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ODPERMIT / STATE FIELD GUIDE MN

MinnesotaOversize & overweight permits.

Minnesota heavy-haul quotes depend on axle groups and distance. Wide or tall equipment can also trigger police coordination or a physical route survey.

Calculate MN permit feesRequest permit help

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

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Minnesota · General width8′6″
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  1. 01Legal size

    What is legal without a permit?

    The rule in full6 official sources

    General width: 8′6″

    Separate allowances apply to qualifying low-bed farm and construction moves; Interstate permit rules still apply.

    Loaded height: 13′6″

    Ordinary vehicle-and-load limit; listed exceptions are separate.

    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

    A length of 150′ is a superload threshold. Other length limits depend on the vehicle setup and permit.

    Overhang

    MnDOT's General Provisions and the permit set the rear overhang and warning rules. The answer depends on the load and route.

    Weight

    250,000 lb gross is a superload threshold. You still need the registered weight, axle and group weights, bridges and posted limits.

    Superload bridge review

    Superload review can require each axle spacing, drawings and a manual bridge analysis. Gross weight alone is not enough.

    Ordinary width & equipment exceptions

    General width is 102″, not counting qualifying mirrors and some securement devices. Low-bed trailers and dollies used only for farm machinery or construction equipment can be 9′ wide. On Interstates, anything over 102″ still needs a permit.

    Ordinary loaded height

    The ordinary height limit is 13′6″, with or without the load. Double-deck buses have their own rule. Freight over the limit needs an oversize/overweight permit.

    Trailer length & rear-axle position

    A semitrailer may exceed 48′ up to 53′ when the kingpin-to-center-of-rear-axle-group distance is no more than 43′. The statute includes the rear bumper and load in trailer length. Trailer length and overall combination length are separate measurements.

  2. 02Requirements

    Where each requirement starts

    Flags & lampsWidth over 9′

    Over 9′ wide: red or orange 18″ square flags, fastened at the widest corners.

    14MnDOT — General Provisions for Oversize/Overweight Loads (Version: August 2024) · checked Oct 13, 2026
    What official sources leave open7

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

    • Height pole conflict: MnDOT's route survey page says Minnesota does not recognize pole vehicles and requires a MnDOT-approved physical route survey before the permit is issued, while Minn. R. 7455.1000 requires a height pole on the front pilot car whenever the load is over 15′6″, if the permit requires one. Follow the permit.
    • MnDOT has published only its 2026 holiday schedule. Its last row, New Years (January 1), has no year; it is listed here as January 1, 2027 because the table runs in date order.
    • Summer weekend limits: the 2026 holiday page says May 29 to August 31; the General Provisions say between Memorial Day and Labor Day.
    • Escort reciprocity: MnDOT's escort page names seven accepted states (CO, FL, NC, OK, UT, VA, WA), while Minn. R. 7455.0300 lets out-of-state drivers use any state's credential whose course meets the Pilot/Escort Training Manual Best Practices Guidelines.
    • No published permit axle maximums; legal axle limits follow the Minn. Stat. §169.824 axle weight table, so axles are left empty.
    • No published police or peace officer threshold by size alone; peace officers are required for centerline crossings or when MnDOT writes it on the permit.
    • Operating authority and USDOT number for the hauler are not stated by MnDOT beyond following Minn. Stat. ch. 221 and 49 CFR parts 382–397.
    The rule in full8 official sources

    Width 8′6″: Legal width

    Up to 102 inches (8′6″) wide, load included, moves without a permit. A low-bed trailer or equipment dolly hauling only farm machinery or construction equipment may be 9′ wide, but over 102″ it needs a permit on the Interstate.

    Width 9′: Warning flags

    Over 9′ wide: red or orange 18″ square flags, fastened at the widest corners.

    Width 11′: Annual permit trip log

    On annual permits (construction/farm, commercial and non-commercial boat, mobile home, mobile crane, baled farm products), route each move as a trip log when over 11′ wide, 14′6″ high or overweight.

    Width 12′6″: OVERSIZE LOAD signs

    Over 12′6″ wide: OVERSIZE LOAD signs front and rear, lighted or reflective at night and visible 500′.

