Maryland Oversize / Overweight Trucking Permits Rules and Requirement
Maryland Oversize permits OR Maryland 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.
Maryland oversize permits phone number: 630-222-5770
Compare Transport LLC is your trusted permit agency and freight broker, specializing in Maryland Oversize and Maryland Overweight Permits. We provide fast and affordable access to Maryland oversize permits online, including Maryland Overweight Permits, Maryland Overhang Permits, Maryland Annual Permits, and Maryland Single Trip Permits. Whether you’re hauling wide, tall, or heavy loads, we ensure you meet all Maryland oversize and overweight permits requirements quickly and efficiently.
Easily manage your applications with Maryland oversize permits login or MD oversize permits login, and explore detailed regulations through the Maryland Provision Sheet and Maryland Performance Bond guidelines. Our expert team helps you navigate the Maryland Oversize Permit Office and obtain Maryland DOT Permits, Maryland DMV Trip Permits, Maryland Trip Permit Online, and even the Maryland Blanket Hauling Permit.
With over 15 years of experience, we guarantee clarity on the Maryland overweight permits requirements, guide you through the Maryland oversize and overweight permits cost, and provide access to Maryland overweight permits online. Trust Compare Transport LLC to simplify every step in securing your Maryland oversize and overweight permits.
Maryland oversize regulations
Maryland Legal Dimension Limit
| Legal Dimensions for Trucking in Maryland | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Legal Length in Maryland | Overhang | Width | Height |
| Semi-trailers up to 53 feet long are permitted on Interstate highways and designated routes. | 3 feet front | 8 feet 6 inches on Interstates and approved routes | The tallest allowable height is 13 feet 6 inches |
| Maximum of 48 feet for trailers on all other roadways | 6 feet rear | 8 feet on non-designated roads | Flatbed trailers cannot transport loads taller than 13 feet 6 inches |
| For trailers exceeding 48 feet, the kingpin must not be set back more than 4 feet from the trailer’s front, and the kingpin-to-rear-tandem distance should not exceed 41 feet |
Maryland Legal Weight Limit
The maximum allowable gross vehicle weight is up to 80,000 pounds, subject to axle configurations:
| Axle weight limits Maryland | Maryland Routine Limit: Maryland Oversize and Overweight Limits | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Single Axle | Tandem Axle | Tridem Axle | Length | Width | Height | ||
| up to 20,000 pounds | up to 34,000 pounds | 42,500 pounds | 120 feet | 16 feet | 16 eet |
Note For Height: If a load exceeds 14 feet 6 inches in height, a certified route survey becomes necessary.
Overheight loads cannot be transported on flatbed trailers
Maximum Axle Weights With MD Overweight Permit:
Weight (based on axle configuration and spacing)
Gross Weight Limits:
- 120,000 pounds on non-Interstate routes
- 150,000 pounds on Interstate highways
| Axle Group Weight Limits | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Single Axle | Tandem Axle | Tridem Axle | |
| up to 27,000 pounds | up to 52,000 pounds | up to 63,000 pounds | |
Superload Classifications: Any load exceeding these values is classified as a superload, and anything over 120,000 pounds gross on non-Interstate roads falls under this category.
Maryland oversize permits validity period
To operate legally in Maryland, 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 Maryland trucking permits, including oversize, overweight, superload, IRP, IFTA, TRP, and temporary trip and fuel permits.
| Permit Type | Validity Period | Requirement | |
| Single Trip Oversize Permit | Valid for 5 calendar days | Applies to one specific trip for an oversize or overweight load. | |
| Single Trip Overweight Permit | Valid for 5 calendar days | Must follow assigned route; escorts may be required. | |
| Superload Permit | Typically valid for 5 calendar days | Required when exceeding routine limits (generally over 150,000 lbs or very large dimensions). May require additional review and routing. | |
| IRP Trip Permit | 3 consecutive days (72 hours) | Allows travel in Maryland for unregistered vehicles under the IRP system. | |
| IFTA Trip Permit | 3 consecutive days (72 hours) | Required for carriers not registered under IFTA traveling through Maryland. | |
| Fuel Tax Permit | 3 consecutive days | Temporary alternative to IFTA when operating in Maryland. | |
| Annual Oversize Permit | Valid for 1 full calendar year from date of issue | Covers multiple trips statewide for loads within Maryland's annual permit limits. | |
| Annual Overweight Permit | Valid for 1 year (calendar or from date of issue, depending on approval) | Applicable to vehicles/load types that consistently exceed legal axle weights. | |
| Maryland Blanket Hauling Permit | Typically, valid for 1 year | Authorizes repeated trips with oversize/overweight equipment under preset conditions. | |
Operating Time Maryland:
Movement is allowed from 30 minutes before sunrise until 1.5 hours after sunset, Monday through Friday, and on Saturdays until noon. (Refer to the limited travel section below for exceptions.)
Beginning April 1, 2013, Maryland permits overnight travel from 9:00 PM to 5:00 AM, but only for loads not exceeding 12 feet in width, 75 feet in length, 14 feet 6 inches in height, or 120,000 pounds in weight, and solely on routes where night movement is permitted. Night travel must be specifically requested when applying for a permit and is granted under the state’s night travel program.
