Maine Oversize & Overweight Permits
Maine lets a non-reducible load reach 14' high off the Turnpike, above the usual 13'6". Break 69' long, 8'6" wide, 14' high, or 80,000 lb and the BMV permits under 29-A M.R.S. §2382. Single trips are set by statute at $6 to $30 by size; Turnpike plazas charge $10. Daylight only unless the permit says otherwise. One escort at 12' wide or 80' long; police escort at 16' wide or 125' long, and State Police want three days' notice. Big loads route as superloads.
A detail here is flagged medium confidence — confirm with the state permit office before you rely on it.
When Maine needs a permit
Maine lets a non-reducible load reach 14' high off the Turnpike, above the usual 13'6". Break 69' long, 8'6" wide, 14' high, or 80,000 lb and the BMV permits under 29-A M.R.S. §2382. Single trips are set by statute at $6 to $30 by size; Turnpike plazas charge $10. Daylight only unless the permit says otherwise. One escort at 12' wide or 80' long; police escort at 16' wide or 125' long, and State Police want three days' notice. Big loads route as superloads.
Thresholds, escorts, and curfews
- Legal max before a permit: No permit up to 69' long, 8'6" wide, 80,000 lb, and 13'6" high; a non-reducible load may reach 14' high without a permit as long as it stays off the Maine Turnpike. Over any one of those and the BMV issues an over-limit permit. With a permit you can run 53' trailer / 74' overall on the Interstate and designated highways; 48' / 69' elsewhere.
- Escort / pilot car: Width: over 12' one escort, over 16' one escort plus one police, over 20' two police. Length: over 80' one escort, over 125' one escort plus police, over 150' two police. Height: over 16' one escort with a height pole. Give Maine State Police three days' notice when a police escort is required.
- Superload: Maine handles loads past the standard permit dimensions as superloads with special routing and requirements. Maine does not publish one crisp superload number, so confirm the threshold and the current superload fee with the BMV before the haul.
- Travel curfew: Daylight only in most cases, 30 minutes before sunrise to 30 minutes after sunset. Night travel needs specific authorization on the permit. Weekend and holiday restrictions apply.
- Permit fee: Single-trip permits are set by statute between $6 and $30 by weight, height, length, and width; Maine Turnpike oversize/overlength permits are $10 at any toll plaza (toll extra). Annual and superload permits run higher; confirm current amounts with the BMV.
Maine Oversize Permit FAQ
When do I need an oversize permit in Maine?
Does Maine require a pilot car or escort?
Can I move an oversize load at night or on weekends in Maine?
What does an oversize permit cost in Maine?
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://www.maine.gov/sos/bmv/vehicles/commercial-vehicles-motor-carrier-services/overlimit-permits. See our Terms & Disclaimer.
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