Indiana Oversize and Overweight Load Requirements

Operating oversize or overweight (OS/OW) loads in Indiana requires strict adherence to the regulations set by the Indiana Department of Revenue (IDOR) and the Indiana Department of Transportation (INDOT). According to Indiana Code § 9-20, any vehicle exceeding legal dimensions—8 feet 6 inches in width, 13 feet 6 inches in height, or 80,000 pounds gross vehicle weight—must obtain a specialized permit before entering state highways or interstates like I-65, I-70, and I-69. The state utilizes the Motor Carrier Services (MCS) portal for permit applications, which are processed based on the specific commodity, route, and equipment configuration to ensure infrastructure safety and traffic flow. DispatchTool assists carriers in managing these complex hauls by integrating permit documentation and weight-specific routing into a single dispatch workflow. Drivers can access their approved Indiana OS/OW permits alongside digital load sheets, ensuring that specific route restrictions and axle weight limits are visible at every stage of the trip. To streamline your Indiana permit documentation and dispatch management, create a DispatchTool account.

Legal Dimensions and Weight Limits

In Indiana, vehicles are considered legal if they do not exceed a width of 8 feet 6 inches, a height of 13 feet 6 inches, and a total length of 60 feet for a semi-trailer or 53 feet for a trailer in a tractor-trailer combination. The maximum gross vehicle weight allowed without a permit is 80,000 pounds, provided the vehicle also adheres to federal bridge formula requirements and axle limits of 20,000 pounds for a single axle and 34,000 pounds for a tandem axle. According to INDOT, any vehicle exceeding these specific parameters must apply for a single-trip, multi-trip, or annual permit. Failure to comply can result in fines ranging from $500 to several thousand dollars depending on the percentage of overweight recorded at state weigh stations.

Indiana OS/OW Permit Types and Fees

The IDOR Motor Carrier Services division issues several permit types based on the frequency and nature of the haul. A Single Trip Permit is valid for 15 days and costs $20 for oversize loads and starts at $20 plus mileage fees for overweight loads. For carriers moving frequent loads, the Overweight Annual Toll Road Permit costs $20 and allows for gross weights up to 90,000 pounds on specific toll routes. Special Oversize permits for loads exceeding 16 feet in width or 15 feet in height require a more rigorous review process and may incur additional engineering fees. As of 2024, the Superload fee structure applies to any vehicle exceeding 150,000 pounds, requiring a $0.35 per ton-mile charge or a minimum flat fee of $50.

Escort Vehicle and Pilot Car Requirements

Indiana mandates escort vehicles (pilot cars) to ensure public safety when loads reach extreme dimensions. One rear escort is generally required for loads exceeding 12 feet 4 inches in width on non-interstate highways. If a load exceeds 14 feet 4 inches in width, two escorts—one front and one rear—are mandatory on all roadways. Loads exceeding 110 feet in length or 14 feet 6 inches in height also trigger escort requirements. Escort drivers must have a valid driver's license and the vehicle must be equipped with a high-intensity amber flashing light and 'Oversize Load' signs measuring at least 5 feet long and 12 inches high.

Travel Time Restrictions and Holidays

General OS/OW travel in Indiana is permitted from one-half hour before sunrise to one-half hour after sunset, Monday through Friday. Saturday travel is allowed until noon for loads not exceeding 10 feet in width, 13 feet 6 inches in height, or 100 feet in length. Travel is strictly prohibited on Sundays and major holidays, including New Year’s Day, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving Day, and Christmas Day. In heavy traffic areas like Lake County, Marion County, and Allen County, additional 'curfew' restrictions may apply during morning and evening rush hours (6:30 AM to 9:00 AM and 3:30 PM to 6:00 PM) to prevent congestion on congested arteries like I-465.

Superload Permitting Procedures

A 'Superload' in Indiana is defined as any vehicle and load combination that exceeds 16 feet in width, 15 feet in height, 110 feet in length, or 150,000 pounds in gross weight. These applications must be submitted at least 48 to 72 hours in advance to allow INDOT engineers to perform bridge structural analyses and route surveys. Carriers must provide a detailed axle spacing diagram and may be required to coordinate with local utility companies if the height exceeds 17 feet. The administrative fee for a Superload is $25, but the total cost scales significantly based on the weight-per-mile calculation and the complexity of the required route deviations.

Indiana Toll Road Specifics

The Indiana Toll Road (I-80/I-90) operates under a different set of maximum weight standards than the rest of the state highway system. The maximum gross weight allowed on the Toll Road without a special permit is 90,000 pounds, provided the vehicle has the correct axle configuration. However, if a vehicle exceeds 90,000 pounds, it must obtain a specific Toll Road Oversize/Overweight permit via the MCS portal. The fee for this permit is $50 per trip. Carriers should note that the maximum width allowed on the Toll Road without an escort is 12 feet, and anything exceeding 16 feet in width is generally prohibited from using the facility.

Sources

Indiana Department of Revenue Motor Carrier Services (2024) — https://www.in.gov/dor/motor-carrier-services/ Indiana Code Title 9 Article 20 (2024) — https://iga.in.gov/laws/2024/ic/titles/9#9-20 Indiana Department of Transportation OS/OW Manual (2023) — https://www.in.gov/indot/doing-business-with-indot/files/OSOW_Permit_Manual.pdf

Frequently asked

What is the maximum weight allowed on Indiana interstates without a permit?

The maximum legal gross vehicle weight is 80,000 pounds. Any weight exceeding this limit requires a permit from the Indiana Department of Revenue.

How long is a single-trip oversize permit valid in Indiana?

A single-trip permit is valid for a period of 15 calendar days from the effective date listed on the permit.

At what width is an escort vehicle required in Indiana?

An escort is required when a load exceeds 12 feet 4 inches in width on standard highways, and two escorts are required if the width exceeds 14 feet 4 inches.

Are there night travel allowances for oversize loads in Indiana?

Night travel is generally prohibited for OS/OW loads. Movement is restricted to daylight hours, defined as one-half hour before sunrise to one-half hour after sunset, unless specifically authorized on the permit for loads with minimal over-dimensions.

What is the cost of a standard Indiana oversize permit?

The base fee for a standard single-trip oversize-only permit is $20. Overweight permits include additional charges based on total weight and mileage.