    Width 12′6″: Holiday and summer limits

    Over 12′6″ wide: no travel from 2 p.m. the day before a listed holiday to 2 a.m. the day after; in summer (May 29–Aug. 31 in 2026), none 4–8 p.m. on Fridays and Sundays.

    Width 15′: Certified escorts

    Over 15′ wide at the bottom (or 16′ at the top): 1 rear escort on multi-lane divided roads; front and rear on undivided roads.

    Width 16′: Twin Cities nights only

    Over 16′ wide: in the seven-county Twin Cities metro, travel only midnight–5 a.m., Monday–Friday, unless the permit says otherwise.

    Width 16′: Superload

    Over 16′ wide is a superload: apply in the Minnesota SUPERLOAD Permit System and allow from 5 business days to months.

    Width 20′: Physical route survey

    Over 20′ wide: a physical route survey, done within 14 days of the permit start date and before MnDOT issues the permit.

    Height 13′6″: Legal height

    Up to 13′6″ high, loaded or empty, moves without a permit.

    Height 14′6″: Annual permit trip log

    On the listed annual permits, route each move as a trip log when over 14′6″ high.

    Height 15′6″: Height pole if permit requires

    If the permit requires a height pole, the front pilot car must have it installed and in use whenever the load is over 15′6″ high (Minn. R. 7455.1000).

    Height 16′: Physical route survey

    Over 16′ high: a physical route survey, done within 14 days of the permit start date and before MnDOT issues the permit.

    Length 75′: Legal combination length

    Statewide limits: 75′ for combinations (except on the highways the law lists) and 45′ for a single vehicle.

    Length 75′: Flags every 20′

    Over 75′ long: red or orange 18″ flags no more than 20′ apart along the underside of the load.

    Length 95′: OVERSIZE LOAD signs

    Over 95′ long: OVERSIZE LOAD signs front and rear.

    Length 110′: Escorts at 110′

    Over 110′ long: 1 rear escort on multi-lane divided roads; front and rear on undivided roads.

    Length 150′: Front + rear on divided roads

    Over 150′ long: front and rear escorts on multi-lane divided roads too.

    Length 175′: Physical route survey

    Over 175′ long: a physical route survey, done within 14 days of the permit start date and before MnDOT issues the permit.

    Overhang 3′ front: Legal front projection

    A load may not extend more than 3′ past the front wheels, or past the front bumper if the vehicle has one.

    Overhang 4′ rear: Flag by day, red light at night

    A load 4′ or more past the rear of the bed or body: a red light or lantern visible 500′ when lamps are required, and a red, yellow or orange flag at least 16″ square when they are not.

    Weight 80,000 lb: Legal gross

    Over 80,000 lb gross needs an overweight permit unless Minn. Stat. §169.826 allows more.

    Weight 155,000 lb: Annual permit max

    Annual oversize/overweight permits for commercial boats, construction/farm equipment and mobile cranes allow up to 155,000 lb.

    Weight 250,000 lb: Superload · bridge review

    Over 250,000 lb gross is a superload. MnDOT's Bridge Office does a manual bridge review of the route; if it needs a third-party consultant, the carrier pays.

  3. 03The permit

    Which permit do you need?

    1. MnDOT Commercial Vehicle Operations issues state permits.
    2. County and local roads need their owner's approval first.
    Minnesota Department of Transportation, Commercial Vehicle Operations
    Superloads16′ H · 16′ W · 150′ L · 250,000 lb

    A load over 16′ high, 16′ wide, 150′ long or 250,000 lb gross is a superload, applied for online in the Minnesota SUPERLOAD Permit System.

    • Processing can take from 5 business days to months
    1MnDOT — Guide to Transporting Superloads in Minnesota (May 2025) · checked Oct 13, 2026
    Superload bridge reviewAxle-line schematics

    MnDOT's Bridge Office does a manual bridge review of the specific route.

    • Be ready to send schematics with individual axle-line spacing for trunnion and dual-lane configurations
    • If a third-party consultant is needed, the carrier hires and pays for it
    1MnDOT — Guide to Transporting Superloads in Minnesota (May 2025) · checked Oct 13, 2026
    Physical route surveyOver 16′ H · 20′ W · 175′ L

    Over 16′ high, 20′ wide or 175′ long, a physical route survey is required.

