Why Maine Oversize Permits Are Non-Negotiable
Unlike standard loads, oversize loads in Maine are subject to a unique set of laws. All loads exceeding the state’s legal limits must have a valid Maine Oversize Permit—obtained before entering the state. These documents are not only essential for legal operation, but also a safeguard against sudden fines, detentions, or shipment delays.
Maine Oversize Permits cover any combination of length, width, height, or weight above state statutes, and each has its own specific criteria. Permits are valid for seven days, offering time flexibility for weather and unloading logistics. As Maine’s premier permit agency, Overweight Permit expedites this process for you, both online and via personalized service.
The Types of Permits You Need to Know
Depending on your load and needs, Overweight Permit issues a full portfolio of Maine permits:
Maine Oversize Permits: For any vehicle or haul exceeding standard dimensions.
Maine Overweight Permits: For loads that go beyond the 80,000 lbs gross weight limit.
Maine Overhang Permits: For shipments with overhangs that push overall length above what’s allowed.
Maine Single Trip Permits: For occasional, non-recurring shipments with special requirements.
Maine Annual Permits: For regular, repeated oversize/overweight trips—saving time (and money) for busy carriers.
Getting Maine Oversize Load Regulations
Maine enforces stringent oversize load regulations to ensure safety for all roadway users. Understanding these rules is crucial for haulers:
Operating Hours: Permitted travel is allowed from a half hour before sunrise to a half hour after sunset, seven days a week. However, no weekend travel is allowed in July and August.
City Restrictions: In Lewiston and Augusta, no travel is permitted during inclement weather or during rush hours (7-9 am and 4-6 pm). To traverse Augusta, a local permit is required.
Holiday Blackouts: There is no travel permitted on major holidays or select holiday weekends.
Maine Turnpike Rules:
Maximum height: 13′-6″
Maximum width: 14′-6″
Only daylight travel (Mon–Fri, until noon)—no travel on Turnpike Friday afternoons, Saturday, or Sunday.
A $10 toll for oversize loads (over-width or over 70′ long) is paid at the gate; routes are included in the Maine Overdimension Permits, but the driver pays the fee.
Comprehensive Overview of Legal Load Dimensions in Maine
Having the right state of Maine permits can mean the difference between a smooth trip and delays. Here’s what’s legal in Maine without a permit:
Length: 53′ semi-trailer/74′ overall on interstate highways; 48′ trailer/69′ overall elsewhere.
Overhang: No vehicle or load over 74′ anywhere on the road network.
Width: Maximum allowed is 8′-6″.
Height: 13′-6″ high; may reach up to 14′ as long as the load is non-reducible and not on the Turnpike.
Weight: 80,000 lbs gross, with axle restrictions:
Single: 20,000 lbs
Tandem: 34,000 lbs
Tridem: 42,000 lbs
Permits allow expanded dimensions up to:
Length: 125′
Width: 16′
Height: 16′
Weight: Up to 100,000 lbs (quad axles), with graded escalations for tandems and tridems. Tractor registration must match or exceed requested permitted weights.
Exceeding these figures? Your load is a “superloads” and requires custom review and approval.
Maine Oversize Permits Online: The Fastest Way Forward
Efficiency is everything in trucking. That’s why Overweight Permit enables you to apply for Maine Oversize Permits online anytime, anywhere. Our secure online forms collect just the information you need and allow for same-day or next-day processing. No paperwork to fax, no standing in line. Truckers can apply, pay, receive, and print their Maine oversize permits online so you spend less time waiting, and more time hauling.
Maine Annual Overweight Permits and Commercial Registration
For overweight loads, the annual overweight permit is smart business. Why apply for a new permit every trip when you can cover a year’s worth of business with a single application? Let Overweight Permit handle your Maine commercial vehicle registration and annual overweight filings together, ensuring you never have a lapse in compliance.
Maine Temporary Plates and Registration Solutions
Need to move a new vehicle, or operate before permanent tags arrive? Our team also provides:
Maine temporary plates online: Quickly secured for any qualifying truck or trailer
Temporary registration permit Maine: Essential for short-term lawful operation while awaiting full registration.
This service means zero downtime, whether you’re launching a new business lane or picking up unregistered heavy equipment.
Escort, Sign, and Lighting Requirements
Maine oversize load regulations demand:
Escorted travel for units over 80′ long or over 12′ wide on most highways.
“Oversize Load” signs and 18″ x 18″ fluorescent flags at the front and rear, and at extremities of the load.
Flashing amber lights or bars when running oversize.
Low-beam headlights on at all times; remove or cover signage and turn off beacons when no longer running oversize.
Meeting these requirements is mandatory and part of every Maine Oversize Permit and Maine Overweight Permit we issue.
Your Trusted Partner: Overweight Permit
When compliance deadlines loom and your reputation depends on every delivery, Overweight Permit is the one-stop solution for you. We pride ourselves on expert advice, lightning-fast permit issuance, and our deep knowledge of Maine’s trucking landscape. Our 2025 services cover:
Maine Oversize Permits
Maine Overweight Permits
Maine Overhang Permits
Maine Single Trip Permits
Maine Annual Permits
Support for Maine commercial vehicle registration and temporary plates online
Haul Maine highways with full confidence: choose Maine Overweight Permit for legal, timely, and cost-effective load movement. Get started today and let us smooth every mile of your journey!
