ODPERMIT / STATE FIELD GUIDE RI
Rhode IslandOversize & overweight permits.
A Rhode Island move still needs careful bridge, route and local-road planning. Check loaded measurements, the permit product and the required escorts.
General information only, not legal advice or a permit. Confirm with the issuing agency before you move. Read the disclaimer
AI-generated illustration · not to scale
- 01Legal size
What is legal without a permit?
Axle limits Legal With a permit- SingleSingle trip: set by RIDOT engineering review22k /
- TandemSingle trip: set by RIDOT engineering review36k /
- Gross weight over the Federal Formula B weight needs a permit.
The rule in full6 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: 48′6″
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.
Width
Legal width is 8′6″, per RIDOT's pocket guide.
Height
Legal height is 13′6″, per RIDOT's pocket guide.
Length
Legal length depends on the vehicle and trailer setup and the designated route.
Weight limits
Limits are 22,400 lb on a single axle, 36,000 lb on tandems within 8 feet, and Federal Formula B up to 80,000 lb. You still need the exact axle spacing, weight split, formula and route limits.
Axle limits: legal and with a permit
Legal: single 22,400 lb, tandem 36,000 lb. With a permit: single single trip: set by ridot engineering review, tandem single trip: set by ridot engineering review. Gross weight over the Federal Formula B weight needs a permit.
- 4RIDOT — OSOW Permitting FAQs Checked
- 02Requirements
Where each requirement starts
Holiday banWidth over 8′6″Over 8′6″ wide: no travel 7–9 a.m. or 3–7 p.m. Monday–Friday on freeways and arterial roads; the state-law holiday restrictions also apply.
7R.I. Gen. Laws § 31-25-21 — Power to permit excess size or weight of loads · checked Oct 13, 2026What official sources leave open16
Where Rhode Island’s official sources disagree or say nothing, confirm with the agency before dispatch.
- Escort length conflict: the regulation (§ 1.5.4) requires one escort from 80′ to 90′ long; RIDOT's FAQ says escorts start at 85′.
- Rush-hour conflict: R.I. Gen. Laws § 31-25-21(f), whose travel-time and holiday restrictions cover loads over 8′6″ wide, over 80′ long or over 130,000 lb, bars 7–9 a.m. and 3–7 p.m. weekday travel on freeways and arterial roads; RIDOT's FAQ applies the same hours only over 10′ wide (80′ and 130,000 lb unchanged) on its mapped time-restricted routes.
- Holiday conflict, statute vs. regulation: § 31-25-21(f)(3) (last amended 2025) bars Saturday–Monday travel on Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day weekend, which the regulation (§ 1.4.15) leaves open ('Moves are allowed'); bars all of Wednesday through Sunday of Thanksgiving week, where the regulation closes only Thanksgiving Day, the weekend and the afternoon before; bars the previous night before Independence Day, Veterans Day, Christmas and New Year's Day; and bars Saturday night and Sunday at Easter. The statute names these holidays but gives no dates, so its extra days (e.g. MLK Day, Wednesday and Friday of Thanksgiving week) are not in the dated list above.
- Holiday conflict, FAQ: RIDOT's OSOW FAQ adds Juneteenth to the 'no day of travel or previous night' holidays, which neither the statute nor the regulation lists, and says 'No Saturday or Sunday travel' at Easter where the statute says Saturday night and Sunday. No source gives a date for Juneteenth or Easter, so neither is listed.
- The regulation also closes the Monday after a Sunday holiday (July 5, 2027) and the Friday from noon before a Saturday holiday (December 24 and 31, 2027); the statute and FAQ do not mention these.
- Special I-95/I-195 hours: the regulation (§ 1.5.8(B)) lets mobile or modular homes over 12′ wide, construction equipment over 13′ wide and cranes use all of I-195, and I-95 from the Massachusetts line to Route 37, from sunrise to 7:00 a.m. and 9:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. The 3:00–3:30 p.m. part conflicts with the statute's 3–7 p.m. weekday freeway ban for loads over 8′6″ wide, so these hours are not shown as a card.
