Minnesota DOT Regulations for Oversize/Overweight Load Flags/Banners/Signs/Lights, Running Hours and Holiday Restrictions

Running Hours and Holiday Restrictions

In general, OSOW travel is not restricted up to 14’6” wide; 110’0” long; 16’0” high, unless noted otherwise on the permit.

Holiday Travel Restrictions: No OSOW travel is allowed statewide from 2:00 p.m. the day before the holiday to 2:00 a.m. the day after the holiday, when exceeding 9’0” wide and/or 110’0”long. 

Summer Travel Restrictions: (weekend after Memorial Day thru weekend before Labor Day) No oversize travel allowed from 2:00 - 8:00 p.m. on Fridays and Sundays, when exceeding 9’0” wide and/or 110’0” long.

Rush Hour Restrictions: (Twin Cities & Duluth Metro areas) No OSOW travel Monday thru Friday from 6:00 a.m. – 8:30 a.m. and 3:30 p.m. – 6:00 p.m. when exceeding 14’6” wide and/or 110’0” long and/or 16’0” high, unless noted otherwise on the permit.

Night Travel Restrictions: (Twin Cities Metro only) OSOW night travel only allowed 12:00 a.m. – 5:00 a.m. (Monday thru Friday, unless noted otherwise on permit) when exceeding 14’6” wide while on non-divided roadways, and when exceeding 16’0” wide while on divided roadways.

"Oversized Load" Banner Regulations and Requirements

Oversize Load signs required on front and rear of vehicle when width exceeds 12’6” and/or length exceeds 95’. Signs must be lighted or of reflective material between sunset and sunrise and visible at least 500’. 

Flag Requirements

Red, orange or yellow warning flags, 18" square, must be displayed when a vehicle or its load exceeds 9’ in width or 75’ in length. Flags are required at: Widest points of the load, At the end of overhang in excess of 4', Every 20' along the outside of the load

Warning Lights: Color and Placement

At night, a steady light at: Widest points of the load, At the end of overhang in excess of 4', Every 20' along the outside of the load At night, when over 12’6” wide or when combination is over 95’ long, lead and rear escorts OR approved LED lighting package is required. Warning lights are required whenever signs are required. Lights may be flashing, strobe, or rotating beacon and must be visible from a distance of no less than 500’. 

Source of Information:

https://www.dot.state.mn.us/cvo/oversize/OSOWBrochure-Colorv.pdf

What is considered as "Oversized Load" in Minnesota?

Dimensions: Width: 8' 6" Height: 13' 6" Length: Truck-Semi-trailer 75' Legal Overhang: included in length limits