Connecticut Oversize / Overweight Trucking Permits
Connecticut Oversize permits OR Connecticut Overweight Permits are required when a vehicle or its load exceeds the state feet legal size or weight limits and needs to travel on public highways. These permits ensure compliance with safety standards and protect road infrastructure.
Connecticut oversize permits phone number: 630-222-5770
Easily access your Connecticut Oversize Permits Login portal to apply for Connecticut Oversize Permits and ensure compliance with all CT oversize regulations. Whether you need Connecticut Overweight Permits, Connecticut Overhang Permits, or a Connecticut Highway Use Permit, we provide fast and reliable services for all permit types. Get both Connecticut Single Trip Permits and Connecticut Annual Permits through our streamlined process. As a trusted CT DMV partner, we make oversize permitting simple and efficient for all your transportation needs.
Connecticut oversize regulations
Connecticut Legal Dimension Limit
Legal Dimensions for Trucking in Connecticut:
- Legal Length in Connecticut: 48 feet.
53 feet semi-trailers are allowed only on Interstate and Designated Highways.
The distance from the kingpin to the center of the rear axle must not exceed 43 feet.
Kingpin setting is not a concern for single-piece overdimension (OD) loads.
For multi-piece loads, the 43-foot rule applies even if extra pieces are within legal size.
A $750 fine may apply if a 53-foot trailer travels without a permit and exceeds the 43-foot kingpin limit this includes empty trips unless the return is specified on the permit. - Legal overhang allowances:
Overhang beyond 4 feet on a 48-foot trailer requires a permit.
Must be flagged during daylight hours.
Must be illuminated during nighttime travel.
Width: The maximum width allowed is 8 feet 6 inches.
Height: Maximum legal height is 13 feet 6 inches.
Note: Connecticut does not issue overheight permits for any type of building transport.
Connecticut Legal Weight Limit
The maximum allowable gross vehicle weight is 80,000 pounds, subject to axle configurations:
Axle weight limits Connecticut:
- Single Axle: Up to 22,400 pounds
- Tandem Axle: Up to 36,000 pounds
- Tridem Axle Group: Up to 42,000 pounds
Connecticut Routine Limit: Connecticut Oversize and Overweight Limits
Maximum Dimensions:
- Length: Up to 130 feet.
- Width: Up to 15 feet 11 inches.
- Height: Up to 14 feet.
Note: A route survey is required for heights above 14 feet. Maximum allowable height for buildings is 13 feet 6 inches.
Maximum Axle Weights With CO Overweight Permit:
Permitted Weight Ranges (varies by route and axle spacing):
Single axle: Up to 22,500lbs
Tandem axle: Up to 45,000lbs
Tridem axle: Up to 67,500lbs
Quad axle: 60,000 to 72,000 pounds
Connecticut does not adhere strictly to standard axle weights. In some cases, loads may be approved up to 25,000lbs on a single axle if the manufacturer’s weight rating is not exceeded and total vehicle weight falls within the limits for 5, 6, or 7 axle configurations.
- Superload Classifications: Any load exceeding 14 feet in width, 14 feet in height, or 120 feet in length qualifies as a Super Load. Loads exceeding 140,000 pounds require an engineering review before a permit is issued.
Note for Regional Travel: In Massachusetts, the maximum width allowed for a superload is 16 feet.
Connecticut oversize permits validity period
To operate legally in Connecticut, commercial carriers must secure the appropriate permits based on vehicle size, weight, and registration status. Below is a detailed guide to the validity of all key Connecticut trucking permits, including oversize, overweight, superload, IRP, IFTA, TRP, and temporary trip and fuel permits.
- Single Trip Permit (Oversize/ Overweight): Valid for 3 consecutive travel days. It required for Oversize or Overweight Loads.
- Superload Permit: Case-by-case (typically 3–5 days, depending on routing and escort requirements). It required forload exceeding standard oversize/overweight thresholds (typically over 160,000 lbs, 16′ wide, or 14′ high)
- IRP Trip Permit: Valid for 72 hours (3 days). This permit for vehicles not registered under IRP (International Registration Plan) and it allows temporary legal interstate travel in Connecticut without permanent IRP credentials
- IFTA Trip Permit: Valid for 3 consecutive travel days. For non-IFTA (International Fuel Tax Agreement) carriers operating in CT; allows compliance with state fuel tax laws and travel through CT without an IFTA license or decals temporarily
- Additional Connecticut Permit
- Annual Oversize Permit: Valid for 1 year
- Annual Overweight Permit: Valid for 1 year
- Quarterly Mileage Permit: Valid for 3 months (90 days)
- Temporary Registration: Typically, valid for 10–30 days
Operating Time Connecticut:
Travel is allowed only during daylight starting 30 minutes after sunrise and ending 30 minutes before sunset. Travel is not permitted on weekends or recognized public holidays. Loads classified as overweight-only are also restricted from weekend travel. In addition, movement is not allowed during peak traffic hours specifically between 6:30 a.m. and 9:00 a.m., and again from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. For loads exceeding 13 feet 6 inches in width or taller than 14 feet, travel is restricted to Tuesday through Thursday, and only between 9:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m.
Connecticut continues a pilot program permitting some weekend travel. Under this program, travel on Saturdays and Sundays is allowed from sunrise until noon provided the load does not exceed 12 feet in width, 13 feet 6 inches in height, 80 feet in length, or 120,000 pounds (on five or more axles). Weekend movement must be specifically requested at the time of permit application.
Restricted Travel Connecticut:
Movement is restricted on major national holidays, which include Christmas Day, Thanksgiving, Labor Day, Independence Day, Memorial Day, Good Friday, and New Year’s Day. If a holiday falls on a Monday, operations must cease by noon on the preceding day (usually Sunday). Note that holiday travel regulations are subject to annual updates.
Oversize Restrictions on Roads and Bridges in Connecticut
Connecticut complies with the Federal Bridge Formula for calculating safe load limits on bridges. Additional roadway restrictions for oversize vehicles include, but are not limited to:
Avoiding active construction zones
Obeying all posted warnings within work areas
Giving priority to emergency vehicles and law enforcement when encountered on the road.
Tire Requirements for Oversize Loads
All tires must be fully functional, properly inflated, and have a minimum tread depth of 2/32 inches.
The allowable weight per inch of tire width is capped at 600 pounds.
Tires must not have any protruding material other than rubber or legally authorized tire chains.
From November 15 to April 30, studded tires and snow chains may be used in compliance with seasonal safety regulations.
Connecticut Amber Light Permit Guidelines
- Use of Amber Lights for Escort Vehicles: In Connecticut, any vehicle escorting an oversize or overweight load must be equipped with an amber warning light mounted on the roof. These lights serve as a safety measure to alert nearby motorists of potentially hazardous or slow-moving vehicles. The required fee (typically $20)
- Purpose of the Amber Light Permit: The Connecticut Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) requires a special permit for vehicles that need to operate with yellow or amber lights including flashing variants. These are commonly used on escort vehicles, highway maintenance trucks, and others as outlined in state law. The permit legalizes the use of such warning lights and ensures compliance with public safety regulations.
- Who Needs a Permit?: Most vehicles must have an amber light permit unless specifically exempted by law. Exemptions include:
Authorized wreckers (tow trucks)
Rural mail delivery vehicles
Vehicles owned, leased, or registered to federal, state, or local government agencies (when legally authorized to display amber lights) - Permit Issuance and Compliance: Once approved, the permit allows legal operation of amber lights as specified. Operating such lights without a permit, when one is required, may result in fines or other enforcement actions.
Connecticut Escort Requirement
Length-Based Requirements:
- Divided Highways:
Loads exceeding 100 feet require one escort.
Loads exceeding 120 feet require two escorts - Undivided Highways:
Loads longer than 80 feet must have one escort.
Loads exceeding 100 feet must require two escorts. - Overhang: If the overhang extends beyond 25 feet, one escort is typically required.
Width-Based Requirements:
- Loads over 12 feet wide require one escort on divided highways and two on undivided highways.
- If the load is over 13 feet 6 inches wide, two escorts are needed regardless of the roadway.
- Loads exceeding 14 feet 11 inches (effectively 15 feet or more) may require three escorts.
Height-Based Requirements:
- For heights over 14 feet, a lead escort with a height pole is required, and a route survey must be completed prior to permit issuance.
- When a load exceeds 15 feet 3 inches in height, two or more State Police escorts will be required.
Connecticut Banners, Lighting & Flage Requirement
- Loads wider than 10 feet or taller than 13 feet 6 inches must display “Oversize Load” signs.
- Any overhang greater than 4 feet must be flagged during daylight and equipped with lights after dark.\
- Bright safety flags (commonly red or orange) must be attached to each corner of the vehicle and placed at the widest points of the load to enhance visibility.
Additional Information
- For loads up to 14 feet in width, equipment such as a blade may remain attached.
- If a load is overweight and the weight can be reduced by detaching the blade, then it must be transported separately.
- Connecticut does not issue oversize permits for containers.
- Permits are not granted for loads classified as buildings or structures that exceed Connecticut’s height limitations.
Connecticut Oversize Permits for Truck with Permit Cost
Connecticut Oversize/Overweight Fee structure
Connecticut offers a variety of vehicle and transportation permits, each with its own fee depending on the type and usage. Below is a breakdown of key permit types and their current associated costs:
- Single Trip Permit: $23.00
- Electronic Transmission Charge: $3.00
- Annual Permit Fee Based on Account Code (Non-Divisible Loads): For annual permits, the total fee is determined by the gross vehicle weight listed on the permit. The rate is $7.00 for every 1,000 pounds, or portion thereof.
These annual account code permits are valid from May 1 through April 30 of the following year.
No refunds or prorated fees are issued, regardless of the start date. - Tractor and Semi-Trailer Combination Fees: When applying for an annual permit covering a tractor and semi-trailer, the $7.00 per 1,000-pound rate (or fraction of it) is applied separately to both the power unit and the trailer.
Oversize Permits
Overweight Permits
Overhang Permits
Single Trip Permits
Super load Permits
Annual Permits
Frequently Asked Questions
A single trip oversize permit in Connecticut costs $23.00, plus a $3.00 transmission fee. For annual permits, the fee is calculated at $7.00 per 1,000 pounds of gross weight (or any part thereof).
In Connecticut, oversize and overweight loads must follow strict movement rules, including daylight-only travel, no movements during rush hours (6:30–9:00 AM and 4:00–6:00 PM), and weekend restrictions for certain load types. Permits are required when a vehicle exceeds legal dimensions or weights
Connecticut oversize permits can be obtained online through our website comparetransportll.com or by calling us at 630-222-5770
Yes, Connecticut does require trip permits for out-of-state carriers who do not participate in the International Registration Plan (IRP). These permits allow temporary legal operation within the state. Contact Compare Transport LLC to quickly obtain a trip permit online.
Connecticut oversize permits can be obtained online through our website comparetransportll.com or by calling us at 630-222-5770
You can log in to manage your Connecticut oversize permit through Our website comparetransportll.com
Applications for Connecticut oversize permits can be submitted online via our website comparetransportll.com or by calling us at 630-222-5770
The phone number for assistance is 630-222-5770.
Yes, you can get Connecticut oversize permit online by calling us at 630-222-5770.
The legal size and weight limits for vehicles in Connecticut are:
Width: 8 feet 6 inches
Height: 13 feet 6 inches
Length: 53 feet for a semi-trailer
Weight: 80,000 pounds gross vehicle weight on 5 axles
Anything exceeding these limits requires a permit.
Single-trip overweight permits cost $30 plus $10 per axle. Annual permits are priced at $400.
The base cost is $23.00 for a single trip oversize permit, with an added $3.00 transmission fee. For annual permits, the cost is calculated at $7.00 per 1,000 pounds of gross weight.
During winter months, particularly between November 15 and April 30, Connecticut permits the use of studded tires and snow chains. Some roads may have additional seasonal restrictions based on weather or maintenance conditions. It’s advised to check conditions before transport.
To obtain an oversize permit in Connecticut, the vehicle or load must exceed one or more legal limits for size or weight. Requirements include:
o Proper insurance
o Route survey for loads over 14 feet in height
o Compliance with travel time restrictions
o Escort vehicles when applicable
Compare Transport LLC offers permit processing services to make compliance easier.
The maximum allowed height for any vehicle operating in Connecticut without an oversize permit is 13 feet 6 inches. Anything above that requires prior authorization through a height permit.
In Connecticut, the maximum width for a vehicle or load without requiring a permit is 8 feet 6 inches. Any load that exceeds this width must obtain an oversize permit before traveling
