Nevada OS/OD Overview
Permit Required
Yes – all oversize or overweight loads require a permit from the Nevada Department of Transportation (NDOT).
Legal Limits (Without Permit)
- Width: 8'6"
- Height: 14'
- Length: 75' (combo); 70' max on some roads
- Weight: 80,000 lbs GVW (with standard axle spacings)
Permitted Load Maximums (Typical Upper Limits)
- Width: Up to 17' with escorts
- Height: Over 15' requires route survey and utility clearance
- Length: Over 110' requires escort and special routing
- Weight: Over 200,000 lbs requires engineering analysis
Superloads require additional review time and may involve coordination with local authorities and utilities.
Travel Hours
- Standard: ½ hour before sunrise to ½ hour after sunset
- Weekend: Travel permitted with restrictions (typically no Sunday travel for wide/long loads)
- Holidays: No travel on major holidays or holiday weekends
- Night travel: May be allowed for loads under 12' wide with proper lighting and permit endorsement
Escort Requirements (General Guidelines)
| Dimension | Escort Requirement |
|---|---|
| Width > 12' | 1 Escort (front or rear based on road type) |
| Width > 14' | 2 Escorts (front and rear) |
| Height > 15' | High pole escort required with route clearance |
| Length > 110' | 1 or 2 Escorts based on load configuration |
Additional Notes
- “Oversize Load” signs, red/orange flags, and amber flashing lights are mandatory per permit
- Mountain passes and rural routes may have seasonal or weather-based restrictions
- Permits are issued via the NDOT Overdimensional Vehicle Permit Office and can be applied for online
Detailed Information
PERMITS: Permits valid for five days. Must have permit prior to entering the state.
OPERATING TIME: One-half hour before sunrise to one-half hour after sunset, plus the following exceptions: Loads not exceeding 12 wide, 15' high, 110' long are permitted for night travel. Loads not exceeding 14' wide, 15' high, 110' long, are permitted for weekend travel except in restricted areas noted in next section. Night, weekend, and holiday travel must be requested.
RESTRICTED TRAVEL: For loads exceeding 14' wide, 15' high, 110' long, and 15’ overhang can travel weekends but if over 12’ W cannot travel on I-80 between Reno and CA line or on I-15 between Las Vegas (exit 33) and California line. There are no weekday curfews for Las Vegas, Reno or other cities. Holiday travel is usually permitted for loads not exceeding 12 wide, 15' high, 110' long.
LEGAL DIMENSIONS: Width: 8'6" Height: 14' Length: 53' semi-trailer, 75'maximum length (including rear overhang) Overhang: 10', (as long as length including overhang does not exceed 75'). Weight: 80,000 Gross Single – 20,000 Tandem – 34,000 Tridem – 42,000
ROUTINE PERMIT LIMITS: Width: 17' Height: 18' Length: No max. Each trip is at state’s discretion. Over 105’ – 1 escort. Overhang: No maximum overhang if on permitted load. Weight: 92,000 (5 axles) 96,000 (6 axles) 101,000 (7 axles) Quad - Depends on spacing’s Single – 20,000* Tandem – 46,725* Tridem – 58,000 to 59,000* *Depends on spacings Note: 58,000-59,000 pounds is the tridem "bonus weight" in Nevada and is now allowed on one or two tridems. Additional tridems would get around 51,000 pounds. A Tridem drive on a tractor can be permitted for the bonus weight (as one of the two tridems) as long as the spacing from the steer axle to center of middle drive axles is at least 18 feet. Loads in excess of these dimensions are reviewed on individual basis only.
ESCORTS:
On Interstate and 4 or more lane highways: Width: Over 14' – 1 escort; over 16' – 2 escorts; over 17' – may require 2 escorts and Highway Patrol. Height: Over 15'6" – 1 high-pole escort Length: Over 110' – 1 escort Overhang: Over 25' rear – 1 escort On 2-lane highways: Width: Over 12' – 1 escort; over 14' – 2 escorts; over 16' – 3 escorts, over 17' – reviewed on individual basis, may require 2 escorts and Highway Patrol. Hoover Dam area: width 8'6" to 10' (maximum allowed) – 2 escorts. Height: Over 15'6" – 1 high-pole escort Length: Over 110' – 1 escort Overhang: Over 25' – 1 escort.
SIGNS, FLAGS & LIGHTS: All vehicles in excess of 8'6" width must display "Oversize Load" signs front and rear. Headlights must be on low beam. Signs shall only be displayed when necessary. Over 4' overhang should display flag.
NV LIGHT PERMIT: You must have a Nevada Light Permit to run flashing revolving amber warning light(s) or even to travel with it turned off but uncovered. This permit is available in Missoula, and can be faxed to you. If you do not have a current amber light permit, the light must be covered (or removed) or you can be ticketed.
SEASONAL LOAD (WEIGHT) RESTRICTIONS: Spring thaw weight restrictions exist on some secondary routes
approximately February through April.