Massachusetts Oversize Permit, Wide and Heavy Haul Information

Operating Hours, Restricted Travel, and Holiday Restrictions

General Travel Hours

Vehicles under 12 feet wide and under 14 feet high may travel from Monday 12:01 AM through noon on Saturday, and Sunday from 12:01 AM until noon the same day. Vehicles between 12 feet and 14 feet in width, over 13 feet and 11 inches in height, and between 80 feet and 114 feet long are only permitted to travel sunrise to sunset Monday through Friday, except during rush hour periods from 7:00 AM to 9:00 AM and 3:30 PM to 7:00 PM.

Metropolitan Area Restrictions

In the Boston area, Routes 95 and 93 are restricted to travel between 9:30 AM and 3:30 PM only. In both Lewiston and Augusta (referenced from Maine regulations), travel is prohibited during rush hour periods of 7:00 AM to 9:00 AM and 4:00 PM to 6:00 PM and during inclement weather.

Massachusetts Turnpike Regulations

On the Massachusetts Turnpike, between the New York line and I-95, permits are not required for vehicles up to 10 feet in width, up to 13 feet and 6 inches in height, and up to 80 feet in length. Turnpike permits are issued for vehicles up to 12 feet wide, 13 feet and 9 inches high, 80 feet long, and up to 99,000 pounds. In the Boston area, lower limits apply to Sumner, Callahan, and Ted Williams Tunnels. Loads that exceed these dimensions on the Turnpike require special engineering approval and a $350.00 fee.

Holiday Restrictions

No movements are allowed on the following holidays:

• New Year’s Day
• Memorial Day
• Independence Day
• Labor Day
• Thanksgiving Day
• Christmas Day

No movements are allowed between noon the day preceding and noon the day following these holidays: New Year’s Day, Independence Day, and Christmas. Otherwise, travel is allowed on State Highways from Monday morning at 12:01 AM to noon on Saturday, and Sunday morning from 12:01 AM to noon.

Winter Travel Restrictions

No movement shall be made under permit when there are large areas of hard packed snow or ice on the surface of the road or during a snowstorm. Skid chains shall be used on vehicles from November 1st through May 1st, in case of an emergency and installed wherever necessary. This does not prohibit vehicles delivering or spreading sand or deicing salt, or vehicles scraping snow and ice from road surfaces.

Signs, Flags, and Lights Requirements

Signs, safety flags, and warning lights are often required when moving heavy haul loads or superloads for the safety of other drivers on the road.

Signs

• “OVERSIZE LOAD” signs required for loads exceeding legal dimensions
• Dimensions: 7 feet long by 18 inches high
• Letters: Black letters 10 inches high with 1.41-inch brushstroke on yellow background
• Placement: Front of vehicle for non-escorted oversize loads
• When overall length exceeds 90 feet (combination) or 50 feet (single unit), rear sign required
• Must be removed or covered when not hauling oversize loads

Flags

• Fluorescent red safety flags must be mounted at each corner of the unit
• Size: Minimum 18 inches square
• Condition: Must be in good condition
• Placement: At extreme ends and projections of overwidth and overlength loads
• If overhang exceeds 4 feet, additional flagging required at extremities

Lights

• Flashing or strobe amber lights must operate above the highest point of the vehicle
• Must be visible from front and rear of the vehicle
• Clearance lights required in lieu of flags when moving after daylight hours or when visibility is less than 500 feet
• Oversize load signs must be lighted or reflectorized for night operation

Escort Vehicle Requirements

When Escorts Are Required

Based on the regulatory framework, escort requirements vary by load dimensions and route type. The specific escort requirements for Massachusetts are detailed in the permit conditions, with general provisions including:

• Height detection vehicles required for loads exceeding certain height limits
• Front and/or rear escorts required based on width, length, and route classification
• All escort vehicles must display proper “OVERSIZE LOAD” signage and amber warning lights

Escort Vehicle Equipment

• Must have flashing or rotating amber lights visible for 500 feet
• Required to display “OVERSIZE LOAD” signs matching specified dimensions
• Height detection equipment required for overheight loads as specified in permit conditions

Obtaining A Permit

Permit Validity and Types

• Single-trip permits: Valid for five travel days
• Annual permits: Available for qualifying vehicles and loads
• Multiple permits: Available for recurring operations
• Special permits: Required for loads exceeding standard parameters

Application Process

Massachusetts oversize permits must be obtained before entering the state. Applications are processed through the Massachusetts Department of Transportation (MassDOT) permit system.

Permit Portal: Available through the MassDOT website at https://oasis.massdot.state.ma.us

Partnering with a Logistics Company

Transporting oversize and overweight loads through Massachusetts 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 Massachusetts, 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.