State Weight Limits & Permit Guides for Owner-Operators

Weight is an important consideration for owner-operators, and not just the type that might accumulate from the truck-stop snack aisle. There are federal and state restrictions on loaded truck weight, and with penalties for exceeding them. It’s essential to know what limits may be along your route, and if necessary and available, how to obtain permits if you’re hauling something that’s heavier than normally allowed. 

Why There Are Limits on Weight

The primary purpose of weight limits is to protect road and bridge infrastructure. The weight of the truck and load comes down to the contact patch on the tires. It increases by the “fourth power law,” where pavement damage increases by the fourth power of the truck’s axle load. In effect, a truck loaded to twice the legal axle weight doesn’t cause twice as much damage, but multiplied four times—it can be 16 times as much damage. An overweight truck also takes more distance to stop, potentially endangering other road users.  

Federal Government’s Limits on Weight

The federal weight limits are only for interstate highways, and once you’re off them, you’re governed by the state’s requirements. The federal law is a maximum of 80,000-lb gross vehicle weight (GVW); 20,000 lb on a single axle; and 34,000 lb on a tandem axle. There is also a Federal Bridge Formula (FBF), which protects bridges by calculating the maximum weight allowable on each set of axles, taking into consideration the number of axles and how far apart they are. If a truck passes the FBF test, it’s allowed to haul up to 80,000 lb on the interstates in any state. 

Weight Limits Set by States

While most states allow the federal 80,000-lb GVW on their major state highways as well as on the interstates, many also allow trucks to carry higher weights in certain circumstances, providing all the conditions are met. These can include what type of truck or load it is; how the axles are positioned; specific travel times; and any specific roads or highways the driver must use. A permit will also be required. Some states also set “frost laws,” which can temporarily limit weight during spring thaw, when excess moisture in the ground can soften the roadbed and increase the possibility of road damage. 

Penalties 

Some states are more stringent than others in how much you can be over the weight limit before you’re in trouble, but all will take action if you exceed the allowable limits. Know before you go which states have the most strict trucking laws and regulations. You could be fined, with penalties that can top $10,000; you could be required to offload the excess before you can get back on the road; or you could be put out of service. If you’re caught on repeat violations, your permits could be suspended or revoked.  

How to Apply for an Overweight Permit 

Overweight permits are specific to each state, and if your route takes you through more than one, you’ll need a separate permit for each. Each state’s DOT website will have information on how to apply for a permit, including the information you’ll need to provide on the truck’s configuration and the load. There are also numerous permit agencies that will do it on your behalf, and the fee may cover the cost of the time you’d spend doing it yourself. We’ve rounded up information on what’s allowed, in most cases with permits, for some states. 

California uses the federal 80,000-lb limit but allows higher axle weights for certain loads, including livestock, bulk grain, and logs. Loads can exceed state restrictions by up to 25% with permits, but not for more than 75 miles on a highway. Weights are strictly enforced, and fines increase incrementally by how many pounds the truck is over the limit. 

Florida allows a 10% tolerance on axle loads over the federal maximum, to 22,000 lb on a single axle and 44,000 lb on a tandem axle, but the truck must adhere to 80,000-lb GVW. Permits are available for higher weights, but they can depend on your route, and some older bridges do not allow even the 80,000-lb limit. 

Michigan state regulations use maximum axle load, rather than simply the GVW. Axle load limits range between 700 lb and 34,000 lb, depending on axle spacing, outside of seasonal restrictions. Trucks can go as high as 11 axles carrying a maximum total of 164,000 lb. 

New York allows up to 143,000 lb GVW exemptions with permits, including on sections of interstates that are grandfathered in the state above the federal limit. Other weight exemptions can include seasonal agricultural permits up to 117,000 lb. Overweight exemptions can be county-specific. New York City sets limits on when oversized loads can be moved, along with bridge weight limits monitored by sensors. 

Texas generally follows the federal standards but with a 5% tolerance that can take it to 84,000-lb GVW. There are exemptions for some types of trucks and loads, including agricultural and oilfield. Single-trip permits may be issued for “superloads” exceeding 254,300 lb GVW with strict route limits. 

Washington allows up to 105,500-lb GWV on non-interstate highways with permits, depending on the number of axles; and under certain conditions, that may be extended to 115,000 lb. The state has a maximum of 22,000 lb on a single axle; 43,000 lb on two axles spaced less than 7 feet; and then with calculations for axles farther apart. Single-trip permits may be issued for “superloads” exceeding 200,000 lb GVW.