Indiana OS/OD Overview
Permit Required
Yes – all oversize or overweight loads require a permit from the Indiana Department of Revenue Motor Carrier Services (MCS).
Legal Limits (Without Permit)
- Width: 8'6"
- Height: 13'6"
- Length: 65' (combo); 53' max trailer
- Weight: 80,000 lbs GVW
Permitted Load Maximums (Typical Upper Limits)
- Width: Up to 16'+ with escort
- Height: Over 14'6" requires route survey and approval
- Length: Over 110' possible with review
- Weight: 250,000+ lbs with engineering analysis
Superloads require extra processing time, bridge analysis, and coordination with INDOT.
Travel Hours
- Standard: 30 minutes before sunrise to 30 minutes after sunset
- Weekend: No travel from 12:00 PM Saturday through Sunday for loads over 10' wide
- Holidays: No travel on major holidays or holiday weekends
- Night travel: May be allowed for loads under 10' wide and 100' long
Escort Requirements (General Guidelines)
| Dimension | Escort Requirement |
|---|---|
| Width > 12' | 1 Escort (rear on divided highways, front on 2-lane roads) |
| Width > 14'4" | 2 Escorts (front and rear) |
| Height > 14'6" | High pole escort + route clearance |
| Length > 110' | 1 or 2 Escorts depending on configuration |
Additional Notes
- Oversize Load signs, flags, and amber lights required as per permit
- Indiana uses the Indiana Oversize/Overweight Permitting System (INTrip)
- Superloads may require approval from the INDOT Bridge Division
- Local jurisdictions (cities/towns) may require additional permits
Detailed Information
PERMITS: Permits valid for fifteen days.
OPERATING TIME: Permitted vehicles up to 110' in length, 10' wide, and 13'6" high and less than 200,000 pounds are allowed continuous travel seven days a week (24/7). Over 110' long, 10' to 14'4 wide and up to 15' in height may travel seven days a week from one-half hour before sunrise to one-half hour after sunset. Between 14'4” and 16' wide, Monday through Friday from one-half hour before sunrise to one-half hour after sunset. Over 16' wide, over 15' high, or over 200,000 pounds are usually allowed to move 8:30am – 3:30pm Monday through Friday, but other provisions may apply. Overweight only loads are can travel 24/7.
RESTRICTED TRAVEL: No travel allowed on major holidays and holiday weekends.
TOLL ROAD: Maximum dimensions without a state permit are 12' wide, 14'6 height, length over 65’, 90,000 pounds gross weight. This is for routes/loads using only the toll road. Larger dimensions can run the toll road with the state permit and an extra $50 special permit charge. Weight charges are taken care of on state permit. Loads over 10' wide are restricted to daylight hours only. 12' wide loads are allowed to run weekends except certain holidays. Toll charge is by number of axles and miles. A legal weight load, less than 12' wide, running the toll road from Gate 21 at Portage to the Ohio line is around $30.00. Escort requirements are the same as for other Indiana divided highways.
LEGAL DIMENSIONS: Width: 8'6" Height: 13'6" Length: 53' semi-trailer and load (including overhang), kingpin to rear axle not to exceed 43'. Weight: 80,000 Gross Single – 20,000 Tandem – 34,000 Tridem – 51,000
ROUTINE PERMIT LIMITS: Width: 16' Height: 15' Length: 110' Weight: Single – 28,000 Tandem – 48,000 Tridem – 60,000 5 Axles – 108,000* 6 Axles 120,000* 7 Axles – 120,000* (*These depend on spacings) Loads exceeding these dimensions or weight are considered as superloads. Applications for over 16' wide need detailed route survey. Over 15' height requires a pre-qualified signal contractor/utility bucket truck to accompany load on any non-Interstate routes. Over 17' high also requires route survey and utility company letter if overhead lines must be moved.
ESCORTS: Width: On all highways, over 12'4 – 1 escort. Over 14'4" to 17' on dual lane divided highways – 1 escort, and 2 escorts on all other roads. Greater than 17' on all roads – front and rear Police escorts required. Height: Over 14'6" – 1 escort with high pole; over 15' also requires utility bucket truck except on Interstate. Length: Over 110' – 1 escort. Over 130' – front and rear Police escorts required. Weight: Over 200,000 pounds GVW, 2 escorts.
MISCELLANEOUS:Blades, buckets, etc. must be hauled separately. There is no length exemption for beams and construction materials.
SIGNS, FLAGS & LIGHTS: "Oversize Load" signs are required on all permitted vehicles/loads. required on oversize movements, one at each corner and one on each side at widest point. beam headlights on for all oversize loads.