- Mobile and modular homes: the regulation (§ 1.4.19) calls 60′ a legal length, but current § 31-25-6 caps semitrailers at 53′ (over 48′6″ only on designated routes), so the regulation's housing legal limits are not shown.
- Night travel: the regulation bars night moves except overweight-only envelope vehicles, while § 31-25-21(e) makes annual blanket permits effective during daylight and night-time hours.
- Lights: the regulation requires no special lighting on load vehicles, but § 31-25-21(e) requires blanket-permit loads to run a flashing amber light above the highest point of the vehicle, with signs and red flags on all extremities.
- The over-13′6″ height escort appears only in RIDOT's FAQ, not in the regulation's escort table, and neither source says how many escorts or where they run for height.
- Outdated regulation text: 290-RICR-40-00-1 still names the Division of Motor Vehicles as the permit office, lists a $20 trip fee and $100 blanket fee (the statute now sets $40 and $400), describes 3- or 6-month blankets up to 75′ long and 11′11″ wide and 1989 crane blankets (12′ wide, 13′6″ high, 95′ long, 130,000 lb), and its § 1.9 reproduces an old 44,000 lb tandem limit; current § 31-25-14 sets 36,000 lb. The statute's annual blanket is 55′–80′ long, 12′4″ wide and 130,000 lb.
- Jamestown Bridge: the police traffic-stop rule for loads over 9′ wide comes only from the regulation (§ 1.4.22), which describes the bridge as 22′ curb to curb; no current RIDOT page repeats it, so confirm on the permit.
- Annual blanket permits are not valid over the I-295 Blackstone River Viaduct (Bridge 750) or the I-95 Kingston Road Bridge (No. 403), and not through lane-width reduction zones such as construction zones (§ 31-25-21(g)–(h)).
- No general police-escort size trigger and no escort-driver certification or training requirement are published.
- Single-vehicle legal length: RIDOT's FAQ says a permit is needed over 45′, while R.I. Gen. Laws § 31-25-5 sets 40′ for a single vehicle (45′ for a motor bus, motorized camper or camping recreational vehicle).
- No published maximum permit width, height or length for single trips; RIDOT reviews each one.
The rule in full3 official sources
Width 8′6″: Legal width
Up to 8′6″ wide moves without a permit; wider needs a RIDOT permit.
- 4RIDOT — OSOW Permitting FAQs Checked
Width 8′6″: Rush-hour and holiday limits
Over 8′6″ wide: no travel 7–9 a.m. or 3–7 p.m. Monday–Friday on freeways and arterial roads; the state-law holiday restrictions also apply.
Width 9′: Jamestown Bridge: police
Over 9′ wide on the Jamestown Bridge: arrange for police to stop traffic at one end before crossing.
Width 12′: 1 escort
12′ wide or more: 1 escort, in front on undivided highways and behind on divided highways.
Width 14′6″: 2 escorts
Over 14′6″ wide: 2 escort vehicles.
Height 13′6″: Legal height
Up to 13′6″ high moves without a permit; taller needs one.
- 4RIDOT — OSOW Permitting FAQs Checked
Height 13′6″: Escort · survey off Interstate
Over 13′6″ high: RIDOT's FAQ calls for an escort, and on non-Interstate routes a route survey is typically required.
- 4RIDOT — OSOW Permitting FAQs Checked
Height 14′: Route survey required
14′ high or more: every permit requires a route survey.
- 4RIDOT — OSOW Permitting FAQs Checked
Length 48′6″ trailer: Legal semitrailer
Semitrailers up to 48′6″ are legal; 48′6″ to 53′ trailers may run only on their designated routes. Longer, or off those routes, needs a permit.
- 4RIDOT — OSOW Permitting FAQs Checked
Length 80′: 1 escort
80′ to 90′ long: 1 escort, in front on undivided highways and behind on divided highways.
