Colorado Oversize & Overweight Permit Requirements & Rules (2026)

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)	70 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
8.5 ft 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 or 999 ft wide	Route survey required
999 ft wide	Police escort

3When you can travel

Weekend travel allowed within dimensional limits.
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..
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 a route survey 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

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Note: these requirements are for planning and are verified as of May 2026. Rules change — always confirm with the state permitting authority before dispatch.

?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, 70 ft long (combination), or 80,000 lbs gross.

When do I need a pilot car in Colorado?

Colorado requires one escort at 8.5 ft wide (two at 11 ft), a height pole at 16 ft high, and a police escort at 999 ft wide.

Can you drive an oversize load at night in Colorado?

Travel windows are set on the permit in Colorado.

What counts as a superload in Colorado?

Over 15 ft wide, 16 ft high, 130 ft long, or 200,000 lbs gross. It requires a route survey 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 →.