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Permits by state
What TxDMV requires before an oversize or overweight load moves in Texas: legal limits, permit maximums, escorts, daylight and holiday rules, and superheavy permits. Sourced from TxDMV.
Last verified: against official state sources.
The numbers
| Dimension | Legal limit |
|---|---|
| Width | 8 ft 6 in |
| Height | 14 ft |
| Length | Varies by vehicle and combination (see TxDMV) |
| Gross weight | 80,000 lb |
Anything over these needs a TxDMV oversize/overweight permit.
Sources: TxDMV Oversize/Overweight Permits guide (PDF); TxDMV: Texas Size/Weight Limits. Checked Oct 15, 2026.
Permits
| Limit | Value |
|---|---|
| Max width on Interstates | 16 ft (except manufactured housing) |
| Max width without applicant route inspection | 20 ft |
| Max height without applicant route inspection | 18 ft 11 in |
| Max length without applicant route inspection | 125 ft |
| Front / rear overhang | 25 ft / 30 ft |
Superheavy single-trip permits cover non-divisible loads over 254,300 lb, over the maximum permit axle weights, or 200,001-254,300 lb with less than 95 ft of axle spacing. Apply through TxPROS 3 to 4 weeks ahead unless a route is already approved. Permit fees: verify with the state (they vary by permit type; see TxDMV).
Sources: TxDMV: Texas Size/Weight Limits; TxDMV: Superheavy Single-Trip Permits. Checked Oct 15, 2026.
Pilot cars
| Situation | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Over 14 ft to 16 ft wide | 1 front on two-lane; 1 rear on divided highway |
| Over 16 ft wide | Front and rear, all roads |
| Over 17 ft high | 1 front with height pole |
| Over 18 ft high | Front with height pole and 1 rear |
| Over 110 ft to 125 ft long | 1 front on two-lane; 1 rear on divided highway |
| Over 125 ft long | Front and rear |
| Front overhang over 20 ft | 1 front on two-lane; 1 rear on four or more lanes |
| Rear overhang over 20 ft | 1 rear, all roads |
If a load exceeds escort triggers in two dimensions, front and rear escorts are required. TxDMV may also require law enforcement escorts.
Source: TxDMV Motor Carrier Handbook (PDF). Checked Oct 15, 2026.
When you can roll
Permitted loads move daytime only (30 minutes before sunrise to 30 minutes after sunset) unless the permit allows night travel. Night travel is allowed for overweight-only loads, and on Interstates for loads up to 10 ft wide and 100 ft long with legal overhangs.
Holidays: the maximum size for holiday movement is 14 ft wide, 16 ft high and 110 ft long, unless TxDOT grants an exception. Manufactured housing may not move on national holidays. TxDOT may also restrict routes for construction or congestion, and curfews on the permit apply.
Sources: TxDMV Motor Carrier Handbook (PDF); TxDMV: Texas Size/Weight Limits. Checked Oct 15, 2026.
Permit office
Order and self-issue online at TxPROS, or call (800) 299-1700, option 2. txdmv.gov: Oversize/Overweight Permits
Rather not deal with it? Run your load through our permit checker, then call (310) 989-6530.
Quick answers
The legal width in Texas is 8 ft 6 in without a permit.
The legal height in Texas is 14 ft without a permit.
Loads over 14 ft to 16 ft wide need one front escort on two-lane highways or one rear escort on divided highways.
Permitted loads move daytime only unless the permit allows night travel.
Order online through TxPROS or call (800) 299-1700, option 2.
Answers summarize the sourced sections above. Last verified Oct 15, 2026.
Keep reading
For lanes, industries and how we plan Texas moves, see Heavy Haul Trucking in Texas. For cross-state answers on pilot cars, legal width and height, superloads and holiday rules, see the Heavy Haul FAQ.
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