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What the North Dakota Highway Patrol requires before an oversize or overweight load moves in North Dakota: legal limits, permits, pilot cars and 2026 holiday restrictions. Sourced from NDHP and the ND Administrative Code.
Last verified: against official state sources.
The numbers
| Dimension | Legal limit |
|---|---|
| Width | 8 ft 6 in on all highways |
| Height | 14 ft, unless the route has lower structures |
| Length | Single unit 50 ft; 2-4 unit combinations 75 ft on non-designated highways (95 or 110 ft on four-lane divided and designated highways) |
| Gross weight | Per NDHP weight limitations chart; verify with the state |
Source: NDHP Policy 9-1 Legal Size & Weight Guide (PDF). Checked Oct 15, 2026.
Permits
Permits are issued through the NDHP online permit system, which checks restrictions in real time and calculates routes and fees. Permits not subject to approval are available 24/7. A single trip permit covers a one-way move within five days. Oversize permit fees: verify with the state. Superloads (excessive size and weight) are reviewed individually: verify with the state.
Sources: NDHP: E-Permits; NDHP Policy 9-6 (PDF). Checked Oct 15, 2026.
Pilot cars
| Situation | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Over 14 ft 6 in to 16 ft wide, two-lane | 1 front pilot car, or amber lights on the vehicle instead |
| Over 14 ft 6 in to 16 ft wide, four-lane divided | No pilot car |
| Over 16 ft wide, two-lane | Front and rear pilot cars (300-700 ft) |
| Over 16 ft wide, four-lane divided | 1 rear pilot car |
| Over 18 ft wide | Highway Patrol escort if the regional commander deems it necessary |
| Over 18 ft high or 120 ft long | Escort or approved pilot cars |
Sources: NDHP Policy 9-6 (PDF); NDAC 38-06-02 (PDF). Checked Oct 15, 2026.
When you can roll
Loads up to 16 ft wide, and over-height or over-length-only loads, travel any day from ½ hour before sunrise to ½ hour after sunset. Loads 12 ft wide or less, 120 ft long or less, or overweight-only may also travel at night with proper lighting.
Loads over 16 ft wide may not move Saturday after noon, Sunday, or on New Year's, Memorial Day, July 4, Labor Day, Thanksgiving or Christmas, from noon the day before until sunrise the day after.
Thanksgiving 2026: loads over 16 ft wide may not travel from noon Nov 25 until sunrise Nov 27.
Sources: NDHP: 2026 Oversize Travel Restrictions; NDHP Policy 9-6 (PDF). Checked Oct 15, 2026.
Permit office
NDHP phone 701-328-2447; permit office direct line: verify with the state. 600 E Blvd Ave, Dept 504, Bismarck, ND 58505. statepatrol.nd.gov: E-Permits
Rather not deal with it? Run your load through our permit checker, then call (310) 989-6530.
Quick answers
The legal width in North Dakota is 8 ft 6 in on all highways.
The legal height in North Dakota is 14 ft, unless the route has lower structures.
Loads over 14 ft 6 in to 16 ft wide need one front pilot car on two-lane highways, or amber lights on the vehicle instead.
Loads over 16 ft wide may not move Saturday after noon or on Sunday.
Loads over 16 ft wide may not travel from noon Nov 25 until sunrise Nov 27.
Answers summarize the sourced sections above. Last verified Oct 15, 2026.
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