Length 80′: Rush-hour and holiday limits
Over 80′ long: no travel 7–9 a.m. or 3–7 p.m. Monday–Friday on freeways and arterial roads; the state-law holiday restrictions also apply.
Length 90′: 2 escorts
Over 90′ long: 2 escort vehicles.
Overhang 3′ front: Legal front overhang
Front overhang over 3′ needs a permit.
- 4RIDOT — OSOW Permitting FAQs Checked
Overhang 6′ rear: Legal rear overhang
Rear overhang over 6′ needs a permit.
- 4RIDOT — OSOW Permitting FAQs Checked
Overhang 4′: Overhang flags
Overlength loads and front or rear overhang over 4′: one flag at the end if the overhang is less than 2′ wide, two flags if it is over 2′ wide.
Overhang 15′: 1 escort
Overhang of 15′ or more: 1 escort. One example where 2 are required: 15′ or more to the rear on a two-lane undivided highway with the load 12′ or wider.
Weight 80,000 lb: Legal gross
Up to 80,000 lb gross, within the bridge gross weight formula, moves without a permit; heavier needs one.
Weight 130,000 lb: Rush-hour and holiday limits
Over 130,000 lb: no travel 7–9 a.m. or 3–7 p.m. Monday–Friday on freeways and arterial roads; the state-law holiday restrictions also apply.
Weight 200,000 lb: Third-party structure analysis
At 200,000 lb or more, depending on the route, RIDOT requires an independent third-party analysis of every structure on the route.
- 4RIDOT — OSOW Permitting FAQs Checked
- 03The permit
Which permit do you need?
- RIDOT permits cover only RIDOT highways.
- Bridge, local, toll, federal, tribal, private and facility approvals are separate.
Superload analysis200,000 lb or more
At 200,000 lb or more, depending on the route, RIDOT requires an independent third-party analysis of all structures on the route.
4RIDOT — OSOW Permitting FAQs · checked Oct 13, 2026Extra large loads: apply early5 working days
Applications for extra large vehicles or loads must be in at least five working days ahead so RIDOT engineers can check the routes and overhead clearances.
2290-RICR-40-00-1 — Rules and Regulations Regarding Overweight and Oversize Vehicle Permits (active rule) · checked Oct 13, 2026Route surveys14′+ always · over 13′6″ off Interstate
A route survey may be required for any over-height permit:
- Over 13′6″ on non-Interstate routes: typically required
- 14′ or higher: required on every permit
- Any time RIDOT deems it necessary
Bridges and local streetsSeparate permits
Bridges of the Rhode Island Bridge Authority (Mount Hope and Newport Bridges) and city or town streets need permits from their own authorities.
2290-RICR-40-00-1 — Rules and Regulations Regarding Overweight and Oversize Vehicle Permits (active rule) · checked Oct 13, 2026Official route and permit tools- RIDOT OSOW permit portalApply, auto-route and track permits
- Statewide truck and bridge restrictionsBridge lists, permit load maps, posted bridges
- OSOW permitting FAQsEscorts, surveys, holidays, travel times
- Rush hour and 53′ trailer routes mapTime-restricted routes
- Vehicle height clearance mapsBridge height clearances
- RIDOT posted bridge listWeight-posted bridges
The rule in full5 official sources
The permit authority
RIDOT permits cover only RIDOT highways. Bridge, local, toll, federal, tribal, private and facility approvals are separate.
Permit types and large loads
RIDOT has single-trip, annual divisible-load and blanket permits. At 200,000 lb or more, RIDOT can require an independent analysis of every structure on the route. At 14′ high or more, a route survey is required.
Superload analysis
At 200,000 lb or more, depending on the route, RIDOT requires an independent third-party analysis of all structures on the route.
- 4RIDOT — OSOW Permitting FAQs Checked
Extra large loads: apply early
Applications for extra large vehicles or loads must be in at least five working days ahead so RIDOT engineers can check the routes and overhead clearances.
