North Dakota Oversize / Overweight Regulations

What is considered as "Oversized Load" in North Dakota?

Dimensions: Width: 8' 6" (8' other roads) Height: 14' Semi Trailer Length: 53' Maximum Length: 75' (combinations) Legal Overhang: Front/Rear: 10'

What is considered as "Overweight Load" in North Dakota?

Weights: Single Axle: 20,000 lb. Tandem axle: 34,000 lb. Tridem: 48,000 lb. Max Legal Gross Weight 80,000

North Dakota Oversize / Overweight Permits

North Dakota Pilot Cars / Escorts

Escort Requirements

All movements exceeding 14 feet 6 inches in width, 18 feet in height, and 120 feet in overall length are required to have official escort or approved pilot cars

Note: Pilot car requirement for movements not exceeding 16 feet in width, the overwidth vehicle itself, or vehicle towing or hauling an overwidth load, may be equipped with a lighted rotating or flashing amber light or lights that are visible from front and rear for a minimum 500 feet. On four-lane divided highways there are no pilot car requirements for movements not exceeding 16 feet in width.

Load Exceeding 16 feet in overall width:

One pilot car is required to precede each movement at a distance of 300 to 700 feet and one pilot car is required to follow each movement at a distance of 300 to 700 feet on two-lane highways.

One pilot car is required to follow each movement at a distance of 300 to 700 feet on four-lane divided highways.

Exceeding 18 feet in overall width:

The movement will be subject to Highway Patrol escort if deemed necessary by the regional commander(s).

A Highway Patrol escort would be in addition to private pilot car escorts.

The moving company will contact the regional commander(s) in the region(s) in which the oversize/overweight load movement will travel.

Pilot Car Requirements

The vehicle must be a passenger vehicle or two-axle truck only and must be operated as a single unit only. 

The vehicle must have on the highest part a sign that is minimum 12 inches in height and 60 inches in length with the words OVERSIZE LOAD in black letters on a yellow background on it.

In addition, flashing amber lights shall be mounted on both ends of the sign. In place of the two alternating lights, there can be one centrally mounted revolving amber light on the top of the sign.

There shall be radio communication between the pilot car(s) and the vehicle being escorted.

North Dakota Axle Regulations

Maximum Gross Weight Allowed

Maximum Vehicle Weight on Interstate Highways

The maximum gross vehicle weight on the interstate highway system:  80,000 lb.
The gross vehicle weight of any vehicle or combination of vehicles is determined by the following weight formula of:

W = 500 (N-1 + 12N + 36)

where W equals maximum weight in pounds carried on any group of two or more axles; L equals distance in feet between the extremes of any group of two or more consecutive axles; and N equals number of axles in the group under consideration except that two consecutive sets of tandem axles may carry a gross load of 34,000 lb. each, providing the overall distance between the first and last axles of the consecutive sets of tandem axles is at least 36 feet.

Gross Vehicle Weight on highways other than the Interstate System

The maximum gross vehicle weight on state highways: 105,500 lb. unless otherwise posted.

On all other highways the maximum gross vehicle weight is: 80,000 lb. unless designated for more, not to exceed 105,500 lb.

Axle Weights

Steering axle: the weight shall be determined by the manufacturer’s axle rating and shall not exceed 20,000 pounds when travel is on the Interstate system, Defense Highway systems or the ND State Highway system. :

No tire shall exceed 550 pounds per inch of tire width.

Single Axle Maximum:  20,000 pounds.
         Axles spaced 40 inches or less apart are considered one axle.
        Axles spaced 8 feet apart or over are considered as individual axles.

(The gross weight of two individual axles may not exceed 40,000 pounds on highways other than the interstate system.) On the interstate system the gross weight of two individual axles may be restricted by the weight formula. Spacing between axles shall be measured from axle center to axle center. The weight per inch of tire width shall not exceed 550 pounds.

The gross weight on a tandem axle may not exceed 34,000 pounds.

