Massachusetts

Massachusetts Oversize Permits & Escorts Information

Do you need oversize load permits in the state of Massachusetts? Find out the maximum width and weight allowed on Massachusetts highways, the legal operating times, the oversize load signage rules, and when Massachusetts 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: 53′
• Width: 8’6″
• Height: 13’6″
• Weight: 80,000 lbs gross
• Overhang: 3′ in the front; 4′ off the rear

Permits

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

Legal Operating Times

• 12:01 a.m. to 12:00 p.m., Monday through Saturday, and 12:01 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. on Sunday for loads less than 12′ wide or 14′ high.
• Sunrise to sunset, except from 7:00 a.m. to 9:00 a.m. and fro 3:30 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., Monday through Friday, for loads between 12′ and 14′ wide, over 13′11″ tall, and over 80′ long but less than 114′ long.
• Travel prohibited on Routes 95 and 93 in the Boston area from 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
• No travel on major holidays (New Year’s Day, 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 80′ but less than 85′ long requires one rear. Over 85′ but less than 135’ requires one front and one rear escort vehicle. Over 135’ requires one front, one rear, and two police escorts.
• Width: Over 12 feet’ wide requires one rear. Over 13′ requires on front and one rear. Over 15’ requires one front, one rear, and two police escorts.
• Height: Undefined.
• Weight: Case-by-case basis for the Massachusetts Turnpike.
• Overhang: Over 4′ requires one rear if skinny (a long pole, a boat mast, etc.). Over 10′ but not skinny in nature requires one rear.

Pilot Car and Escort Vehicle Requirements

Pilot cars and escort vehicles require at least one “OVERSIZE LOAD” load sign mounted and visible from either the front or the rear of the vehicle (depending if leading or chasing). two amber flashing or strobe lights visible from both the front and the rear of the vehicle, and two red or orange safety-colored flags at least 24″ by 24″ mounted to the vehicle.

Oversize Load Sign Requirements

An “OVERSIZE LOAD” is required on the rear of a load that does not require an escort. Red flags must be mounted on on all corner and extremities of any over-width or over-length load. For night travel, all loads must display an amber flashing light at the highest point of the vehicle that is visible from both the front and the rear of the load.

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