Restricted Travel Maryland:
Movement is not permitted through any toll facilities from Friday noon until Monday at 9:00 AM. This restriction also applies to the entire stretch of I-95 between Baltimore and the Delaware state line.
On I-495/I-95 (Capital Beltway) and I-695 (Baltimore Beltway), travel for loads wider than 12 feet or heavier than 92,000 pounds is restricted to 9:00 AM–3:30 PM on weekdays, and until noon on Saturdays.
If the load exceeds 14 feet in width, movement is only allowed from 9:00 AM to 3:30 PM on weekdays, and until noon on Saturdays, regardless of the highway.
No transport is allowed during six major holidays or their corresponding weekends. It is recommended to verify specific restrictions with the permit office in advance.
Baltimore City
When moving to or from the Dundalk Marine Terminal, Maryland permits include the designated path—only if the load is under 120,000 pounds gross, narrower than 12 feet, no taller than 14 feet 6 inches, and under 85 feet in length.
Any other Baltimore City destination or cargo exceeding those dimensions needs an additional permit from the city. Please note that Baltimore City permits may require at least 24 hours processing time and are generally issued more slowly.
Maryland Oversize Tire Regulation
Tires must be in standard working condition, properly inflated, and must have a minimum tread depth of 2/32 inches to be considered safe for use.
Tires cannot have any protrusions made from materials other than rubber, unless specifically designed and approved for safe operation. Vehicles with a gross weight over 10,000 pounds are not allowed to travel with snow tires. The use of regrooved or recut tires is prohibited unless the tire is manufactured and marked for such modifications.
Maryland Escort Requirement
| Length-Based Escorts | Width-Based Escorts | Special County Rules | Height-Based Escorts | Weight-Based Escorts |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Any load longer than 85 feet must have one escort vehicle. | Over 13 feet in width: one escort | In Montgomery and Prince George’s Counties, loads wider than 12 feet using undivided two-lane roads must have two escorts | Loads 14 feet 6 inches or higher require one escort equipped with a height pole | Loads weighing more than 120,000 pounds require a civilian escort, and if any part of the route includes non-Interstate roads, a police escort is also compulsory |
| 140 feet or more: two escort vehicles required | 14 feet or more: two escorts | A detailed route survey must be submitted with the permit application; specific routes may demand additional conditions | For weights over 130,000 pounds: a police escort is required even if the route includes only Interstate highways | |
| For load that is 16 feet wide or greater, a police escort must accompany the vehicle |
Maryland Banners, Lighting & Flage Requirement
Whenever a load and vehicle combined width goes beyond 9 feet, it’s required to display “Oversize Load” or “Wide Load” signage. Proper flags and lighting must also be used in compliance with visibility and safety regulations
Additional Information
For construction equipment, attachments such as blades or buckets may remain connected to the machinery as long as the total width does not exceed 12 feet. However, if transporting both a blade and a dozer together results in an overweight condition, they cannot be hauled on the same load. In those situations, the blade must be hauled on a separate load
Maryland Oversize/Overweight Fee structure
Maryland 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:
- Special Hauling Permits:
The base fee is $30.00 for up to 40 tons of total vehicle weight. For every ton (or part of a ton) above 40 tons, an additional $5.00 is charged. A 3-day extension to this permit costs $5.00. - Blanket Permits:
These are issued for either 30 days at $50.00 or annually for $500.00. - Permit Books:
Available for $300.00. - Excessive Weight Loads (Over 60 Tons Gross):
These permits include engineering and administrative fees. The engineering cost is typically $8.00 per structure crossed, while loads exceeding 200,000 pounds gross vehicle weight (GVW) are charged $20.00 per structure, in addition to administrative expenses.
Processing Time: 5 to 10 business days.
For multiple identical moves (in terms of route and cargo), the engineering cost is usually charged once within a six-month window, but permit activation fees and administrative costs apply to each move. - Structural Evaluations:
The structural survey included in the engineering fees remains valid for six months. In certain cases, the District Engineer may require an Administration staff member to oversee the transport, which costs $200.00 per day. If a State Police escort is necessary, the charge is $250.00 per move. - Payment & Bonds:
All applicable fees must be paid in advance, and engineering fees are non-refundable, regardless of whether the permit is used. In some cases, posted bonds may be needed to cover liability or administrative expenses, in addition to the standard insurance coverage.
Maryland Performance Bond
In the state of Maryland, a performance bond is mandatory for certain oversize and overweight transportation projects. You will be required to submit a performance bond if your project involves a gross weight exceeding 150,000 pounds, or if the load dimensions surpass 16 feet in width, 16 feet in height, or 120 feet in length.
The purpose of a performance bond is to ensure the contractor’s full compliance with the terms of the permit and transport agreement. It acts as a financial guarantee that the project will be executed responsibly and without causing harm or delay. In the event the contractor fails to meet the specified conditions, the bond can be used to cover completion costs or address damages.
The typical cost of obtaining a Maryland Performance Bond is approximately $10,000, USD depending on the nature of the project.