The gross weight of three or more axles in a grouping may not exceed 48,000 pounds on highways other than the interstate system.

On the interstate system the gross weight of three or more axles is restricted by the weight formula. The weight per inch of tire width shall not exceed 550 pounds.

Maximum Permit Weight Allowed

Single Axle 22,000 lb.

Tandem Axle: 40,000 lb.

GVW: 150,000 lb. .

Axle weight limitations for vehicles and vehicle combinations, e.g. truck, truck-tractor and semitrailer transporting a load or tow-away, are subject to the following maximum permitted axle weights:

600 pounds per inch of tire width is allowed on the steering axle when:

• The axle rating is greater than 20,000 pounds and travel is on the interstate system; or
• The load is being hauled for the US Department of Defense and travel is on designated Defense Highways as described in Policy 9-1 Procedure E.3.; or
• Travel is on a state highway.

Single and tandem axle weights may not exceed 600 pounds per inch width of tire.

A group of three or more axles may not exceed 550 pounds per inch width of tire.

North Dakota Trip and Fuel (IRP / IFTA) Permits

Fuel Permit

Fuel Permit can be purchased in lieu of obtaining an International Fuel Tax License (IFTA). Applies only to vehicles of NON-resident carriers.

North Dakota is a member of the IFTA. Nonresidents may purchase a 72-hour fuel permit in lieu of obtaining an IFTA license for their vehicle.

A fuel permit is $15 and valid for 72 hours or when the vehicle leaves the state, whichever occurs first. The fuel permit is valid for one trip only.

The 72-hour fuel permit is required under any one of the following conditions:

• Two-axle single unit vehicle exceeding 26,000 pounds gross vehicle weight (GVW).
• A vehicle combination with a two-axle power unit and a GVW exceeding 26,000 pounds.
• A single unit vehicle with three or more axles regardless of the weight.
• A vehicle combination with a power unit of three or more axles.
• When any one of the above listed vehicles under items 1, 2, 3 or 4, do not have an IFTA license.
• Carriers from Alaska, Northwest Territories, Yukon or Mexico who have not become a member of IFTA through another jurisdiction.
• Nonresident carriers who are operating Intrastate only or working in the state and do not have an IFTA license.

Vehicles Exempt from the Fuel Permit:

• Vehicles carrying a completed copy of an IFTA license cab cards and a door decal.
• All North Dakota base-licensed vehicles.
• All two-axle single unit vehicles weighing 26,000 pounds GVW or less.
• Vehicle combinations with two-axle power unit and a GVW of 26,000 pounds or less.
• ALL Minnesota registered vehicles within the 20-mile free zone. Travel does not have to be by the most direct route.
• Minnesota and South Dakota farm registered motor vehicles hauling their own products or supplies for the farm.
• Leased vehicles carrying IFTA fuel license cards issued to the leasing companies.
• Tourists, motor homes, other recreational vehicles used for personal pleasure.
• Persons transporting their own household goods with their own or rented vehicles for home relocation.
• Non-highway motorized equipment that is not registered, such as farm tractors, truck crane, and earthmoving equipment.
  

Trip Permit

A temporary trip permit is required in lieu of ND registration. Applies only on vehicles of NON-resident carriers.

North Dakota is a member of the International Registration Plan (IRP).

A 72-hour trip permit must be purchased on out-of-state registered vehicles not registered in the state of ND when traveling on the ND highway system. The 72-hour (3-day) trip permit is $20.

The 72-hour trip permit is required on the vehicle of a nonresident carrier under any one of the following conditions:

• Two-axle single unit vehicle exceeding 26,000 pounds gross vehicle weight (GVW).
• A single unit vehicle with more than two axles.
• A vehicle combination with a two-axle power unit and a GVW exceeding 26,000 pounds.
• A vehicle combination with a power unit of three or more axles.
• When any one of the above listed vehicles under items 1, 2, 3 or 4, are not registered under the IRP.
• Any vehicle having a gross weight greater than what the vehicle is registered for.
• All vehicles from the following states and provinces with 3-axles or more including charter buses, and all vehicle combinations with power units with more than 2-axles and exceeding 26,000 pounds GVW or registered GW: Alaska, Mexico, Northwest Territories, Yukon.

