Ohio

Width

8'6"

Height

13'6"

Semi-trailer length

53' (including rear overhang)

Max length (combinations)

75'

Single axle

20,000 lb.

Tandem axle

34,000 lb.

Tridem axle

48,000 lb.

Max gross weight

80,000 lb.

Phone

614-351-2300

Fax

614-728-4099

Hours

8:00 AM – 5:00 PM Eastern

Website

dot.state.oh.us/permits

One rear escort is required for any vehicle/load exceeding 90' in length. One lead escort (rear on multi-lane highways) is required for width over 13'. One lead escort with a height-sensing device is required for height over 14'6". One lead and one rear escort are required for width over 14'6" or height over 14'10". A required rear escort follows 500 feet behind the permitted vehicle. Escort vehicles must display a 5-foot by 12-inch "OVERSIZE LOAD" sign with 8-inch letters (yellow with black lettering), maintain radio communication with the permit vehicle's operator, and carry a roof-mounted amber flashing or rotating light. A police escort may be specifically required by the Hauling Permits Office for moves with a high probability of delay, hazard, or highway/street damage.

Maximum wheel load is 650 lbs per inch of tire width. On the Interstate: 20,000 lbs per axle, 34,000 lbs per tandem axle, with two or more consecutive axles governed by the Federal Bridge Formula (two consecutive tandem sets may each carry 34,000 lbs if the overall distance between the first and last axles is 36 feet or more). On non-Interstate roads: 20,000 lbs on one axle; two successive axles 4 feet or less apart are capped at 24,000 lbs, and more than 4 feet apart at 34,000 lbs plus 1,000 lbs per foot (or fraction) over 4 feet, not exceeding 40,000 lbs. Three successive load-bearing axles designed to equalize the load (each axle over 4 feet from the next, with first-to-third spacing of 9 feet or less) are capped at 48,000 lbs — with total vehicle-plus-load weight not exceeding 38,000 lbs plus 900 lbs per foot of spacing between the front and rearmost axle, or 42,500 lbs if part of a 6-axle combination with 20+ feet of spacing (total capped at 54,000 lbs plus 600 lbs per foot of spacing). Other axle combinations are capped at 38,000 lbs plus 900 lbs per foot of spacing; overall max gross weight on non-Interstate roads is 80,000 lbs.

Max permit — single axle

29,000 lbs

Max permit — short tandem

36,000 lbs

Max permit — long tandem

50,000 lbs (min. 4'1" spacing and sufficient bridge spacing, must pass analysis)

Max permit — short tri-axle

47,000 lbs

Max permit — short quad / long tri-axle

60,000 lbs

Max permit — long quad

80,000 lbs

Tire load per axle is calculated as the number of tires times tread width (inches) times 800; every axle except the front must carry a minimum of 10,000 lbs. Special continuing permits exist for the Toledo Port Area and Delta Steel Complex (90-day or 365-day, allowing Michigan legal weights up to 154,000 lbs for specific cross-border moves), and a separate Michigan Legal Permit for moves between Williams, Fulton, or Lucas counties and the Michigan border at Michigan's weight law (up to 154,000 lbs GVW).

Commercial companies not registered for IRP or IFTA may purchase temporary trip and fuel permits for $12 per day, allowing them to pass through or operate temporarily within Ohio.

The minimum fine in Ohio is $100, escalating to thousands of dollars at a rate of $3.00 per 100 lbs once over 10,000 lbs overweight. Additional penalties can include jail time and confiscation of the truck and load.

There is no mention of light requirements for the hauling commercial vehicle itself, though all pilot cars and escorts must have proper lighting. Oversize/overweight loads under 12' wide may move 7 days a week (excluding holidays), 30 minutes before sunrise to 30 minutes after sunset. Loads 12' wide or wider must consult the permit for specific hours and days of operation.

Tire tread must have at least 2/32 inch remaining or the tire is deemed illegal; exposed wires, cuts, cracks, or other internal exposure will fail inspection.

Manual county lookup is required — current restrictions should be verified directly through individual county engineer, commissioner, and notice pages, as Ohio does not publish a single statewide status feed.

Annual permits range from $970 to $2,970 per year and are valid for one year; the qualifying limits are 140,000 lbs weight, 14' wide, and 14'6" tall.

Engineers and construction workers prioritize safety every day, and depend on passing drivers doing the same. Real-time alerts for speed, accidents, construction, and weather are available at ohgo.com. Ohio advocates work zone awareness — stay focused, stay calm, and respect posted speed limits.

No specific information is published on manufactured home movements in Ohio.