Wyoming Oversize Permit Requirements and Limits

In Wyoming, you need an oversize permit whenever a vehicle or load exceeds the legal dimensions defined by the Wyoming Department of Transportation (WYDOT). Legal limits are set at 8 feet 6 inches in width, 14 feet in height, and a total length of 60 feet for a single unit or 81 feet for a semi-trailer combination on secondary roads. If your load exceeds these dimensions, or if your gross vehicle weight surpasses 80,000 pounds on the Interstate or the weight specified by the Bridge Formula up to 117,000 pounds, a permit is mandatory before entering or moving within the state. Operating without a permit in Wyoming can result in significant fines and mandatory shutdowns at ports of entry, such as those located on I-80, I-25, and I-90. DispatchTool helps carriers manage these requirements by providing truck-safe routing that accounts for Wyoming's specific bridge heights and weight restrictions, ensuring drivers avoid restricted routes like the Teton Pass (WY-22) when over-dimension. Carriers can use the platform to centralize permit documents and trip logs for IRP and IFTA compliance. Create a DispatchTool account to streamline your Wyoming route planning and permit documentation.

Legal Width and Height Thresholds

Wyoming statutes define the legal width for all vehicles as 8 feet 6 inches. Any load exceeding this width requires an oversize permit. For height, the maximum legal limit is 14 feet. It is important to note that while 14 feet is the legal limit, many bridges on secondary state highways may have lower clearances. If a load is over 14 feet, a specific Over-Height permit is required, and the carrier is responsible for route surveying to ensure clearance. Loads exceeding 18 feet in height typically require notification to utility companies to move overhead wires, according to WYDOT regulations.

Length Limitations for Different Combinations

The legal length for a single motor vehicle is 60 feet. For a commercial tractor-trailer combination, the maximum trailer length is 57 feet 6 inches, provided the overall length does not exceed specific route restrictions. On the National Network, there is no overall length limit for a tractor-trailer as long as the trailer is 53 feet or less. However, for specialized combinations like saddlemounts, the limit is 97 feet. Any vehicle exceeding these specific benchmarks must obtain a Class A or Class C permit depending on the extremity of the dimensions.

Gross and Axle Weight Limits

Wyoming allows a higher gross vehicle weight (GVW) than many other states without an overweight permit, provided the vehicle meets the bridge formula requirements. The maximum legal GVW is 117,000 pounds on primary and secondary highways, but only 80,000 pounds on the Interstate system unless the vehicle has a permit. Single axle limits are set at 20,000 pounds, and tandem axles are limited to 36,000 pounds. If your configuration exceeds 117,000 pounds total or the specific axle weights, an overweight permit is required, which costs a minimum of $0.06 per ton-mile for the excess weight.

Escort Vehicle (Pilot Car) Requirements

Wyoming requires escort vehicles based on the dimensions of the load and the type of highway. For loads wider than 14 feet on a two-lane highway, one front and one rear escort are generally required. On a four-lane divided highway, a rear escort is required for loads exceeding 15 feet in width. If a load exceeds 18 feet in width or 120 feet in length, WYDOT usually mandates two escorts regardless of the road type. Pilot cars must be equipped with 'Oversize Load' signs and amber flashing lights that are visible from at least 500 feet.

Permit Types and Associated Costs

WYDOT offers several permit types including Single Trip, Multi-Trip, and Annual permits. A standard Single Trip oversize permit costs $25.00 and is valid for a single movement over a period of 5 days. For overweight loads, the fee is calculated at $0.06 per ton-mile for the weight exceeding the legal limit, with a $40.00 minimum fee. Annual permits for over-width loads up to 15 feet are available for $50.00, allowing for more flexibility for carriers frequently moving construction equipment or hay within the state.

Restricted Travel Times and Holidays

Oversize movements in Wyoming are generally restricted to daylight hours, defined as one-half hour before sunrise to one-half hour after sunset. Loads that are only overweight but not oversize may travel 24/7. However, if a load exceeds 10 feet in width, it is prohibited from traveling on major holidays including New Year's Day, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving, and Christmas. Additionally, WYDOT may restrict travel during inclement weather, specifically when wind gusts exceed 40 miles per hour, which is a common occurrence on I-80.

Teton Pass and Seasonal Restrictions

Wyoming enforces strict seasonal and geographical restrictions that carriers must monitor. For example, WY-22 (Teton Pass) has a strict weight limit of 60,000 pounds GVW and prohibits trailers over 30 feet in length during the winter months (November 15 to April 1). Violating these restrictions results in a $435 fine for the first offense. Carriers should always check the WYDOT 'Road and Travel' website or use professional dispatch software to verify if their permitted route is open to over-dimension traffic during winter storms.

Sources

Wyoming Department of Transportation (WYDOT) (2024) — http://www.dot.state.wy.us/home/trucking_commercial_vehicles/oversize_overweight_permits.html Wyoming State Statutes Title 31 Chapter 18 (2024) — https://wyoleg.gov/statutes/compress/title31.pdf American Transportation Research Institute (ATRI) (2023) — https://truckingresearch.org/

Frequently asked

What is the maximum width I can haul in Wyoming without an escort?

You can haul up to 14 feet wide on most highways without a front or rear escort, but you still need an oversize permit for anything over 8 feet 6 inches. Once you exceed 14 feet, at least one escort is required on two-lane roads.

How much does a Wyoming oversize permit cost?

A basic single-trip oversize permit costs $25.00. If the load is also overweight, the cost increases based on a rate of $0.06 per ton-mile for the weight above the legal limit.

Can I travel at night with an oversize load in Wyoming?

Generally, no. Oversize loads are restricted to daylight hours. However, vehicles that are only overweight and stay within legal dimensions are allowed to travel 24 hours a day.

Do I need a permit for a 53-foot trailer in Wyoming?

No, a standard 53-foot trailer does not require an oversize permit in Wyoming as long as it is operating on the National Network and the overall width does not exceed 8 feet 6 inches.

What is the maximum height allowed without a permit in Wyoming?

The maximum legal height in Wyoming is 14 feet. Any load taller than 14 feet requires a specific over-height permit and a route review.