Rhode Island OS/OD Overview
Permit Required
Yes – any load exceeding legal size or weight must have a permit from the Rhode Island Department of Transportation (RIDOT). Single-trip and other permit types are issued through RIDOT's trucking permits office.
Legal Limits (Without Permit)
- Width: 8'6"
- Height: 13'6"
- Length: 60' (combo); 53' trailer allowed
- Weight: 80,000 lbs GVW (standard axle limits apply)
Anything over a legal dimension or weight requires an oversize/overweight permit before the move. Superloads beyond routine permit limits may require additional engineering review and route approval.
Travel Hours
- Daylight: Loads over 11'11" wide may travel only from 1/2 hour before sunrise to 1/2 hour after sunset.
- Weekends: No weekend travel for loads over 11'11" wide.
- Holidays: Travel prohibited on New Year's, Memorial Day, Victory Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Columbus Day, Veterans Day, Thanksgiving, and Christmas.
Escort Requirements (General Guidelines)
| Dimension | Escort Requirement |
|---|---|
| Width over 11'11" (under 13'6") | 1 rear escort required |
| Width over 13'6" | 1 front + 1 rear escort required |
| Height over 13'11" | 1 escort where best utilized |
| Length 80'–95' | 1 rear escort required |
| Length over 95' | 1 front + 1 rear escort required |
| Rear overhang 15' or greater | 1 escort on the overhang side required |
Detailed Information
WIDTH ESCORTS: Width over 11'11" (and under 13'6") requires 1 rear escort. Width over 13'6" requires 1 front plus 1 rear escort.
LENGTH ESCORTS: Length 80'–95' requires 1 rear escort. Length over 95' requires 1 front plus 1 rear escort.
HEIGHT & OVERHANG: Height over 13'11" requires 1 escort where best utilized. A rear overhang of 15' or greater requires 1 escort on the overhang side.
RESTRICTED TRAVEL: Loads over 11'11" wide may travel only from 1/2 hour before sunrise to 1/2 hour after sunset, with no weekend travel and no travel on the listed state holidays.
Additional Notes
- "Oversize Load" signs, red/orange flags, and amber warning lights are required on the load and escort vehicles per RIDOT permit conditions.
- Permit conditions issued by RIDOT govern the specific move and may impose requirements beyond these general thresholds.
Source: Rhode Island DOT — Trucking Permits. Informational only — always verify against the live RIDOT permit office before any move; permit conditions control.
