Iowa Oversize Permit, Wide and Heavy Haul Information

Each state also has time restrictions and limitations for the movement of oversized loads. On Iowa roads, as long as the oversized vehicle does not exceed 11 feet in width, 14 feet and 4 inches in height, and 100 feet in length, they may travel at any time with proper signage and lighting that the state should specify on the permit.

However, on Des Moines I-235, travel is prohibited from 7:00 – 9:00 A.M. and 4:00 – 6:00 P.M. Monday through Friday. When traffic is overcrowded on other Des Moines highways, it is at the officer’s discretion what the movement curfew should be. Movement is also prohibited on the following holidays: Memorial Day, Independence Day, and Labor Day.

Any other specific restrictions, limits, or exceptions will need to be stated on the permit. Signs, flags, and lights may be required when moving oversize loads or superloads for the safety of others on the road. Iowa requires that oversized load signs be visible to the rear throughout the whole day and night. If the towed units are being operated faster than 35 mph, the signage must be hidden from view or wholly removed. All oversized vehicles must have flags on each front corner of the towing unit, each back corner of the actual load, and anywhere else with extremities protruding from the load. On Iowa roads, flags are always required when the rear overhang exceeds 4 feet on the oversized vehicle. Furthermore, when oversized vehicles are traveling in Iowa, lights are required and must be a rotating amber light with 84 inches in height and 84 inches in diameter. If a light cannot be mounted on the rear of an over-dimensional towing unit, then a pilot car can be used as a replacement. Iowa offers Oversize/Overweight Single Trip or Round Trip Permits that are valid for five days. This includes the following permit types:

• Single or Round Trip


• Single or Round for Self-Propelled Cranes


• Single or Round Trip for Private Carriers Moving Own Equipment (Not for Hire)


• Single Trip for Fire Trucks or Military Vehicles


• Single Trip for Long Combination Vehicle


• Single Trip with Weight Increase (House moves only)


• Single or Round for Self-Propelled Construction Equipment (Only needed when axles exceed 20,000 pounds)

Iowa also offers various multi-trip permit options obtained for unlimited traveling between two points on a single route and are valid for 60 days maximum. The maximum gross vehicle weight for these permits is 156,000 pounds.

Iowa’s Oversize Annual Trip Permits include:

• Oversize/Overweight Permit


• Small and Large Annual Oversize


• Raw Forest Products


• Raw Milk


• Compacted Rubbish Vehicles

For more information on obtaining oversize and over-dimensional permits in Iowa, call (888) 799-8858.