What Are Colorado Oversize Permits?
Colorado Oversize Permits are official authorizations required for vehicles or loads that exceed the state’s legal size or weight limits. These permits ensure that oversized or overweight loads travel safely without damaging infrastructure or endangering other road users. The permits are essential for compliance and help avoid costly fines or delays.
Colorado Oversize Permits Requirements: What You Need to Know
The Colorado oversize permits requirements set clear limits on vehicle dimensions and weights:
Width: Legal width without a permit is 8 feet 6 inches. Loads wider than this require an oversize permit.
Height: Maximum height is 14 feet 6 inches on designated highways and 13 feet on non-designated routes.
Length: Trailer and load length up to 57 feet 4 inches is legal on interstate or designated highways.
Overhang: Front overhang up to 4 feet and rear overhang up to 10 feet are allowed; over 4 feet rear overhang requires lighting for night travel.
Weight: Maximum gross vehicle weight is 80,000 pounds on interstate highways and 85,000 pounds on non-interstate routes. Axle weights vary with steer axles limited to 20,000 pounds, singles to 20,000, tandems to 36,000, tridem to 54,000, and quads up to 72,000 pounds depending on route classification.
Loads exceeding these limits require appropriate Colorado Overweight Permits or Colorado Oversize Permits.
Types of Colorado Oversize Permits Offered by Unique Trucking Broker
Unique Trucking Broker provides assistance for all major permit types, including:
Colorado Oversize Permits: For loads exceeding legal width, height, or length.
Colorado Overweight Permits: For loads exceeding weight limits.
Colorado Overhang Permits: For loads with excessive front or rear overhang.
Colorado Single Trip Permits: Valid for one-time moves, usually five days.
Colorado Annual Permits: Allow multiple trips over a year, ideal for frequent haulers.
We guide you through the Colorado oversize permits application and help you complete the Colorado oversize permits form accurately to avoid delays.
Applying for Colorado Oversize Permits Online
Colorado offers a convenient Colorado oversize permits online system for submitting applications, checking permit status, and managing your permits. Unique Trucking Broker supports you with the Colorado oversize permits login process and provides expert help through the Colorado oversize permits phone number for any questions or technical issues.
For overweight loads, we assist with the Colorado overweight permits online application and help you understand the Colorado overweight permit cost so you can plan accordingly.
Operating Time and Travel Restrictions in Colorado
Colorado oversize permits are valid for five days and authorize travel from sunrise to sunset. Night travel is allowed under specific conditions:
Loads up to 12 feet wide may travel at night with proper lighting.
Loads over 12 feet but not exceeding 14 feet wide require an escort for night travel.
Loads wider than 14 feet 6 inches require additional escorts and route surveys.
Restricted travel times and curfews apply, especially near sensitive areas like the Eisenhower Tunnel on I-70, where the maximum height is 13 feet 11 inches. Loads exceeding this height must use alternate routes such as US6.
Escort Requirements for Oversize Loads in Colordo
Escort vehicles are required based on load dimensions and routes:
Loads over 85 feet in length on some highways require one escort.
Loads over 110 feet on two-lane highways or over 115 feet on four-lane highways require one escort.
Loads with overhang exceeding 25 feet require one escort.
Loads wider than 13 feet on interstate highways require one rear escort or flashing yellow light.
Loads wider than 15 feet require two escorts or a front escort plus flashing yellow light at the rear.
Loads over 16 feet in height require an escort with a high pole; loads over 17 feet 6 inches require route surveys and utility clearance letters.
All pilot cars must be at least 60 inches wide in Colorado.
Signage, Flags, and Lighting Requirements
For safety and compliance, all oversize loads must display “Oversize Load” signs on the front and rear of the vehicle. Flags are required on all extremities of wide or overlength loads, and lighting is mandatory for night travel:
Flashing yellow lights on the front and rear of wide loads.
Red lights or lanterns visible for 500 feet on rear overhangs exceeding 4 feet.
Cluster lights for overlength or rear overhang exceeding 10 feet.
Colorado Additional Regulations and Chain Law
Colorado chain law requires all commercial truck-tractors operating on I-70 between Dotsero and Morrison from September 1 to May 31 to carry sufficient chains. Failure to comply can result in fines. Also, dozer blades can be detached and hauled separately with the dozer if the load would otherwise be overweight.
Why Choose Unique Trucking Broker for Your Colorado Oversize Permits?
Navigating Colorado oversize and overweight permitting process can be complex and time-consuming. Unique Trucking Broker offers expert knowledge, fast processing, and personalized service to get your permits issued correctly and promptly. Whether you need a Colorado 72 hour trip permit, a Colorado annual overweight permit, or any other specialized permit, we are your trusted partner.
Our team ensures your Colorado Overweight Permits application is complete and accurate, helps you manage your permits through the Colorado permits online system, and provides ongoing support to keep your heavy haul moving smoothly and legally.
Contact Unique Trucking Broker today to experience hassle-free permitting and expert guidance for all your Colorado oversize and overweight hauling needs.
