New Hampshire
New Hampshire Oversize Permits & Escorts Information
Do you need oversize load permits in the state of New Hampshire? Find out the maximum width and weight allowed on New Hampshire highways, the legal operating times, the oversize load signage rules, and when New Hampshire 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
Permits
New Hampshire oversize permits are valid for five travel days. Must have permit prior to entering the state. For more information, visit the New Hampshire Department of Transportation.
Legal Operating Times
- One-half hour before sunrise to one-half hour after sunset, Monday through Friday.
- Continuous 24/7 travel allowed for overweight only loads.
- Travel prohibited through the city of Manchester from 7:00 a.m. to 9:00 a.m. and from 3:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.
- No travel on major holidays (New Year’s Day, Martin Luther King Day, Washington’s Birthday, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Columbus Day, Veterans 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′ wide requires one. Over 100′ requires police escort.
- Width: Over 12′ wide requires one. Over 15′1″ requires one police escort. Over 18′ requires two police escorts.
- Height: Over 13′6″ high may require a route survey.
- Weight: Undefined.
- Overhang: Over 15′ requires one escort. Two-lane undivided highways require two if overhang exceeds 15′ and width exceeds 12′.
Pilot Car and Escort Vehicle Requirements
Pilot cars and escort vehicles shall be the size of a compact car or larger. The drivers of escort vehicles shall maintain visual and two-way radio contact with the permitted vehicle at all times. When one escort is required, it shall precede a load on undivided highways and follow the load on divided highways. Escort vehicles preceding oversize loads shall display a warning sign affixed to the front with a legend reading, “OVERSIZE LOAD”. The escort vehicle following oversize loads shall display a warning sign affixed to the rear with a legend reading, “OVERSIZE LOAD”. The signs shall have a yellow background, be made of durable material unaffected by moisture, and be at least 5′ wide and 12″ high with black letters at least 10″ high with a 1.4″ stroke. One escort vehicle shall be equipped with a top-mounted flashing or rotating amber light. When escorting a move, the escort vehicle shall be operated with headlights on in the low beam position.
Oversize Load Sign Requirements
“OVERSIZE LOAD” signs are required on front and rear of the load. Red flags at least 12″ by 12″ must be placed on all extremities if the load extends more than 4″ beyond the sides of the trailer. If the rear overhang exceeds 4′, one flag shall be displayed at the end of the overhang if it is less than 2′ wide, and two flags shall be displayed at the end of the overhang if it is over 2′ wide.
The data on this page is for informational purposes only, and we do not guarantee its accuracy.