    • Do it within 14 days of the permit start date
    • It can stay valid up to 60 days for later moves with the same dimensions and carrier, if at least one move happens in each 14-day period
    7MnDOT — Route survey · checked Oct 13, 2026
    Doing the route surveyDriver or certified P/EVO

    The survey is done by the load's driver or a Minnesota-certified pilot/escort operator, and MnDOT needs it before issuing the permit.

    • Set the survey height pole at least 6″ above the highest point of the vehicle or load
    7MnDOT — Route survey · checked Oct 13, 2026
    Single-trip permit7 days · $15

    Single-trip permits are valid 7 days for one non-divisible load; $15, plus a damage assessment fee when overweight.

    • Valid only on state roads and highways and the Interstate system, unless the permit says otherwise
    • Overweight single trips need route approval
    6MnDOT — Oversize/Overweight Permit Types · checked Oct 13, 2026
    County and local roadsNot valid on local roads

    A MnDOT permit is not valid on county, municipal, township or other local roads.

    8MnDOT — Find out if you need a permit · checked Oct 13, 2026
    Official route and permit tools
    The rule in full5 official sources

    Roads & authorities

    MnDOT Commercial Vehicle Operations issues state permits. County and local roads need their owner's approval first.

    Special permits

    Under Minn. Stat. §169.86, special permits allow loads over legal height, width or weight. A permit does not raise your registered weight.

    Permit types

    MnDOT offers annual, construction and farm, boat, mobile-home, mobile-crane and other permits. Some annual permits need trip-log preauthorization.

    Superloads

    A load over 16′ high, 16′ wide, 150′ long or 250,000 lb gross is a superload, applied for online in the Minnesota SUPERLOAD Permit System. Processing can take from 5 business days to months.

    Superload bridge review

    MnDOT's Bridge Office does a manual bridge review of the specific route. Be ready to send schematics with individual axle-line spacing for trunnion and dual-lane configurations. If a third-party consultant is needed, the carrier hires and pays for it.

    Physical route survey

    Over 16′ high, 20′ wide or 175′ long, a physical route survey is required. Do it within 14 days of the permit start date. It can stay valid up to 60 days for later moves with the same dimensions and carrier, if at least one move happens in each 14-day period.

    Doing the route survey

    The survey is done by the load's driver or a Minnesota-certified pilot/escort operator, and MnDOT needs it before issuing the permit. Set the survey height pole at least 6″ above the highest point of the vehicle or load.

    Single-trip permit

    Single-trip permits are valid 7 days for one non-divisible load; $15, plus a damage assessment fee when overweight. Valid only on state roads and highways and the Interstate system, unless the permit says otherwise. Overweight single trips need route approval.

    County and local roads

    A MnDOT permit is not valid on county, municipal, township or other local roads.

  4. 04Permit cost

    What does the permit cost?

    Example agency fee$15
    • 8′7″ W
    • 13′ H
    • 70′
    • 72,000 lb
    • 100 miles
    The rule in full1 official source

    Example agency fee

    $15 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 Minnesota. Enter your own load in the calculator below.

    What the fee covers

    Minnesota'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: Peace officer for centerline encroachment

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

    Escorts on divided roadsRear over 15′ W or 110′ L

    On multi-lane divided roads, certified escorts are required:

    • 1 rear: over 15′ wide at the bottom (16′ at the top) or over 110′ long
    • Front and rear: over 150′ long
    10MnDOT — Escort requirements · checked Oct 13, 2026
    Escorts on undivided roadsFront + rear over 15′ W or 110′ L

    On undivided roads, certified front and rear escorts are required over 15′ wide at the bottom (16′ at the top) or over 110′ long. MnDOT may require more escorts.

    10MnDOT — Escort requirements · checked Oct 13, 2026
    Peace officer escortCrossing the centerline

    When any part of the load or vehicle crosses left of the centerline on an undivided road, a certified lead peace officer is required along with front and rear escorts.

    11Minn. Stat. §169.812 — Escort vehicles for overdimensional loads · checked Oct 13, 2026
    Scheduling peace officersState Patrol · sheriff · city

    Plan ahead: an issued permit may be needed before you can schedule a peace officer escort.

