Michigan oversize and overweight permits: fees, limits and insurance
An MDOT single trip permit costs $15 for a load that is only oversize and $50 if it is also overweight. MDOT requires the insurance Michigan law already requires to be in effect for the move, and sets no separate permit limit. Counties and cities permit their own roads and can require more security (MCL 257.725). Extended permits are not available to for-hire carriers.
- When you need a permit
- Permit types and fees
- The insurance piece
- When you can move
- County and city roads
- A checklist
- FAQ
Moving equipment, steel or machinery that will not fit legal limits takes a transport permit in Michigan. Here is what MDOT charges, the limits it permits, when you can move, and how insurance fits in.
When you need a permit
- When a vehicle or load goes past Michigan Vehicle Code limits, such as 13 feet 6 inches high, or 96 inches wide on non-designated highways and 102 inches on designated highways (MDOT T-1).
- Permits are only for loads that cannot reasonably be divided, dismantled or reduced to legal size (MDOT T-2).
- Permits are issued to the business or person actually doing the transporting. You order and pay through MiTRIP and the MDOT Permit Gateway (MDOT).
Permit types and fees
| Permit | What it covers | MDOT fee |
|---|---|---|
| Single trip, over-dimension only | One trip in a 5-day period, return allowed | $15 |
| Single trip, overweight | Over legal axle weight, with or without over-dimension | $50 |
| Extended, annual renewal | Each truck, trailer or piece of equipment, legal weight | $30 |
| Extended, annual renewal | Each unit that is overweight when loaded | $100 |
| Construction equipment, annual | Each power unit | $264 |
- New extended permit fees are prorated; MDOT's fee schedule has the details.
- For-hire carriers cannot get extended permits. MDOT T-2 limits them to loads and vehicles the applicant owns or leases. A fleet hauling for others uses single trip permits.
- Single trip permits stop at 16 feet wide, 15 feet high and 150 feet long. Larger superloads need a written explanation, a MiTRIP application and a route survey at least 10 working days ahead.
- Overweight permits cover a single object, with no wheel over 700 pounds per inch of tire width.
The insurance piece
- MDOT T-2 says insurance coverage, as required by Michigan law, must be in effect for any permitted move. It sets no separate dollar limit.
- Michigan's no-fault law requires the owner or registrant of a motor vehicle required to be registered in this state to keep personal protection, property protection and residual liability insurance while it is on the road (MCL 500.3101).
- For-hire interstate freight in a truck of 10,001 pounds or more needs at least $750,000 in public liability (49 CFR 387.9). Hauling for hire only inside Michigan, your insurer files a Form E for CVED Authority (MCL 479.9, MSP CVED). See Michigan CVED Authority.
- Shippers and project owners often set their own limits in contracts. Read each one before the move. See broker insurance requirements.
When you can move
- Daylight hours only, Monday through Friday: from half an hour before sunrise to half an hour after sunset.
- No moves from noon the day before New Year's Day, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving and Christmas until daylight the day after. Longer stops apply around three-day weekends.
- During spring weight restrictions, MDOT issues no overweight permits and no widths over 14 feet, except in a public emergency.
- Over 13 feet 6 inches high, you must verify the route has been traveled for clearance.
County and city roads
- MDOT permits cover state trunklines. Michigan law lets each road agency issue permits for roads it maintains (MCL 257.725).
- A county or city can charge up to $50 a trip or $100 a year under the general cap in MCL 257.725(4). For a permit that is only for size, the fee cannot be more than its administrative cost (MCL 257.725(6)). It can also require an inspection fee and other security to cover damage from the move.
- Ask each road agency on your route what it needs before you book the move.
A checklist
- Measure the loaded height, width, length and axle weights against MDOT T-1.
- Register with the MDOT Permit Gateway and order the permit in MiTRIP.
- Check the route for clearances, holidays and spring weight restrictions.
- Get permits from each county or city whose roads you will use.
- Confirm your insurance is in effect, and that it meets your contract's limits.
- Line up escort vehicles if the permit requires them.
Ohio works differently, with a state endorsement form: Ohio oversize permit insurance. More Builders guides: adding a truck to your fleet and small fleet trucking insurance.
Crossing into Indiana? See Indiana oversize and overweight permits.
FAQ
How much is an oversize permit in Michigan?
MDOT charges $15 for a single trip permit on a load that is over-dimension but legal in weight, and $50 for a load that is also over legal axle weight. Extended permits renew at $30 or $100 per unit a year, and $264 per power unit for construction equipment (MDOT T-2).
Do I need insurance for a Michigan oversize permit?
Yes. MDOT says insurance coverage, as required by Michigan law, must be in effect for any move under an oversize or overweight permit. The permit rules set no separate limit, so the limits come from no-fault law and your federal or Michigan authority.
Can a for-hire carrier get an MDOT extended permit?
No. MDOT T-2 says extended permits are not available to for-hire carriers. They are for loads and vehicles the applicant owns or holds under a bona fide lease. For-hire moves use single trip permits.
How big can a load be on a Michigan single trip permit?
MDOT does not issue standard permits past 16 feet wide, 15 feet high or 150 feet overall length. Larger superloads need a written explanation, a MiTRIP application and a route survey, at least 10 working days ahead.
When can oversize loads move in Michigan?
Daylight hours, Monday through Friday, per MDOT T-2. Moves stop from noon the day before listed holidays until daylight after them. During spring weight restrictions MDOT issues no overweight permits, and no widths over 14 feet, except in emergencies.
Do county roads need a separate permit?
Yes, for roads the county or city maintains. Michigan law lets each road agency issue its own permit and require other security to cover damage from the move. The general fee cap is $50 a trip or $100 a year (MCL 257.725(4)). For a permit that is only for size, the fee cannot be more than the agency's administrative cost (MCL 257.725(6)).
This guide is general information, not legal advice or an offer of insurance. Rules and programs change, so check the sources below.
Sources
- MDOT T-2: Information on the movement of oversize or overweight vehicles and loads (PDF) (revised Oct 2023)
- MDOT T-1: Maximum legal truck loadings and dimensions (PDF) (revised May 2024)
- MDOT: Oversize/overweight permits (accessed Oct 28, 2026)
- Michigan Compiled Laws 257.725: Special permits; fees (last amended by 2018 PA 17, effective May 14, 2018)
- Michigan Compiled Laws 500.3101: Security required (no-fault) (last amended by 2024 PA 224, effective Oct 17, 2025)
- Michigan Compiled Laws 479.9: Insurance or bond for intrastate carriers (last amended by 2014 PA 493, effective Apr 1, 2015)
- Michigan State Police: CVED Regulatory (accessed Oct 28, 2026)
- 49 CFR 387.9: Financial responsibility, minimum levels (last amended Jul 21, 2026)