Operating Hours, Restricted Travel, and Holiday Restrictions
The oversized load can operate from half an hour before sunrise to half an hour after sunset, seven days a week. Travel is not permitted on weekends during July and August or on major holidays or some holiday weekends.
In the city of Augusta, a local permit is required. In both Lewiston and Augusta, travel is prohibited during rush hour periods of 7:00 a.m. to 9:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. and inclement weather.
On the Maine Turnpike, loads are limited to 13 feet 6 inches high and 14 feet 6 inches wide, with daylight travel only, and Monday through Friday noon. Oversized loads are not permitted to travel on Friday afternoons, Saturdays, or Sundays. The toll permit is $10 for loads over width or exceeding 70 feet in length, and is paid at the gate. The driver pays the fee at the gate, but the Turnpike part of the route is included on the Main O/D permit.
Signs, Flags, and Lights Requirements
On oversize loads or superloads, signs, flags, and lights may be required for the safety of others on the road.
Signs
On all loads that exceed the width and length permits, “Oversize Load” signs and flags are required. Signs need to be mounted on both the front bumper and at the rear of the load.
Flags
18-inch square flags need to be mounted at the corners of the load and the widest points. Overhangs over 4 feet in the rear must be flagged, with two flags if it exceeds 2 feet wide.
Lights
On oversized loads, headlights must be on low beam and flashing, and either a rotating amber light or bar light on the top of the cab. All over-dimension loads require this. Overweight loads are not required of this if overweight only. Load signs should be removed or covered if the load is not oversized, and amber beacon lights should be extinguished before movement.
Obtaining a permit
One-use single trip permits are valid for seven days. Multiple trip permits are also valid for seven days, and long-term permits, which are good for one to twelve months, are vehicle specific.
You can obtain trucking permits for the state of Maine by calling (207) 624-9000, extension 52134, or by visiting
https://www.maine.gov/sos/bmv/commercial/olpermits.html.
