In Texas, 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 | Texas legal limit | Permit if over |
|---|---|---|
| Width | 8 ft 6 in | Wider |
| Height | 14 ft | Taller |
| Length (combination) | 65 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… | Texas requires |
|---|---|
| 14 ft wide | 1 escort (pilot car) |
| 16 ft wide | 2 escorts |
| 17 ft high | Escort with a height pole / pole car |
| 110 ft long | 1 escort · 125 ft → 2 escorts |
| 18 ft 11 in high or 20 ft wide | Route survey required |
| 20 ft wide | Police escort |
3When you can travel
- Daylight only — 30 min before sunrise to 30 min after sunset.
- Weekend travel allowed within dimensional limits.
- Prohibited for OD loads; restricted 11pm-6am in Houston/Dallas urban corridors for superloads.
- Holiday blackouts: New Year's Day, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving, Christmas.
4Superloads in Texas
A load is a superload once it exceeds any of these:
| Superload trigger | Threshold |
|---|---|
| Width | 16 ft |
| Height | 18 ft 11 in |
| Length | 125 ft |
| Gross weight | 254,300 lbs |
Superloads require individual review and roughly 21 days of lead time for approval.
5Permit timing
- Standard single-trip: ~1 business day to issue.
- Superload: ~21 days (route survey + review).
- Validity: a single-trip permit is good for ~10 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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?Texas permit FAQ
When do I need an oversize permit in Texas?
Once a load exceeds any legal limit: 8 ft 6 in wide, 14 ft high, 65 ft long (combination), or 80,000 lbs gross.
When do I need a pilot car in Texas?
Texas requires one escort at 14 ft wide (two at 16 ft), a height pole at 17 ft high, and a police escort at 20 ft wide.
Can you drive an oversize load at night in Texas?
No — oversize loads move daylight-only, 30 min before sunrise to 30 min after sunset. Weekend travel is allowed within limits.
What counts as a superload in Texas?
Over 16 ft wide, 18 ft 11 in high, 125 ft long, or 254,300 lbs gross. It requires individual review and about 21 days of lead time.
How much does a Texas 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 Texas load with FreightDeck →.