Maine Axle Weight Limits

Maximum Legal Weight Allowed

A permit is required when the gross vehicle weight of a single vehicle or a combination of vehicles exceeds the following legal weight limit established for the vehicle type and axle configuration:

* Except as provided by Title 29-A M.R.S.A. §2364.

**100,000 lbs. is legal on 6 or more axles consisting of a minimum of a 3-axle truck tractor in combination with a tri-axle semitrailer on General Law Highways. The Maine Interstate System is restricted to 80,000 lbs. except that a combination vehicle consisting of a 3-axle truck tractor and a tri-axle semitrailer may operate up to 100,000 lbs. for as long as a federal law exempting Maine from the 80,000 lbs. interstate limit is in effect.

Maximum Permit Weight Allowed

The maximum weights for which a permit may be granted, without a special and detailed review by the Maine Department of Transportation, are as follows:

1. There is an additional 3% tolerance on any axle or group of axles.
2. Weights in excess of the above are considered extreme loads and may require detailed engineering reviews. An applicant should allow a minimum of two business days for the Maine Department of Transportation to complete a required review. The applicant may be required to supply additional information not on the application (such as an axle weight and spacing diagram).

Source of information: https://www.maine.gov/sos/bmv/commercial/olpermits.html