Route surveys
A route survey may be required for any over-height permit: Over 13′6″ on non-Interstate routes: typically required. 14′ or higher: required on every permit. Any time RIDOT deems it necessary.
- 4RIDOT — OSOW Permitting FAQs Checked
Bridges and local streets
Bridges of the Rhode Island Bridge Authority (Mount Hope and Newport Bridges) and city or town streets need permits from their own authorities.
- 04Permit cost
What does the permit cost?
Example agency fee$40- 8′7″ W
- 13′ H
- 70′
- 72,000 lb
- 100 miles
The rule in full1 official source
Example agency fee
$40 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 Rhode Island. Enter your own load in the calculator below.
What the fee covers
Rhode Island'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.
When escorts are required12′ W · 85′ L · 13′6″ H · 15′ overhang
RIDOT's FAQ requires escorts when the load is:
- 12′ wide or more
- 85′ long or more
- Over 13′6″ high
- Overhang of 15′ or more
- Whenever a permit reviewer decides the circumstances call for it
Escort vehicleCompact car+ · yellow lights · radio
An escort must be at least a compact car, with:
- Visual and two-way radio contact with the load
- Flashing yellow lights above the vehicle's highest point
- Escort sign at least 5′ long × 12″ high
Where the escort runsFront undivided · rear divided
A single escort leads on undivided highways and follows on divided highways.
2290-RICR-40-00-1 — Rules and Regulations Regarding Overweight and Oversize Vehicle Permits (active rule) · checked Oct 13, 2026Police escortsBuildings · Jamestown Bridge
Building moves need two escorts plus a police escort from each city or town on the route.
- Over 9′ wide on the Jamestown Bridge: arrange with police to halt traffic at one end before crossing
1,000′ spacingKeep 1,000′ apart
Keep at least 1,000′ between oversize permitted vehicles traveling the same direction.
2290-RICR-40-00-1 — Rules and Regulations Regarding Overweight and Oversize Vehicle Permits (active rule) · checked Oct 13, 2026The rule in full2 official sources
When escorts are required
RIDOT's FAQ requires escorts when the load is: 12′ wide or more. 85′ long or more. Over 13′6″ high. Overhang of 15′ or more. Whenever a permit reviewer decides the circumstances call for it.
- 4RIDOT — OSOW Permitting FAQs Checked
Escort vehicle
An escort must be at least a compact car, with: Visual and two-way radio contact with the load. Flashing yellow lights above the vehicle's highest point. Escort sign at least 5′ long × 12″ high.
Where the escort runs
A single escort leads on undivided highways and follows on divided highways.
Police escorts
Building moves need two escorts plus a police escort from each city or town on the route. Over 9′ wide on the Jamestown Bridge: arrange with police to halt traffic at one end before crossing.
1,000′ spacing
Keep at least 1,000′ between oversize permitted vehicles traveling the same direction.
On any oversize move
The permit reviewer can add escorts for the route's specific conditions. Special crane and building moves have their own assignments.
12′ wide or more
Two-lane roads: 1 front pilot car. Multi-lane undivided roads: 1 front pilot car. Divided highways: 1 rear pilot car.
Over 14′6″ wide
All road types: 1 front and 1 rear pilot cars.
Over 13′6″ high
Two-lane roads: 1 front pilot car. Multi-lane undivided roads: 1 front pilot car. Divided highways: 1 rear pilot car. Above 13 ft 6 in high, a survey is typically required off the Interstate system and may be required elsewhere. RIDOT assigns the overheight escort's equipment and position.
14′ high or more
At 14 ft high or above, RIDOT requires a route survey. Confirm the overheight escort's equipment and position on the permit. Two-lane roads: 1 front pilot car. Multi-lane undivided roads: 1 front pilot car. Divided highways: 1 rear pilot car.
80′ long or more
Two-lane roads: 1 front pilot car. Multi-lane undivided roads: 1 front pilot car. Divided highways: 1 rear pilot car.
