Doing Business > Rules, permits and licenses > Motor carriers and trucking > Oversize/overweight permits >

Determine if a permit is required

• A permit is issued to a carrier to allow operation of a vehicle or load that exceeds the statutory limits.
• Permits are generally issued for non-divisible loads, with some significant exceptions.
• Permits are issued by DMV and local highway maintenance authorities (for local roads and state trunk highways within the jurisdiction's boundaries only and for certain types of permits).

Dimensions

A permit is typically required if vehicle dimensions exceed:

For more information and exceptions to the above dimensions:

• SP4415 General maximum size restrictions
• Wisconsin Statutes Chapter 348 (348.02 through 348.10) · 
• Trans 276 - Size and weight of vehicles and vehicle combinations
• Wisconsin truck operator map
• Implements of husbandry  

Weights

A permit is typically required if vehicle weights exceed:

Weight limitations on class “B” highways are 60% of class “A” highway weight limitations

Class “B” highways includes those county trunk highways, town highways and city and village streets or portions thereof, which have been designated as class “B” highways by the local authorities 

For more information and exceptions to the above weights:

• SP4075 Maximum weight limitations summary
• Wisconsin Statutes Chapter 348  (348.15 through 348.18) 

What type of permit is needed?

• Single trip permit - Valid for 14 days valid for 1 trip only 
• Multiple trip permit - Valid from 3 months to 12 months with no limit on number of trips

If you have questions:

• E-mail: oversize-permits.dmv@dot.state.wi.us
• Call: (608) 266-7320
• FAX: (608) 264-7751
• Write to the address below:

Wisconsin Department of Transportation
Motor Carrier Services
PO Box 7980
Madison WI 53707-7980

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Questions about the content of this page:
Motor Carrier Services, oversize-permits.dmv@dot.state.wi.us
Last modified: August 31, 2009