2022 Maryland State Regulations, Limitations, and Laws for Oversize and Heavy Haul Trucking

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Legal Loads Limits in Maryland

The following are the legal load dimensions and weight limits in Maryland.

• Length: 65’ (48’ trailers) (53’ allowed on Interstate only with 41’ to the kingpin max), and not more than 4′ set back from the front of the trailer to the 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 in Maryland

The following are the maximum legal dimensions and weight limits for load transport permits in Maryland.

• Length: 120’
• Weight: Less than 120,000 (non-Interstate) to 150,000 (Interstate), single – 27,000 lbs., tandem – 52,000 lbs., tridem – 63,000 lbs.
• Width: 16’
• Height: 14’ 6” – high pole required. (any height over 13′ 6″ cannot be permitted on a flatbed). Over 14′-6″ now requires a route survey.

NOTES: Loads exceeding any of these weights/dimensions are classified as super loads. Over 120,000 pounds gross on any non-Interstate route is a superload.

When You Are Required to Have Pilot Cars in Maryland

When a load exceeds the following weight and dimensions, it must be accompanied by a pilot car.

• 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 the rear.
• Height: Over 16’.

Travel Times and Restrictions in Maryland

Times that you are not allowed to travel within the state of Maryland with oversize or heavy haul loads: Daylight hours are defined as a 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 must be followed in areas with high traffic densities. Typically these hours are from 9 AM until 3:30 PM. No travel is usually allowed between these hours. 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). When traveling on toll roads, bridges, or tunnels, always check your physical permit for curfew times, especially if you’re over 45 gross tons, 100 feet in length, or over 12 feet wide. If you’re over 14 feet, you will not be permitted to travel between 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
• Christmas Day

The Maryland state DOT permit office for oversize and heavy haul loads is closed on the holidays mentioned above and Martin Luther King Day, Columbus Day, and election day and is also closed on the day after Thanksgiving. However, travel isn’t restricted these days. No movements across any toll facilities are permitted from noon Friday until 9:00 am Monday, including I-95 from Baltimore to the Delaware state line. Over 12′ wide or over 92,000 pounds can only travel 9:00 am to 3:30 pm (and Saturday until Noon) when on the Capital Beltway I-495/I-95 and Baltimore Beltway I-695. If 14′ wide or more, travel is only permitted from 9:00 am to 3:30 pm (and Saturday until Noon on any roads/highways).

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 or haulingpermits@sha.state.md.us Phone: 410-582-5727, 800-846-6435 or 800-543-4564 Fax: 410-787-2863 or toll free fax: 800-945-3416 Hours: Monday thru Friday 7:30 am to 4:30 pm (closed noon to 1 o’clock). NOTES: Single trip permits are valid for 5 days. Also, Maryland has a pretty good manual you can view here. Baltimore City: Baltimore permits routes into or out of Dundalk Marine Terminal are included with the Maryland state permit provided the dimensions are under 120,000 pounds, 12′ wide, 14′-6″ high, and 85′ long. Loads with other Baltimore destinations or origins, or loads exceeding these dimensions have to be ordered separately from Baltimore City, which is usually slow. Count on a 24-hour wait.

The information contained in these pages is research information primarily for use by oversize and overweight trucking company drivers, dispatchers, and pilot car companies. While every effort is put into maintaining the accuracy of this information you must absolutely verify this information with the Maryland State DOT Permits office before commencing movement.