In Minnesota, 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 | Minnesota legal limit | Permit if over |
|---|---|---|
| Width | 8 ft 6 in | Wider |
| Height | 13 ft 6 in | Taller |
| Length (combination) | 75 ft | Longer |
| Gross weight | 80,000 lbs | Heavier |
| Single axle | 20,000 lbs | Heavier |
| Tandem axle | 34,000 lbs | Heavier |
Rear overhang is limited to 4 ft and front overhang to 3 ft before it counts toward length, and any overhang must be flagged.
2Escort & pilot car requirements
| When the load reaches… | Minnesota requires |
|---|---|
| 15 ft wide | 1 escort (pilot car) |
| 15 ft wide | 2 escorts |
| 110 ft long | 1 escort · 150 ft → 2 escorts |
| 16 ft high or 20 ft wide | Route survey required |
3When you can travel
- Daylight only — 1/2 hour before sunrise to 1/2 hour after sunset.
- Weekend travel allowed within dimensional limits.
- Night travel allowed for loads up to 12'6" wide and combinations up to 95 ft with approved LED lighting package OR lead+rear escorts.
- Holiday blackouts: New Year's Day, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving, Christmas.
4Superloads in Minnesota
A load is a superload once it exceeds any of these:
| Superload trigger | Threshold |
|---|---|
| Width | 20 ft |
| Height | 16 ft |
| Length | 175 ft |
| Gross weight | 145,000 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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?Minnesota permit FAQ
When do I need an oversize permit in Minnesota?
Once a load exceeds any legal limit: 8 ft 6 in wide, 13 ft 6 in high, 75 ft long (combination), or 80,000 lbs gross.
When do I need a pilot car in Minnesota?
Minnesota requires one escort at 15 ft wide (two at 15 ft).
Can you drive an oversize load at night in Minnesota?
No — oversize loads move daylight-only, 1/2 hour before sunrise to 1/2 hour after sunset. Weekend travel is allowed within limits.
What counts as a superload in Minnesota?
Over 20 ft wide, 16 ft high, 175 ft long, or 145,000 lbs gross. It requires individual review and about 14 days of lead time.
How much does a Minnesota 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 Minnesota load with FreightDeck →.