Minnesota OSOW Regulations (MnDOT)

Legal Dimensions (No Permit Required)

• Width: 8'6"
• Height: 13'6"
• Length - Overall: 75'
• Length - Semi-trailer: 53'

Legal Weights (No Permit Required)

• Gross vehicle weight: 80,000 lbs maximum
• Single axle: 20,000 lbs
• Tandem axle: 34,000 lbs
• Tridem axle: 42,000 lbs

Routine Permit Limits

In general, OSOW travel is not restricted for loads up to:

• Width: 14'6" (up to 16' on certain routes)
• Height: 14' to 15'6" (with route restrictions)
• Length: 110'
• Height: 16'

Escort Vehicle Requirements

Certification Requirement

• Minnesota requires P/EVO certification
• Drivers of pilot cars and escort vehicles must hold current Minnesota Certification
• Reciprocal certifications accepted from: Colorado, Florida, North Carolina, Oklahoma, Utah, Virginia, and Washington

When Escorts Are Required

Over Width

• Over 14'6" on divided highways: 1 escort
• Over 14'6" on non-divided highways: 2 escorts
• Over 16': 2 escorts required
• If load encroaches on opposing lane: Police escort required

Over Height

• Over 15'6": 1 escort with high pole suggested (not required)
• Height survey required for permits over 15'6"

Over Length

• Over 95': 1 escort
• Over 110': 2 escorts

Night Travel

• Over 10' wide AND/OR over 85' long: 2 escorts required for night travel

Transport Vehicle Requirements

Signs

"OVERSIZE LOAD" signs required when:

• Escorts are required, OR
• Load over 12' wide (day travel), OR
• Load over 10' wide (night travel), OR
• Length exceeds 85'

Flags

• Color: Red or fluorescent orange
• Size: 18" square
• Required for loads:
  • Exceeding 9' width
  • Exceeding 75' length
  • Rear overhang over 4'
• Placement: All sides and extremities of oversized vehicles and loads

Operating Times

Holiday Restrictions

No OSOW travel allowed from 2:00 PM day before holiday to 2:00 AM day after holiday:

• Applies to loads exceeding 9' wide AND/OR 110' long

Summer Travel Restrictions

Weekend after Memorial Day through weekend before Labor Day:

• No oversize travel 2:00 PM - 8:00 PM on Fridays and Sundays
• Applies to loads exceeding 9' wide AND/OR 110' long

Contact Information

• Website: https://www.dot.state.mn.us/cvo/oversize/
• State: Minnesota
• Agency: Minnesota Department of Transportation (MnDOT)

Regulatory References

• Minnesota Department of Transportation
• Minnesota Trucking Regulations Section 05: Oversize/Overweight Permits
• MnDOT General Provisions for Oversize/Overweight Permitted Loads
• https://www.dot.state.mn.us/cvo/oversize/
• https://www.dot.state.mn.us/cvo/oversize/escorts.html
• https://mn.gov/elicense/a-z/?id=1083-231651
• https://jjkellercompliancenetwork.com/regsense/oversize-and-overweight-movements-minnesota

Last Updated: 2025-11-11