Montana

Montana Oversize Permits & Escorts Information

Do you need oversize load permits in the state of Montana? Find out the maximum width and weight allowed on Montana highways, the legal operating times, the oversize load signage rules, and when Montana 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: 75′
• Width: 8’6″
• Height: 14′
• Weight: 80,000 lbs gross

Permits

Montana oversize permits are valid for three to five days. For more information, visit the Montana Department of Transportation.

Legal Operating Times

• Continuous 24/7 travel allowed for loads not exceeding 110′ long, 10′ wide, or 15′6″ high.
• Daylight travel (one-half hour before sunrise to one-half hour after sunset) only, including Saturdays and Sundays, for loads not exceeding 120′ long, 18′ wide, or 18′ high (except on Red Route highways).
• On Red Route Highways, no travel allowed from 3:00 p.m. on Friday until sunrise on Saturday and from 12:00 p.m. on Sunday to sunrise on Monday if dimensions exceed 110′ in length, 10′ in width, or 14′6″ in height; if dimensions exceed 120′ long, 18′ wide, or 18′ high, no travel allowed from 4:00 p.m. on Friday until sunrise on Monday.
• Holiday travel usually allowed for loads not exceeding 110′ long, 10′ wide, or 14′6″ high.

Pilot Cars & Escort Vehicles

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

• Length: Over 105′ requires one rear on two-lane roads. Over 120’ requires one pilot requires one rear on four-lane roads.
• Width: Over 12′ requires one front on two-lane roads. Over 14′ requires one front and one rear on two-lane roads. Between 14′ and 18′ requires one rear on four-lane roads..
• Height: Undefined.
• Weight: Undefined.
• Overhang: Undefined.

Pilot Car and Escort Vehicle Requirements

Pilot cars or escort vehicles may be any passenger car or two-axle truck at least 60″ wide and less than 14,000 lbs. Service or mechanic trucks used as pilot cars or escort vehicles shall not exceed 26,001 lbs. A pilot car or escort vehicle may pull a trailer or carry any item or equipment that is within legal limits of size and weight, allows an unobstructed view of the flashing lights and signs used by the vehicle, complies with all state traffic laws, and possesses current registration and valid insurance. Service or mechanic trucks used as pilot vehicles must not have a utility box that extends above the cab more than 12″ or beyond the width of the cab by more than 6″ on either side. An “OVERSIZE LOAD” sign with a yellow background and black letters at least 8″ tall shall be visible from the front and rear of the vehicle. Amber flashing, revolving, or strobe lights with 360-degree visibility shall be mounted on the roof of the vehicle at each end of the “OVERSIZE LOAD” sign. All pilot cars and escorts vehicles must be equipped with two-way communication and remain within 1,000′ of the oversize load.

Oversize Load Sign Requirements

“OVERSIZE LOAD” signs are required on the front and rear when load exceeds 10′ in width. Amber flashing revolving, or strobe lights, at least 5″, are required at each end of the “OVERSIZE LOAD” sign on the power unit (or a single beacon light may be used on top of the power unit, provided it is visible from all directions). A “LONG LOAD” sign must be displayed on the rear if load exceeds 105′ on non-Interstate routes or if it exceeds 120′ on Interstate routes. Over-length loads do not require signs if overall length is less than 110′.

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