What Colorado Oversize Permits Are and When You Need One

A Colorado oversize permit is a document issued by the Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT) that allows you to move a vehicle or load that exceeds the state's standard size limits on public roads. Colorado law sets maximum dimensions: 8 feet 6 inches wide, 14 feet high, and 70 feet long for a single vehicle-load combination. If your load or vehicle exceeds any of these measurements, you need a permit before you move it on any public road in Colorado, including county and local roads.

The permit does not change the rules — it straightforward documents that CDOT has reviewed your specific route and load, identified any obstacles like low bridges or narrow sections, and approved the movement under stated conditions. Without a permit, you risk fines, having your load impounded, and liability if your oversized load damages infrastructure.

Key Takeaways

  • Colorado requires an oversize permit for any load wider than 8 feet 6 inches, taller than 14 feet, or longer than 70 feet.
  • You must request the permit from CDOT before you move the load, not after; the agency reviews your route for clearance issues and may require escort vehicles or timing restrictions.
  • Permits are issued for a single trip or a specific time period, and the conditions printed on the permit (route, hours, escort requirements) are legally binding.
  • CDOT charges a fee based on the size and weight of your load; fees range but are typically between $50 and several hundred dollars for a single trip.
  • If your load is extremely large or your route crosses multiple counties, the process can take several weeks because CDOT coordinates with local agencies and utility companies.

How to Request an Oversize Permit from CDOT

Contact the CDOT Oversize/Overweight Permit Unit directly by phone at 303-757-9011 or through their online portal at the CDOT website. You will need to provide the dimensions and weight of your load, the origin and destination addresses, the date you plan to move it, and the type of vehicle or equipment you are using. CDOT staff will ask follow-up questions about the load's shape, whether it is divisible (can be broken into smaller pieces), and whether you have already identified a carrier or are still planning the move.

If your load is straightforward — for example, a single oversized piece of equipment on a flatbed — CDOT may issue a permit over the phone within one business day. If your route crosses challenging terrain, passes under low structures, or requires coordination with other agencies, the review can take five to ten business days. CDOT will tell you upfront how long the review will take and whether they need additional information from you.

Once CDOT approves your request, they will issue a permit document that specifies the exact route you must follow, the hours you may travel (often daytime only), whether you need an escort vehicle, and any other conditions. You must carry this permit in the vehicle during transport and present it to law enforcement if stopped.

What Information CDOT Needs Before Issuing a Permit

CDOT requires specific details about your load and movement plan. Prepare the following before you call or submit an online request:

  • Overall dimensions: width, height, and length of the load in feet and inches.
  • Gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) and actual weight of the loaded vehicle.
  • Origin address (where the load is now or where it will be picked up).
  • Destination address (where the load is going).
  • Proposed travel date or date range.
  • Type of vehicle: flatbed trailer, lowboy, heavy haul rig, or other.
  • Whether the load is divisible (can be split into smaller shipments).
  • Name and contact information for the carrier or hauler.

If you do not have all this information ready, CDOT can still start the conversation, but having it prepared speeds up the process. If your load is unusually large or your route is complex, CDOT may also ask for photos, engineering drawings, or a detailed description of how the load is secured to the vehicle.

Permit Fees and How They Are Calculated

CDOT charges a fee for each oversize permit. The fee structure depends on how much your load exceeds the standard limits and how far you are traveling. A single-trip permit for a load that is only slightly oversized (for example, 9 feet wide instead of 8 feet 6 inches) typically costs $50 to $100. A permit for a significantly oversized load — such as a 12-foot-wide industrial component or a 16-foot-tall piece of equipment — can cost $200 to $500 or more.

CDOT also offers annual permits for carriers who regularly move oversized loads. An annual permit costs more upfront but is cheaper per trip if you move multiple loads throughout the year. Ask the Oversize/Overweight Permit Unit whether an annual permit makes sense for your situation.