Vehicles Exempt from the 72-hour Trip Permit

• Tourists
• Persons transporting their own household goods with their own vehicle for home relocation.
• Vehicles registered through reciprocal agreement.
• Carriers from IRP states or provinces that have original cab cards for their power unit from their base state with ND listed.
• Reciprocity Agreements with neighboring states/provinces.
• All two-axle single unit vehicles weighing 26,000 pounds GVW or less and based licensed in an IRP jurisdiction.
• Vehicle combinations with two-axle power unit and a GVW of 26,000 pounds or less.
• All charter buses regardless of axles and GVW -- except Mexico, Alaska, Northwest Territories, and Yukon.

North Dakota Overweight / Oversize Fines

A person operating a motor vehicle or the owner of the motor vehicle being operated without a permit as specified in this chapter must be assessed a fee of one hundred dollars ($100). Any person violating any other provision of this chapter for which a specific penalty is not provided, must be assessed a fee of twenty dollars ($20). Violating the conditions of any permit type automatically voids the permit.

Over dimensional and/or Overweight Citation: $20 and $100 Overweight fines may be assessed for over axle, gross, exterior bridge and interior bridge length violations, whichever produces the greater fine. Drivers may not shift load to avoid an over-axle citation.

WEIGHT                    FINE

0 – 1,000 lb.             $20

1,001 – 2,000 lb.      $40

2,001 – 3,000 lb.      $60

3,001 – 4,000 lb.      $140

4,001 – 5,000 lb.      $220

5,001 – 6,000 lb.      $305

6,001 – 7,000 lb.      $380

7,001 – 8,000 lb.      $495

8,001 – 9,000 lb.      $575

9,001 – 10,000 lb.    $655

10,001 – 11,000 lb. $1,100

11,001 – 12,000 lb. $1,200

12,001 – 13,000 lb. $1,300

13,001 – 14,000 lb. $1,680

14,001 – 15,000 lb. $1,800

15,001 – 16,000 lb. $1,920

16,001 – 17,000 lb. $2,550

17,001 – 18,000 lb. $2,700

18,001 – 19,000 lb. $2,850

19,001 – 20,000 lb. $3,000

20,001 – 21,000 lb. $4,200

21,001 – 22,000 lb. $4,400

22,001 – 23,000 lb. $4,600

23,001 – 24,000 lb. $4,800

24,001 – 25,000 lb. $5,000

25,001 – 26,000 lb. $5,200

26,001 – 27,000 lb. $5,400

27,001 – 28,000 lb. $5,600

28,001 – 29,000 lb. $5,800

29,001 – 30,000 lb. $6,000

 

Running Hours and Holiday Restrictions

Warning Lights: Color and Placement

Permitted vehicles traveling from 1/2 hour after sunset until 1/2 hour before sunrise will have:

 SAE approved Class 1 lights and reflectors:
Clearance lights visible from the front, rear, and side marking the outermost portion of the vehicle and load which extends beyond 8 feet 6 inches.

One rotating or two flashing amber lights mounted above the cab visible at a distance not less than 500 feet.

Oversized Load Banner Regulations and Requirements

Loads that exceed 75' in length and/or 8' 6" in width must display and "Oversize Load" sign on the front and rear. Size: 5' long, 12" high. Lettering: Black, 8" high, 1" brushstroke Background Yellow

Flag Requirements

All over-dimensional vehicles and loads shall have minimum 18" square red or bright orange flags displayed on the traffic side front and rear.

Flags, Lights and Banners

Running Hours

Movement times: sunrise to sunset for all vehicles in excess of 10 ft. wide.

