Maine Truck Weight Limits

How much a truck can weigh in Maine

Maine is one of only two states where a 6-axle truck legally grosses 100,000 pounds on the Interstate, not just state roads, thanks to a federal exemption (23 USC 127; 29-A MRS §2353). It takes a 3-axle tractor pulling a tri-axle semitrailer, at least 32 feet between the extreme axles, registered for 90,000-plus. Off the Interstate single axle runs to 22,400 and tandem to 38,000. Fines scale by percent over, from $10 per percent up to 10% into a bracket formula above that, with a $60 non-waivable minimum on the Interstate (29-A MRS §2360).

Axles, off-Interstate, and permits

• Off the Interstate: 80,000 lb (5+ axles); 100,000 lb for the 6-axle tractor-semitrailer configuration
• Single axle: 22,400 lb on state highways; 20,000 lb on the Interstate
• Tandem axle: 38,000 lb on state highways; 34,000 lb on the Interstate
• With a permit: 100,000 lb for a 6-axle rig (3-axle tractor plus tri-axle semitrailer) registered for 90,000 lb or more, on and off the Interstate (29-A M.R.S. 2353 and 2354).
• The 100,000-lb 6-axle exception applies on both state highways and the Interstate. Off-Interstate single/tandem run 22,400/38,000; the Interstate holds the federal 20,000/34,000. Statutory weight-reduction rules do not apply on the Interstate.

Posted bridge and road limits

Maine posts bridges 'WEIGHT LIMIT X TONS' in short tons (10 TONS = 20,000 lb) and posts many roads with reduced limits during spring thaw ('posted ways'). A posted limit overrides the legal max, so a legal 100,000-lb 6-axle rig cannot cross a bridge posted below that. Crossing a posted bridge or hauling over a posted-way limit is a separate violation, and you can be liable for damage to the road or structure.

What running heavy costs

29-A MRS §2360, graduated by percent over legal weight (cumulative brackets): $10 per percent for the first 10% over; $100 + $65 per percent for 11-20% over; $750 + $75 per percent for 21-30%; $1,500 + $105 per percent for 31-40%; $2,550 + $140 per percent for 41-50%; $3,950 + $180 per percent above 50%. Minimum fine on the Interstate is $60 (non-waivable), $30 on other ways, plus court costs.

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