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Missouri Oversize/Overweight Permit (6-MO-a)

Information current as of 2022
In Missouri, a person (developer) may need an Oversize/Overweight Permit (Permit) from the Missouri Department of Transportation’s (MoDOT) Motor Carrier Services Divison to transport loads that exceed the maximum dimensions or weight limits allowed on Missouri state roads. MoDOT regulates oversized and overweight vehicles pursuant to Missouri – Mo. Rev. Stat. §§ 304.170 et seq., Vehicle Regulations and Mo. Code Regs. Ann. tit. § 10-25.020, and Missouri – Missouri Department of Transportation – Oversize/Overweight Permit Regulation Handbook.



Oversize/Overweight Permit Process


6-MO-a.1 to 6-MO-a.2 – Does the Load Exceed the Applicable Size or Weight Regulations?

The developer must obtain an Oversize/Overweight Permit if the project requires transportation of loads of a size or weight that exceed the legal standards. A Permit is required for travel on any Missouri state highway, U.S. or interstate highway within the state, and roads within a commercial zone. A “commercial zone” is defined as the area within a city of 75,000 inhabitants or more, as well as the area “extending one mile beyond the corporate limits of the city and one mile additional for each fifty thousand population or portion thereof . . . .” Mo. Rev. Stat. § 304.190.3.

Legal size (width, height, and length) limits are found in Mo. Rev. Stat. § 304.170 and are also denoted in the MoDOT Oversize/Overweight Permit Handbook at 49-50. Legal size limits for vehicles travelling through commercial zones are found in Mo. Rev. Stat. § 304.190.1.

Generally, the legal weight limit of truck-tractor semi-trailer combinations is 80,000 pounds, Mo. Rev. Stat. § 304.180.3, except in commercial zones, in which the vehicle must not exceed 22,400 pounds per axle, Mo. Rev. Stat. § 304.190.2. See also MoDOT Oversize/Overweight Permit Handbook, p. 49-50. This weight limit does not apply to specialized equipment, including mobile cranes, rock crushers, drilling equipment, or other equipment that cannot be reasonably reduced in weight to comply with legal limits. Mo. Code Regs. Ann. tit. § 10-25.020(11)(F). Weight limits for such loads are found at Mo. Code Regs. Ann. tit. § 10-25.020(11)(G.

Loads covered by a routine Oversize/Overweight Permit may not exceed 16’ in width, 16’ in height, 150’ in length, or 160,000 in gross weight. Mo. Code Regs. Ann. tit. § 10-25.020(15)(A); MoDOT Oversize/Overweight Permit Handbook, p. 49-50. MoDOT will consider loads in excess of these limits for a Super Heavy and Large Load Movement Permit if air, rail, or water terminal points are unavailable. Mo. Code Regs. Ann. tit. § 10-25.020(15)(A).

Missouri generally does not permit indivisible loads. 7 C.S.R. 10-25.020(1)(B). The legal and maximum weight and dimensional limits depend on the type of road(s) the load will travel upon along its route. The developer should refer to the Missouri Statewide Vehicle Route Map and the Missouri Commercial Zone Route Map for limits along the load’s designated route.

If none of the dimensional or weight requirements are exceeded, then no permit is needed. However, the developer must apply for an Oversize/Overweight Permit from MoDOT if the load exceeds any of the above requirements. Mo. Rev. Stat. § 304.200.1.

6-MO-a.3 – Determine What Type of Permit is Needed

The developer must determine what type of Oversize/Overweight Permit is needed. Available permits include the following:

  • Single Trip Permit: Generally, MoDOT only issues single trip permits; MoDOT issues no round trip permits. The single trip Permit covers the movement of a single load, between one origin and one destination. The load must be moved in seven days, except for multi-state permits (see Mo. Code Regs. Ann. tit. § 10-25.020(17)), which must be completed in ten days. Mo. Code Regs. Ann. tit. §10-25.020(1)(H).
  • Annual Blanket Permit: Annual blanket permits may be issued for loads up to and including 12’4” in width and 150’0” in overall length; height and weight must be in accordance with the legal maximums outlined above. Mo. Code Regs. Ann. tit. §. 10-25.020(6). Annual blanket permits only authorize travel over the state highway system. 7 C.S.R. 10-25.020(6)(A). Shorter term or activity specific blanket permits are also available, including thirty-day, public utility, and concrete pump truck, and government agency blanket permits. Mo. Code Regs. Ann. tit. § 10-25.020(6)(D).
  • Super Heavy and Large Load Movement Permit: Oversize/overweight permits covering super heavy and large load movements are available for loads that exceed the routine permit limits, as outlined above. Mo. Code Regs. Ann. tit. § 10-25.020(15).

6-MO-a.4 – File Proof of Liability Insurance

Before applying for a Permit, the developer must file proof of combined single limit automobile liability insurance with the Motor Carrier Services Division. Proof of coverage must be filed on the proper certificate of liability form, with all information required, as outlined in Mo. Code Regs. Ann. tit. § 10-25.020(2)(B), otherwise the developer risks having its proof of insurance rejected. Mo. Code Regs. Ann. tit. § 10-25.020(2)(F).

This coverage must be effective during all activities authorized under the Permit. The minimum level of liability insurance required in $750,000 for routine moves; for super heavy and large loads, the minimum liability insurance coverage required is $2 million. Mo. Code Regs. Ann. tit. § 10-25.020(2)(A). However, MoDOT may require additional coverage for excessively overweight vehicles. Mo. Code Regs. Ann. tit. § 10-25.020(2)(I).

