Nevada Oversize Load Regulations & Permit 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.
Nevada DOT Ph#: 800-552-2127
For companies specializing in heavy haul oversized transport or machinery hauling services, understanding Nevada’s unique oversize load safety regulations is essential for compliant operations. Here’s what you need to know:
Permit Essentials
- Permit Validity: Oversize permits valid for 5 days (must obtain before entering state).
- Single-trip Permits: Required for most oversized movements.
- Special Provisions: Night/weekend travel available upon request.
- Unique Light Permit: Nevada Light Permit required for amber warning lights.
Operating Hours & Travel Flexibility
- Standard Movement: Allowed ½ hour before sunrise to ½ hour after sunset.
- Extended Travel Privileges:
- Night Travel: Permitted for loads ≤12′ wide, ≤15′ high, ≤110′ long.
- Weekend Travel: Allowed for loads ≤14′ wide, ≤15′ high, ≤110′ long (except restricted areas).
- Holiday Travel: Typically permitted for loads ≤12′ wide.
Restricted Areas & Special Considerations
- I-80 (Reno to CA line): No weekend travel for loads >12′ wide.
- I-15 (Las Vegas to CA line): Same restrictions apply.
- Hoover Dam Area: Strict 8’6″-10′ width limit with mandatory dual escorts.
- No Weekday Curfews: In urban areas (Las Vegas/Reno).
- Spring Weight Restrictions: On some secondary routes (Feb-April).
Legal Dimensions for Heavy Equipment Transport
Length:
- 53′ semi-trailer standard.
- 75′ maximum: Including overhang.
- Overhang: 10′ max (within 75′ total length).
Width:
- 8’6″: Standard width.
Height:
- 18′: Maximum height.
Weight Limits:
- Gross: 80,000 lbs.
- Single axle: 20,000 lbs.
- Tandem: 34,000 lbs.
- Tridem: 42,000 lbs.
Routine Permit Limits
- Length: Case-by-case determination.
- Width: Up to 17′.
- Height: Up to 16′.
- Weight:
- 5 axles: 92,000 lbs.
- 6 axles: 96,000 lbs.
- 7 axles: 101,000 lbs.
- Bonus Weight Program: Special allowances for properly spaced tridems (58,000-59,000 lbs).
Escort Requirements for Oversize Load Safety
Escort Services by Route Type:
- Interstate/4-Lane Highways:
- Width 14′: 1 escort required.
- Width 16′: 2 escorts required.
- Width 17′: May require Highway Patrol.
- Height: >15’6″: High-pole escort required.
- 2-Lane Highways:
- Width 12′: 1 escort required.
- Width 14′: 2 escorts required.
- Width 16′: 3 escorts required.
- Height: >15’6″: High-pole escort required.
Safety & Compliance for Transporting Large Equipment
- “Oversize Load” Signs: Required when >8’6″ wide.
- Flags: Required for >4′ overhang.
- Lighting:
- Headlights on low beam.
- Special NV Light Permit: For amber warning lights.
Special Considerations
- Route Planning: For overweight vehicles should account for:
- Seasonal restrictions.
- Hoover Dam limitations.
- Weekend interstate bans.