Single trip permits for over width movements that exceed 16 ft. shall not be issued authorizing movements on Saturday after 12 noon, all day Sunday, and on holidays of New Year's Day, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving Day, and Christmas Day.

No over width permit exceeding 16 feet will be valid from 12 noon the day before the holiday until sunrise the day after the holiday.

North Dakota Tire Regulations

Tire chains may be used when necessary.

Tire chain usage is permitted for hazardous weather or other related incidents only but may not damage the highway surface.

Pneumatic tires with metal stubs projecting to 1/16 inch above the tread surface may be used between October 15 and April 15.

Tire size in ND is limited to 44 inches tall for vehicles 7,000 pounds and under. All tires must be safe in operating condition without any bulges or exposed cords. Front tires must measure at least 60% of the tread width of the rear tires.

North Dakota Frost Laws

NDDOT sets load restrictions as weather and roadbed conditions require and removes these restrictions when roadbeds are stable enough to carry legal weight traffic without damage.

NDDOT Load Restriction Info (best source): https://www.dot.nd.gov/roadreport/loadlimit/loadlimitinfo.asp.
On the page, under Related links, click on Current Load Restrictions Map.

Using the map (select Load Restrictions Proposed) determine the color of route of interest and refer to the table for axle weight limits.

North Dakota Load Restriction Chart (2019)

Using the Ton Mile Fee Schedule you can determine the price per mile for the overweight fine. These permits can range from 500$ to well over 10,000$ so pay attention to the weights. If in doubt about how the weights should be distributed, click here (Insert a call to action for our axle spacings calculator) 

This chart will allow you to calculate your overweight costs per trip. There are 2 possible ways you can be charged. Gross Vehicle Weight and Axle Group Weight. You can be charged per group and also the overall GVW, and these charges must be combined to create an accurate permit charge.

North Dakota Annual Permits

ANNUAL PERMIT

Dimensions: 

• Length: 120′
• Width: 18′
• Height: 18′

A multi-trip permit may be issued for non-divisible loads up to 150,000 lbs. and is subject to higher fees. State law also authorizes the State Highway Patrol and local authorities to adopt rules to govern the movement of oversize and overweight vehicles. 

Cost: 

Seasonal (Annual) - $ 50.00

Time, it takes to receive: 1 business day

Mailing method: online

Commodity specific? Truck specific

North Dakota Road Conditions

Speed Check

• Slow down when you approach a work zone; It comes faster than you think
• Follow posted speed limits, even if there are no workers present..

Space Check

• Leave at least 2 seconds between you and the car in front of you.
• Do not pass on the shoulder of the road.

Stress Check

• If it's construction season, plan your route so you know where construction is occurring.
• Expect delays. Leave extra time so you don't need to worry about running late.
• Check the North Dakota Department of Transportation’s Travel Information Map for where to expect delays.
• Avoid all distractions like cell phones and changing music stations.

Obey the Signs in Construction Work Zones!

North Dakota Manufactured Houses and Mobile homes

Single Trip Permit

A single trip permit is required for the movement of an oversize manufactured home in the state of ND. 

The permit is valid for 3 days. 

A paper copy of the permit must be in possession prior to movement.

The following information will be required when purchasing a permit on-line:

·        Power unit - year, make, serial number, license number-state, ND registered gross vehicle weight, and the rated gross vehicle weight.

·        Insurance coverage on the power unit is required in the amount not less than $100,000 bodily injury liability per person, $300,000 bodily injury liability per accident, and $50,000 property damage liability.

·        Manufacture home – year, make, serial number, hub number (when applicable).

·        When weight is requested, must provide number of axles, number of tires per axle, tire width, measurement from axle center to axle, and axle weights.

·        Movement from and to

·        Route of travel (highways)

·        Start date of travel

·        Owner name, street, and city are required when home originates, or destination is in ND.

The on-line system accepts up to 18 feet in overall width, 18 feet in overall height, 200 feet in width and 150,000 pounds gross vehicle weight.

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Oversize / Overweight Regulations By State