In Colorado, any load that exceeds the legal size or weight limits requires an oversize/overweight permit before it moves. Below are the legal limits and the requirements that apply at each threshold.
1When you need a permit
A load is oversize or overweight once it passes any of these:
| Dimension | Colorado legal limit | Permit if over |
|---|---|---|
| Width | 8 ft 6 in | Wider |
| Height | 14 ft 6 in | Taller |
| Length (combination) | 75 ft | Longer |
| Gross weight | 80,000 lbs | Heavier |
| Single axle | 20,000 lbs | Heavier |
| Tandem axle | 36,000 lbs | Heavier |
Rear overhang is limited to 35 ft and front overhang to 25 ft before it counts toward length, and any overhang must be flagged.
2Escort & pilot car requirements
| When the load reaches… | Colorado requires |
|---|---|
| 8 ft 6 in wide | 1 escort (pilot car) |
| 11 ft wide | 2 escorts |
| 16 ft high | Escort with a height pole / pole car |
| 110 ft long | 1 escort · 120 ft → 2 escorts |
| 17 ft 6 in high | Route survey required |
3When you can travel
- Weekend travel allowed within dimensional limits.
- Holiday blackouts: Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day.
4Superloads in Colorado
A load is a superload once it exceeds any of these:
| Superload trigger | Threshold |
|---|---|
| Width | 15 ft |
| Height | 16 ft |
| Length | 130 ft |
| Gross weight | 200,000 lbs |
Superloads require individual review and roughly 14 days of lead time for approval.
5Permit timing
- Standard single-trip: ~1 business day to issue.
- Superload: ~14 days (route survey + review).
- Validity: a single-trip permit is good for ~5 days.
Get the full cost of your load
FreightDeck estimates every cost on an oversize move — permits, escorts, police, route survey, engineering, and the truck rate — for your exact load and route, across all 48 states and Canada, up to superload size.
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?Colorado permit FAQ
When do I need an oversize permit in Colorado?
Once a load exceeds any legal limit: 8 ft 6 in wide, 14 ft 6 in high, 75 ft long (combination), or 80,000 lbs gross.
When do I need a pilot car in Colorado?
Colorado requires one escort at 8 ft 6 in wide (two at 11 ft), and a height pole at 16 ft high.
Can you drive an oversize load at night in Colorado?
Colorado allows night movement in defined conditions (Loads up to 12 ft W may travel at night with proper lighting; 12–14 ft W may travel at night with pilot vehicle (front on 2-lane, rear on 4-lane); >14 ft W prohibited at night unless Chapter 6 Special permit authorizes.). Weekend travel is allowed within limits.
What counts as a superload in Colorado?
Over 15 ft wide, 16 ft high, 130 ft long, or 200,000 lbs gross. It requires individual review and about 14 days of lead time.
How much does a Colorado oversize permit cost?
The state permit fee depends on the load's size and weight. The full cost of a move also includes escorts, police, route surveys, engineering, and the truck rate, which vary by route. FreightDeck estimates all of it for your exact load — price your Colorado load with FreightDeck →.