Over 90′ long
All road types: 1 front and 1 rear pilot cars.
- 06Travel hours
When can you move?
Monday–Friday, 30 minutes before sunrise to 30 minutes after sunset.- No weekends or named holidays.
- Over 10′ wide, 80′ long or 130,000 lb: no weekday travel 7–9 a.m. or 3–7 p.m. on designated routes.
Holiday travel bans (RIDOT regulation)RIDOT's regulation allows no moves from sunset Friday to sunrise Monday or on these holidays. A Sunday holiday also closes the Monday after, and a Saturday holiday closes the Friday before from 12:00 noon. Before a weekday holiday, travel is allowed only until 12:00 noon the day before. State law (§ 31-25-21(f)) bars more days than this list; see the conflicts noted on this page.
- Nov ’2611Veterans Day
- Nov ’2626Thanksgiving Day
- Dec ’2625Christmas Day
- Jan ’271New Year's Day
- May ’2731Memorial Day
- Jul ’274Independence Day (Sunday)
- Jul ’275Monday after Independence Day
- Aug ’279Victory Day
- Sep ’276Labor Day
- Oct ’2711Columbus Day
- Nov ’2711Veterans Day
- Nov ’2725Thanksgiving Day
- Dec ’2724Friday before Christmas, from noon
- Dec ’2725Christmas Day (Saturday)
- Dec ’2731Friday before New Year's Day, from noon
- Jan ’281New Year's Day (Saturday)
The rule in full4 official sources
Rush hours on designated routes
On RIDOT’s designated time-restricted routes, vehicles over 10′ wide, over 80′ long or over 130,000 lb may not travel Monday–Friday 7–9 a.m. or 3–7 p.m. The permit, holiday calendar and current bridge lists also apply.
- 6RIDOT — OS/OW permitting FAQ Checked
Travel hours
Permitted loads move Monday–Friday, 30 minutes before sunrise to 30 minutes after sunset. No weekends or named holidays. Some wide loads and cranes have special hours on I-95 and I-195. In hazardous weather, leave at the first safe exit.
- 6RIDOT — OS/OW permitting FAQ Checked
Check before you move
Right before moving, check closures, construction, postings, weather, local limits and the permit's route conditions.
Weekdays, daylight only
Under RIDOT's regulation, no moves from sunset Friday to sunrise Monday or on the listed holidays unless the permit says otherwise; most permitted vehicles may run from 30 minutes before sunrise to 30 minutes after sunset. Overweight-only envelope vehicles that can travel with the traffic flow are not limited to daylight.
Weekday rush hours
Loads over 8′6″ wide, over 80′ long or over 130,000 lb may not travel on freeways and arterial roads 7–9 a.m. or 3–7 p.m., Monday through Friday.
Bad weather
No travel when weather, road conditions or visibility make it hazardous. If caught out, exit at the first available location and park safely until conditions improve.
Holiday travel bans (RIDOT regulation)
RIDOT's regulation allows no moves from sunset Friday to sunrise Monday or on these holidays. A Sunday holiday also closes the Monday after, and a Saturday holiday closes the Friday before from 12:00 noon. Before a weekday holiday, travel is allowed only until 12:00 noon the day before. State law (§ 31-25-21(f)) bars more days than this list; see the conflicts noted on this page. Veterans Day (Nov 11, 2026), Thanksgiving Day (Nov 26, 2026), Christmas Day (Dec 25, 2026), New Year's Day (Jan 1, 2027), Memorial Day (May 31, 2027), Independence Day (Sunday) (Jul 4, 2027), Monday after Independence Day (Jul 5, 2027), Victory Day (Aug 9, 2027), Labor Day (Sep 6, 2027), Columbus Day (Oct 11, 2027), Veterans Day (Nov 11, 2027), Thanksgiving Day (Nov 25, 2027), Friday before Christmas, from noon (Dec 24, 2027), Christmas Day (Saturday) (Dec 25, 2027), Friday before New Year's Day, from noon (Dec 31, 2027), New Year's Day (Saturday) (Jan 1, 2028).
