Texas oversize load rules
Legal limits, pilot car requirements, travel restrictions, superload thresholds and permit fees for oversize and overweight loads in Texas.
Legal limits without a permit
| Width | 8′6″ |
|---|---|
| Height | 14′ |
| Length | 59′ semitrailer · 65′ two-vehicle combination |
| Weight | 80,000 lb gross |
Travel restrictions
- Oversize loads move in daylight only. Overweight-only loads may move any time
- No travel under 2/10 mile visibility, on hazardous roads, or through active road work
Escort (pilot car) requirements
- 1 front escort on two-lane highways, 1 rear on multi-lane (over 14′ to 16′ wide)
- Front and rear escorts on all roads (over 16′ wide)
- Front escort with height pole (over 17′ high)
- Front escort with height pole and rear escort (over 18′ high)
- 1 front escort on two-lane, 1 rear on multi-lane (over 110′ to 125′ long)
- Front and rear escorts on all roads (over 125′ long)
- Front or rear overhang over 20′: 1 rear escort.
- If a load triggers escorts in two dimensions, front and rear escorts are required.
Superloads
Texas has no single superload size. Over 20′ wide, 18′11″ high or 125′ long requires a route inspection certification on file. Over 254,300 lb gross, or over 200,000 lb with less than 95′ of axle spacing, needs a Super Heavy permit with engineering review.
Permit fees
| General single trip, oversize only | $60 |
|---|---|
| Single trip, 80,001–120,000 lb (permit + highway maintenance fee) | $210 |
| Single trip, 120,001–160,000 lb | $285 |
| Single trip, 160,001–200,000 lb | $360 |
| Single trip, 200,001–254,300 lb | $435 |
Fees from TxDMV's general single-trip permit page. Loads over 200,000 lb need a Shipper's Certificate of Weight.
Common questions
When does a load need a pilot car in Texas?
Over 14′ wide, over 17′ high or over 110′ long. Texas has higher escort thresholds than most states.
Can oversize loads travel at night in Texas?
No. Oversize permitted loads move in daylight only. Overweight-only loads may move any time.
What is the legal height in Texas?
14′, higher than the 13′6″ common in neighboring states.
Sources
- TxDMV escort requirements
- TxDMV size and weight limits
- TxDMV general single-trip permit
- 43 Tex. Admin. Code § 28.106
Planning reference. Permits carry their own conditions, and city and county roads have separate rules. Confirm with the Texas Department of Motor Vehicles (TxDMV) before moving a load. Found an error? Report it.
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