Payment is typically due when you receive the permit. CDOT accepts check, credit card, and electronic transfer depending on how you submit your request. If you request a permit by phone, staff will explain payment options and timing.

Escort Vehicle Requirements and Route Restrictions

CDOT may require you to hire an escort vehicle — a separate truck or car that travels ahead of or alongside your oversized load — depending on the load's size and the route's complexity. An escort vehicle is typically required when your load is wider than 10 feet, taller than 15 feet, or when your route passes through congested areas or near sensitive infrastructure like bridges or power lines.

The escort driver's job is to alert oncoming traffic, monitor clearances, and communicate with the driver of the oversized vehicle. Escort services are not provided by CDOT; you must hire a private escort company. Escort costs vary widely — typically $500 to $2,000 per day depending on distance and complexity — and are separate from the permit fee.

CDOT will also specify which routes you can and cannot use. Your permit may restrict you to certain highways and prohibit you from using local roads, residential streets, or specific bridges. The permit document will list the approved route by road name and mile marker. If you need to deviate from the approved route, you must contact CDOT and request a modification before you move the load.

Multi-County and Multi-State Moves

If your load crosses from one Colorado county into another, CDOT coordinates with the affected counties to may support local roads can accommodate your load. This coordination adds time to the permit process — typically an additional three to five business days — because county road departments must inspect their roads and bridges and confirm clearance.

If your move begins or ends outside Colorado, you will need separate permits from the states involved. For example, if you are moving a load from Wyoming into Colorado, you need a Wyoming oversize permit for the Wyoming portion and a Colorado permit for the Colorado portion. Each state has its own size limits, fee structure, and process process. Contact the transportation department of each state involved well in advance.

For moves that cross multiple states or involve extremely large loads, consider hiring a permit broker — a company that specializes in obtaining oversize permits across multiple jurisdictions. Brokers charge a fee but handle the coordination and paperwork, which can save time and reduce the risk of errors.

What Happens If You Move an Oversized Load Without a Permit

Moving an oversized load without a valid permit is a violation of Colorado law. Law enforcement can stop your vehicle, issue a citation, and potentially impound your load until you obtain a permit. Fines for operating without a permit start at several hundred dollars and can exceed $1,000 depending on how much your load exceeds the limits and whether you have prior violations.

Beyond fines, you may be held liable for any damage your load causes to roads, bridges, or utility infrastructure. If your oversized load strikes a low-clearance bridge or power line, repair costs can reach tens of thousands of dollars — costs that fall on you or your insurance if you were operating illegally.

If you are unsure whether your load needs a permit, contact CDOT and ask. The conversation is free, and CDOT staff can tell you definitively whether a permit is required for your specific load and route.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to get an oversize permit in Colorado?

straightforward permits for straightforward loads typically issue within one business day. If your route crosses multiple counties or involves complex coordination, the process can take five to ten business days. CDOT will tell you the expected timeline when you submit your request.

Can I move my oversized load on a weekend or at night?

CDOT often restricts oversized loads to daytime hours and weekdays to minimize traffic conflicts. Your permit will specify the allowed travel hours and days. If you need to travel outside those hours, request an exception when you explore, though CDOT may deny it depending on your route and load size.

What if my load is only slightly oversized — do I still need a permit?

Yes. Colorado law requires a permit for any load that exceeds the standard limits, even by a few inches. There is no threshold below which a permit is not required. If your load is 8 feet 7 inches wide, you need a permit.

Can I use the same permit for multiple trips?

Single-trip permits are valid for one movement only. If you plan to move the same load multiple times, ask CDOT about an annual or multi-trip permit, which may be more cost-effective than obtaining a new permit for each trip.

Who do I contact if I have questions about my approved permit?

Contact the CDOT Oversize/Overweight Permit Unit at 303-757-9011. They can clarify route restrictions, answer questions about escort requirements, or issue a permit modification if your circumstances change before you move the load.