The maximum legal load weight and dimensions limits in Rhode Island are as follows:

• Length: 53 feet

• Width: 8’ 6”

• Height: 13’ 6”

• Weight: 80,000 lbs GVW

• Overhang: 3’ at the front, 6’ at the rear

When Are Pilot Cars or Escort Vehicles Required in Rhode Island?

Here are the pilot car/escort requirements based on load dimensions in Rhode Island:

• Length:

  • Loads between 75′ and 95′ on a 2-lane road require one rear pilot car (escort).

• Width:

  • 10′ 6″ to 12′ wide on a 2-lane road requires 1 front pilot car. On a 4-lane road, up to 12′ wide requires no escorts.

  • 12′ 1″ to 14′ wide requires 1 front and 1 rear pilot car (escort) on all 2-lane roads, and 1 rear on all 4-lane roads.

  • 14′ 1″ to 15′ wide requires 1 front and 1 rear pilot car (escort) on both 2-lane and 4-lane roads.

  • 15′ 1″ to 16′ wide on a 2-lane road requires 2 front pilot cars (escorts) and 1 rear pilot car (escort). On 4-lane roads, 1 front and 2 rear pilot cars (escorts) are required.

  • Weekend travel requires a police escort if the load exceeds 15′. Additionally, districts and parkways may require additional escorts. On parkways, loads wider than 15′ must have a police escort, and the maximum width allowed is 16′.

• Height:

  • A front high pole card is required if the load height exceeds 15′.

• Weight:

  • Contact the State to verify if your weight class will require a pilot car/escort.

• Overhang:

  • If the front overhang exceeds 10′ on 2 or 4-lane roads, 1 front pilot car (escort) is required.

  • If the rear overhang exceeds 10′ on 2 or 4-lane roads, 1 rear pilot car (escort) is required.

How Much Do Trucking Permits Cost in Rhode Island?

• Single Trip Permit in Rhode Island: $20

• Annual Permit in Rhode Island: $100

Rhode Island Oversize and Overweight Permit Limits

• Length: Rhode Island evaluates each shipment individually based on the proposed route and dimensions.

• Width: Rhode Island determines requirements on a case-by-case basis, depending on the proposed route and dimensions.

• Height: Rhode Island assesses each shipment individually, considering the route and dimensions.

• Weight: Determinations are made based on the proposed route and total weight, typically allowing 22,500 pounds per axle for 5, 6, or 7 axles, subject to axle spacings, weight, and routing. For loads over 200,000 pounds, an external engineering firm must survey the proposed routes.

• Overhang: If the front overhang exceeds 3 feet or the rear overhang exceeds 6 feet, Rhode Island will make an individual determination based on the route and dimensions.