WISCONSIN OVERSIZE PERMITS INFORMATION
PERMITS: Wisconsin oversize permits are valid for fourteen consecutive days. Must have permit prior to entering the state.
OPERATING TIME: Loads not exceeding 12′ wide, 13’6″ high or 100′ long may run 24/7, except between 4:00PM to 11:00PM on Sunday, and between 4:00 P.M. to 11:00 P.M. between the fourth Sunday in May and Labor Day. Greater than these dimensions may not run during hours of darkness, not from Noon on Saturday until sunrise on Monday, and not between 4:00 P.M. to 11:00 P.M. between the fourth Sunday in May and Labor Day. Overweight only can travel 24/7, including weekends and holidays, unless otherwise stated on the permit.
RESTRICTED TRAVEL: Travel is restricted on major holidays and holiday weekends, with some variations according to size.
LEGAL DIMENSIONS
Length:
- 53′ semi-trailer on designated highways (provided kingpin to center of rear tandem or to center of last axle of a Tridem does not exceed 43′)
- 48′ semi-trailer and 75′ overall on other roads
Width: 8’6″
Height: 13’6″
Weight: 80,000 Gross
- Single – 20,000
- Tandem – 34,000
- Tridem – 42,000 (43,000 with 9′ of spacings)
ROUTINE PERMIT LIMITS
Length: No set limit
Width: 16′
Height: Depends on routes
Weight:
- Single – 30,000 (with 4 tires)
- Tandem – 65,000
- Tridem – 81,000
Loads exceeding 16′ or 150,000 pounds are considered as Super Loads.
ESCORTS
Length: Usually not required
Width: Over 15′ – 1 escort
Height: Usually not required, depends on routes
SEASONAL LOAD (WEIGHT) RESTRICTIONS: Spring thaw overweight restrictions usually go into effect on “Class 2 Roads” from approximately early March until mid-May. Interstates and US Highways are normally not restricted. The start date varies from year to year.
MISCELLANEOUS: Farm equipment delivered to a Wisconsin destination and not using any Interstate routes, does not need a permit, but can only run on Monday through Thursday and up to 2:00PM on Friday.
SIGNS, FLAGS & LIGHTS: “Oversize Load” signs required when vehicle/load exceeds 10′ wide or is overlength. They must be lit up to run at night. Flags (18″ square) are required at front and rear corners of overwidth loads, and at the widest point of any load which is more than 4″ wider than the vehicle or the front or rear corners of the load. When overlength, a single flag shall be fastened at the extreme rear of the load if the overlength or projecting portion is 2′ wide or less, or 2 flags if over 2′ wide. Lighting rules for night moves are specified in the Wisconsin Permit General Provisions (MV2605) sheet.