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Oversize Load Permit Requirements — Iowa
Legal size/weight limits, escort thresholds, travel restrictions, and permit office contact for Iowa.
These figures are a reference summary of publicly published state rules, not a substitute for a state-issued permit and not legal advice. Rules change — always confirm current limits and requirements directly with the state permit office before you plan or run a move. Last verified: 2026-06-28. Oversize Ops is NOT responsible and CANNOT be held liable for decisions made from this reference. Official source ↗
Legal Maximum Dimensions (no permit required)
- Width
- 8.5ft (102in)
- Height
- 13.5ft (162in)
- Length
- 53ft
- Gross Weight
- 80,000 lbs
- Single Axle
- 20,000 lbs
- Tandem Axle
- 34,000 lbs
Escort / Pilot Car Thresholds (see glossary for terms, certification requirements for the driver)
- Front escort required over
- 12ft wide
- Rear escort required over
- 12ft wide
- Both escorts required over
- 14ft wide
- Height escort required over
- 14ft tall
Front escort >12ft, both escorts >14ft. Iowa DOT certified escorts required.
Travel Restrictions
- Night travel
- Generally restricted
- Weekend travel
- Generally allowed
- Sunday travel
- Generally allowed
Night travel restricted. Spring weight restrictions (Feb-May typically).
Holiday blackouts: Major US holidays.
Superload Thresholds
- Width over
- 15ft
- Length over
- 150ft
- Weight over
- 200,000 lbs
Estimated Permit Cost Verify before relying
$35 single-trip / $70 round-trip base
⚠ A new per-ton overweight fee (HF 979) took effect Oct 2025; its exact rate was not locatable at publish time.
Source: Iowa DOT — verify current fee with the permit office before budgeting a move.
Permit fee only — does not include escort/pilot-car service costs (market-rate, arranged separately) or third-party permit-service fees. This is an estimate for planning purposes, not a quote.
Get a Permit
- Online portal
- https://iowadot.gov/mvd/commercial-vehicle/motor-carrier-services/oversize-overweight-permits
- Phone
- 1-515-237-3264
Spring thaw weight restrictions apply statewide Feb-May.
Planning a move through Iowa?
Plan a truck-legal route that checks bridges and construction, or find a vetted transporter or escort.
Try the Route Planner Find an Escort