Texas OS/OD Overview
Permit Required
Yes – any vehicle or load exceeding legal size or weight requires a permit from the Texas Department of Motor Vehicles (TxDMV), Motor Carrier Division.
Legal Limits (Without Permit)
- Width: 8'6"
- Height: 14'
- Length: 65' (combo); 59' trailer allowed in some configurations
- Weight: 80,000 lbs GVW (with legal axle spacings)
Permitted Load Maximums (Typical Upper Limits)
- Width: Up to 20' with escort
- Height: Over 16' requires route survey and utility coordination
- Length: Over 125' requires escort and special route review
- Weight: Over 254,300 lbs requires detailed analysis, route approval, and possibly a route/bridge study
Superloads in Texas are common but highly regulated. Review times vary depending on weight and routing complexity.
Travel Hours
- Standard: Sunrise to Sunset (½ hour before sunrise to ½ hour after sunset)
- Weekend: Travel allowed for loads under 10' wide, 14' high, and 110' long
- Holidays: No movement on major holidays or after 12:00 PM the prior business day
- Night travel: May be allowed for certain loads under 10' wide with proper lighting and signage
Escort Requirements (General Guidelines)
| Dimension | Escort Requirement |
|---|---|
| Width > 14' | 1 Escort (rear on multi-lane, front on 2-lane) |
| Width > 16' | 2 Escorts (front and rear) |
| Height > 17' | High pole escort and utility clearance required |
| Length > 125' | 1 or more escorts depending on route |
Additional Notes
- Loads must display “Oversize Load” signs, red/orange flags on corners, and amber rotating or flashing lights
- Many counties and municipalities require separate permits for local roads
- Permits are issued through the TxDMV Texas Permitting & Routing Optimization System (TxPROS)
Detailed Information
PERMITS: Permits valid for five days. Must have permit prior to entering state and must be kept in the vehicle until the day after permit expires.
OPERATING TIME: One-half hour before sunrise to one-half hour after sunset. Daylight only, including Saturday and Sunday. Loads not exceeding 10' wide, legal height (14') or 100' long with legal front and rear overhang may travel at night on Interstate system only. Overweight only may have continuous movement.
RESTRICTED TRAVEL: City/county curfew times are now listed on the permit. Travel is allowed on major holidays depending on dimensions.
LEGAL DIMENSIONS: Width: 8'6" Height: 14', Length: 59'0 semi-trailer Overhang: 3' front, 4' rear, Weight: 80,000 Gross Single – 20,000 Tandem – 34,000 Tridem – 42,000
ROUTINE PERMIT LIMITS: Width: 20' (16' on Interstate System) Height: 18'11" Length: 180' Overhang: 30' Weight: Single – 25,000 Tandem – 46,000 Tridem – 60,000 Quad – 70,000 Loads exceeding these dimensions are Super Loads. The state will propose a route which we are then required to survey physically and sign off on. Over 254,000 pounds, or over 200,000 pounds with less than 95 feet of axle spacings are Super Heavy Loads which require several weeks to approve.
ESCORTS:
Width: Over 14' – 1 escort, over 16' – 2 escorts.
Height: Over 17' – 1 escort, over 18’ – 2 escorts
Length: Over 110' – 1 escort, over 125' – 2 escorts.
Overhang: Over 20' – 1 escort, over 30' – 2 escorts (needs special approval)
If the load is over two dimensions that require escort, then 2 escorts will be required.
MISCELLANEOUS: A flatbed load cannot be permitted for width and height at the same time.
SIGNS, FLAGS & LIGHTS: Signs are only required on escort vehicles. Red flags should be placed at all extremities.