    • Statewide: Minnesota State Patrol
    • County: sheriff's departments
    • Local: the city police department
    1MnDOT — Guide to Transporting Superloads in Minnesota (May 2025) · checked Oct 13, 2026
    Escort certificationMN certificate · 7 states accepted

    Pilot car drivers must hold a current Minnesota certification. MnDOT accepts Colorado, Florida, North Carolina, Oklahoma, Utah, Virginia and Washington certificates if they meet Minnesota's insurance and other requirements.

    10MnDOT — Escort requirements · checked Oct 13, 2026
    Pilot/escort driver rules4-year cert · $1M liability

    Under Minn. R. ch. 7455:

    • Certification is valid 4 years; a full course is required every 8 years
    • Carry the certification card at all times while escorting
    • At least $1,000,000 liability insurance on the escort vehicle
    12Minn. R. ch. 7455 — Pilot Vehicle Escort for Overdimensional Load · checked Oct 13, 2026
    Escort vehicleCar, van or pickup · 100″ wheelbase

    A passenger car, light van, two-axle pickup or two-axle single-unit truck with:

    • At least a 100″ wheelbase
    • A two-way communication device with at least a ½-mile range
    • Company name, USDOT number, or city, state and phone legible from 50′
    12Minn. R. ch. 7455 — Pilot Vehicle Escort for Overdimensional Load · checked Oct 13, 2026
    Escort sign and flagsRoof sign 5′ × 10″ · 18″ flags

    The pilot/escort vehicle needs:

    • A roof-mounted OVERSIZE LOAD sign at least 5′ wide with 10″ of visible surface and 8″ black letters; bumper-only signs are not allowed
    • Red/orange 18″ flags in line with the sign
    12Minn. R. ch. 7455 — Pilot Vehicle Escort for Overdimensional Load · checked Oct 13, 2026
    Escort lightsAmber · 360° · 500′

    The pilot/escort vehicle needs at least one flashing yellow or amber light on top, visible 360°: either two amber strobes (one each side of the sign, visible 500′) or an amber strobe light bar.

    12Minn. R. ch. 7455 — Pilot Vehicle Escort for Overdimensional Load · checked Oct 13, 2026
    Height pole: MnDOT route survey pageNo pole cars · survey instead

    MnDOT's route survey page says Minnesota does not recognize pole vehicles and requires a MnDOT-approved physical route survey before the permit is issued.

    • Survey height poles must be nonconductive, nondestructive, flexible and readily breakable
    • Set the survey pole at least 6″ higher than the highest point of the load
    7MnDOT — Route survey · checked Oct 13, 2026
    Height pole: Minn. R. 7455Over 15′6″ if the permit says

    If the permit requires a height pole, the front pilot car must have it installed and in use whenever the load is over 15′6″ high. It must be nonconductive, nondestructive, flexible and readily breakable.

    12Minn. R. ch. 7455 — Pilot Vehicle Escort for Overdimensional Load · checked Oct 13, 2026
    One load per escortNo shared escorts

    An escort vehicle may not escort more than one overdimensional load at a time unless the commissioner expressly allows it.

    12Minn. R. ch. 7455 — Pilot Vehicle Escort for Overdimensional Load · checked Oct 13, 2026
    The rule in full5 official sources

    Escorts on divided roads

    On multi-lane divided roads, certified escorts are required: 1 rear: over 15′ wide at the bottom (16′ at the top) or over 110′ long. Front and rear: over 150′ long.

    Escorts on undivided roads

    On undivided roads, certified front and rear escorts are required over 15′ wide at the bottom (16′ at the top) or over 110′ long. MnDOT may require more escorts.

    Peace officer escort

    When any part of the load or vehicle crosses left of the centerline on an undivided road, a certified lead peace officer is required along with front and rear escorts.

    Scheduling peace officers

    Plan ahead: an issued permit may be needed before you can schedule a peace officer escort. Statewide: Minnesota State Patrol. County: sheriff's departments. Local: the city police department.

    Escort certification

    Pilot car drivers must hold a current Minnesota certification. MnDOT accepts Colorado, Florida, North Carolina, Oklahoma, Utah, Virginia and Washington certificates if they meet Minnesota's insurance and other requirements.

