Maryland state shipping regulations, limitations, rules and laws for the trucking of oversize and heavy haul loads over the roads and highways in the state of Maryland.

 If you would like to share your knowledge with others please do so at the bottom of this page.

Legal Loads.

Length: 65’ (48’ trailers) (53’ allowed on Interstate only with 41’ kingpin).
Overhang: 3’ front and 6’ rear maximum.
Weight: GVW 80,000
Tandem: 34,000
Width: 8’ on non designated highways – 8’6” on designated highways.
Height: 13’ 6”

Routine trucking permits.

Length: 120’
Weight: Less than 110,000 lbs
Width: 16’
Height: 14’ 6” – high pole required!

When you are required to have pilot cars.

Length: Over 120’
Weight: Over 110,000 lbs.
Width: Over 13’ requires 1 pilot car in front. Over 14’ requires 1 pilot car in front and 1 pilot car in rear.
Height: Over 16’.

Travel times and restrictions.

Times that you are not allowed to travel within the state or Maryland with oversize or heavy haul loads:

Daylight hours are defined as one half hour after sunrise and one half hours before sunset. You may not travel on Sunday. Saturday travel is permitted in till noon. Maryland state DOT has different curfews that have to be followed in areas with high traffic densities. Typically these hours are from 9 AM in till 3:30 PM. No travel is usually allow between these hours. The state of Maryland has many toll bridges and tunnels that may charge additional fees. You should contact the Maryland Transportation Authority (US-50:410–537–6601, I95: 410–537–1150, FC Key Bridge: 410–537–7600). Traveling on any of these toll roads bridges or tunnels. Always be sure to check your physical permit for curfew times. Especially if you are in excess of 45 gross tons 100 feet in length or over 12 feet wide. If you are over 14 feet by you will not be permitted to travel between the hours of 9 AM and 3:30 PM on any highway. Travel is not permitted on any of the following holidays: New Year’s Day, Good Friday, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day. The Maryland state DOT permit office for oversize and heavy haul loads is closed on the above-mentioned holidays as well as Martin Luther King Day, Columbus Day, election day and is also close on the day after Thanksgiving but travel is not restricted on these days.

Maryland DOT contact information.

Information and links for oversize and heavy haul shippers:

Maryland State Highway Administration
Office of Traffic Safety, Oversize and heavy haul division
Hauling Permits Unit
7491 Connelley Dr.
Hanover, MD  21076

E-mail: mdmotorcarrier@sha.state.md.us
Phone:  800-846-6435 or 800-543-4564
Fax: 410-787-2863 or toll free fax: 800-945-3416

Hours: are Monday thru Friday 7:30 am to 4:30 pm (closed noon to 1 o’clock).
NOTE: Single trip permits are valid for 5 days and costs $30 – you can view their fees. Also Maryland has a designated area for pilot cars which you can view here.