New Hampshire Oversize Permit, Wide and Heavy Haul Information

Summary:

• In New Hampshire, vehicles with oversize or overweight permits are typically allowed to operate during daylight hours, from one-half hour before sunrise to one-half hour after sunset on weekdays.
• Restrictions commonly occur during rush hours, typically from 7:00 AM to 9:00 AM and 4:00 PM to 6:00 PM on weekdays.
• There is no travel during any of the major holidays and the surrounding travel weekends.

Operating Hours, Restricted Travel, and Holiday Restrictions

In New Hampshire, vehicles with oversize or overweight permits are typically allowed to operate during daylight hours, from one-half hour before sunrise to one-half hour after sunset on weekdays. Night travel is generally prohibited unless specifically authorized under special circumstances, which must be explicitly stated in the permit.

There are no weekend or holiday restrictions for loads that fall within the dimensional limits. Additionally, being overweight is not restricted when it comes to travel times.

Travel restrictions may apply during peak traffic hours, particularly in congested urban areas such as Manchester. Restrictions commonly occur during rush hours, typically from 7:00 AM to 9:00 AM and 4:00 PM to 6:00 PM on weekdays. Certain routes may have additional restrictions, especially in areas with narrow roads, bridges, or other infrastructure limitations.

There is no travel during any of the major holidays and the surrounding travel weekends.  Prohibited holidays include:

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

When restrictions also extend to the days immediately before and after these holidays to accommodate increased traffic volumes, it will be noted on the permit.

Signs, Flags, and Lights Requirements

Signs, flags, and lights may be required when moving oversize loads or superloads for the safety of others on the road.

Signs

“Oversize Load” signs must be displayed at the front and rear of any vehicle carrying an oversized load. The signs should be clearly visible, with a recommended size of 7 feet wide by 18 inches high. Letters should be at least 10 inches tall in black on a yellow background.

Flags

All load extremities that surpass 4 inches in one area must have a 12-inch square red flag mounted on top of the area. In addition, when that four-inch mark is surpassed on the back of the vehicle, one flag will be required for an overhang less than 2 inches wide, and two flags will be required for an overhang exceeding 2 inches.

Lights

If night travel is permitted, or if traveling in low visibility conditions (such as fog or heavy rain), vehicles must be equipped with amber lights or rotating beacons. These lights should be placed at the front and rear of the vehicle and any overhanging portions of the load to alert other road users.

Obtaining a Permit

New Hampshire single-trip travel permits are valid for up to 5 days and must be in possession when entering the state. Annual permits may depend on the vehicle in question. These authorizations are issued from the Permit Office, must stay in the vehicle, and must accompany the yearly permit. You can order permits at the New Hampshire state websiteor by calling (603) 271-2691.

Partnering with a Logistics Company

Transporting oversize and overweight loads through New Hampshire 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 New Hampshire, 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.