Delaware

Width

8'6" (3' per side allowance for safety equipment on Interstates)

Height

13'6"

Length

53' (trailer)

Legal overhang — front

3'

Legal overhang — rear

6'

Axle (non-Interstate)

22,400 lb.

Tandem axle (non-Interstate)

40,000 lb.

3-axle (non-Interstate)

66,000 lb.

4-axle (non-Interstate)

73,280 lb.

5-axle (non-Interstate)

80,000 lb.

Axle (Interstate)

22,200 lb.

Tandem axle (Interstate)

34,000 lb.

3-axle (Interstate)

54,000 lb.

4-axle (Interstate)

74,000 lb.

5-axle (Interstate)

80,000 lb.

Phone

302-744-2700

Hours

8:00 AM – 4:00 PM Eastern

Website

deldot.gov

An escort vehicle must be a single-unit, non-permitted vehicle no smaller than a compact car, and may not be attached to any other vehicle. Length: at 85' one rear escort; at 100' one front and one rear escort. Width: over 12' requires a rear or front escort depending on road type (multi-lane vs. two-lane); over 14' requires one front and one rear escort. Height: at 15' one front and one rear escort. Overhang: at 15' one rear escort. An escort vehicle may only escort one oversize load at a time, and more restrictive conditions may apply on high-volume highways or where lane width is less than 12 feet. The escort travels behind an over-width load on a multi-lane highway and in front on a two-lane highway, and must maintain visual contact and two-way radio communication with the driver.

The Federal Bridge Formula applies to any axle group spaced more than 8 feet apart at their extremes. On all roads other than the Interstate, maximum legal axle weights are: single axle 22,400 lb, tandem axle group 40,000 lb, 2-axle vehicle 40,000 lb, 3-axle vehicle 65,000 lb, and 4-axle vehicle 73,280 lb. A permit is required if the gross vehicle weight exceeds the statutory limit, or if individual axle weights exceed the limit even when the GVW does not.

A Trip Permit is required for carriers based elsewhere without Delaware on their IRP cab card, and must be obtained prior to entry (valid in Delaware only). A 30-day Temporary Fuel Permit is available in lieu of displaying annual IFTA decals for a carrier in good standing, through the Delaware Motor Carrier Services Section/IFTA Unit — failure to carry it may require a trip permit purchase and a citation. A 72-Hour Permit is available for reciprocity trip and/or fuel needs, is vehicle specific, and covers both interstate and intrastate movement.

A first size/weight violation carries a fine of $28.75–$230 or up to 30 days imprisonment, or both. A subsequent like offense carries $115–$575 or up to 60 days, or both. Separately, overweight violations carry: first offense 2.3 cents per pound up to 5,000 lbs over, 5.75 cents per pound beyond 5,000 lbs, or up to 30 days imprisonment; each subsequent offense within 24 months, 5.75 cents per pound up to 5,000 lbs, 11.5 cents per pound beyond 5,000 lbs, and/or 60 days. A first offense is defined as none committed by the person in the prior 24 months.

Oversize/overweight hauling trucks and pilot cars must run with low-beam headlights on at all times, and amber lights are required for night travel, attached at the widest point of the load and visible from 500 feet. Vehicles with a valid permit may move Monday through Friday from sunrise to sunset and Saturday from sunrise to noon, unless otherwise authorized or restricted; DelDOT reserves the right to restrict moves at any time for public safety. Permitted loads up to 75' long, 12' wide, 14'6" high, and 120,000 lbs may move 9 PM–5 AM Monday through Friday with prior approval, subject to case-by-case restriction.

Delaware's lighting and banner requirements are covered under running hours above — amber lights on the load's widest point at night, visible 500 feet, plus low-beam headlights at all times on hauling and pilot vehicles.

Studded tires are permitted October 15 through April 15, and tire chains of reasonable proportions may be used when required for safety because of snow, ice, or similar conditions. Minimum tread depth is 2/32 inch measured in two adjacent grooves; no protuberance other than rubber may project beyond the tread. A first misdemeanor violation carries a fine of $10–$100 or 10–30 days imprisonment, or both; a subsequent offense carries $50–$200 or 15–30 days, or both.

No annual permits are issued by Delaware.

When you see the orange and black, be extra cautious: avoid distractions, don't tailgate, don't change lanes unnecessarily, slow down and expect the unexpected. Warning signs indicate what to expect, barrels or cones delineate your path of travel, and flag persons help direct traffic.

Type

Single Trip permit

Fee

$10.00

Duration

5 days

Threshold dimensions requiring this permit

Length 120' or greater, width 15' or greater, height 15' or greater, GVW 120,000 lbs or greater