    Pilot/escort driver rules

    Under Minn. R. ch. 7455: Certification is valid 4 years; a full course is required every 8 years. Carry the certification card at all times while escorting. At least $1,000,000 liability insurance on the escort vehicle.

    Escort vehicle

    A passenger car, light van, two-axle pickup or two-axle single-unit truck with: At least a 100″ wheelbase. A two-way communication device with at least a ½-mile range. Company name, USDOT number, or city, state and phone legible from 50′.

    Escort sign and flags

    The pilot/escort vehicle needs: A roof-mounted OVERSIZE LOAD sign at least 5′ wide with 10″ of visible surface and 8″ black letters; bumper-only signs are not allowed. Red/orange 18″ flags in line with the sign.

    Escort lights

    The pilot/escort vehicle needs at least one flashing yellow or amber light on top, visible 360°: either two amber strobes (one each side of the sign, visible 500′) or an amber strobe light bar.

    Height pole: MnDOT route survey page

    MnDOT's route survey page says Minnesota does not recognize pole vehicles and requires a MnDOT-approved physical route survey before the permit is issued. Survey height poles must be nonconductive, nondestructive, flexible and readily breakable. Set the survey pole at least 6″ higher than the highest point of the load.

    Height pole: Minn. R. 7455

    If the permit requires a height pole, the front pilot car must have it installed and in use whenever the load is over 15′6″ high. It must be nonconductive, nondestructive, flexible and readily breakable.

    One load per escort

    An escort vehicle may not escort more than one overdimensional load at a time unless the commissioner expressly allows it.

    Over 8′6″ wide

    If any part of the load extends left of the centerline on an undivided road, a certified lead peace officer and front and rear pilot cars are required.

    Over 15′ wide

    Minnesota’s width trigger is over 15 ft at the bottom or over 16 ft at the top. If the bottom exceeds 15 ft, plan front and rear escorts on undivided roads and one rear escort on divided roads. If any part of the load extends left of the centerline on an undivided road, a certified lead peace officer and front and rear pilot cars are required.

    Over 16′ wide

    Two-lane roads: 1 front and 1 rear pilot cars. Multi-lane undivided roads: 1 front and 1 rear pilot cars. Divided highways: 1 rear pilot car. If any part of the load extends left of the centerline on an undivided road, a certified lead peace officer and front and rear pilot cars are required.

    Over 20′ wide

    MnDOT requires an approved physical route survey before permit issuance above 16 ft high, 20 ft wide, or 175 ft long. Conduct it within 14 days of the permit start date. A moving height-pole vehicle does not replace the survey. Document overhead, lateral and railroad-crossing clearances for the proposed route. Two-lane roads: 1 front and 1 rear pilot cars. Multi-lane undivided roads: 1 front and 1 rear pilot cars. Divided highways: 1 rear pilot car. If any part of the load extends left of the centerline on an undivided road, a certified lead peace officer and front and rear pilot cars are required.

    Over 16′ high

    MnDOT requires an approved physical route survey before permit issuance above 16 ft high, 20 ft wide, or 175 ft long. Conduct it within 14 days of the permit start date. A moving height-pole vehicle does not replace the survey. Document overhead, lateral and railroad-crossing clearances for the proposed route.

    Over 110′ long

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

    Over 150′ long

    All road types: 1 front and 1 rear pilot cars.

    Over 175′ long

    MnDOT requires an approved physical route survey before permit issuance above 16 ft high, 20 ft wide, or 175 ft long. Conduct it within 14 days of the permit start date. A moving height-pole vehicle does not replace the survey. Document overhead, lateral and railroad-crossing clearances for the proposed route. All road types: 1 front and 1 rear pilot cars.

  6. 06Travel hours

    When can you move?

    No general hour limits unless the permit sets them.
    • Over 12′6″ wide or 110′ long: holiday stops, and no summer Friday or Sunday travel 4–8 p.m.
    • Over 14′6″ wide or 110′ long: no weekday rush hours in the Twin Cities and Duluth.
    Holiday travel restrictions

    Loads over 12′6″ wide or 110′ long may not travel from 2 p.m. the day before a holiday to 2 a.m. the day after. Overweight-only loads are not restricted unless the permit says so. MnDOT's 2026 schedule ends with New Year's (January 1, read here as 2027); no 2027 schedule is published yet.

