New Mexico 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 NMDOT Transportation Regulation Bureau (OS/OW Permit Office).
NM, reviewed October 2026
Check your load for New Mexico
Oversize permit required in New Mexico
- 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 Mexico Truck Legal Width, Height & Length
A truck and load at or under these dimensions can travel New Mexico 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 | 14 ft 0 in |
| Legal length | Statutory height limit 14 ft per NMAC 18.19.8; legal single-trailer and combination length limits not verified from an official source. |
| Gross weight | 80,000 lbs |
New Mexico Oversize Load Travel Hours
- Daily movement window
- Daylight only (30 minutes before sunrise to 30 minutes after sunset) unless continuous movement is specifically authorized on the permit; no movement in inclement weather.
- Weekend movement
- No weekend restriction in the rule; daylight movement applies any day of the week except holidays.
- Holiday restrictions
- No movement on holidays; a holiday is defined as 12:01 am to 11:59 pm on the calendar day of New Year's Day, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day, or any other day designated by NMDOT (18.19.8.7 and 18.19.8.24 NMAC). Continuous-movement permits also exclude holidays. See this year's holiday dates for all states.
New Mexico Pilot Car Requirements
Escort vehicles are required at 14 ft width or more (some mapped routes require them under 14 ft); over 110 ft 1 in length needs one escort and over 120 ft 1 in needs two; over 16 ft height an escort or height-check person may be required.
| First pilot car (width) | 14 ft 0 in wide and over |
|---|---|
| Two pilot cars (width) | Not confirmed: check your permit conditions |
| Height-pole escort | 16 ft 0 in tall and over |
| Length escort | 110 ft 1 in long and over |
New Mexico pilot car requirements by load width and height. Crossing a border? Compare with Arizona, Texas.
How to order a New Mexico oversize permit
NMDOT Transportation Regulation Bureau (OS/OW Permit Office)
Overweight as well? Check axle limits with the bridge formula calculator.
Crossing New Mexico without New Mexico apportioned plates? Estimate the temporary trip permit cost with the trip permit cost estimator.
New Mexico Oversize Load FAQs
- What are the oversize load travel hours in New Mexico?
- Daylight only (30 minutes before sunrise to 30 minutes after sunset) unless continuous movement is specifically authorized on the permit; no movement in inclement weather. Weekends: No weekend restriction in the rule; daylight movement applies any day of the week except holidays.
- When is a pilot car required in New Mexico?
- Escort vehicles are required at 14 ft width or more (some mapped routes require them under 14 ft); over 110 ft 1 in length needs one escort and over 120 ft 1 in needs two; over 16 ft height an escort or height-check person may be required. Height: 16 ft 0 in and taller (height-pole escort).
- What is the legal truck width in New Mexico?
- The standard legal width in New Mexico 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 Mexico without a permit?
- The legal height limit in New Mexico is 14 ft 0 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 Mexico?
- No movement on holidays; a holiday is defined as 12:01 am to 11:59 pm on the calendar day of New Year's Day, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day, or any other day designated by NMDOT (18.19.8.7 and 18.19.8.24 NMAC). Continuous-movement permits also exclude holidays.
- How do I get an oversize or overweight permit in New Mexico?
- Apply through NMDOT Transportation Regulation Bureau (OS/OW Permit Office) (505-476-2475) 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 Mexico rules as reviewed October 2026 and is not legal advice; the conditions printed on your permit control. Note: Escort and holiday values are from 18.19.8 NMAC (A 6/1/2022). Escort widths on specific highways can be lower per the NMDOT escort map on the permit application. Police escort may be required at 20 ft width or more (DOT discretion). Two-escort width threshold not stated. Legal length limits and exact trip permit fee/validity not verified from an official page. Superloads 200k+ lbs: NMDOT Bridge Section 505-795-4317.