Massachusetts OSOW Regulations (MassDOT)

Legal Dimensions (No Permit Required)

• Width: 8'6"
• Height: 13'6"
• Length: 53' (semitrailers)
• Gross vehicle weight: 80,000 lbs

Legal Weights (No Permit Required)

• Single axle: 20,000 lbs
• Tandem axle: 34,000 lbs

Escort Vehicle Requirements

When Escorts Are Required

Over Width

• Over 12' wide: 1 escort
• Over 13' wide: 2 escorts
• Over 15' wide: 2 escorts AND 2 State Police

Over Length

• Over 80' but less than 85' long: 1 rear escort
• Over 85' but less than 135' long: 1 front escort AND 1 rear escort
• Over 135' long: 1 front escort, 1 rear escort, AND 2 police escorts

Massachusetts Turnpike Special Requirements

Police escort required when:

• Over 12' wide, OR
• Over 100' long, OR
• Over 130,000 lbs gross weight

Permit Format Requirements

• Paper permits MUST be used
• Massachusetts does NOT accept electronic permits
• Physical permit document required

Contact Information

• Website: https://www.mass.gov/how-to/apply-for-an-oversize-overweight-permit
• State: Massachusetts
• Agency: Massachusetts Department of Transportation (MassDOT)
• Turnpike: Massachusetts Turnpike Authority

Regulatory References

• Massachusetts Department of Transportation
• Massachusetts Turnpike Authority
• https://www.mass.gov/how-to/apply-for-an-oversize-overweight-permit
• https://jjkellercompliancenetwork.com/regsense/oversize-and-overweight-movements-massachusetts

Last Updated: 2025-11-11

OSOW publishes Massachusetts regulation references as public guidance; field teams should still validate route-specific constraints before dispatch.