Coverage must include damage to the state highway, including the road surface, shoulders, bridges, traffic control devices, utility facilities, and any other state highway system-related property, caused by the developer or for which the developer is legally responsible. 7 C.S.R. 10-25.020(2)(B). The required liability insurance does not include cargo coverage; cargo must be separately insured. Mo. Code Regs. Ann. tit. § 10-25.020(2)(C).

6-MO-a.5 to 6-MO-a.6 – Oversize/Overweight Permit Application

The developer must submit an Oversize/Overweight Permit Application (“Application”) to MoDOT’s Motor Carrier Service Division. The Application must show the width, length, and height of what is being hauled, as well as the overall width, length, and height. The Application must also include axle loads and axle spacings measured center-to-center between each axle. Mo. Code Regs. Ann. tit. § 10-25.020(4)(D). The applicant (developer) should refer to the Oversize/Overweight Permit Online Application Instructions for the additional information required in the Application, including:

  • Permit information;
  • Insurance information;
  • Details about the load for which the permit is being requested;
  • Information about the vehicle that will carry the load;
  • Overall dimensions;
  • Route information (generally, not required for blanket permits); and
  • Any additional notes, if desired (note: for online applications, this negates the auto-issue function).

The Application must be filed with MoDOT at least two (2) days before the date of movement. Mo. Code Regs. Ann. tit. § 10-25.020(4)(A). Note: Developers applying for super heavy and large load movements should allow at least two weeks for the necessary route evaluation. 7 C.S.R. 10-25.020(15)(A). Applications may be filed in person, by mail, by telephone, or online, via the MoDOT Carrier Express Website. Mo. Code Regs. Ann. tit. § 10-25.020(4)(B). For information about the process of applying for a Permit online, see the Oversize/Overweight Permit Online Application Instructions. Additionally, the developer must file the applicable permit fees, as outlined in Mo. Code Regs. Ann. tit. § 10-25.020(4)(E). Note: Fees are not required for permits covering the movement of vehicles and loads owned and operated by governmental subdivisions or agencies. Mo. Code Regs. Ann. tit. § 10-25.020(4)(F).

For loads greater than 120 feet long, before receiving the Permit, the developer must physically drive the proposed route and attest that the load can safely navigate all aspects of the route (turns, curves, etc.). Mo. Code Regs. Ann. tit. § 10-25.020(3)(A)4.

6-MO-a.7 to 6-MO-a.8 – Review Application Materials For Completeness

MoDOT reviews the Application for completeness. If the Application is incomplete, the developer must resubmit the Application with the necessary missing information.

6-MO-a.9 to 6-MO-a.11 – Review Application For Approval

MoDOT reviews the Application to determine whether it complies with all requirements. However, if the developer applies for the Permit online and the dimensions and weight fall within acceptable limits (and the developer does not enter additional notes in the Application), MoDOT automatically issues the Permit to the developer, after the required fee has been paid. Oversize/Overweight Permit Online Application Instructions.

In determining route approvals, MoDOT takes into account safety, structure capacities and clearances, roadway widths, and traffic volumes. MoDOT may not take into account time- or cost-saving factors. Mo. Code Regs. Ann. tit. § 10-25.020(1)(D).

Oversize/Overweight Permits are only issued “for good cause shown and when the public safety or public interest so justifies.” Mo. Rev. Stat. § 304.200.1.

MoDOT denies the Permit for the following:

  • The vehicle load does not adhere to the permittable limits;
  • The load is reducible; or
  • The proposed route is not permitted by the regulations.

If MoDOT denies the Permit, the developer must change the load composition or route and resubmit the Application.

6-MO-a.12 – Oversize/Overweight Permit

If MoDOT approves the Application, it issues the Oversize/Overweight Permit to the developer. The developer must follow all conditions stipulated by the Permit or required by statute or regulation, Mo. Code Regs. Ann. tit. § 10-25.020(9), including time of day and date travel restrictions, as well as speed restrictions, see Mo. Code Regs. Ann. tit. § 10-25.020(9)(B)-(G).

For example, in granting the Permit, MoDOT may:

Escort requirements are detailed in 7 C.S.R. 10-25.020(9)(H) (oversize/overweight loads generally), 7 C.S.R. 10-25.020(13)(B) (loads over 12’4” to 14’ wide), 7 C.S.R. 10-25.020(14)(B) (loads over 14’ to 16’ wide), and 7 C.S.R. 10-25.020(15)(G) (super heavy and large loads). Flagging requirements are detailed in 7 C.S.R. 10-25.020(9)(J).

The developer may pick up the issued Permit in person, at MoDOT locations outlined in Mo. Code Regs. Ann. tit. § 10-25.020(4)(H). Permits may also be accessed and printed online. Mo. Code Regs. Ann. tit. § 10-25.020(4)(G).

The Permit must accompany the oversize/overweight load at all times. Mo. Code Regs. Ann. tit. § 10-25.020(9)(A).

6-MO-a.13 — Appeal Decision (Optional)

A developer may ask for an informal review of any decision made by MoDOT under Mo. Code Regs. Ann. tit. § 10-25.090. The informal review will be conducted by designated personnel from MoDOT. If the informal review upholds the decision, then the decision will be final and the developer may file an appeal within 30 days to the Administrative Hearing Commission. Mo. Code Regs. Ann. tit. § 10-25.090.


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Contact Information






Edit Missouri Department of Transportation
Oversize/Overweight Permit Supervisor (573) 751-7410

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