Iowa Oversize Permits
Call Now Iowa Oversize Permits Phone Number - (972) 220-9831
Iowa Oversize Permits requirements for all your needs, tailored to meet the demands of your load. We offer quick and affordable solutions to ensure compliance with state regulations. Our services cover everything from legal dimensions, permit applications, and escort requirements to operating restrictions and travel validity.
All the Information you need about Iowa Oversize Permits
Iowa Oversize Permits Phone Number – (972) 220-9831
We provide affordable permit services at Unique Trucking Broker. Contact us for Iowa Oversize Permits at 📞 (972) 220-9831. We’re known for honesty and reliability let’s connect!
Iowa oversize permits are required for vehicles or combinations that exceed legal weight, size, or load limits. These permits allow travel on public roads under specific regulations. Operators must also obtain permits from local authorities when using municipal streets.
For those who frequently transport oversized or overweight loads, two main permit types are available: Single Trip Permits and Annual or Extended Permits. Single Trip Permits are typically valid for up to five days, while Annual Permits can be issued depending on the type of load or vehicle involved.
Types of Oversize Permits
- Oversize Permits
- Overweight Permits
- Overhang Permits
- Single Trip Permits
- Super load Permits
- Annual Permits
Iowa Oversize Permits Requirement:
In Iowa, an oversize/overweight permit is required for vehicles that exceed legal size and weight limits. If your load is wider than 8 feet 6 inches, taller than 13 feet 6 inches, longer than 53 feet, or heavier than 80,000 pounds, you must secure a permit before travel. Loads exceeding 12 feet in width or 14 feet in height typically require escort vehicles. Depending on the dimensions, “Oversize Load” signs, red flags, and amber lights (especially for night travel) may also be necessary.
Iowa Oversize Permits have the following requirements
Operating Time: Vehicles within the limits of 100 feet in length, 11 feet in width, 14 feet 6 inches in height, and within legal axle weight limits are allowed to operate seven days a week, around the clock (24/7), provided the route has a minimum road width of 22 feet and at least one clear lane with warning lights and safety provisions. Larger loads are permitted to travel from 30 minutes before sunrise until 30 minutes after sunset, including Saturdays and Sundays.
Restricted Travel: Travel on I-235 through Des Moines is not allowed from 7:00 a.m. to 9:00 a.m. and from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m., Monday through Friday. Additional highways in Des Moines may also be subject to curfews based on traffic volume and at the discretion of officials. Always check for restrictions during holidays and holiday weekends.
Iowa Legal Dimensions
Length: Maximum of 53 feet for a semi-trailer and its load. Permits are needed for overhangs that increase the total length beyond 53 feet. Materials like steel pipes, beams, or construction supplies are not exempt from this regulation.
Width: 8 feet 6 inches
Height: 13 feet 6 inches
Gross Vehicle Weight: 80,000lbs gross weight
Axle Weight Limits (without permit):
- Single axle: 20,000 pounds
- Tandem axle: 34,000 pounds
- Tridem axle: 42,000 pounds (with at least 8 feet 1 inch spacing between axles
Maximum Load Dimensions with permits in Iowa
Validity: Iowa Oversize Permits are valid for Five Days.
Length: Up to 120 feet
Width: Up to 18 feet
Height:  18 feet
Permitted Axle Weights:
- Single axle: 20,000 pounds
- Tandem axle: 46,000 pounds
- Tridem axle: 60,000 pounds
- Quad axle: 80,000 pounds
Steering Axle Note: Iowa does not list a separate weight allowance for the steer axle in the permit. Enforcement is determined by the manufacturer’s load rating on the tire (indicated on the sidewall), multiplied by two for calculation. Also, vehicles must be registered for at least the weight they intend to permit.
Superload: Loads that exceed these permitted size or weight thresholds are classified as super loads.
Escort or Pilot Car Requirements in Iowa
All Roads:
- Length:
Over 85 feet requires either one escort vehicle or a flashing amber light.
Over 120 feet one escort vehicle is mandatory. - Overhang:
Front Overhang Exceeding 25 feet or Rear Overhang Over 10 feet must have either one escort vehicle or an amber revolving or strobe light on the rear of the load. - Height:
Over 14 feet 6 inches requires one escort with a height pole to ensure safe clearance.
On 4-Lane Highways:
- Width:
Between 14 feet 6 inches and 16 feet 6 inches, either one rear escort vehicle or two flashing amber or strobe lights (one on the power unit and one at the rear of the load) are required.
If the width goes beyond 16 feet 6 inches one escort vehicle is mandatory.
On 2-Lane Roads:
- Width:
If Load Width Exceeds Half the Roadway but is Up to 14 feet 6 inches, one escort vehicle must lead.
Width Greater Than 14 feet 6 inches one escort vehicle is necessary.
Alternative to Escort (If Conditions Are Met):
If the load width is up to 14 feet 6 inches and exceeds half the roadway, and lane width is at least 12 feet with adequate shoulders, amber or strobe lights may be used instead of an escort. These lights must be placed on both the power unit and the rear of the load.
