Minnesota Oversize Transport Regulations

• Validity: Five travel days.
• Requirement: Permit must be obtained prior to entering the state.

• General: Sunrise to sunset (no special lighting required).
• Up to 10′ Wide: Typically 2:00 am to 10:00 pm, weekdays and Saturdays (exceptions for curfew areas and Friday summer restrictions).
• Night Operation: Requires flashing amber lights (front and rear) and lights in place of flags, outlining the vehicle and load.
• Over 10′ Wide: Requires front and rear escorts plus lights for travel before sunrise or after sunset.
• Summer Restrictions (Memorial Day weekend through the Friday after Labor Day):
  • No movement from 2:00 pm Friday until sunrise on Saturday (exceptions for loads up to 9′ wide on roadways 22′ or wider, and up to 14′ high).
  • Saturday: Travel permitted all day.
  • Sunday: Travel permitted from sunrise to 12:00 noon.
  • Over 10′ Wide (Night): Can travel at night only with front and rear escorts and must meet all lighting requirements.

• No travel: On major holidays.
• Twin City Metro Area Restrictions: For vehicles over 12′-6″ wide, 95′ long, or 14′ high, no travel between 6:00 am – 8:30 am or 3:30 pm – 6:00 pm, unless specified on the permit.
• Duluth City Limits Restrictions: For vehicles over 12′-6″ wide, 95′ long, or 14′ high, no travel between 7:00 am – 8:30 am or 4:00 pm – 5:30 pm, unless specified on the permit.

Length:

• Overall: 75′
• Semi-trailer: 53′
• Kingpin Setting: 43′ (measured from kingpin to the center of the rear axle group)
• Note: Utility Poles are exempt from permits only if the Bill of Lading specifies “utility poles.” Other items like pipes and beams are not exempt.

Width:

• Width: 8′-6″

Height:

• Height: 13′-6″

Weight:

• Gross Weight (Designated Highways): 80,000 lbs
• Gross Weight (Non-Designated Highways):
  • 5 axles: 73,280 lbs
  • 6 axles: 80,000 lbs
• Steer Axle: 600 lbs per inch of tire width (13,200 lbs with 11″ tires)
• Tandem Axle: 34,000 lbs
• Tridem Axle: 42,000 lbs
• Single Axle:
  • Designated Highways: 20,000 lbs
  • Other Roads: 18,000 lbs

• Length:
  • Two-vehicle combination: 95′ (with a wheelbase of 75′)
  • Single pivot point: 103′
• Width: Up to 14′-6″ (and up to 16′ for certain routes).
• Height:
  • 14′ to 15′-6″ (with route restrictions).
  • Over 15′-6″: Highly restricted, route survey required.
• Weight:
  • Single Axle: 20,000 lbs
  • Tandem Axle: 40,000 lbs (46,000 lbs with bridge check)
  • Tridem Axle: 60,000 lbs
  • Quad Axle: 72,000 lbs
  • Steer Axle: 600 lbs per inch of tire width (13,200 lbs on 11″ tires)
  • Pusher Axle: 500 lbs per inch of tire width (11,000 lbs with two 11″ tires)
• Registration: You must be registered for at least the permitted weight in Minnesota.
• Super Loads: Loads exceeding these routine permit limits are considered Super Loads.

Length Escorts:

• Over 95′: One escort
• Over 110′: Two escorts

Width Escorts:

• Over 14′-6″ (Multi-lane divided highways): One escort
• Over 14′-6″ (Two-lane highways): Two escorts
• Police escort required if the load encroaches on the opposing lane.

Height Escorts:

• Over 15′-5″: One escort with a high pole suggested (not required).
• Over 15′-6″: A height survey is required to obtain a permit.

• Note: Some routes with “deficiencies” may require an additional escort.

• Winter Load Increases: Typically go into effect in December (start date varies annually), allowing a 10% increase over maximum axle weights.
• Spring Thaw Period: Over legal axle/group weights are generally prohibited from approximately February 1st or March 1st (depending on the zone) through early to mid-May. Middle-range limits are then in effect until around May 31st.

• “Oversize Load” Signs: Required when escorts are needed or when the load exceeds 12′ in width. Must be illuminated for nighttime travel.
• Flags (18″ square): Required when rear overhang exceeds 4′, or when the vehicle/load exceeds 9′ in width or 75′ in length.
• Placement: Tip of overhang, corners, and widest points of the load.
• Overwidth/Overlength: Flags at each corner of the load, with an additional flag at the widest point on each side if it extends beyond the corner flags.
• Overhang (over 4′): Requires a light at night.
• Flashing Amber Lights: Usually required on the permit for loads over 12′ wide.

Whether you’re coordinating heavy haul project management, oversize transport logistics, or specialized transport services, staying compliant with wide load regulations and safety regulations for transporting oversized loads is critical. Effective logistics for heavy haul and oversize freight solutions help ensure reliable and safe delivery in Minnesota.