New Hampshire 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.
New Hampshire DOT Ph#: 603-271-2691
For companies involved in heavy equipment transport or machinery hauling services, understanding New Hampshire’s oversize load safety regulations is crucial for compliant operations. Here’s what you need to know:
Permit Information
- Permit Validity: Oversize permits valid for 5 travel days.
- Permit Requirements: Must obtain permits before entering the state.
- Single-trip Permits: Required for most oversized loads.
- Special Provisions: For overweight-only loads (no time restrictions).
Operating Hours & Travel Restrictions
- Standard Movement: Allowed ½ hour before sunrise to ½ hour after sunset, Monday-Friday.
- No Weekend or Holiday Travel: For over-dimensional loads.
- Manchester City Restrictions:
- Weekdays: 7-9 AM and 3-6 PM.
- Holiday Restrictions: Apply to all permit loads.
- Toll Roads: Follow the same regulations as other highways.
Legal Dimensions for Heavy Haul Trucks
Length:
- 53′: On Interstates/designated highways (41′ kingpin to rear tandem).
- 48′: On other roads.
- Exemptions: For pole/pipe transporters.
Width:
- 8’6″: Standard width.
Height:
- 13’6″: Maximum height.
Weight Limits:
- Gross: 80,000 lbs.
- Single axle: 20,000-22,400 lbs.
- Tandem: 34,000-36,000 lbs.
- Special Lower Thresholds: When GVW ≤73,280 lbs.
Routine Permit Limits
- Length: Up to 110′.
- Width: Up to 16′.
- Height: Up to 16′.
- Weight:
- Single: 25,000 lbs.
- Tandem: 50,000 lbs.
- Tridem: 70,000 lbs.
- Quad: 85,000 lbs.
- Superload Classification: Exceeds any of the above dimensions.
Bridge Review Requirements
- Mandatory for:
- Single axles >27,500 lbs.
- Tandem axles >25,000 lbs per axle.
- Combinations exceeding:
- 5-axle: 100,000 lbs.
- 6-axle: 120,000 lbs.
- 7-axle: 130,000 lbs.
- 8+ axles: 149,999 lbs.
Escort Requirements
Escort Services by Route Type:
- Length:
- ≥80′: 1 escort.
- 100′: State Police escort (48-hour notice required).
- Overhang:
- 15′: 1 escort (2 on two-lane roads if width >12′).
- Width:
- ≥12′: 1 escort.
- 15’1″: State Police escort.
- 18′: 2 State Police escorts.
- Height: Route surveys may be required >13’6″.
Safety & Compliance
- “Oversize Load” Signs: Required front and rear.
- Red Flags: ≥12″ square required for:
- Side projections >4″.
- Rear overhang >4′ (1-2 flags depending on width).
- No Special Lighting Requirements.
- Spring Load Restrictions: Possible 20,000 lbs axle limits during thaw.