- 07Flags & lamps
Signs, flags and lights
Warning flags18″ red or fluorescent orange
Flags are red or fluorescent orange, at least 18″ square, fastened by a corner or on a staff:
- Overwidth loads: 2 to 6 flags at the widest extremity of the load
OVERSIZE LOAD signs7′ × 18″ · 10″ letters
Load vehicles carry OVERSIZE LOAD signs at least 7′ × 18″, black letters at least 10″ high on yellow, on the front of the vehicle and the rear of the load.
- Remove or cover the signs once the load is delivered
LightsLow beams on
The load vehicle needs no special lighting but runs low-beam headlights at all times; escort vehicles run flashing yellow lights above their highest point.
2290-RICR-40-00-1 — Rules and Regulations Regarding Overweight and Oversize Vehicle Permits (active rule) · checked Oct 13, 2026Right lane over 12′Over 12′ wide
Where there are two or more lanes in one direction, loads over 12′ wide stay in the right lane except in an emergency.
2290-RICR-40-00-1 — Rules and Regulations Regarding Overweight and Oversize Vehicle Permits (active rule) · checked Oct 13, 2026The rule in full2 official sources
Signs, flags and lights
Wide loads, and loads projecting over 4 feet, need clean 18-inch red or fluorescent-orange flags. OVERSIZE LOAD signs go front and rear, at least 7 feet by 18 inches, with 10-inch black letters on yellow. Keep low beams on; escorts run amber lights on the roof. Secure the load, drive at a safe speed and keep 1,000 feet apart.
Warning flags
Flags are red or fluorescent orange, at least 18″ square, fastened by a corner or on a staff: Overwidth loads: 2 to 6 flags at the widest extremity of the load.
OVERSIZE LOAD signs
Load vehicles carry OVERSIZE LOAD signs at least 7′ × 18″, black letters at least 10″ high on yellow, on the front of the vehicle and the rear of the load. Remove or cover the signs once the load is delivered.
Lights
The load vehicle needs no special lighting but runs low-beam headlights at all times; escort vehicles run flashing yellow lights above their highest point.
Right lane over 12′
Where there are two or more lanes in one direction, loads over 12′ wide stay in the right lane except in an emergency.
- 08Driver paperwork
What the driver carries
- Carry the permitRIDOT accepts electronic permits and bridge restriction lists when they are readily available inside the vehicle for inspection.
- Permit in the cabElectronic permits and bridge restriction lists are accepted, but they must be readily available inside the vehicle.
- Liability and securityThe permittee must carry liability and property damage insurance enough to cover any claims; when a move may damage highway facilities, the applicant must deposit a certified check or other security.
Permit in the cabElectronic OK if in the vehicle
Electronic permits and bridge restriction lists are accepted, but they must be readily available inside the vehicle.
- Annual permit vehicles must keep their bridge restriction lists in the vehicle
Liability and securityInsurance · security deposit
The permittee must carry liability and property damage insurance enough to cover any claims; when a move may damage highway facilities, the applicant must deposit a certified check or other security.
2290-RICR-40-00-1 — Rules and Regulations Regarding Overweight and Oversize Vehicle Permits (active rule) · checked Oct 13, 2026The rule in full3 official sources
Carry the permit
RIDOT accepts electronic permits and bridge restriction lists when they are readily available inside the vehicle for inspection. Keep all permit conditions and required lists with the driver.
- 6RIDOT — OS/OW permitting FAQ Checked
Permit in the cab
Electronic permits and bridge restriction lists are accepted, but they must be readily available inside the vehicle. Annual permit vehicles must keep their bridge restriction lists in the vehicle.
- 4RIDOT — OSOW Permitting FAQs Checked
Liability and security
The permittee must carry liability and property damage insurance enough to cover any claims; when a move may damage highway facilities, the applicant must deposit a certified check or other security.
