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Determine if a permit is required

• A permit is issued to a carrier to allow operation of a vehicle or load that exceeds the statutory limits.
• Permits are generally issued for non-divisible loads, with some significant exceptions.
• Permits are issued by DMV and local highway maintenance authorities (for local roads and state trunk highways within the jurisdiction's boundaries only and for certain types of permits).

Dimensions

A permit is typically required if vehicle dimensions exceed:

Dimensions
Width	8 feet, 6 inches
Height	13 feet, 6 inches
Length - (Single vehicle and load)	45 feet
Length - (Combination of 2 vehicles)	70 feet
Length - (Truck/tractor and semi trailer)	75 feet (see Trans 276 for more information and exceptions)

For more information and exceptions to the above dimensions:

• SP4415 General maximum size restrictions
• Wisconsin Statutes Chapter 348 (348.02 through 348.10)  
• Trans 276 - Size and weight of vehicles and vehicle combinations
• Wisconsin truck operator map
• Implements of husbandry 

Weights

A permit is typically required if vehicle weights exceed:

Axles	Weight
Any one wheel or wheels supporting one end of an axle	11,000 lbs
Truck tractor steering axle	13,000 lbs
Single axle	20,000 lbs
Tandem axles	34,000 lbs
Maximum gross vehicle weights on all axles	80,000 lbs

Weight limitations on class “B” highways are 60% of class “A” highway weight limitations

Class “B” highways includes those county trunk highways, town highways and city and village streets or portions thereof, which have been designated as class “B” highways by the local authorities 

For more information and exceptions to the above weights:

• SP4075 Maximum weight limitations summary
• Wisconsin Statutes Chapter 348 (348.15 through 348.18) 

What type of permit is needed?

• Single trip permit - Valid for 14 days valid for 1 trip only 
• Multiple trip permit - Valid from 3 months to 12 months with no limit on number of trips

If you have questions:

• Email: oversize-permits.dmv@dot.wi.gov
• Call: (608) 266-7320
• FAX: (608) 264-7751
• Write to the address below:
  
  Wisconsin Department of Transportation
  Motor Carrier Services
  PO Box 7980
  Madison, WI 53707-7980