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Permits by state
What NMDOT requires before an oversize or overweight load moves in New Mexico: permit triggers, escorts, daylight rules and holidays. Sourced from NMDOT, NM MVD and 18.19.8 NMAC.
Last verified: against official state sources.
The numbers
| Dimension | Legal limit |
|---|---|
| Width | 8 ft 6 in; verify with the state |
| Height | 14 ft (NMSA 66-7-404) |
| Length | Per NMSA 66-7-404; verify with the state |
| Gross weight | verify with the state |
Any vehicle or load over the limits in NMSA 66-7-401 to 66-7-416 needs an NMDOT special permit before entering New Mexico.
Sources: 18.19.8 NMAC; NMSA 66-7-404. Checked Oct 15, 2026.
Permits
Apply online through NMDOT ePermitting. Any required escort vehicle must be certified by NMDOT or DPS before entering the state. Annual special permits (other than manufactured homes) cost $250 and can include weight up to 140,000 lb. Single-trip fees: verify with the state. Superloads of 200,000 lb and above have a separate NMDOT process: verify with the state.
Sources: 18.19.8 NMAC; NMSA 66-7-413; NMDOT: Ports of Entry & Permits. Checked Oct 15, 2026.
Pilot cars
| Situation | Requirement |
|---|---|
| 14 ft wide or more | Escort required (may be required below 14 ft by route, per NMDOT escort map) |
| Over 90 ft long | Escort required |
| Over 110 ft long | Front and rear escorts |
| 18 ft wide on two-lane highways | Front and rear escorts |
| 20 ft wide or more | Police escort |
| Over 8 ft 6 in wide and deemed a hazard | Escort may be required |
Sources: 18.19.8.81 NMAC; NM MVD: When are escorts required?. Checked Oct 15, 2026.
When you can roll
Unless the permit allows continuous movement, there is no movement from 30 minutes after sunset to 30 minutes before sunrise. Holiday and weekend restrictions are set in 18.19.8 NMAC and on the permit; exact holiday dates and times: verify with the state.
Source: 18.19.8.24 NMAC. Checked Oct 15, 2026.
Permit office
Phone 505-476-2475 · dot-truckpermits@dot.nm.gov. dot.nm.gov: Permits
Rather not deal with it? Run your load through our permit checker, then call (310) 989-6530.
Quick answers
The legal height in New Mexico is 14 ft.
An escort is required for loads 14 ft wide or more, and may be required below 14 ft depending on the route.
Police escorts are required for loads 20 ft wide or more.
Unless the permit allows continuous movement, there is no movement from 30 minutes after sunset to 30 minutes before sunrise.
Call 505-476-2475 or email dot-truckpermits@dot.nm.gov.
Answers summarize the sourced sections above. Last verified Oct 15, 2026.
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