- 09Special permits
Special loads and permit programs
- Annual divisible-load permits
- 3- or 6-month nondivisible blankets
- Buildings
- Mobile and modular homes
- Construction equipment
- Cranes
Permit typesSingle trip 5 days · annual
RIDOT issues three permit types:
- Annual divisible load: divisible loads only, not oversize; April 1 to March 31
- Annual blanket: non-divisible construction equipment or boats/marine assets only; one year from purchase
- Single trip: good for 5 days; any size, weight or load can be submitted, subject to engineering review
Annual blanket permit limits80′ · 12′4″ · 130,000 lb
The annual blanket permit for non-divisible construction equipment, boats or marine assets is limited to:
- 55′ minimum to 80′ maximum overall length
- 12′4″ wide
- 130,000 lb gross
- 25,000 lb per axle
Building movesTuesday–Thursday only
Buildings move only Tuesday through Thursday, with two escorts and a police escort from each city or town on the route.
- Apply at least 7 days before moving
- Submit the city or town building permit
Cranes12′+ wide: 2 escorts
Cranes moving intrastate at 12′ wide or more need two escorts.
2290-RICR-40-00-1 — Rules and Regulations Regarding Overweight and Oversize Vehicle Permits (active rule) · checked Oct 13, 2026The rule in full3 official sources
Special permits
Separate rules cover annual divisible-load permits, 3- or 6-month nondivisible blankets, buildings, mobile and modular homes, construction equipment and cranes. New England regional moves, national-defense moves and narrowly defined emergency moves also have their own rules.
Permit types
RIDOT issues three permit types: Annual divisible load: divisible loads only, not oversize; April 1 to March 31. Annual blanket: non-divisible construction equipment or boats/marine assets only; one year from purchase. Single trip: good for 5 days; any size, weight or load can be submitted, subject to engineering review.
- 4RIDOT — OSOW Permitting FAQs Checked
Annual blanket permit limits
The annual blanket permit for non-divisible construction equipment, boats or marine assets is limited to: 55′ minimum to 80′ maximum overall length. 12′4″ wide. 130,000 lb gross. 25,000 lb per axle.
Building moves
Buildings move only Tuesday through Thursday, with two escorts and a police escort from each city or town on the route. Apply at least 7 days before moving. Submit the city or town building permit.
Cranes
Cranes moving intrastate at 12′ wide or more need two escorts.
Price your Rhode Island loadAgency fees and pilot-car needs for your loaded rig. Free, no contact details.Open worksheet
RI / Permit worksheet
Price your Rhode Island 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 Rhode Island 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.
- 01Rhode Island Legal Oversize/Overweight Vehicle Size Guide
Laws for All Vehicles and Loads
Source record: - 02290-RICR-40-00-1 — Rules and Regulations Regarding Overweight and Oversize Vehicle Permits (active rule)
§§ 1.4.9, 1.4.11, 1.4.15, 1.4.16, 1.4.18, 1.4.22, 1.5.1–1.5.5, 1.5.8–1.5.10
Source record: - 03Rhode Island Statewide Truck and Bridge Restrictions
Statewide Truck and Bridge Restrictions
Source record: - 04RIDOT — OSOW Permitting FAQs
When is a permit required; permit types; escorts; route survey; superload analysis; holiday restrictions; restricted routes; electronic documents
Source record: - 05
- 06
- 07R.I. Gen. Laws § 31-25-21 — Power to permit excess size or weight of loads
Subsections (e) and (f)
Source record: - 08Rhode Island General Laws § 31-25-10 — Fastening of Load and Covering
R.I. Gen. Laws § 31-25-10
Source record:
All 10 references
- 0923 CFR 658 Appendix B — National Network semitrailer lengths
Appendix B; 23 CFR 658.13(a)
Source record: - 1023 CFR 658.17 — Interstate gross, axle and bridge weights
23 CFR 658.17(a)–(e); grandfather exceptions are configuration-specific
Source record: