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Michigan Oversize and Overweight Permits

Michigan Maximum Load Limits Before a Permit is Required:

  • Length: 75 feet

  • Width: 8 feet 6 inches

  • Height: 13 feet 6 inches

  • Weight: 80,000 pounds GVW

  • Overhang: 3 feet (front) and 4 feet (rear)

Notes:
There are no restrictions on the maximum length for the combination of a truck-tractor and semitrailer, whether loaded or empty.

When Are Pilot Cars or Escort Vehicles Required in Michigan?

Escort Vehicle or Pilot Car Requirements for Heavy-Haul or Oversize Loads:

  • Length:

    • 90 to 100 feet: Requires 1 rear pilot car.

    • Over 100 feet: Requires a rear pilot car or “chase” escort vehicle.

  • Width:

    • Over 12 feet on 4-lane highways: Requires 1 rear pilot car.

    • Over 12 feet on 2-lane highways: Requires 1 front pilot car.

    • Over 14 feet: Requires both front and rear pilot cars.

  • Height:

    • Over 14 feet 5 inches: Requires a front pilot car equipped with a height pole.

    • Over 15 feet: Requires a front pilot car with a height pole and a rear chase escort vehicle.

  • Overhang:

    • Over 15 feet: Requires 1 rear escort vehicle.

  • Weight:

    • No pilot car is required if the truck can maintain minimum speed limits unless classified as excessive or a superload.

Notes:

  • Allow 1 to 10 days for permit approval.

  • The distance between the lead/chase vehicle and the load is typically 500 feet unless otherwise stated on the permit.

  • Maximum speeds:

    • 45 MPH on roads with 4 or more lanes.

    • 35 MPH on roads with fewer than 4 lanes.

  • Be sure to review travel restrictions before proceeding.

How Much Do Trucking Permits Cost in Michigan?

Michigan Permit Fees:

  • Single Trip Oversize Permit: $15

  • Single Trip Oversize and Overweight Permit: $50

  • Single Trip Legal Load Fee: $15

Michigan Oversize and Overweight Permit Limits

Michigan Routine Oversize/Heavy-Haul Permit Limits:

  • Maximum Length: 150 feet

  • Maximum Overhang: Determined on a case-by-case basis

  • Maximum Width: 16 feet

  • Maximum Height: 15 feet

  • Maximum Weight: 150,000 lbs

Notes:

  • The maximum speed for permitted shipments is 45 MPH.

  • Permits for heavy shipments may require more than 10 days for processing.

Learn More About Super Load Permits in Michigan

Michigan Superload Shipping Guidelines:

A shipment may be classified as a superload if it exceeds the following dimensions:

  • Length: Over 150 feet

  • Width: 16 feet or more

  • Height: 15 feet or more

Notes:

  • There are no specific maximum weight limits reported for superloads.

  • Height requirements may be evaluated on a case-by-case basis.

Maximum Legal Dimensions in Michigan

Legal Dimensions and Regulations for Vehicles in Michigan

  • Width:

    • Standard: 96 inches

    • Non-designated roads: 102 inches

  • Height: 13 feet 6 inches

  • Length of Semitrailer: 53 feet (including the load)

  • Notes on Length Exclusions:
    The following are not included in the measurement of length:

    • Safety and energy conservation devices (e.g., bumpers, mirrors, marker lamps, mud flaps, refrigeration units, air compressors).

    • Devices are excluded only if they are not designed or used for carrying cargo.

  • Projections and Overhangs:

    • Front Projection: 3 feet maximum.

    • Rear Overhang: Unlimited if the legal length is not exceeded. However, overhangs of 4 feet or more must display:

      • Daytime: A 12-inch red square flag.

      • Nighttime: A red light or lantern.

  • Axle Limitations:

    • Vehicle combinations are limited to a maximum of 11 axles.

Exceptions:

  • Width:

    • Unprocessed Logs, Pulpwood, Agricultural Products, and Concrete Pipe: Up to 108 inches (load only).

    • Buses: 102 inches.

    • Implements of Husbandry: May operate or tow on highways as needed for normal farming operations, regardless of width.

  • Length:

    • Truck-Tractor and Trailer Combinations:

      • No overall length limit if each semitrailer or trailer does not exceed 28 feet 6 inches.

      • Overall length of two connected units must not exceed 58 feet.

      • These combinations are limited to designated highways and routes.

    • Truck and Trailer (General):

      • Overall length must not exceed 65 feet.

    • Truck and Trailer for Saw Logs, Pulpwood, or Poles:

      • Overall length, including load, must not exceed 70 feet.

      • Limited to designated highways and routes.

    • Truck and Trailer for Assembled Motor Vehicles, Recreational Vehicles, or Boats:

      • Overall length must not exceed 65 feet (75 feet for stinger-steered combinations).

      • The load may extend up to 3 feet beyond the front and 4 feet beyond the rear.

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