Massachusetts

Width

8'6"

Height

13'6" (Sumner and Callahan tunnels: 12'6")

Single axle

22,400 lb.

Tandem axle

34,000 lb.

Tridem axle

36,000 lb.

Max gross weight

80,000 lb.

Phone

781-431-5148

Fax

781-431-5014

Hours

7:00 AM – 4:00 PM Eastern

Website

massdot.state.ma.us

Pilot cars are generally required starting at 12' wide, 13'8" high, or 80' long. The Massachusetts Turnpike, Boston, and Cape Cod carry lower thresholds for escorts and police escorts than the rest of the state.

A permit is required if a truck exceeds: 46,000 lbs (2 axles); 73,000 lbs (3-axle combination); 87,000 lbs (4-axle combination); or 99,000 lbs (5+ axle combination). A permit is also needed if the weight on any axle exceeds 18,000 lbs (axles less than 6 ft apart) or 22,400 lbs (axles 6 ft or more apart), or if the overall gross weight on two or more consecutive axles exceeds 80,000 lbs.

A 30-day Temporary IFTA Permit bridges the wait for an annual decal (issued only to current IFTA carriers). A 72-hour Single Trip Permit ($20) can be used in place of IFTA registration — call the Registry of Motor Vehicles at 857-368-8120 for more information. A 72-hour Temporary Trip Permit ($15) can be used in place of registering for IRP plates, available through the state or a third-party permit provider.

First offense

$40

Second offense

$80

Third offense

$155

Additional overweight fines: $40 per 1,000 lbs up to 10,000 lbs over, and $80 per 1,000 lbs for each 1,000 lbs beyond 10,000 lbs over.

Loads up to 12' wide with a permit may travel from Monday morning to Saturday noon, except for special exceptions. Loads 12'–14' wide, 80'–114' long, and over 13'11" high may travel sunrise to sunset, except no travel 7:00–9:00 AM or 3:30–7:00 PM Monday through Friday, and only until noon on Saturday and Sunday. Loads over 14' wide and/or over 115' long may only travel 9:30 AM–3:30 PM on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday. Travel is prohibited on legal holidays.

If no escort is present, an "Oversize Load" sign is required on the front — 7' long, 18" high, black 10-inch letters with a 1.41-inch stroke on a yellow background. Flags must be red and at least 12" square, placed at extremities and corners for over-dimensional vehicles. Two flashing amber lights, visible from front and rear, are also required.

Studded tires are only permitted November 2 through April 30, and only on the rear of the trailer — the fine for violating this is $50. Snow chains are neither illegal nor required during storms, except triple-axle trucks must have one pair on an opposite set of wheels. Minimum tire tread depth is 2/32 inch.

Max width

14'

Max height

14' (over 13'8" requires a height survey)

Max length

115'

Cost

$400

Validity

1 year

Slow down, especially in work zones — speeding fines are doubled there. Don't look at or play with your phone or radio, even hands-free — pay attention to signs, personnel, and advisories. Keep 10 and 2 on the steering wheel and stay vigilant, since construction zones can change rapidly. Never drink and drive.

Any sectional, mobile, or modular home exceeding 13'6" in total height or 100' in total length will not be granted a permit on state highways. Modular, sectional, or mobile homes 12'–14' wide may travel only under permit during daylight hours Monday through Friday, with no travel between 7:00–9:00 AM or 3:30–7:00 PM. Maximum width is 16', though routes are limited to that width.

Single trip fee

$40

Annual overweight permit (construction vehicles only)

$400