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Permit

Saturday, Sunday & Holiday Restrictions

On state highways, unless otherwise stated, permits will not be issued for the movement of loads in excess of one hundred eight thousand (108,000) pounds, or over twelve feet (12’0”) wide or over one hundred feet (100’) long on any Saturday, Sunday, or on the following legal holidays as observed in the State of Vermont:

Farm Equipment Dealer Permits

The Commissioner of Motor Vehicles, or his/her representative, upon application, may issue annually to dealers in farm tractors or other farm implements, over width permits to transport or draw upon a highway such farm implements as are incidental to the conduct of such business.

Emergency Moves

DEFINITION:

For the purpose of these permits, an emergency is defined as follows:

"A calamity, existing or imminent, which requires immediate remedial action to protect life, property and the environment".  The fact a contractor or mover is being delayed in the execution of a job or contract or has a crew waiting for a piece of equipment is not sufficient justification for an emergency permit.

Weight Enforcement Program

While inspecting commercial vehicles for safety compliance, many of Vermont’s motor carrier enforcement professionals also weigh them in an effort to help protect our transportation infrastructure.  Using weigh in motion and portable scales, commercial vehicles are screened and weighed to ensure compliance with Vermont’s weight laws.
Special Hauling Permit Information

If a truck is overweight who is at fault, the operator or the owner of the vehicle

The defendant on a ticket issued for an overweight violation can be the operator or the carrier. The fines for an overweight violation depend on several factors.  The fines are a set amount per thousand pounds overweight, and vary depending the amount of the overweight. It also depends if the vehicle is operating on a permit, and how many overweight tickets the defendant has been convicted of in the last 12 months.

Permitting Rules

Rules and Instructions Governing Overweight and Over Dimension Vehicle Permits.

Blanket Permit - Annual

A Blanket Permit is the written authorization granted by the Commissioner of Motor Vehicles for the movement of a vehicle or combination vehicle and its non-divisible load with prescribed limits of size and/or weight over State/Interstate highways.

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FAQs

When can a single trip permit be obtained and what is the turn-around time for approval of permits?

Permits can be obtained Monday through Friday from 7:45 a.m. to 4:15 p.m. (except holidays - see the schedule of holidays. In most cases, a permit clerk should take approximately 45 minutes to respond. However, a 4-hour turn-around time has been established to consider the Unit's workload during busy periods.

If a truck is overweight who is at fault, the operator or the owner of the vehicle

The defendant on a ticket issued for an overweight violation can be the operator or the carrier. The fines for an overweight violation depend on several factors.  The fines are a set amount per thousand pounds overweight, and vary depending the amount of the overweight. It also depends if the vehicle is operating on a permit, and how many overweight tickets the defendant has been convicted of in the last 12 months. The fines can be found in the Judicial Bureau’s Schedule of Fines under Title 23 VSA Section 1391a at the following website: https://www.vermontjudiciary.org/eforms/Waiver_Penalty_Schedule.pdf

Where can I get a copy of the overweight/overdimension rules?

Download a PDF below or use our contact form to request a copy.

Commercial Vehicle Operations
Department of Motor Vehicles
120 State Street
Montpelier, VT 05603-0001
Phone: 802-828-2064

How long is an Engineering Survey valid?

If additional permits are required and the information contained in the original survey is not changed in any manner (including the routes) the Engineering Survey is valid for 6 months.

How long does an Engineering Review take?

Engineering Reviews can take up to 10 working days.

What information is required when requesting a Super Load Permit and Engineering Review?

See the Application and Requirements (form #CVO-106).

What constitutes a "Super Load" and requires an Engineering Review?

Permits that meet or exceed the following perimeters:

  • 150,000 pounds or more
  • 100 feet long or longer
  • 15 feet wide or wider
  • 14 feet high or higher
Do I have to maintain a certificate of insurance on file?

Vermont does not require that you maintain proof of insurance on file with the Department, however, proof of insurance is required when:

  • Requesting a Super Load Permit, or
  • Blanket permits that are 100 feet long or longer.
When can I move loads exceeding the legal limits?

Unless specifically stated on the permit, movement is restricted to daylight hours and shall be made between thirty minutes before sunrise and thirty minutes after sunset. No movement is allowed on state highways for loads in excess of 108,000 pounds, over 10' 6" wide, or over 100' long on any Saturday, Sunday, or Friday afternoon between July 1st and Labor Day. No movement is allowed on holidays observed by the State of Vermont. If the holiday falls on a Saturday, the preceding Friday is a legal holiday; if the holiday falls on a Sunday, the following Monday is a legal holiday and these days are restricted as other holidays. See a list of holidays.

How long is the permit valid?

Single trip permits are valid for 10 working days. If the move is not made during this time-frame a new permit must be purchased.

I will be hauling a divisible load (i.e., forest products, milk, water, quarry products). What type of permit do I need?

This is a complex issue. To obtain information about the type of permits available please contact Commercial Vehicles at 802-828-2064 or use our contact form.

I have a piece of equipment that is wider than my vehicle. What type of permit do I need?

This is a complex issue. To obtain information pertaining to the type of permits available please contact Commercial Vehicles at 802-828-2064.

How do I obtain Vermont overdimension permits?
  • Complete and mail an application with the correct fee to Commercial Vehicle Operations.
  • Walk into the Commercial Vehicle Unit in Montpelier, Vermont.
  • Contact a Permit Service Company.
  • Faxed permit applications are accepted if you have an established escrow account.