    1. Nov ’2625Day before Thanksgiving (from 2 p.m.)
    2. Nov ’2626Thanksgiving
    3. Nov ’2627Thanksgiving (Friday)
    4. Nov ’2628Until 2 a.m.
    5. Dec ’2624Day before Christmas (from 2 p.m.)
    6. Dec ’2625Christmas
    7. Dec ’2626Until 2 a.m.
    8. Dec ’2631Day before New Year's Day (from 2 p.m.)
    9. Jan ’271New Year's Day
    10. Jan ’272Until 2 a.m.
    15MnDOT — 2026 Minnesota Holiday Restrictions for Oversize Vehicles · checked Oct 13, 2026
    The rule in full4 official sources

    Open hours, with holiday and metro limits

    Travel is generally not restricted unless the permit says so. Loads over 12′6″ wide or 110′ long stop from 2 p.m. the day before a holiday until 2 a.m. the day after, and 4–8 p.m. on summer Fridays and Sundays (Memorial Day to Labor Day). Over 14′6″ wide or 110′ long: no weekday travel 6–8:30 a.m. or 3:30–6 p.m. in the Twin Cities and Duluth metros. Over 16′ wide in the Twin Cities metro: midnight–5 a.m. on weekdays only.

    Postings and bridge review

    Follow posted bridge and road limits and get local approvals. Checking the route, and any manual bridge review, is up to the carrier and MnDOT.

    Restricted travel

    Movement is prohibited in hazardous weather or road conditions, or when visibility is below 500 feet. Check MnDOT's holiday and road restriction notices for the travel date.

    Rush hour limits

    In general, travel is not restricted. The exceptions include: Over 14′6″ wide or 110′ long: no weekday travel 6–8:30 a.m. or 3:30–6 p.m. in the Twin Cities and Duluth metros, unless the permit says otherwise.

    Over 16′ wide in the Twin Cities

    Over 16′ wide, travel in the seven-county Twin Cities metro is limited to midnight–5 a.m., Monday through Friday, unless the permit says otherwise.

    Weather

    Movement is prohibited when weather or road conditions are hazardous, when the vehicle can't stay in its lane, or when visibility is under 500′.

    Holiday travel restrictions

    Loads over 12′6″ wide or 110′ long may not travel from 2 p.m. the day before a holiday to 2 a.m. the day after. Overweight-only loads are not restricted unless the permit says so. MnDOT's 2026 schedule ends with New Year's (January 1, read here as 2027); no 2027 schedule is published yet. Day before Thanksgiving (from 2 p.m.) (Nov 25, 2026), Thanksgiving (Nov 26, 2026), Thanksgiving (Friday) (Nov 27, 2026), Until 2 a.m. (Nov 28, 2026), Day before Christmas (from 2 p.m.) (Dec 24, 2026), Christmas (Dec 25, 2026), Until 2 a.m. (Dec 26, 2026), Day before New Year's Day (from 2 p.m.) (Dec 31, 2026), New Year's Day (Jan 1, 2027), Until 2 a.m. (Jan 2, 2027).

  7. 07Flags & lamps

    Signs, flags and lights

    Flags on the load18″ flags over 9′ wide

    Red or orange 18″ square flags are required over 9′ wide, with front overhang over 3′ past the bumper, or with rear overhang of 4′ past the vehicle.

    14MnDOT — General Provisions for Oversize/Overweight Loads (Version: August 2024) · checked Oct 13, 2026
    Lights at night½ hr before sunset → after sunrise

    From ½ hour before sunset to ½ hour after sunrise, lights are mandatory at the required flag locations and must be visible from 500′.

    14MnDOT — General Provisions for Oversize/Overweight Loads (Version: August 2024) · checked Oct 13, 2026
    OVERSIZE LOAD signs12′6″ wide or 95′ long

    OVERSIZE LOAD signs go on the front and rear of the vehicle over 12′6″ wide or 95′ long. From ½ hour before sunset to ½ hour after sunrise they must be lighted or reflective and visible at least 500′.

