Iowa Oversize & Overweight Permits
Legal to 8'6" wide, 13'6" high, 80,000 lb, 53' trailer. Over that you permit up; single-trip runs about $35, annuals climb past $400. Small wins here: up to 100' long, 12' wide, 14'6" high you can run around the clock on roads at least 22' wide with the right lamps. Bigger loads move a half hour either side of daylight, weekends included, and shut down at noon the day before Memorial Day, Independence Day and Labor Day. Two-lane roads pull a front escort over 12' wide, though an amber or strobe light can stand in up to 14'6".
A detail here is flagged medium confidence — confirm with the state permit office before you rely on it.
When Iowa needs a permit
Legal to 8'6" wide, 13'6" high, 80,000 lb, 53' trailer. Over that you permit up; single-trip runs about $35, annuals climb past $400. Small wins here: up to 100' long, 12' wide, 14'6" high you can run around the clock on roads at least 22' wide with the right lamps. Bigger loads move a half hour either side of daylight, weekends included, and shut down at noon the day before Memorial Day, Independence Day and Labor Day. Two-lane roads pull a front escort over 12' wide, though an amber or strobe light can stand in up to 14'6".
Thresholds, escorts, and curfews
- Legal max before a permit: Permit needed over 8'6" wide, over 13'6" high, over 80,000 lb, or over 45' single unit / 53' trailer (57' lowboy for construction equipment).
- Escort / pilot car: Width over 12' up to 14'6" takes a rear escort on 4-lane roads and a front escort on 2-lane, and an amber or strobe light on the power unit plus one on the rear of the load can stand in for either. Over 14'6" up to 16'6" the 2-lane front escort is required outright, while the 4-lane rear escort can still be lights. Over 16'6" up to 18' it is a rear escort on 4-lane and a front escort on 2-lane, no light substitution. Height over 14'6" up to 20' takes a front escort carrying a height pole on every road. Length over 120' takes a rear escort (761 IAC 511.20(2)).
- Superload: Loads beyond the standard permit envelope are superloads needing route and structural review, not a same-day desk permit. Iowa publishes no single fixed number; expect bridge analysis and lead time on the heaviest and largest moves.
- Travel curfew: Up to 12' wide, 14'6" high, 100' long at legal axle weights you can run around the clock, but only on roads at least 22' wide with 11' lanes, and only with a red lamp on each side at the rear of the load and a yellow or amber lamp on each side at the front (761 IAC 511.3(5)). Larger loads move a half hour before sunrise to a half hour after sunset, weekends included. The only holiday shutdowns are Memorial Day, Independence Day and Labor Day, from 12 noon the day before the holiday or holiday weekend until a half hour before sunrise the day after (761 IAC 511.3(4)).
- Permit fee: Single-trip about $35. Annual permits climb past $400. Fees vary by size, weight, and route.
Iowa Oversize Permit FAQ
When do I need an oversize permit in Iowa?
Does Iowa require a pilot car or escort?
Can I move an oversize load at night or on weekends in Iowa?
What does an oversize permit cost in Iowa?
Reference information for planning, not legal advice. Traffic laws change and this can be out of date, so always confirm the current statute and obey posted signs before you rely on it. Last reviewed July 2026. Source: https://iowadot.gov/motor-carriers/how-do-i-get-oversize-overweight-permits/permit-requirements. See our Terms & Disclaimer.
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