Permits by state

South Dakota Oversize Permits, Pilot Cars & Travel Restrictions

What the South Dakota Highway Patrol requires before an oversize or overweight load moves in South Dakota: legal limits, permits, escorts and night rules. Sourced from the SD Motor Carrier Handbook (sdtruckinfo.sd.gov).

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Last verified: Oct 15, 2026 against official state sources.

This is a summary, not legal advice, and permit rules change. Items marked verify with the state could not be confirmed from an official source. Confirm current conditions with the issuing agency, or let us handle it: every load we book is permitted and routed for you.

The numbers

South Dakota legal limits (no permit)

Dimension	Legal limit
Width	8 ft 6 in (102 in)
Height	14 ft
Length	Per handbook Table 7; verify with the state
Overhang	3 ft front, 4 ft rear
Gross weight	verify with the state

Source: SD Motor Carrier Handbook: Vehicle Size Regulations. Checked Oct 15, 2026.

Permits

SDHP permits

Single-trip permits are available for non-divisible oversize or overweight loads; routing, escorts, speed limits and bridge conditions may be added. Apply online through the South Dakota Automated Permitting System, or call the SDHP Permit Center. Permit fees: verify with the state.

In the Black Hills, single-trip permits need SDDOT Rapid City Region approval if an escort is required, the load is over 110 ft, or it exceeds listed widths.

Sources: SD Motor Carrier Handbook: Permits; SD Handbook: Routes with Special Restrictions. Checked Oct 15, 2026.

Pilot cars

Escort requirements

Situation	Requirement
Wider than 16 ft on Interstates	Escort required
Wider than 20 ft on the State Highway System	Escort required
Night movement of a daylight-only oversize load	Front and rear escorts
Route or load conditions	SDHP may require more escorts and flaggers

Source: SD Motor Carrier Handbook: Permits. Checked Oct 15, 2026.

When you can roll

Night, weekends and holidays

South Dakota has no weekend or holiday restrictions. Oversize moves are generally daytime only unless under 10 ft wide and on the Interstate. On Interstates, oversize vehicles may move at night unless an escort is needed, or they exceed 10 ft wide or 14 ft 6 in high (plus length limits).

Sources: SD Truck Info: Weekends and holidays; SD Motor Carrier Handbook: Permits. Checked Oct 15, 2026.

Permit office

SDHP Permit Center

Phone (605) 224-7364 (224-SEMI), 7 AM to 7 PM Mon-Fri. Apply online at sdtruckinfo.sd.gov.

Rather not deal with it? Run your load through our permit checker, then call (310) 989-6530.

Quick answers

South Dakota oversize permit FAQ

What is the legal width in South Dakota?

The legal width in South Dakota is 8 ft 6 in (102 in).

What is the legal height in South Dakota?

The legal height in South Dakota is 14 ft.

When do I need an escort in South Dakota?

Escorts are required for loads wider than 16 ft on Interstates and wider than 20 ft on the State Highway System.

Does South Dakota have holiday restrictions for oversize loads?

South Dakota has no weekend or holiday restrictions.

How do I contact the SDHP Permit Center?

Call (605) 224-7364, 7 AM to 7 PM Monday through Friday.

Answers summarize the sourced sections above. Last verified Oct 15, 2026.

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