Rhode Island Oversize & Heavy Haul Transport Regulations

• Single-Trip Permits: Valid for 5 days.
• Operating Window: ½ hour before sunrise to ½ hour after sunset.
• Weekend Travel: Not allowed.
• Holiday Restrictions:
  • No travel on major holidays.
  • VJ Day (2nd Monday in August) prohibited.
  • Possible restrictions after noon on pre-holidays.

• Length: 53′ semitrailers (41′ max kingpin to rear axle) on interstates/designated routes; 48′ semitrailers on other roads.
• Overhang: 3′ front maximum, 6′ rear maximum.
• Width: 8’6″.
• Height: 13’6″.
• Weight Limits:
  • 80,000 lbs gross.
  • Single axle: 22,400 lbs.
  • Tandem axle: 36,000 lbs.
  • Tridem axle: 42,000–42,750 lbs (depending on spacing).

• Routine permit limits vary by route and dimensions.
• Weight allowances determined by axle spacing (typically 22,500 lbs/axle).
• Superloads (>200,000 lbs): Require:
  • Route survey by engineering firm.
  • Special approval.

Length:

• 80′: 1 escort.
• 90′: 2 escorts.

Width:

• 12′: 1 escort.
• 14’6″: 2 escorts.

Height:

• Height >14′: 1 escort.

Metropolitan Areas:

• May require police escorts.

• Structural loads (pipes, poles, etc.) under 80′ length typically exempt from permits.
• Oversize Load Safety Regulations: Require:
  • Proper signage (“Oversize Load” front and rear).
  • Flagging at all extremities.
  • Additional flags for wider/longer loads.

• Plan routes carefully considering all restrictions.
• Schedule moves within permitted time windows.
• Verify escort requirements before departure.
• Ensure compliance with marking and flagging regulations.
• For heavy equipment oversize shipping, confirm axle weights and spacings.