New Hampshire Oversize Load Permit Requirements
Legal truck dimensions, oversize load travel hours, pilot car and escort requirements, and how to order an oversize/overweight permit from NHDOT Oversize/Overweight Permit Office.
NH, reviewed October 2026
Check your load for New Hampshire
Oversize permit required in New Hampshire
- Width 10 ft 0 in exceeds the 8 ft 6 in legal limit.
No width-based pilot car at 10 ft 0 in wide.
New Hampshire Truck Legal Width, Height & Length
A truck and load at or under these dimensions can travel New Hampshire highways without an oversize permit. Exceed any one of them and you need a permit before you move.
| Legal width | 8 ft 6 in |
|---|---|
| Legal height | 13 ft 6 in |
| Legal length | Single unit 45 ft; semi-trailer 53 ft (over 48 ft limited by kingpin-to-rear-axle 41 ft and route restrictions); each trailer in a double 28 ft. |
| Gross weight | 80,000 lbs |
New Hampshire Oversize Load Travel Hours
- Daily movement window
- Oversize moves limited to daylight hours: 1/2 hour before sunrise to 1/2 hour after sunset; no moves in inclement weather. Overweight-only vehicles at normal speed are not time-restricted.
- Weekend movement
- Oversize and oversize/overweight permits are not valid on weekend days (exceptions for supermove or certain building-transport permits).
- Holiday restrictions
- Permits invalid on New Year's Day, MLK Day, Presidents' Day, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Columbus Day, Veterans Day, Thanksgiving Day and the following day, and Christmas Day. Holiday on a Sunday also bars the following Monday; on a Saturday also bars the preceding Friday (Tra 304.14). See this year's holiday dates for all states.
New Hampshire Pilot Car Requirements
One non-police escort at 12 ft wide or more (under 14 ft), 90 ft long or more, over 14 ft high, or 15 ft overhang; width over 14 ft or length 100 ft+ adds state police escorts.
| First pilot car (width) | 12 ft 0 in wide and over |
|---|---|
| Two pilot cars (width) | 14 ft 0 in wide and over |
| Height-pole escort | Not confirmed: check your permit conditions |
| Length escort | 90 ft 0 in long and over |
New Hampshire pilot car requirements by load width and height.
How to order a New Hampshire oversize permit
NHDOT Oversize/Overweight Permit Office
Overweight as well? Check axle limits with the bridge formula calculator.
Crossing New Hampshire without New Hampshire apportioned plates? Estimate the temporary trip permit cost with the trip permit cost estimator.
New Hampshire Oversize Load FAQs
- What are the oversize load travel hours in New Hampshire?
- Oversize moves limited to daylight hours: 1/2 hour before sunrise to 1/2 hour after sunset; no moves in inclement weather. Overweight-only vehicles at normal speed are not time-restricted. Weekends: Oversize and oversize/overweight permits are not valid on weekend days (exceptions for supermove or certain building-transport permits).
- When is a pilot car required in New Hampshire?
- One non-police escort at 12 ft wide or more (under 14 ft), 90 ft long or more, over 14 ft high, or 15 ft overhang; width over 14 ft or length 100 ft+ adds state police escorts.
- What is the legal truck width in New Hampshire?
- The standard legal width in New Hampshire is 8 ft 6 in (102 inches), the federal minimum width allowed on the National Network of highways. A load wider than that needs an oversize permit.
- How tall can a truck be in New Hampshire without a permit?
- The legal height limit in New Hampshire is 13 ft 6 in, measured from the road surface to the highest point of the vehicle or load. Taller loads need an oversize permit and a surveyed route for bridge and wire clearances.
- Can oversize loads move on holidays in New Hampshire?
- Permits invalid on New Year's Day, MLK Day, Presidents' Day, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Columbus Day, Veterans Day, Thanksgiving Day and the following day, and Christmas Day. Holiday on a Sunday also bars the following Monday; on a Saturday also bars the preceding Friday (Tra 304.14).
- How do I get an oversize or overweight permit in New Hampshire?
- Apply through NHDOT Oversize/Overweight Permit Office (603-271-2691) or its online permit portal. Have your USDOT number, vehicle and load dimensions, axle weights and route ready. Permit expediting agents can file on your behalf if you need the permit the same day.
Regulations change. This page summarises published New Hampshire rules as reviewed October 2026 and is not legal advice; the conditions printed on your permit control. Note: Rules copy on Cornell LII shows 'Expires 4/23/2025' (readoption status not confirmed). Height pole not specified; height over 14 ft triggers a non-police escort. Police escorts: 1 at length 100 ft+, 2 at width over 14 ft (in addition to non-police). Movement of oversize-only permits on weekends prohibited. Holiday start/end hours not specified in rule. Out-of-state vehicles generally need IRP listing NH for in-state moves.