North Dakota

North Dakota Oversize Permits & Escorts Information

Do you need oversize load permits in the state of North Dakota? Find out the maximum width and weight allowed on North Dakota highways, the legal operating times, the oversize load signage rules, and when North Dakota 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

North Dakota oversize permits are valid for three days. Permits are required prior to entering the state. For more information, visit the North Dakota Highway Patrol.

Legal Operating Times

• Sunrise to sunset, including Saturday and Sunday. Loads over 110′ long and 16′ wide cannot travel after noon on Saturday nor on Sunday.
• Travel on major holidays may be restricted for some over-dimensional loads.
• Continuous 24/7 travel allowed for overweight only loads.

Pilot Cars & Escort Vehicles

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

• Length: Over 120’ long requires one rear.
• Width: Over 14’6” wide requires one front on two-lane roads. Over 16’ wide requires one front and one read on two-lane roads and one rear on four-lane roads.
• Height: Over 18’ high requires one front.
• Weight: Undefined.
• Overhang: Undefined.

Pilot Car and Escort Vehicle Requirements

Pilot cars and escort vehicles must be either a two-axle truck or a passenger vehicle and must be operated as a single unit only. The highest part of the vehicle must display and “OVERSIZE LOAD” sign at least 60′ long and 12″ tall with a yellow background and black lettering at least 8″ high and a 1.5″ brush stroke. Flashing amber lights must be mounted on both ends of the sign. One centrally mounted revolving amber light may be placed atop of the sign in lieu of the two alternating lights. Radio communication must be maintained between the pilot vehicles and the load.

Oversize Load Sign Requirements

“OVERSIZE LOAD” signs are required on rear when the load’s overall length exceeds 75′. All over-dimensional loads must display front and rear flags on the traffic-side of the load. Over-width and over-height loads only require flags.

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