    14MnDOT — General Provisions for Oversize/Overweight Loads (Version: August 2024) · checked Oct 13, 2026
    The rule in full3 official sources

    Warning lights

    Whenever signs are required, warning lights are too, visible from at least 500 feet. Pilot-car rules depend on the law and the permit type.

    Oversize signs

    Above 12′6″ wide or 95′ long, use oversize signs front and rear. They must be visible from at least 500 feet and lit or reflective at night.

    Flags on the load

    Red or orange 18″ square flags are required over 9′ wide, with front overhang over 3′ past the bumper, or with rear overhang of 4′ past the vehicle.

    Lights at night

    From ½ hour before sunset to ½ hour after sunrise, lights are mandatory at the required flag locations and must be visible from 500′.

    OVERSIZE LOAD signs

    OVERSIZE LOAD signs go on the front and rear of the vehicle over 12′6″ wide or 95′ long. From ½ hour before sunset to ½ hour after sunrise they must be lighted or reflective and visible at least 500′.

  8. 08Driver paperwork

    What the driver carries

    • Prepare the driver packetCarry the issued permit and its route and approval documents.
    • Carry the permitInstead of a paper copy, you may carry an electronic copy of the permit on a phone or other portable device if it is complete and legible.
    • RegistrationThe permit does not change your vehicle registration; an overweight vehicle must be licensed for its total gross operating weight through the Office of Prorate (651-205-4141).
    • State and federal rulesPermitted vehicles must also follow state and federal rules, including Minn.
    Carry the permitElectronic copy OK

    Instead of a paper copy, you may carry an electronic copy of the permit on a phone or other portable device if it is complete and legible.

    14MnDOT — General Provisions for Oversize/Overweight Loads (Version: August 2024) · checked Oct 13, 2026
    RegistrationPermit ≠ registered weight

    The permit does not change your vehicle registration; an overweight vehicle must be licensed for its total gross operating weight through the Office of Prorate (651-205-4141).

    14MnDOT — General Provisions for Oversize/Overweight Loads (Version: August 2024) · checked Oct 13, 2026
    State and federal rulesMinn. Stat. ch. 221 · 49 CFR

    Permitted vehicles must also follow state and federal rules, including Minn. Stat. ch. 221 and 49 CFR parts 382, 383, 387 and 390–397.

    14MnDOT — General Provisions for Oversize/Overweight Loads (Version: August 2024) · checked Oct 13, 2026
    The rule in full2 official sources

    Prepare the driver packet

    Carry the issued permit and its route and approval documents. Confirm the accepted paper or electronic format with the issuing office.

    Carry the permit

    Instead of a paper copy, you may carry an electronic copy of the permit on a phone or other portable device if it is complete and legible.

    Registration

    The permit does not change your vehicle registration; an overweight vehicle must be licensed for its total gross operating weight through the Office of Prorate (651-205-4141).

    State and federal rules

    Permitted vehicles must also follow state and federal rules, including Minn. Stat. ch. 221 and 49 CFR parts 382, 383, 387 and 390–397.

  9. 09Special permits

    Special loads and permit programs

    Annual construction/farm permit16′ W · 15′ H · 110′ L

    The annual construction/farm equipment, machinery and supplies permit allows up to 16′ wide, 15′ high and 110′ long.

    • Oversize only: $120, legal weight
    • Oversize and/or overweight: up to 155,000 lb
    • Route approval required
    6MnDOT — Oversize/Overweight Permit Types · checked Oct 13, 2026
    Annual crane and bale permits12′ W · 75′ L

    Other annual permits:

    • Mobile cranes and self-propelled vehicles: 12′ wide, 14′ high, 75′ long; overweight version up to 155,000 lb
    • Baled farm products: 12′ wide, 15′ high (14′6″ in the Metro area), 75′ long
    6MnDOT — Oversize/Overweight Permit Types · checked Oct 13, 2026
    Manufactured homes16′ W · 15′ H · 110′ L

    The annual manufactured home and storage building permit allows up to 16′ wide, 15′ high and 110′ long at legal weight, with route approval.

    6MnDOT — Oversize/Overweight Permit Types · checked Oct 13, 2026
    The rule in full3 official sources

    Superload applications

    Superload applications can require drawings, surveys, bridge review, local approvals and carrier coordination. A feasibility check is not a permit.

