Montana Oversize Permits & Overweight Permits Phone Number: 630-222-5770
Montana Oversize Permits are required for carrying oversize load across the state. At Compare Transport LLC, we specialize in helping businesses secure the necessary permits to expedite their operations. Whether you require Montana Oversize Permits, Montana Overweight Permits, Montana Overhang Permits, Montana Single Trip Permits, or Montana Annual Permits, we will assure compliance with state standards while simplifying the procedure.
Montana Oversize Permits and Montana Overweight Permits are required for carrying oversize and overweight load while following state restrictions. To operate legally, businesses must get the necessary permits, which include Montana trip permits, MT dot permits, and the Montana 40-day temporary registration permit.
A Montana livestock trip permit is necessary for cattle transportation, and commercial operators must stick to Montana commercial vehicle registration rules. Heavy weights may need a Montana super-load application under Montana oversize permit laws.
Contact us today at 630-222-5770 to secure the necessary permits for your transportation needs!
Montana Oversize Permits & Montana Overweight Permit Regulations
Vehicles or load that exceed Montana size and weight limits are classed as oversized or overweight. These constraints apply to parameters such as height, width, length, and total weight. Operators of such vehicles are required to get specific permits to assure regulatory compliance and safe passage on Montana roadways.
Montana Size Limits
- Width:should not exceed 8 feet 6 inches at its widest point (excluding safety elements).
- Height: The highest point of the load or vehicle must be no more than 14 feet above the road surface.
- Length restrictions:
Semi-trailers: The maximum length allowed is 53 feet.
Single-unit vehicles should not exceed 40 feet.
Overall vehicle and load length: 75 feet. - Overhang Limits:
Front overhang: Up to 3 feet is allowed. - Rear overhang: The maximum extension allowed is 15 feet.
Montana Weight Limits
- Montana caps vehicle weight, including freight, at 80,000 pounds. Exceeding this limit needs a specific authorization.
- Axle weight restrictions:
- A single axle cannot exceed 20,000 pounds.
- Tandem axles are limited to 34,000 pounds.
- Montana limits a tridem axle to 42,000 pounds.
Montana Oversize Permits Validity Duration
To operate lawfully in Montana, commercial carriers must get permits depending on vehicle size, weight, and registration. Oversize, overweight, superloads, IRP, IFTA, and temporary trip and fuel permits are all necessary to comply with state rules.
- Montana oversize Permits: In Montana, oversize permits are valid for three to five days, depending on the accurate needs and rules controlling the transit.
- Montana overweight Permits: Transporting overweight load in Montana needs a permit that is valid for three to five days.
- Montana Single Trip Oversize/Overweight Permits: Montana grants single-trip permits, usually good for three days, for carrying non-divisible oversize and overweight load that exceed regulatory restrictions. These permits enable a one-way trip from one area to another within the stated operation hours. If a return journey is necessary, an extra permit may be required.
- Montana Annual Oversize/Overweight Permits: Montana Annual Oversize/Overweight Permit authorizes a specified vehicle and allowed load to travel one-way between two defined places on recognized routes throughout the year.
To qualify, the load cannot exceed:
Width: 15′
Height: 15 feet, 6 inches.
Length: 95 feet.
This permit makes repeated travel easier while maintaining compliance with state rules. - Montana Trip Permit: If you’re planning a journey to Montana and driving a vehicle with a gross vehicle weight greater than 6,000 pounds, you may require a temporary permit. The state issues a three-day IRP permit to out-of-state operators and carriers, letting them to legally travel inside its borders. Be warned that acquiring this permit requires a processing and handling charge.
- Montana Fuel Permits: Out-of-state operators and carriers passing through Montana may apply for a temporary fuel permit. The state charges $30 for a three-day IFTA permit, which allows you to comply with fuel tax requirements while operating inside its borders. In Montana, filing a permit application requires a separate processing and handling charge.
Convenience
By centralizing all the services you need in one place, we make it easier for you to handle oversize permits and transportation logistics.
Time-Saving:
Our streamlined process and experienced team will expedite the permit acquisition, allowing you to focus on other aspects of your project.
Expert Guidance:
Our knowledgeable professionals will guide you through the process, answering any questions and providing valuable insights to ensure a successful transport.
Customized Solutions:
We understand that every project is unique. That's why we tailor our services to your specific needs, ensuring a personalized experience.
Montana Oversize Permits and Montana Overweight Permits Requirements
To transport oversize load in Montana, any vehicle wider than 8 feet, 6 inches must get a permit from the Department of Transportation. The following are the required specifications for compliance:
- Montana Flag Requirements
To ensure visibility, escorting trucks with oversize load must fly red or fluorescent orange flags measuring 18 inches square. - Montana Banners Requirements
Banner and Signage Guidelines: Oversized trucks must display “Oversize Load” banners to inform neighboring motorists. - Montana Sign Requirements
Signage must have black letters at least 8 inches tall on a yellow backdrop to make it simple to read. - Montana Lighting Requirements
Amber safety lights, 5 inches in diameter, must be 50 candlepower brilliant and flash at 60-90 times per minute on both sides of the oversize sign.
Flashing rotating or strobe lights are authorized and must stay active while the vehicle is in motion, especially at night when visibility is reduced.
Montana Oversize Pilot Cars and Escort Vehicle Requirements
Escort and pilot vehicles must follow particular placement requirements depending on width and length:
- For width:
When going on non-interstate roadways, vehicles 12 feet 6 inches wide must be escorted by one vehicle in front.
For oversized loads with a width of 16 feet, 6 inches, escort requirements vary based on the type of roadway. - For length:
On non-interstate roads, vehicles longer than 110 feet must be escorted from the rear.
If the length exceeds 120 feet, a rear escort is required for interstate transport.
Additionally, the granted permit may stipulate additional escort requirements based on the load and route.
Montana Oversize Permits and Montana Overweight Permit Restrictions
Any load over 8 feet, 6 inches wide has to conform to Montana transportation standards, which include restrictions depending on holidays, travel periods, and road conditions.
- Montana holidays Restrictions for oversized loads:
Unless expressly approved, oversize transportation is forbidden on the following significant holidays: - New Year’s Day
- Memorial Day
- Independence Day
- Labor Day
- Thanksgiving Day
- Christmas Day
- Montana Legal Travel Time Restrictions:
Travel is authorized on red route highways throughout the night, weekends, and holidays only provided the load does not exceed 10 feet in width, 15 feet 6 inches in height, and 110 feet in length.
Daylight transit is permitted seven days a week, barring holidays and red route limitations, provided that the dimensions do not exceed 18 feet in width, 120 feet in length, and 18 feet in height.
Red route highways frequently impose extra restrictions due to traffic and road conditions. - Montana Oversize Road and Bridge Restrictions:
Montana uses the Federal Bridge Formula, which outlines strict standards for bridge crossings. Key oversized transportation constraints include:
• Traveling through busy construction zones with caution.
• Observing and reacting to warning signs in work zones.
• When police enforcement or emergency vehicles are present, yield.
Additionally, all vehicles, whether driven or towed, must conform to stated bridge weight limitations to guarantee road safety.
- Montana Seasonal Weight and Equipment Restrictions
Montana, like other states and Canadian provinces, uses Frost Law regulation, which may affect oversized load permits depending on seasonal circumstances and load type.
When “chains required” signs are displayed, vehicles in DOT-designated “chain-up” zones must be equipped with chains. Chains must be mounted on at least one of the axle’s driving wheels to provide appropriate traction.
To minimize excessive road wear and guarantee safe traffic conditions in the winter, weight permits cannot exceed 132,000 pounds.
Montana Oversize Permits and Wide Load Limits
Montana requires a maximum vehicle width of 8 feet, 6 inches on public roadways in order to comply with federal transportation regulations. Loads that surpass this width must get a state permit before traveling.
