Delaware OS/OD Overview
Permit Required
Yes – any load exceeding legal size or weight limits requires a permit from the Delaware Department of Transportation (DelDOT).
Legal Limits (Without Permit)
- Width: 8'6"
- Height: 13'6"
- Length: 65' (combo); 48'/53' trailers allowed with restrictions
- Weight: 80,000 lbs GVW
Permitted Load Maximums (Typical Upper Limits)
- Width: Up to 15' with escorts
- Height: Over 14'6" requires route survey and clearance
- Length: Over 100' possible with escort and route analysis
- Weight: Up to 120,000+ lbs with axle spacing and engineering approval
Superloads require detailed review and may take longer to permit.
Travel Hours
- Standard: Sunrise to Sunset travel only
- Weekends: No travel permitted on Sundays
- Holidays: No movement on major holidays or holiday weekends
- Night travel: Not allowed unless specifically permitted
Escort Requirements (General Guidelines)
| Dimension | Escort Requirement |
|---|---|
| Width > 12' | 1 Escort (front or rear depending on route) |
| Width > 14' | 2 Escorts (front and rear) |
| Height > 14'6" | Route survey + high pole escort |
| Length > 100' | 1 or 2 Escorts depending on route |
Additional Notes
- Oversize Load signs, flags, and amber warning lights are required
- Loads must avoid peak traffic periods in metro areas
- Permits are handled through the DelDOT oversize/overweight permit portal
Detailed Information
PERMITS: Permits valid for five days.
OPERATING TIME: Travel permitted sunrise to sunset including Saturday and Sunday
RESTRICTED TRAVEL: No travel on New Years, Good Friday, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day,
Thanksgiving, Day after Thanksgiving and Christmas Day. Movement is to stop 12:00 noon the day before a holiday and can begin after 9:00am the day after the holiday. Ask the Permit Office to verify, as these may change from year to year.
LEGAL DIMENSIONS:
Width: 8'6" (8' on non-designated) Height: 13' 6" (13' non-designated). Length: Interstate and Designated Highways- 53' semi- trailers. 70' poles, steel, etc. including 5' rear overhang are legal. Shall not extend more than 10' beyond rear. Overhang: 6' rear, 3' front. Weight: 80,000 Gross Steer – 20,000 Single – 20,000 Tandem – 34,000 Tridem – 42,000
ROUTINE PERMIT LIMITS:
Width: 15' Height: 15' Length: 120' Weight: Single – 20,000 Tandem – 46,000 Tridem – 69,000
5 Axles – depends on spacing’s 6, 7, and 8 Axles – 120,000.
Loads exceeding these dimensions or weights have to be applied for as Super Loads.
ESCORTS:
Width: Over 13' – 1 escort, over 14' – 2 escorts, over 15' – 2 escorts & State Police. Height: At 15' – 2 escorts; 17'6 and over – 2 escorts & State Police. At 15' high and over, must have route survey.
Length: 90' or over – 1 rear escort; 100' or over – 2 escorts; 120' – 2 escorts & State Police.
Overhang: Over 15' – 1 escort unless permit specifies otherwise. Weight: Over 120,000 pounds – 2 escorts & State Police & Bridge Survey
MISCELLANEOUS: blades, etc. All loads that are reducible must be reduced. No exceptions, this includes buckets, counterweights, blades, etc...
SIGNS & FLAGS: Warning signs are required for all oversize movements. “Oversize Load” signs are to be displayed on all vehicles and loads exceeding legal width, length or rear overhang. Flags are required at the extremities on all over width loads. On loads with rear overhang in excess of 4', one flag is required at the extreme rear of the load if it is 2' wide or less at that point; 2 flags required if it is over 2' wide.