Sings, Lights and flags Requirements and Additional Information in Iowa
Sings, Lights and flags Requirements: “Oversize Load” signage and safety flags must be used when total vehicle and load dimensions surpass 75 feet in length, 8 feet 6 inches in width, or 14 feet 4 inches in height.
Flags must be used for any rear overhang greater than 4 feet. Flags must be placed at both front corners of the vehicle, both rear corners of the load, and at any part that extends outward or represents the widest section.
An amber revolving light, with a minimum height and diameter of 7 inches, must be used when:
- The total length exceeds 85 feet
- Front overhang exceeding 25 feet
- The rear overhang exceeds 10 feet
- Or if the load weight is over 80,000 pounds
Instead of using an amber light, an escort vehicle may be used to meet the safety requirements.
Miscellaneous rules: Attachments such as blades, buckets, and counterweights are not required to be removed when the load exceeds only in dimensions. However, if the load also exceeds weight limits, these items must be detached and transported separately.
Iowa Oversize Permits Cost:
Depending on the type of permission, Iowa oversize permits have different costs.
In Iowa, oversize and overweight permits can cost differently depending on the type of permit and the load. A single trip permit costs $35, while an annual oversize permit costs $50. An annual oversize/overweight permit costs $400. We also list permit fees, including an annual all-systems oversize permit at $160.
Here’s the different permit types and their costs:
- Single Trip Permit: $35.
- Annual Oversize Permit: $50.
- Annual Oversize/Overweight Permit: $400.
- All-Systems Overweight Permit: $500 (allows travel on all state and some city/county roads).
- Multi-Trip Permit: $200.
Order Your Oversize Permits Today!
Need an oversize permit? Call Unique Trucking Permits now at 972-220-9831. Our service fee is just $25! Our team is ready to assist you with a quick and easy process. Don’t wait—get your permits hassle-free with Unique Trucking Permits!
Simple Steps to Order Your Oversize Permits Fast!
Call the customer service number provided on the Unique Permits website.
Share the necessary details about your vehicle and load, including dimensions, weight, and route.
Complete the payment process over the phone using your preferred payment method.
Once processed, you will receive your oversize permit via email or fax.
For ordering Iowa DOT oversize permits, please contact at 972-220-9831.
Dimension/Size: up to 8 feet 6 in (102 in) wide, 13 feet 6 in high, and 53 feet trailer / 65 feet overall (single vehicle) or 57 feet trailer / 85 feet overall (truck tractor + semitrailer).
Weight: 80,000lbs gross, with axle/group limits of 20,000lbs single, 34,000lbs tandem, and bridge formula compliance.
Daylight moves only ½ hr before sunrise to ½ hr afeeter sunset, Monday Friday. No movement on major holidays or afeeter noon the day before certain holidays. Loads over 90 feet long, 15 feet high, 15 feet wide, or 165,000 lb usually restricted to designated routes and may have additional curfews around Little Rock metro during peak traffic (7 9 a.m., 3 6 p.m.).
80,000lbs combined gross weight, provided axle spacings satisfy the federal bridge formula.
Width over 12 feet: one front escort on two lane roads, one rear escort on multi lane roads.
Width over 14 feet: two escorts (front and rear).
Height over 15 feet: one lead escort with height pole.
Length over 100 feet: one rear escort.
Any vehicle or commodity exceeding legal size or weight including agricultural machinery, construction equipment, modular homes, tanks, girders, wind blades, and other indivisible loads needs an oversize/overweight permit. Unique Trucking Broker handles single trip, blanket, superload, and temporary fuel/trip permits statewide.
With the proper permit, Iowa will authorize widths up to 20 feet on a case by case basis (designated “superload” above 16 feet).
Approval is possible above 16 feet wide, 17 feet high, 150 feet long, or 180,000lbs, but these are treated as superloads and require route surveys, engineering analysis, and Iowa DOT approval.
Night travel is not allowed for most oversize loads. The Iowa Highway Police grant exceptions only for certain overweight only permits that remain within legal dimensions.
Anything over 8 feet 6 in wide mandates an oversize permit.
11.How much is an overweight permit in Iowa?
Basic overweight: $10 for the first 10,000 lb over legal, plus $1 per additional 1,000 lb (single trip).
Superload review fees and mileage surcharges apply when exceeding 120,000 lb or special bridges. Unique Trucking Broker quotes final costs up front and files the paperwork for you in minutes.
Up to 12 feet wide can usually travel without an escort, provided all other legal conditions are met.
A vehicle or load is classified as “wide” once it exceeds the statutory 8 feet 6 inches width limit.
If weighed in excess of the permitted or legal limit:
• Up to 5,000lbs over: $100 fine.
• Each additional 1,000lbs: roughly $100, escalating quickly.
• Officers may require load adjustment or a permit purchase before releasing the vehicle. Repeated or extreme violations can trigger court citations and higher civil penalties.
You may apply for an oversize permit on the Unique Trucking website or by calling their permit office at 972-220-9831.
Need an Oversize Permit?
Call Us Today at (972) 220-9831
Ordering your oversize permits has never been easier. Simply give us a call at 972-220-9831 and let our friendly team assist you with all your needs. Don’t wait—get your permits quickly and efficiently with Unique Permits!
Get Your Oversize Permits Fast!
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