Maryland

Maryland Oversize Permits & Escorts Information

Do you need oversize load permits in the state of Maryland? Find out the maximum width and weight allowed on Maryland highways, the legal operating times, the oversize load signage rules, and when Maryland requires pilot cars. The following data is for informational purposes only. We are not a permit service, do not arrange permits for carriers, and do not answer permit and escort requirement questions.

Oversize Load Limits

Maximum load sizes before a permit is required:

• Length: 65′
• Width: 8′
• Height: 13’6″
• Weight: 80,000 lbs gross
• Overhang: 3’ in the front; 6’ off the rear.

Permits

Maryland oversize permits are valid for five travel days. Must have permit prior to entering the state. For more information, visit the Maryland Department of Transportation.

Legal Operating Times

• One-half hour before sunrise to one-half hour after sunset, Monday through Friday and Saturday until Noon.
• Night travel allowed, on routes that are not otherwise restricted, from 9:00 p.m. to 5:00 a.m. for loads not exceeding 75’ long, 12’ wide, 14’-6” high, and 120,000 pounds.
• Travel prohibited across any toll facilities and all of I-95 from Baltimore to the Delaware line from 12:00 p.m. on Friday to 9:00 a.m. on Monday. On the Capital Beltway (I-495/I-95) and Baltimore Beltway (I-695), loads over 12′ wide or over 92,000 lbs may only travel Monday through Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. and on Saturday until 12:00 p.m. On any highway, loads over 14′ wide may only travel Monday through Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. and on Saturday until 12:00 p.m.
• No travel on major holidays (New Year’s Day, Good Friday, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving Day, and Christmas Day).

Pilot Cars & Escort Vehicles

Escort vehicle or pilot car required for heavy-haul or oversize loads if:

• Length: Over 120’ wide requires one.
• Width: Over 13’ requires one front. Over 14’ requires one front and one rear.
• Height: Over 14′ requires one with height pole and a route survey. Over 15′ may also require a bucket truck. Over 16′ requires a police escort.
• Weight: Over 110,000 lbs requires one.
• Overhang: Undefined.

Pilot Car and Escort Vehicle Requirements

Pilot cars and escort vehicles must display a yellow “OVERSIZE LOAD” or “WIDE LOAD” sign at least 5’ wide by 12” tall with black letters at least 8” high. One yellow oscillating or rotating light at least 3” in diameter must be mounted to the roof and have visibility in the front and rear. Flashing warning lamps are required when vehicle is traveling 20 MPH or less than the posted speed. All pilot cars and escort vehicles must be equipped with a two-way radio.

Oversize Load Sign Requirements

“OVERSIZE LOAD” or “WIDE LOAD” signs are required if the load exceeds 9′ in width.

The data on this page is for informational purposes only, and we do not guarantee its accuracy.