New Mexico Oversize Permit, Wide and Heavy Haul Information

Summary:

• Oversize movements must operate between 30 minutes before sunrise and after sunset, with restrictions during poor visibility and peak traffic hours in major cities.
• All oversize loads require permits, 5′ × 12″ yellow warning signs, and 18″ red/orange flags at extremities.
• Escort vehicles are mandatory for loads over 14′ wide or 110′ 1″ long, with police escorts required for loads 20′ or wider.

Operating Hours, Restricted Travel, and Holiday Restrictions

Unless specifically allowed for continuous movement, oversize loads in New Mexico can only operate from 30 minutes before sunrise until 30 minutes after sunset. Movement during heavy traffic is restricted as follows:

• In Albuquerque and Rio Rancho: No movement on weekdays between 7-9 AM and 4-7 PM on interstate highways, U.S. highways and state roads
• In Santa Fe and Las Cruces: No movement on weekdays between 7-9 AM and 4-6 PM on interstate highways, U.S. highways and state roads
• Additional restrictions apply to:
  • I-25 between Santa Fe and Los Lunas (including Los Lunas city limits)
  • U.S. 285 between Santa Fe and Espanola (including Espanola city limits)
  • I-10 (mile markers 139-145) and I-25 (mile markers 0-9) in the Las Cruces area

Travel is prohibited during inclement weather, which includes:

• Visibility less than 1000 feet
• Wind speeds of 25 mph or more for oversize loads
• Snow, ice, fog, rain, or dust
• Any weather condition deemed hazardous by DPS, DOT or law enforcement

No movement is allowed on major holidays, which include:

• New Year’s Day
• Memorial Day
• Independence Day
• Labor Day
• Thanksgiving Day
• Christmas Day
• Any other holiday designated by the DOT

Signs, Flags, Lights, and Escort Requirements

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

Signs

• Required on front and rear of all oversize vehicles/loads
• Must read “OVERSIZE,” “OVERWIDTH,” “OVERLENGTH,” or “OVERHEIGHT” (“OVERSIZE” can be used for any type)
• Must be at least 5 feet wide by 12 inches high
• Bright yellow background with black letters
• Letters must be at least 1 inch wide and 10 inches high
• Front sign must be visible without interfering with clearance lights
• Rear sign must be clearly visible without obscuring required equipment or license plates

Flags

• Required for all oversize loads
• Must be red, fluorescent red, or fluorescent orange
• Square or rectangular, minimum 18 inches on any side
• Required at front and rear corners at widest points
• Additional flags required for overhangs exceeding:
  • Front: 3 feet (single vehicles) or 2 feet (combinations)
  • Rear: 4 feet

Lights

• Must comply with Federal Regulations (49 CFR 393.11)
• Minimum 500-foot visibility requirement
• For overwidth/overlength loads:
  • At least one rotating/flashing/strobe/LED amber light at rear
  • Two rotating/flashing/strobe/LED amber lights on power unit

Escort Vehicles

Escorts are required for:

• All loads 14 feet or wider
• Vehicles/combinations exceeding 110 feet 1 inch in length:

One escort: 110’1″ to 120’1″ in length

Two escorts: Over 120’1″ in length

Vehicles exceeding 16 feet in height may require an escort or additional person for height clearance verification. Police escorts may be required for loads 20 feet or wider.

Escort Vehicle Specifications:

• Minimum 100-inch wheelbase
• Maximum 1.5-ton capacity (unless specifically approved)
• Must display company name, city, and state on both sides
• Must be certified annually by DOT or DPS
• Must maintain two-way radio communication with oversize vehicle

Required Escort Vehicle Equipment:

• Two rotating/flashing/strobe/LED amber lights visible at 500 feet
• “OVERSIZE LOAD” sign (5 feet × 12 inches, yellow with black letters)
• Two red/fluorescent orange flags (minimum 12 inches per side)
• Fire extinguisher (2.5 lb minimum)
• Required safety and warning equipment
• Current escort vehicle map

Obtaining a Permit

Single-trip permits are valid for 5 days, and multiple-trip permits available for up to one year. 

For more information and to order permits, visit the New Mexico state website here: https://permits.dot.state.nm.us/

Partnering with a Logistics Company

Transporting oversize and overweight loads through New Mexico 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 Mexico, 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.