Colorado Oversize Permits & Heavy Haul Transport
Important: We are not a permit service. We do not arrange permits for carriers. The following is for informational purposes only. We also do not answer permit and escort requirements. Always read your permits and provisions sheets carefully. We cannot guarantee the accuracy of the information provided.
Colorado DOT Phone: 303-757-9539
General Information
Navigating the complexities of oversize heavy haul and oversize load management in Colorado demands careful attention to regulations. For any heavy haul oversized transport or oversize equipment transport, there are 5-day single-trip permits.
When you are planning your transit, keep in mind the operating time generally runs from sunrise to sunset. If your load is 12 feet wide or less, you may travel at night, provided you have lights – be sure to verify some inspection and marking and signage requirements for oversize loads. For loads exceeding 12 feet but not 14 feet in width, an oversize load escort service becomes necessary for nighttime journeys.
Keep in mind potential restricted travel times, often detailed in an addendum accompanying your oversize permit. A crucial point for heavy equipment transport is the Eisenhower Tunnel on I-70, which has a maximum height allowance of 13 feet 11 inches. Loads exceeding this height must utilize US Highway 6 as a bypass. Interestingly, while permitted loads over 11 feet wide must call for clearance before passing through the tunnel, even wider loads can use it. If your oversize load delivery involves travel into or out of Denver, be prepared for potential delays (averaging 2-3 days) in obtaining a required city permit for city streets.
When you are planning your transit, keep in mind the operating time generally runs from sunrise to sunset. If your load is 12 feet wide or less, you may travel at night, provided you have lights – be sure to verify some inspection and marking and signage requirements for oversize loads. For loads exceeding 12 feet but not 14 feet in width, an oversize load escort service becomes necessary for nighttime journeys.
Keep in mind potential restricted travel times, often detailed in an addendum accompanying your oversize permit. A crucial point for heavy equipment transport is the Eisenhower Tunnel on I-70, which has a maximum height allowance of 13 feet 11 inches. Loads exceeding this height must utilize US Highway 6 as a bypass. Interestingly, while permitted loads over 11 feet wide must call for clearance before passing through the tunnel, even wider loads can use it. If your oversize load delivery involves travel into or out of Denver, be prepared for potential delays (averaging 2-3 days) in obtaining a required city permit for city streets.
Legal Dimensions
- Length: 57′-4″ trailer & load legal on interstates/designated highways.
- Overhang:
- 4′ front
- 10′ rear
- Over 4′ rear needs lighting for night travel.
- Width: 8′-6″
- Height:
- 14′-6″ on designated highways.
- 13′ on non-designated highways.
- Weight:
- 80,000 lbs Gross on Interstate.
- 85,000 lbs Gross on non-Interstate.
- Axle Limits:
- Steer: 20,000 lbs
- Single: 20,000 lbs
- Tandem: 36,000 lbs
- Tridem: 54,000 lbs
Routine Permit Limits
- Length: 130′ (four-lane highways).
- Width: 17′
- Height: 16′
- Over 14′-6″ often requires a survey.
- Weight:
- Single: 22,000-27,000 lbs
- Tandem: 42,000-50,000 lbs
- Tridem: 55,000-65,000 lbs
- Quad: 60,000-72,000 lbs
Escorts
- Length:
- Over 85′ (some two/four-lane): One escort.
- Over 110′ (two-lane) or 115′ (four+ lane): One escort.
- Overhang:
- Over 25′: One escort.
- Width (Interstate):
- Over 13′: One rear escort OR one flashing yellow light in rear.
- Width (Two-lane highways – “Green Routes”):
- Over 13′: One escort OR one flashing yellow light in rear.
- Over 15′: Two escorts OR one front escort and flashing yellow light in rear.
- Width (Four-lane highways – “Green Routes”):
- Over 13′: One rear escort OR one flashing yellow light in rear.
- Over 15′: Two escorts OR front escort and flashing yellow light in rear.
- Height:
- Over 16′: One escort with high pole.
- Over 17′-6″: Route survey and utility clearance letters also needed.
Miscellaneous
- Dozer blades can sometimes be detached for legal weight.
- Colorado Chain Law (I-70, Sep 1 – May 31): Chains required.
- Overweight divisible load permits are available for certain tractor-trailer setups.
Signs, Flags & Lights
- “Oversize Load” signs required front and rear (not for overweight only).
- Flags at all four corners of wide/over-length loads and ends of projections over 4′.
- Night travel (wide loads): Flashing yellow light on front, two or three on extreme rear.
- Night travel (over-length or >10′ rear overhang): Flashing yellow front, one to three cluster lights on overhang (red rear, yellow front).
- Night travel (legal overhang, >4′ rear): Red light or lantern visible for 500′ at end of projection.