North Dakota

New Mexico Oversize Permits & Escorts Information

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

Permits

New Mexico oversize permits are valid for five days. Permits can be purchased at ports of entry, provided the size of the load does not require a bridge check or route survey. For more information, visit the New Mexico Department of Transportation.

Legal Operating Times

• One-half hour before sunrise to one-half hour after sunset, Monday through Saturday.
• Continuous 24/7 travel allowed for overweight only loads and loads not exceeding 120′ long, 10′ wide, 14′6″ high, and/or 140,000 lbs.
• Travel in the municipalities of Albuquerque, Santa Fe, and Espanola prohibited from 7:00 a.m. to 9:00 a.m. and from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. In Santa Fe, movement is also prohibited from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., except on SR-599. However, curfew times do not apply to I-25 through Santa Fe.
• No movement is allowed when weather conditions restrict visibility to less than 1000′ or when wind speed is 25 mph or more.
• No travel on major holidays (New Year’s Day, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving Day, and Christmas Day). Closure may start at noon on the day before holiday.

Pilot Cars & Escort Vehicles

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

• Length: Between 90′ and 110′ requires one. Over 110′ requires two.
• Width: Between 14′ and 20′ requires one. Over 20′ requires one plus police escort and flagman.
• Height: Over 16′ requires one with height pole plus a route survey.
• Weight: Undefined.
• Overhang: Undefined.

Pilot Car and Escort Vehicle Requirements

Pilot cars and escort vehicles must have a wheelbase of at least 100″, tries in excellent condition, and a rated capacity of no more than 1.5 tons. At the port of entry, pilot cars and escort vehicles require an inspection by the New Mexico DOT. The driver must present a certificate of insurance that meets the minimum New Mexico requirements. The vehicle must display the company name, address, and contact information on both sides of the vehicle. At least one “OVERSIZE LOAD” sign must be displayed on the vehicle. This sign must be at least 5′ long and 12″ tall with a yellow background and black letters at least 1″ thick. Two amber flashing or strobe lights must be placed on the two most outer edges of the vehicle with 360-degree visibility from at least 500′. Headlamps must be turned on while in operation. All pilot cars and escort vehicles must be equipped with a two-way or CB radio units capable of broadcasting at least 10 miles, at least two florescent orange-colored safety flags at least 12″ in length, three reflective road triangles, eight ignitable road flares, a safety-colored vest or jacket, and a type A, B, and C fire extinguisher that is at least 2.5 lbs.

Oversize Load Sign Requirements

“OVERSIZE LOAD” or “WIDE LOAD” signs are required on the front of the towing unit and on the rear of the load. Red flags at least 12″x12″ must be affixed to both the front right and left sides of the towing unit and to each corner of the load. Towing vehicles pulling loads that exceed 12′ in with wide may mount an amber rotating or flashing beacon atop the cab.

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