- Maximum Load Limits before Permits Are Required
Vehicles can be up to 8 feet, 6 inches wide (measured from the broadest extremity, excluding safety devices). - Montana Legal Axle Weight Limits:
- Maximum gross weight is 80,000 pounds (including payload).
- Single axle: 20,000 pounds.
- Tandem axle: 34,000 pounds.
- Tridem axle weighs 42,000 pounds.
- The Federal Bridge Formula must be used to get the exact permissible weight distribution.
- Maximum permissible axle weight limits:
- Single axle: 28,000 pounds.
- Tandem axle: 46,000 pounds.
- Tridem axle weighs 60,000 pounds.
- Quad axle weighs 80,000 pounds.
Montana Specialty Permits
Transporting oversize load in Montana may need particular permits, depending on the type, size, and weight of the cargo. The following are essential permit categories that may be required for compliance.
Winter weight Permits
Valid from December 1st to March 7th, cars can carry up to 10% extra weight on non-interstate routes.
Amber Light Permits
Any escort vehicle leading an oversize load must be fitted with roof-mounted amber warning lights to improve visibility and inform other drivers.
Loading Zone Permits
Non-commercial delivery trucks may be awarded a loading zone permit, which allows them to utilize specified commercial loading zones on a temporary basis.
Montana Oversized and Overweight Load Penalties
In Montana, penalties for exceeding legal weight limitations are based on the amount by which a vehicle exceeds the maximum allowed weight. Additional infractions, such as neglecting to stop at weigh stations, may result in more serious punishments.
Failure to stop at Montana weigh stations is a minor infraction, punished by:
- Fines of up to $300.
- Up to 60 days of prison.
- Or both.
Overweight Load, Fine Structure:
Montana has a graduated fine system based on the severity of overweight violations:
- Exceeding the weight restriction by up to 3,000 pounds incurs a $30 fine.
- Overweight between 3,001 and 4,000 lbs. incurs a $75 fine.
- Overweight between 4,001 and 6,000 lbs. incurs a $125 fine.
- Overweight between 6,001 and 8,000 pounds incurs a $175 charge.
- Exceeding the limit by 25,001 pounds results in a $2,000 fine.
These penalties are intended to ensure road safety and protect infrastructure while ensuring that oversize loads comply with state transportation standards.
Compare Transport LLC is the single STOP for all Oversize / Overweight permits with one easy-to-use application.
Oversize Permits
Overweight Permits
Overhang Permits
Single Trip Permits
Super load Permits
Annual Permits
Frequently Asked Questions
Oversize and overweight permits are usually valid for three to five days, depending on the route, load type, and state rules.
Standard dimensions include an 8’6″ width, a 14′ height, and a total vehicle and load length of 75′. A permit is required to exceed any of these limits.
Yes. Montana provides single trip permits, annual permits, fuel permits, and temporary IRP trip permits, each suited to individual travel demands and durations.
The gross vehicle weight limit is 80,000 pounds. For higher weights, a Montana Overweight Permit is required.
Yes. Vehicles must have “Oversize Load” banners with 8-inch black letters on a yellow background, as well as 18-inch square red or orange flags.
Yes. Escort needs are determined by the load’s width and length. For example, widths more than 12’6″ or lengths greater than 110′ may necessitate one or more escort vehicles.
Yes. Oversized loads are not permitted to travel on significant holidays such as New Year’s Day, Independence Day, or Christmas unless expressly approved.
Night travel is permitted on red route highways only if the load is less than 10 feet wide, 15 feet 6 inches tall, and 110 feet long. Larger dimensions are limited to daytime hours.
The standard axle limitations are 20,000 pounds for single axles, 34,000 pounds for tandem axles, and 42,000 pounds for tridem axles. Higher weights require specific clearance.
Fines range as $30 to $2,000, depending on how much the weight exceeds the permissible limit. Failure to stop at weigh stations can result in fines of up to $300 or prison time.
