North Dakota 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 North Dakota Highway Patrol Motor Carrier / NDDOT Permit Office.
ND, reviewed October 2026
Check your load for North Dakota
Oversize permit required in North Dakota
- Width 10 ft 0 in exceeds the 8 ft 6 in legal limit.
No width-based pilot car at 10 ft 0 in wide.
North Dakota Truck Legal Width, Height & Length
A truck and load at or under these dimensions can travel North Dakota 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 | Trailer or semitrailer 53 ft; single unit 50 ft; two-unit combination 75 ft, up to 110 ft on four-lane divided and designated highways (NDCC 39-12-04). |
| Gross weight | 80,000 lbs |
North Dakota Oversize Load Travel Hours
- Daily movement window
- No overdimensional movement from one-half hour after sunset to one-half hour before sunrise unless authorized by the superintendent; no movement in inclement weather, slippery roads or visibility of one-half mile or less.
- Weekend movement
- Single-trip permits for overwidth over 16 ft are not issued for Saturday after 12 noon or all day Sunday, unless the superintendent authorizes it; narrower loads are not restricted by this rule.
- Holiday restrictions
- Overwidth loads exceeding 16 ft cannot move on New Year's Day, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving Day or Christmas Day; such permits are not valid from 12 noon the day before the holiday until sunrise the day after (NDAC 38-06-02-07). Superintendent may authorize exceptions. See this year's holiday dates for all states.
North Dakota Pilot Car Requirements
Over 14 ft 6 in to 16 ft wide needs one lead pilot car on two-lane roads only; over 16 ft needs a lead and rear on two-lane highways and a rear pilot car on four-lane divided; over 120 ft long a rear pilot car; over 18 ft high a lead pilot car.
| First pilot car (width) | 16 ft 0 in wide and over |
|---|---|
| Two pilot cars (width) | 16 ft 0 in wide and over |
| Height-pole escort | 18 ft 0 in tall and over |
| Length escort | 120 ft 0 in long and over |
North Dakota pilot car requirements by load width and height.
How to order a North Dakota oversize permit
North Dakota Highway Patrol Motor Carrier / NDDOT Permit Office
Overweight as well? Check axle limits with the bridge formula calculator.
Crossing North Dakota without North Dakota apportioned plates? Estimate the temporary trip permit cost with the trip permit cost estimator.
North Dakota Oversize Load FAQs
- What are the oversize load travel hours in North Dakota?
- No overdimensional movement from one-half hour after sunset to one-half hour before sunrise unless authorized by the superintendent; no movement in inclement weather, slippery roads or visibility of one-half mile or less. Weekends: Single-trip permits for overwidth over 16 ft are not issued for Saturday after 12 noon or all day Sunday, unless the superintendent authorizes it; narrower loads are not restricted by this rule.
- When is a pilot car required in North Dakota?
- Over 14 ft 6 in to 16 ft wide needs one lead pilot car on two-lane roads only; over 16 ft needs a lead and rear on two-lane highways and a rear pilot car on four-lane divided; over 120 ft long a rear pilot car; over 18 ft high a lead pilot car. Height: 18 ft 0 in and taller (height-pole escort).
- What is the legal truck width in North Dakota?
- The standard legal width in North Dakota 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 North Dakota without a permit?
- The legal height limit in North Dakota 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 North Dakota?
- Overwidth loads exceeding 16 ft cannot move on New Year's Day, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving Day or Christmas Day; such permits are not valid from 12 noon the day before the holiday until sunrise the day after (NDAC 38-06-02-07). Superintendent may authorize exceptions.
- How do I get an oversize or overweight permit in North Dakota?
- Apply through North Dakota Highway Patrol Motor Carrier / NDDOT Permit Office (701-328-2621) 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 North Dakota rules as reviewed October 2026 and is not legal advice; the conditions printed on your permit control. Note: Rule text does not say 'height pole' for the 18 ft height escort, only that one pilot car precedes. Lead pilot car for 14 ft 6 in-16 ft width is optional if the vehicle has a flashing amber light. Single-trip permit is valid up to five days. Pilot cars may also be required for overweight moves by NDDOT/NDHP. Permit office line 701-328-2621 per NDDOT; ND Highway Patrol 701-328-2447. Rule says weekend/holiday limits cover overwidth over 16 ft only.