Maryland Oversize Load Regulations: Complete Transport Guide
Important: We are not a permit service and we do not arrange permits for carriers. All information provided below is for informational purposes only. Always read permits and provisions carefully as we cannot guarantee the accuracy of information provided below.
Maryland DOT Ph#: 410-545-0300
For companies providing Machinery Hauling Services or Specialized Transport Services, understanding Maryland’s Oversize Permits and Heavy Load Compliance requirements is essential for successful Oversized Load Transportation. Here’s what you need to know about moving large equipment through the Old Line State.
Permit Details & Operating Hours
- Maryland Oversize Permits: Valid for 5 travel days and must be secured before entering the state.
- Standard operating window: 30 minutes before sunrise to 30 minutes after sunset (Monday-Friday, Saturday until noon).
- Night travel pilot program: Available for loads under:
- 12′ wide.
- 75′ long.
- 14′-6″ high.
- 120,000 lbs.
- Night moves: Must be requested during permit application.
Restricted Travel Areas & Times
- No weekend travel: On toll facilities or I-95 (Baltimore to Delaware line) from noon Friday to 9:00 AM Monday.
- Beltway restrictions (I-495/I-95 & I-695):
- Loads >12′ wide or >92,000 lbs: 9:00 AM – 3:30 PM (Saturday until noon).
- Loads ≥14′ wide: Limited to 9:00 AM – 3:30 PM on all highways.
- No travel: On six major holidays and holiday weekends.
Baltimore City Special Provisions
- Dundalk Marine Terminal access: Included with state permit for loads under:
- 120,000 lbs.
- 12′ wide.
- 14′-6″ high.
- 85′ long.
- Other Baltimore destinations: Require separate city permits (24+ hour processing time).
Legal & Routine Permit Dimensions
Standard Legal Dimensions (No Permit Required)
- Length:
- 53′ semi-trailer: (Interstate/designated highways).
- 48′ trailer: (Other roads).
- Overhang: 3′ front, 6′ rear.
- Width: 8′-6″ (Interstate), 8′ (other roads).
- Height: 13′-6″ (no flatbed exceptions).
- Weight Limits:
- Gross: 80,000 lbs.
- Single: 20,000 lbs.
- Tandem: 34,000 lbs.
- Tridem: 42,500 lbs.
Routine Permit Limits
- Length: Up to 120′.
- Width: Up to 16′.
- Height: Up to 16′ (route survey required >14′-6″).
- Weight:
- Up to 150,000 lbs: On Interstate.
- Up to 120,000 lbs: On non-Interstate.
- Axle limits:
- Single: 27,000 lbs.
- Tandem: 52,000 lbs.
- Tridem: 63,000 lbs.
- Super Loads: Exceed routine limits or >120,000 lbs on non-Interstate routes.
Escort Requirements
Standard Escorts
- Length Requirements:
- 85′: 1 escort.
- ≥140′: 2 escorts.
- Width Requirements:
- 13′: 1 escort.
- ≥14′: 2 escorts.
- ≥16′: Police escort required.
- Height Requirements:
- ≥14′-6″: 1 escort with height pole + route survey.
- Weight Requirements:
- 120,000 lbs: 1 civilian escort (Police escort if any non-Interstate travel).
- 130,000 lbs: Police escort required (even on Interstates).
County-Specific Rules
- Montgomery & Prince George Counties: 2 escorts required for >12′ wide on 2-lane undivided roads.
Equipment & Safety Requirements
Construction Equipment
- Blades/buckets may remain attached if ≤12′ wide.
- Detached blades must be hauled separately for overweight loads.
Signage & Marking
- “Oversize Load” or “Wide Load” signs required for >9′ width.
- Proper lighting required for night moves.
Key Considerations for Transport Logistics
- Heavy Haul Transport operations: Must comply with strict time windows.
- Oversize Freight Solutions: Should incorporate buffer time for Baltimore City permits.
- Safety Regulations: Require proper escorts for large moves.
- Logistics for Heavy Haul: Must consider weekend/holiday restrictions.