Iowa Overweight/Oversize Permits

Iowa Overweight PermitsPermit Types

Obtain Iowa oversize/overweight permits by calling (888) 799-8858.

1.Oversize/Overweight Single Trip or Round Permits – Valid for 5 days

  • Single or Round Trip
  • Single or Round for Self-Propelled Cranes
  • Single or Round Trip for Private Carriers Moving Own Equipment (Not for Hire)
  • Single Trip for Fire Trucks or Military Vehicles
  • Single Trip for Long Combination Vehicle
  • Single Trip with Weight Increase (House moves only)
  • Single or Round for Self-Propelled Construction Equipment (Only needed when axles are over 20K lbs)

2.Oversize/Overweight Multi Trip Permit – This permit is valid for unlimited trips between two points of origin along a single specified route within a 60-day time period. However, there is a maximum of 156,000 lbs. for these permits.

3.Annual Permits

  • Annual Oversize/Overweight Permit
  • Small Annual Oversize
  • Large Annual Oversize
  • Raw Forest Products
  • Raw Milk
  • Garbage Compaction Vehicles

You can also obtain any trip and fuel permits you may need with our sister site!

Operating Time: Permitted vehicles up to 100′ in length, 11′ in width, and 14’4″ height may have continuous travel seven days a week (24/7), provided travel is on the roadway with a minimum width of 22′, a minimum lane width of 11′, and with safety lighting as specified on the Iowa provisions sheet. Larger loads may travel one-half hour before sunrise to one-half hour after sunset, including Saturdays and Sundays.

LEGAL DIMENSIONS

Width 8’6″
Height 13’6″
Length: Single Motor Vehicle – 41′

53′ semi-trailer and load (including overhang)

Overall length – No set maximum.
Weight: 80,000 lbs. gross weight

Single – 20,000 lbs.

Tandem – 34,000 lbs.

Tridem – 51,000 lbs.
Overhang: No set maximum.  Trailer and load length may not exceed 53′.

PERMIT LIMITS

Width 18′
Height 18′
Length 120′
Weight
  • Single – 20,000 lbs.
  • Tandem – 40,000 lbs.
  • Tridem – 60,000 lbs.

 

Steer Tire: The permit does not break out the steer axle weight, but enforcement goes by the single (steer) tire weight rating (on the side of the tire) times two. In Iowa, you must be licensed for as much as you wish to permit.

Loads exceeding these dimensions or weight are designated as superloads.

Escort/Pilot Car Requirements

Length: Over 120′ – 1 rear escort on all highways
Width: Over 12′ up to and including 14’6″-1 rear (1 front on two-lane highways) or a vehicle can display an amber light or strobe on the power unit and on the rear extremity of the load.

From 14’7″ up to and including 16’6″-1 rear, or a vehicle can display an amber light or strobe on the power unit and on the rear extremity of the load.

From 14’7″ up to and including 16’6″ – 1 front on two-lane highways.

Over 16’6″ up to and including 18′ – 1 rear (also 1 front on two-lane highways).
Height:Over 14’6″ up to 20′ – 1 front escort with a high pole car.
Overhang:

Escorts are not required for overhang.

SIGNS, FLAGS & LIGHTS

“Oversize Load” signs and flags are required when a vehicle and load exceed 75′ in length, 8’6″ width, and/or 14’4″ in height. Flags are required for rear overhang exceeding 4 feet on all permitted vehicles/loads. Flags should be mounted at each front corner of the towing unit, at each rear corner of the load, and at any wide points or protrusions of the load. When the length exceeds 85′, the front overhang exceeds 25′, the rear overhang exceeds 10′ (light should be on the load in the rear), or the weight exceeds 80,000 lbs., an amber revolving light at least 7″ high and 7″ in diameter is required on the towing unit. An escort can be used in lieu of an amber light.

RESTRICTED TRAVEL

Monday through Friday, I-235 in Des Moines is closed from 7:00 a.m. to 9:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. Other highways in Des Moines can be included under the curfew at the officer’s discretion if traffic is heavy. Check for any holidays or holiday weekend travel restrictions. Travel is not permitted on major holidays or holiday weekends.