Vermont

Width

8'6"

Height

13'6"

Single vehicle length

46'

Truck-trailer combo length

75'

Legal overhang — front

3'

Legal overhang — rear

6'

Single axle

20,000 lb.

Tandem axle

34,000 lb.

Max gross weight

80,000 lb.

Phone

802-828-2064

Fax

802-828-5418

Hours

8:00 AM – 4:00 PM Eastern

Website

dmv.vermont.gov

An escort is required when the load is 12' or wider, 80' or longer, or has an overhang of 15' or more (or at the Commissioner's discretion). One escort precedes the load on undivided highways and follows on divided highways, running low-beam headlights during all moves. The Commissioner of Motor Vehicles may require two or more escort vehicles.

For blanket and single-trip permits up to 150,000 lbs, the maximum permit weight is 12,000 lbs per single-wheel (steering) axle and 20,000 lbs per dual-wheel axle — the Department will consider applications up to that total if there are enough axles to distribute weight at those per-axle rates; anything above what the formula covers is denied and may require additional information or engineering review. Special Excess Weight Permits allow 60,000 lbs for a 3-axle straight truck, 69,000 lbs for a 4-axle straight truck, and 72,000–76,000 lbs for 4/5+ axle truck-tractor semi-trailer combinations with proper axle spacing. Superloads of 150,000+ lbs require an engineering inspection.

Vermont-based registrants eligible for apportioned registration need a trip permit entering any IRP jurisdiction unless apportioned there. Out-of-state vehicles eligible for apportioned registration but not apportioned with Vermont need a 72-hour trip permit ($15.00, plus additional permit service fees), obtainable online at vermont.gov/DMV/irp.

Subsequent violations within one year increase the fine: 5% for a second conviction, 10% for a third, and 15% for a fourth or later conviction.

Overwidth, overlength, or overheight vehicles are restricted to daylight hours, 1/2 hour before sunrise to 1/2 hour after sunset. Loads over 10'6" wide, over 100' long, or over 108,000 lbs must follow weekend and holiday restrictions — no movement on Saturday, Sunday, any Friday afternoon between July 1 and Labor Day, or on New Year's Day, Martin Luther King Jr. Day, Presidents' Day, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Columbus Day, Veterans Day, Thanksgiving Day, or Christmas Day.

A load extending 4 inches or more beyond the vehicle's overall width at the foremost or rearmost edge, or projecting 4 feet or more beyond the body at the rear, must be marked with red lamps visible from the rear and side showing the full width of the load. An "OVERSIZE LOAD" banner is required for all vehicles/loads over 8'6" wide, 13'6" high, or 75' long — at least 7 feet long by 18 inches high, yellow background with black lettering at least 10 inches high and a 1.25-inch brush stroke, durable and weatherproof. Flags must be bright or fluorescent red or orange, at least 18 by 18 inches — at least 4 flags at the corners of an over-width vehicle or load (with additional flags at the widest extremities for irregular shapes); an overhang over 4 feet needs 1 flag if under 2 feet wide, or 2 flags if 2 feet or wider.

The state may require chains on specified highway portions during winter weather for vehicles with a GVWR/GCWR over 26,000 lbs, with advance notice given via signage or public service announcements and adequate pull-off areas provided. A single-drive-axle vehicle needs chains on one tire on each side of the drive axle; a tandem-drive-axle vehicle needs chains on two tires on each side of the primary drive axle (or one tire on each side of each drive axle if both are powered by the driveline).

Manual verification is required — town highway and bridge restrictions in Vermont are posted locally, and current restrictions vary by municipality and route.

A Blanket Permit is written authorization for the movement of a vehicle or combination and its non-divisible load, with prescribed size/weight limits, over state and Interstate highways. A vehicle obtaining a blanket weight permit must be registered to the maximum limit and configured to legally meet the road limit.

Length

100'

Width

14'11"

Height

13'11"

Cost — Blanket Permit fee

$112.00

Cost — additional units within the fleet

$6.00

Turnaround

1 business day, online, truck specific

Work zones require staying alert for sudden changes distracted drivers may miss. Handheld device use while driving in a work zone carries penalties of $100–$200 plus 2 points for a first violation, and $250–$500 plus 5 points for subsequent violations. Speed limits are reduced and fines doubled in work zones; follow flagger and sign instructions, merge as instructed, don't tailgate or crowd the crew, expect delays and schedule extra time or an alternate route, and be patient.

Single Trip Permit — length

90'0" or less

Single Trip Permit — height

13'6" or less

Single Trip Permit — width

14'0" or less (an additional 6" eave overhang allowed for modular/mobile homes on the right-hand shoulder side)

A single trip permit is issued to cover one trip within 7 business days of issuance; a new permit is required if the trip runs longer, though extensions may be granted at the Commissioner's discretion.