle crane weighing 110,001–130,000 lb that crosses bridges with a 5 mph restriction needs one of:
- A pilot vehicle following the crane
- An impact attenuator on the crane or follow vehicle
- A rear VEHICLE STOPS WHEN FLASHING sign, at least 2′ × 5′, with 8 flashing yellow LEDs wired to the brakes
New England multi-state permitsNETC: 14′ W · 90′ L · 120,000 lb
Multi-state permits for Maine, New Hampshire, Massachusetts, Vermont and Rhode Island cover combinations up to:
- 108,000 lb on five axles, or 120,000 lb on six or more
- 90′ overall length and 13′6″ height
- 14′ wide (plus 6″ of eave on mobile or modular homes)
The rule in full3 official sources
Special permits
Mobile and modular homes and other special permits add width, lighting and equipment rules. These do not apply to ordinary freight.
Manufactured housing
Mobile and modular homes at 11′6″ and 13′6″ wide have extra truck and lighting conditions.
- 1Maine BMV — Overlimit Permits Checked
Mobile and modular homes
Homes 11′6″ or wider at the base need a tow vehicle with dual drive wheels and at least 26,001 lb GVWR, plus corner flags, clearance lights, reflectors and safety chains. Over 11′6″ to 13′6″: no travel at night, Saturday afternoons (Apr 22–Nov 18), after 9 a.m. Saturday on I-95 (Jun 3–Aug 26), Sundays or legal holidays. Over 13′6″ to 14′6″: also no travel after noon Friday; two extra amber lights at the rear corners. Over 14′6″: no travel Fridays or Thursdays before a Friday holiday; 1 following pilot on divided highways, 2 pilots elsewhere. Used mobile homes need a tax release (MV-47 or MV-47E) from the town of origin.
Long-term (monthly) permits
Long-term permits are issued monthly for up to 12 months, for legal-height loads up to 11′6″ wide and 45′ (single) or 75′ (combination) long. Overweight load carriers: tri-axle semitrailer with tandem- or tridem-drive tractor, up to 120,000 lb. Not valid on city or town roads. Some bridges are posted at 90,000 lb.
5-axle cranes on 5 mph bridges
A 5-axle crane weighing 110,001–130,000 lb that crosses bridges with a 5 mph restriction needs one of: A pilot vehicle following the crane. An impact attenuator on the crane or follow vehicle. A rear VEHICLE STOPS WHEN FLASHING sign, at least 2′ × 5′, with 8 flashing yellow LEDs wired to the brakes.
New England multi-state permits
Multi-state permits for Maine, New Hampshire, Massachusetts, Vermont and Rhode Island cover combinations up to: 108,000 lb on five axles, or 120,000 lb on six or more. 90′ overall length and 13′6″ height. 14′ wide (plus 6″ of eave on mobile or modular homes).
Price your Maine loadAgency fees and pilot-car needs for your loaded rig. Free, no contact details.Open worksheet
ME / Permit worksheet
Price your Maine 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 Maine 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.
- 01Maine BMV — Overlimit Permits
Overview; Safety Rules; Pilot Vehicle(s); Mobile and Modular Homes
Source record: - 02Maine Revised Statutes Title 29-A, Chapter 21: Weight, Dimension and Protection of Ways
29-A MRSA Chapter 21 — Weight, Dimension and Protection of Ways
Source record: - 03
- 04MaineDOT Posted Roads and Spring Weight Restrictions
MaineDOT Posted Roads and Spring Weight Restrictions
Source record: - 0529-250 C.M.R. Chapter 157 — The Administration of Over Dimension and Overweight Permits (amended Feb. 16, 2025)
Sections 8, 9, 12, 14, 16 (Tables 1–2), 17, 18, 19, 20, 21
Source record: - 06
- 07Maine BMV Chapter 156, sections 2 and 4 — highest applicable fee
Maine BMV Chapter 156, sections 2 and 4 — highest applicable fee
Source record: - 0829-A §101(86-A/B) — tri-axle semitrailer and unit definitions
29-A §101(86-A/B) — tri-axle semitrailer and unit definitions
Source record:
All 13 references
- 0929-A §2354 — six-axle configuration and spacing conditions
29-A §2354 — six-axle configuration and spacing conditions
Source record: - 10Maine Revised Statutes Title 29-A, Section 2382: Overlimit Movement Permits
29-A MRSA §2382 — Permits for Movement of Nondivisible Objects
Source record: - 11Maine BMV — 2026 Holiday Letter (permits to move loads exceeding legal limits)
Holidays; Holiday Weekends; Maine Turnpike limits
Source record: - 1223 CFR 658 Appendix B — National Network semitrailer lengths
Appendix B; 23 CFR 658.13(a)
Source record: - 1323 CFR 658.17 — Interstate gross, axle and bridge weights
23 CFR 658.17(a)–(e); grandfather exceptions are configuration-specific
Source record: