Delaware Oversize / Overweight Trucking Permits
Delaware Oversize permits OR Delaware 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.
Delaware oversize permits phone number: 630-222-5770
Easily access your Delaware Oversize Permits Login portal to apply for Delaware Oversize Permits and ensure compliance with all DE oversize regulations. Whether you need Delaware Overweight Permits, Delaware Overhang Permits, or a Delaware Highway Use Permit, we provide fast and reliable services for all permit types. Get both Delaware Single Trip Permits and Delaware Annual Permits through our streamlined process. We make oversize permitting simple and efficient for all your transportation needs.
Delaware oversize regulations
Delaware Legal Dimension Limit
Legal Dimensions for Trucking in Delaware:
- Legal Length in Delaware: On Interstate and designated highways, 53 feet semi-trailers are considered standard. Loads such as poles or steel materials up to 70 feet in total length, including a legal rear overhang of up to 5 feet, are allowed. Rear overhangs are restricted to a maximum of 10 feet beyond the back of the vehicle.
Overhang Limits:
Rear: Maximum 6 feet
Front: Maximum 3 feet
- Width: The maximum allowable width is 8 feet 6 inches on designated routes, and 8 feet on non-designated roads.
- Height: The permitted height is up to 13 feet 6 inches on major highways, and 13 feet on routes not officially designated.
Delaware Legal Weight Limit
The maximum allowable gross vehicle weight is 80,000 pounds, subject to axle configurations:
Axle weight limits Delaware:
- Steering Axles: Up to 20,000 pounds
- Single Axle: Up to 20,000 pounds
- Tandem Axle: Up to 34,000 pounds
- Tridem Axle Group: Up to 42,000 pounds
Delaware Routine Limit: Delaware Oversize and Overweight Limits
Maximum Dimensions:
- Length: Permits may authorize transportation of loads up to a total length of 120 feet.
- Width: Up to 15 feet.
- Height: Up to 15 feet tall.
Maximum Axle Weights With DE Overweight Permit:
Permitted Weight Ranges (varies by route and axle spacing):
- Single axle: Up to 20,000lbs
- Tandem axle: Up to 46,000lbs
- Tridem axle: Up to 69,000lbs
- Five Axles: Weight varies based on axle spacing
- Six, Seven, or Eight Axles: Up to 120,000lbs total
- Superload Classifications: If any dimension or weight exceeds these values, the load is classified as a Super Load and must be submitted for special approval.
Delaware oversize permits validity period
To operate legally in Delaware, 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 Delaware trucking permits, including oversize, overweight, superload, IRP, IFTA, TRP, and temporary trip and fuel permits.
- Single Trip Permit (Oversize / Overweight)
Validity: Up to 7 consecutive calendar days
Purpose: For hauling loads that exceed legal size and/or weight limits on a specific route
Usage: One-way travel only; not valid for multiple trips or return journeys - Superload Permit
Validity: Typically, valid for 7 days
Purpose: Required when loads exceed routine permit limits (e.g., very large or heavy loads)
Note: May require route surveys, special approvals, or escorts depending on the load dimensions - IRP Trip Permit
Validity: 72 hours (3 days)
Purpose: Temporary registration for out-of-state carriers not registered under IRP but operating in Delawar
Usage: Allows legal travel into or through Delaware without full IRP credentials - IFTA Trip Permit
Validity: 120 hours (5 days)
Purpose: Temporary fuel tax license for carriers without a valid IFTA decal traveling through Delawar
Usage: Enables short-term fuel tax compliance for interstate trips - Delaware Toll Permit (if applicable for oversize moves on toll roads)
Validity: Matches the duration of the oversize permit (usually up to 7 days)
Purpose: Covers toll usage on specific Delaware toll roads for permitted loads
Operating Time Delaware:
Travel is allowed from sunrise to sunset, including weekends (Saturday and Sunday).
Restricted Travel Delaware:
Travel is prohibited on the following holidays: New Year’s Day, Good Friday, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving, and Christmas. Movement must stop by 12:00 noon on the day before these holidays and may resume after 9:00 a.m. the following day. Please confirm current restrictions with the Permit Office, as holiday regulations may change annually.
Oversize Restrictions on Roads and Bridges in Delaware
Delaware follows the Federal Bridge Formula to ensure structural safety, which places specific limits on weight distribution across bridges. In terms of oversize road usage, the following restrictions generally apply:
- Traveling through active construction or work zones
- Ignoring posted warnings or signals in construction areas
- Failing to yield to authorized vehicles such as police, ambulances, or other emergency services.
Delaware Escort Requirement
Length-Based Requirements:
- 90 feet or more: One rear escort is required.
- If the load is 100 feet or longer, two escort vehicles are typically required.
- 120 feet or more: Two escorts along with a State Police escort are mandatory.
Overhang-Based Escorts:
- Rear overhang exceeding 15 feet: One escort required unless specified differently on the permit.
Width-Based Requirements:
- Over 13 feet wide: Requires one escort vehicle.
- Over 14 feet wide: Two escort vehicles are necessary.
- Over 15 feet wide: Two escorts and a State Police escort are required.
Height-Based Requirements:
- Loads that are 15 feet tall: Two escort vehicles required.
- Loads 17 feet 6 inches or higher: Two escorts and a State Police escort are needed.
- Any height of 15 feet or more: A detailed route survey is mandatory.
Weight-Based Escorts:
- Loads exceeding 120,000 pounds: Must be accompanied by two escorts, State Police, and a bridge structure survey.
Delaware Banners, Lighting & Flage Requirement
Oversize load warning signs are mandatory for all vehicles carrying loads that exceed standard width, length, or rear overhang. Flags must be placed at the widest points of any overwidth load. For rear overhangs greater than 4 feet, one red or orange flag is required at the end of the load if it is 2 feet wide or less; if the overhanging portion is more than 2 feet wide, two flags must be used one on each side.
Additional Information
Miscellaneous Requirements: All loads that can be broken down must be reduced before transport. This includes items such as buckets, blades, counterweights, and similar components no exceptions allowed.
Delaware Oversize/Overweight Fee structure
In Delaware, the base fee for an oversize permit begins at $10.00. For Superload permits, the starting cost is $30.00. When transporting overweight loads, an additional charge of $5.00 is applied for every 8,000 pounds (or fraction thereof) that exceeds the legal weight limit for the vehicle. If the permitted route includes any of the state’s three toll roads, a flat toll charge of $11.00 will be added for each toll facility used during the trip.
Oversize Permits
Overweight Permits
Overhang Permits
Single Trip Permits
Super load Permits
Annual Permits
Frequently Asked Questions
The cost of an oversize permit in Delaware typically starts at $25, depending on the dimensions, weight, and the route. Additional fees may apply for larger or superload moves.
Delaware requires permits for vehicles or loads that exceed legal dimensions. Movement is generally allowed during daylight hours, Monday through Friday. Travel may be restricted during peak traffic hours or holidays. Escort vehicles, route surveys, and additional safety equipment may be required based on load size
Delaware oversize permits can be obtained online through our website comparetransportll.com or by calling us at 630-222-5770
Yes, Delaware requires trip permits for out-of-state commercial vehicles that are not registered under the IRP (International Registration Plan). These temporary permits allow operation for a limited time and mileage.
Delaware 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 Delaware oversize permit through Our website comparetransportll.com
Applications for Delaware 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 Delaware oversize permit online by calling us at 630-222-5770.
In Delaware, the legal load limits without a permit are:
- Width: 8 feet 6 inches
- Height: 13 feet 6 inches
- Length: 53 feet for semi-trailers
- Weight: 80,000 pounds gross (with axle limits applying)
An overweight permit in Delaware generally starts at $30 and can increase based on weight and axle configuration. Superloads incur additional fees.
Oversize permit costs in Delaware range from $25 to $60, depending on the load’s width, height, length, and the required route. Superload permits or those needing escorts may cost more.
Seasonal restrictions in Delaware may apply during spring thaw periods or severe weather. Restrictions can impact the routes and times permitted for travel. These are enforced to prevent road damage and ensure safety.
Delaware oversize permit requirements include:
- Permit for any load exceeding legal limits
- Possible escort vehicles for over-dimension loads
- Restrictions on travel times and days
Compliance with approved routes and safety regulations
The maximum legal height for a vehicle traveling in Delaware without a permit is 13 feet 6 inches. Any load or equipment exceeding this requires an oversize permit before transport
In Delaware, the maximum legal width without needing an oversize permit is 8 feet 6 inches. Anything wider must have an oversize permit issued by the state.