    One permit per purpose

    Construction and farm, boat, mobile-home, mobile-crane, annual and superload permits each have their own conditions. One cannot stand in for another.

    Annual construction/farm permit

    The annual construction/farm equipment, machinery and supplies permit allows up to 16′ wide, 15′ high and 110′ long. Oversize only: $120, legal weight. Oversize and/or overweight: up to 155,000 lb. Route approval required.

    Annual crane and bale permits

    Other annual permits: Mobile cranes and self-propelled vehicles: 12′ wide, 14′ high, 75′ long; overweight version up to 155,000 lb. Baled farm products: 12′ wide, 15′ high (14′6″ in the Metro area), 75′ long.

    Manufactured homes

    The annual manufactured home and storage building permit allows up to 16′ wide, 15′ high and 110′ long at legal weight, with route approval.

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

MN / Permit worksheet

Price your Minnesota 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 Minnesota 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
    MnDOT — Guide to Transporting Superloads in Minnesota (May 2025)

    Definition; Application Process; Bridge Analysis; Peace Officer Escorts (May 2025)

    Source record:
  2. 02
    MnDOT — General Provisions for Oversize/Overweight Permits

    Provision 10, Travel Hours

    Source record:
  3. 03
    Minnesota Legislature — §169.80: Size, weight, load

    Subdivision 2(a) and (c)

    Source record:
  4. 04
    Minnesota Legislature — §169.81: Height and length

    Subdivisions 1(a) and 2(b)–(d)

    Source record:
  5. 05
    Minnesota Oversize/Overweight Permits

    MnDOT Oversize/Overweight permits — program overview

    Source record:
  6. 06
    MnDOT — Oversize/Overweight Permit Types

    Single Trip; Commercial Boat Hauler; Construction/Farm; Manufactured Homes; Mobile Crane; Baled Farm Products

    Source record:
  7. 07
    MnDOT — Route survey

    Dimension thresholds and requirements; Timeline requirements; Requirements for conducting a physical route survey

    Source record:
  8. 08
    MnDOT — Find out if you need a permit

    Legal dimension table; local roads note; temporary weight increase permits

    Source record:
All 19 references
  1. 09
    MnDOT single-trip damage-assessment axle-group table

    MnDOT single-trip damage-assessment axle-group table

    Source record:
  2. 10
    MnDOT — Escort requirements

    Certification and reciprocity; multi-lane divided and undivided roadways

    Source record:
  3. 11
    Minn. Stat. §169.812 — Escort vehicles for overdimensional loads

    Subd. 2 (width), Subd. 3 (length)

    Source record:
  4. 12
    Minn. R. ch. 7455 — Pilot Vehicle Escort for Overdimensional Load

    7455.0300 subp. 3–4 (certification, reciprocity); .0600; .0700; .0800; .0900; .1000 A(10); .1100; .1200 A

    Source record:
  5. 13
    Minnesota Statutes Section 169.86: Special Permit to Exceed Height, Width, or Load

    Minn. Stat. §169.86 — Special Permit to Exceed Height, Width, or Load

    Source record:
  6. 14
    MnDOT — General Provisions for Oversize/Overweight Loads (Version: August 2024)

    Provisions 1–4, 6–7, 12 Restricted Travel table; footer (Version: August 2024)

    Source record:
  7. 15
    MnDOT — 2026 Minnesota Holiday Restrictions for Oversize Vehicles

    Travel restrictions; holiday table

    Source record:
  8. 16
    Minnesota Statutes Chapter 169: Highway Traffic Regulation

    Minn. Stat. Chapter 169 — Highway Traffic Regulation

    Source record:
  9. 17
    Minnesota SUPERLOAD Permit System

    Minnesota SUPERLOAD Permit System — application entry

    Source record:
  10. 18
    23 CFR 658 Appendix B — National Network semitrailer lengths

    Appendix B; 23 CFR 658.13(a)

    Source record:
  11. 19
    23 CFR 658.17 — Interstate gross, axle and bridge weights

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

    Source record:
How ODPermit uses official sources

ACROSS THE STATE LINE

Keep the whole trip in view.

All state guides