Maryland Provision Sheet
A Maryland Provision Sheet is a required document when applying for an oversize or overweight permit within the state. This sheet outlines the specific conditions, restrictions, and travel requirements that must be followed during the transportation of large or heavy loads.
The provision sheet includes details such as approved travel times, designated routes, escort requirements, safety guidelines, and night travel regulations. It serves as a legally binding set of instructions that ensure public safety and infrastructure protection during transport.
Every permit issued in Maryland comes with its own provision sheet, and adherence to the terms listed is strictly enforced. Violating these conditions can result in penalties or revocation of the permit.
When Do You Need a Performance Bond for the State of Maryland?
In Maryland, you need a performance bond if your project meets any of the following criteria:
Gross Weight: If your project’s gross weight exceeds 150,000 lbs.
Dimensions: If your project is more than 16 feet wide, 16 feet high, or 120 feet long.
Why Do You Need a Performance Bond?
Performance bonds are required to ensure that contractors fulfill their obligations under a construction contract. They provide financial protection to the state, ensuring that the project will be completed according to the terms and conditions agreed upon. If a contractor fails to meet their obligations, the bond can be used to cover the costs of completing the project or compensating for any damages
Oversize Permits
Overweight Permits
Overhang Permits
Single Trip Permits
Super load Permits
Annual Permits
Frequently Asked Questions
Maryland oversize permits can be obtained online through our website comparetransportll.com or by calling us at 630-222-5770
Maryland requires oversize or overweight permits when a vehicle or load exceeds legal size or weight limits. These permits ensure compliance with safety standards and protect road infrastructure.
The maximum width without a permit is 8 feet 6 inches on Interstates and approved routes on non-designated roads, it is 8 feet.
The legal maximum width is 8 feet 6 inches on Interstates and designated routes, and 8 feet on non-designated roads.
Maryland oversize permits can be obtained online through our website comparetransportll.com or by calling us at 630-222-5770
Yes, but only under specific conditions: overnight travel (9:00 PM to 5:00 AM) is permitted for loads not exceeding 12 feet wide, 75 feet long, 14 feet 6 inches high, or 120,000 pounds, and only on routes where night movement is allowed. Night travel must be specifically requested in the permit application.
You can log in to manage your Maryland oversize permit through Our website comparetransportll.com
A performance bond in Maryland is a financial guarantee required for certain oversize/overweight projects (gross weight over 150,000lbs, width/height over 16 feet, or length over 120 feet). It ensures the contractor fulfills the permit’s terms and covers completion or damages if obligations are not met. The typical cost is around $10,000 USD, depending on the project.
A posted bond may be required for oversize/overweight transport to cover liability or administrative expenses in addition to standard insurance. For certain large projects, a performance bond is mandatory to guarantee compliance and protect the state from damages or incomplete work.
The official provisions can be found through our website comparetransportll.com available online.
The base fee for a Special Hauling Permit (oversize/overweight) is $30.00 for up to 40 tons. Each additional ton (or part thereof) above 40 tons is $5.00. A 3-day extension costs $5.00. Blanket permits are $50 for 30 days or $500 annually.
$30 base fee for up to 40 tons, plus $5 per ton over 40 tons. Blanket permits: $50 (30 days), $500 (annual
Any vehicle or load exceeding the legal limits over 8 feet 6 inches wide (Interstates/designated routes), 13 feet 6 inches high, or 80,000 pounds gross weight requires an oversize permit.
Any vehicle or load exceeding the legal limits over 8 feet 6 inches wide (Interstates/designated routes), 13 feet 6 inches high, or 80,000 pounds gross weight requires an oversize permit.
8 feet 6 inches on Interstates and designated routes; 8 feet on non-designated roads.
Permit rules include:
- Permits required for loads exceeding legal limits.
- Validity: Single trip permits are valid for 5 days.
- Night travel allowed for qualifying loads.
- Escorts required for certain dimensions/weights.
- Adherence to provision sheet conditions is mandatory.
- Fees and bonds may apply based on size/weight.
The phone number for assistance is 630-222-5770.
Yes. Maryland issues IRP Trip Permits (3 days) for unregistered vehicles under the IRP system, and IFTA Trip Permits (3 days) for carriers not registered under IFTA traveling through Maryland.
Yes, you can get Maryland oversize permit online by calling us at 630-222-5770.
- Maximum length: 53 feet for semi-trailers (Interstates), 48 feet on other roads.
- Maximum width: 8 feet 6 inches (Interstates/designated routes), 8 feet (non-designated).
- Maximum height: 13 feet 6 inches.
- Maximum gross weight: 80,000 pounds (subject to axle configuration)
The base fee is $30 for up to 40 tons, plus $5 per ton (or part) over 40 tons. Additional fees apply for excessive weight loads and structural evaluations.
You can reach Compare Transport LLC at 📞 630-222-5770 for all Maryland oversize permit services, including guidance, pricing, and applications. Their specialists are available to assist you immediately.
$30 base fee, $5 per ton over 40 tons, $50 for 30-day blanket, $500 annual blanket.
$30 base fee for up to 40 tons, $5 per ton over 40 tons, additional fees for excessive weight, engineering, and escorts as needed.
