Maine Oversize Permit, Wide and Heavy Haul Information

Summary:

• In Maine, oversize loads can operate from half hour before sunrise to half hour after sunset but are restricted from travel during July/August weekends, holidays, and have specific rush hour restrictions in cities like Augusta and Lewiston.
• The state requires “OVERSIZE LOAD” signs, 18″ square red or fluorescent orange flags at corners, and amber lights for oversized loads, with pilot cars required for loads over 12 feet wide or 80 feet long.
• Maine offers single-trip permits valid for seven days, with special considerations for Maine Turnpike travel where loads are limited to 13’6″ high and 14’6″ wide.

Operating Hours, Restricted Travel, and Holiday Restrictions

In Maine, oversize moves are not routinely permitted one-half hour after sunset to one-half hour before sunrise, legal holidays and weekends in July and August.

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, Lights, and Pilot Car 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” in ten inch (10″) high black letters on yellow background
• Seven feet (7′) wide by eighteen inches (18″) high
• Front and rear

Flags

For oversize loads, the following flag guidelines apply:

• Four – 18″ by 18″ red or florescent orange
• Position at extreme corners

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.

Pilot Cars

A pilot car is required when a load is more than 80 feet long and/or more than 12 feet wide. The vehicle must have amber, flashing, rotary or light bar lighting on the extreme top left and right or left to right. The vehicle must post a sign that reads “oversize load” in black eight inch (8″) high letters on yellow background that is five feet (5′) wide by twelve inches (12″) high on:

• Rear bumper when following load
• Front bumper when preceding load
• Roof mounted is an option with sign facing appropriate direction

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.

After initial contact with the Motor Carrier Services, Overlimit Permit Unit these permits may be obtained online, by faxing an application form, or by going to the nearest Bureau of Motor Vehicles branch office.

Turnpike oversize and overlength permits may be obtained at any Maine Turnpike toll plaza for a fee of $10 (not including the applicable toll). Vehicles must also have a separate overlimit permit from the Bureau of Motor Vehicles for travel on all non-Turnpike highways.

Partnering with a Logistics Company

Transporting oversize and overweight loads through Maine requires strict adherence to state regulations and permit requirements. By understanding the operating hours, restricted travel times, signage, and permit application process, you can ensure safe and legal transport. If you are interested in streamlining the oversize permit process in Maine, consider partnering with a modular logistics company like Stream. Contact our experts to ensure a seamless wide and heavy haul experience for your project. 

Read more:

• Over-Dimensional and Heavy Haul Permitting 101
• What You Need to Know About State Oversize Permits for Over-Dimensional, Wide, and Heavy Haul Trucking
• State Oversize Permit & Wide Load Regulations: Simplified

Stream Logistics is a transportation logistics company specializing exclusively in High Stakes Freight® , or freight where there is significant risk in moving your product. We help you transport freight when there are projects with timelines and delivery sequences, shipments with high complexity, and shipments with unique constraints.