Truck Weight Limits and Oversize Regulations in Texas

Operating a commercial motor vehicle in Texas requires strict adherence to weight limits governed by the Texas Department of Motor Vehicles (TxDMV) and Title 7 of the Texas Transportation Code. The standard gross vehicle weight (GVW) for a typical five-axle tractor-trailer combination is 80,000 pounds. This limit applies to the interstate highway system and most state-maintained roads, provided the vehicle meets the bridge formula requirements. Failure to comply with these limits can result in significant fines, roadside delays, and increased wear on equipment. Carriers must monitor these limits closely, as Texas enforces specific weight-per-inch of tire width and axle-specific thresholds that differ from federal baselines on certain secondary routes. DispatchTool assists carriers in maintaining compliance by calculating routes that account for these specific Texas weight restrictions and bridge law constraints. The platform allows dispatchers to input axle weights and total GVW to identify road segments where a 2060 permit or specialized overweight authorization is required. By integrating real-time routing with state-level regulation data, the software helps drivers avoid restricted bridges and weight-limited county roads. Create a DispatchTool account to manage your fleet's Texas-specific routing and compliance documentation efficiently.

Standard Gross and Axle Weight Limits

Texas law establishes maximum weights for vehicles operating without a permit on the state highway system. The single axle limit is set at 20,000 pounds, while the tandem axle limit is 34,000 pounds. For a triple axle configuration, the limit is 42,000 pounds. The overall gross vehicle weight (GVW) cannot exceed 80,000 pounds unless the vehicle is operating under a specific permit or exemption. Additionally, Texas enforces a tire weight limit of 650 pounds per inch of tire width. These figures are consistent with federal standards for the National Network, but Texas strictly applies these to all state highways under Texas Transportation Code §621.101.

The Texas Bridge Formula (Formula B)

Texas utilizes the Federal Bridge Gross Weight Formula to determine the maximum weight any group of two or more consecutive axles may carry. The formula is W = 500 [LN/(N-1) + 12N + 36], where 'W' is the maximum weight, 'L' is the distance in feet between the extremes of any group of two or more consecutive axles, and 'N' is the number of axles in the group. This calculation ensures that weight is distributed to protect bridge structures. For example, a vehicle with a 51-foot wheelbase (distance between the first and last axle) and five axles is permitted the full 80,000 pounds, whereas shorter combinations may be restricted to lower weights even if they do not exceed axle limits.

Overweight Permits and the 2060/1547 License

For vehicles exceeding the 80,000-pound threshold, Texas offers several permit types, most notably the '2060' or '1547' permit (named after the legislative bills that created them). This annual permit allows a vehicle to carry up to 84,000 pounds GVW, with a 10% tolerance over the statutory axle weights on non-interstate highways. The fee for this permit varies by the number of counties selected, starting at $175 for 1-5 counties and reaching up to $1,000 for a statewide permit. A portion of this fee, roughly $5 per permit, is allocated to the state highway fund, while the remainder is distributed to the counties for road maintenance.

Specialized Hauling and Multi-State Permits

Texas participates in the Multi-State Western Regional Permit agreement, which simplifies the process for carriers moving divisible loads across state lines. For non-divisible loads, such as large construction machinery or wind turbine components, TxDMV issues single-trip permits. These permits are required if the vehicle exceeds 80,000 pounds GVW, 20,000 pounds on a single axle, or 34,000 pounds on a tandem axle. The base fee for a single-trip overweight permit is $60, but additional mileage fees apply if the weight exceeds 200,000 pounds. Processing these requires a specific route survey if the load width exceeds 20 feet or the height exceeds 18 feet 11 inches.

Agricultural and Timber Exemptions

Texas provides specific weight allowances for the transport of unrefined agricultural products, timber, and livestock. Under Texas Transportation Code §622.012, ready-mix concrete trucks are permitted a gross weight of up to 69,000 pounds on three axles. Timber vehicles can obtain a specialized permit allowing a gross weight of 84,000 pounds, provided the vehicle does not travel on the interstate system. These exemptions are critical for the state's economy but require the carrier to maintain a $15,000 surety bond or a $15,000 letter of credit filed with the TxDMV to cover potential road damage.

Fines and Penalties for Overweight Violations

Weight enforcement is conducted by the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) Commercial Vehicle Enforcement division. Fines for overweight violations in Texas are graduated based on the amount of excess weight. An overload of less than 2,500 pounds typically results in a fine between $100 and $500. However, if a vehicle is more than 10,000 pounds over the limit, the fine increases to a range of $2,000 to $10,000 for a first offense. Repeat offenders within a 12-month period face doubled fines. Furthermore, drivers may be required to offload excess freight on the shoulder before being allowed to proceed, causing significant operational delays.

Sources

Texas Department of Motor Vehicles (TxDMV) Motor Carrier Manual (2024) — https://www.txdmv.gov/motor-carriers/oversize-overweight-permits Texas Transportation Code Chapter 621 (2023) — https://statutes.capitol.texas.gov/Docs/TN/htm/TN.621.htm Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) Weight Enforcement (2024) — https://www.dps.texas.gov/section/highway-patrol/commercial-vehicle-enforcement

Frequently asked

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

The maximum weight for a tandem axle on Texas highways is 34,000 pounds without a permit, as long as the total GVW does not exceed 80,000 pounds.

Can I carry 84,000 pounds on Texas interstates with a 2060 permit?

No, the 2060/1547 overweight permit is not valid on the Interstate Highway System. On interstates, you must generally adhere to the 80,000-pound GVW limit unless you have a specific federal exemption or a heavy-haul permit for a non-divisible load.

How much does a Texas overweight permit cost?

A single-trip overweight permit starts at $60. Annual permits, such as the 2060 permit, range from $175 to $1,000 depending on the number of counties you choose to operate in.

Is there a weight tolerance for livestock trailers in Texas?

Texas law allows for a 5% weight tolerance for vehicles transporting livestock or agricultural products in their natural state from the place of production to the first point of processing, though this does not apply to the interstate system.

What are the tire weight limits in Texas?

Texas restricts vehicle weight to 650 pounds per inch of tire width. For example, a standard 11-inch wide tire is rated for a maximum of 7,150 pounds.