Utah Oversize Permit Requirements and Dimensions

In Utah, you need an oversize permit whenever a commercial vehicle or its load exceeds the legal limits of 8 feet 6 inches in width, 14 feet in height, or 65 feet in length for a truck-trailer combination. For single units, the length limit is 45 feet. These regulations, governed by the Utah Department of Transportation (UDOT) and the Utah Highway Patrol, ensure that loads do not exceed the structural and safety capacities of the state's infrastructure, including the tight clearances found in Zion National Park and the high-wind areas of I-15. DispatchTool helps carriers manage these requirements by providing truck-safe routing that automatically accounts for bridge heights and weight restrictions across Utah’s mountainous terrain. The platform allows dispatchers to store permit documentation and link it directly to specific loads, ensuring drivers have digital access to required UDOT paperwork during inspections. To manage your fleet’s compliance and route safety, create a DispatchTool account today.

Legal Width and Height Limits in Utah

The maximum legal width for any vehicle on Utah highways is 8 feet 6 inches. Any load exceeding this width, such as mobile homes or large industrial equipment, requires an Overdimensional Permit. The maximum legal height is 14 feet. It is critical to note that while 14 feet is the legal limit, Utah has several older structures and bridges, particularly in rural areas and off-interstate routes, with clearances as low as 13 feet 6 inches. Exceeding these limits without a permit is a violation of Utah Code 72-7-402, which can result in significant fines and the immediate grounding of the vehicle until a permit and proper escort are secured.

Maximum Length and Overhang Regulations

Utah’s length regulations vary by vehicle configuration. A single motor vehicle is limited to 45 feet. A semi-tractor and trailer combination is generally limited to 65 feet, although a 53-foot trailer is permitted on designated highways as long as the overall length remains within safe operational standards. The state also enforces strict overhang rules: loads may not extend more than 3 feet beyond the front bumper or more than 6 feet beyond the rear of the vehicle. If a load exceeds these length or overhang parameters, a permit is required, and the driver must display red or orange fluorescent flags at least 12 inches square at the extreme ends of the load.

Weight Limits and Bridge Formulas

Weight limits in Utah follow the Federal Bridge Formula. The maximum gross vehicle weight (GVW) without a permit is 80,000 pounds. Specific axle limits include 20,000 pounds for a single axle and 34,000 pounds for a tandem axle. Utah allows for higher weights on non-interstate highways through the use of LCV (Long Combination Vehicle) permits, sometimes up to 129,000 pounds, provided the vehicle has sufficient axles to distribute the weight. Exceeding 80,000 pounds on the interstate system requires an overweight permit from UDOT, which typically costs between $60 and $200 depending on the total weight and distance traveled.

Pilot Car and Escort Requirements

Utah requires pilot cars (escort vehicles) based on the specific dimensions of the load and the type of road being traveled. For loads exceeding 12 feet in width on secondary roads or 14 feet in width on interstates, at least one pilot car is mandatory. If a load exceeds 16 feet in width or 17 feet 6 inches in height, UDOT often requires a police escort and a pre-trip route survey. Escort drivers must be certified, and the vehicles must be equipped with amber flashing lights and 'Oversize Load' signs. Failure to utilize required escorts is a common cause for permit revocation and safety citations during roadside inspections.

Permit Types and Costs

UDOT offers several permit types to accommodate different hauling needs. A single-trip permit is valid for 96 hours and is specific to one route. The cost for a basic oversize single-trip permit starts at approximately $30. For carriers frequently moving similar loads, an annual permit is available for roughly $75, though this is restricted to loads not exceeding 14 feet 6 inches in width or 14 feet in height. Carriers must apply for these permits through the UDOT online system, providing exact axle spacings and weights to ensure the route can handle the specific load profile.

Restricted Travel Times and Holidays

Oversize loads in Utah are generally restricted to daylight hours, defined as one-half hour before sunrise to one-half hour after sunset. Movement is often prohibited on major holidays including New Year’s Day, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving, and Christmas. Additionally, in high-traffic areas like Salt Lake County, Utah County, and Weber County, 'curfew' hours apply. During these times, typically 6:00 AM to 9:00 AM and 3:30 PM to 6:00 PM on weekdays, oversize loads exceeding 10 feet in width are not allowed to move to prevent excessive congestion and safety risks.

Sources

Utah Department of Transportation (UDOT) Motor Carrier Division (2024) — https://www.udot.utah.gov/connect/business/motor-carriers/ Utah Legislature - Title 72 Chapter 7 (2024) — https://le.utah.gov/xcode/Title72/Chapter7/72-7.html Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) Bridge Formula Weights (2023) — https://ops.fhwa.dot.gov/freight/publications/brdg_frm_wgt/

Frequently asked

What is the maximum width allowed without a permit in Utah?

The maximum legal width is 8 feet 6 inches. Anything wider requires a UDOT Overdimensional Permit.

Do I need a permit for a 14-foot tall load in Utah?

No, 14 feet is the maximum legal height in Utah. However, if your load is even a fraction of an inch over 14 feet, a permit is required.

How much does a Utah oversize permit cost?

A single-trip oversize permit generally starts at $30, while overweight permits are scaled based on weight, often ranging from $60 to over $200.

Are there nighttime travel allowances for oversize loads?

Generally, no. Movement is restricted to daylight hours. However, loads that are only overweight but not oversize may sometimes be granted 24/7 travel authorization.

What is the maximum weight for a tandem axle in Utah?

The legal limit for a tandem axle is 34,000 pounds. Weights exceeding this require an overweight permit and adherence to the Bridge Formula.