STATE PERMIT GUIDE
Iowa: plan the permit work.
Check the published facts below. Fields still awaiting verification are clearly marked.
Dimensions & weight
- General loaded width
- 102 in
Reviewed against the cited official source; exceptions and permit conditions apply.
Verified 2026-09-19 · Official source · printed p14 - General loaded height
- 162 in
General limit; auto-transporter exception requires review.
Verified 2026-09-19 · Official source · printed p14 - Configuration-specific length
- Tractor/semitrailer: no overall limit; trailer and other configuration limits still apply.
Reviewed against the cited official source; exceptions and permit conditions apply.
Verified 2026-09-19 · Official source · printed p14 - Gross combination weight
- 80000 lb
General gross threshold; route, axle and statutory exceptions remain separate.
Verified 2026-09-19 · Official source · Legal limits - Axle / bridge / tire limits
- General single-axle limit 20,000 lb. Tandem limits and permitted construction-equipment exceptions require separate review.
Reviewed against the cited official source; exceptions and permit conditions apply.
Verified 2026-09-19 · Official source · Legal limits / single-trip types - Load overhang
- Confirmation required
Permits & costs
- Single-trip permit
- The common $35 single/round-trip permit is for indivisible loads. Axle limits, registration and routing remain conditions of issuance; specialized vehicle classes differ.
Reviewed against the cited official source; exceptions and permit conditions apply.
Verified 2026-09-19 · Official source · Single or Round Trip - Annual permit
- Several annual programs have different dimensions, weights and road coverage. Select the applicable class with Iowa DOT.
Reviewed against the cited official source; exceptions and permit conditions apply.
Verified 2026-09-19 · Official source · Annual permit types - Validity
- One trip within five days.
Reviewed against the cited official source; exceptions and permit conditions apply.
Verified 2026-09-19 · Official source · printed p27 - Published lead time
- Confirmation required
- Special / superload review
- Confirmation required
- State permit fee
- Published standard single-trip fee; confirm permit eligibility and current conditions. Verified 2026-09-19 · Official source · Oversize/overweight permits table, printed p27
Escorts & markings
- Pilot cars / escorts
- Confirmation required
- Police escort
- Allow at least one week when requesting Iowa State Patrol escort services.
Reviewed against the cited official source; exceptions and permit conditions apply.
Verified 2026-09-19 · Official source · printed p28 - Height pole
- Confirmation required
- Signs / flags / lights
- Confirmation required
When and where to move
- Travel hours
- Normally 30 minutes before sunrise to 30 minutes after sunset; continuous movement has size, roadway and lighting conditions.
Reviewed against the cited official source; exceptions and permit conditions apply.
Verified 2026-09-19 · Official source · printed p28 - Weekend movement
- Confirmation required
- Holiday movement
- Memorial Day, Independence Day and Labor Day restrictions include preceding-day and holiday-weekend periods.
Reviewed against the cited official source; exceptions and permit conditions apply.
Verified 2026-09-19 · Official source · printed p28 - Seasonal restrictions
- Confirmation required
- Weather restrictions
- Confirmation required
- Local / toll jurisdictions
- County and city permits are separate, except participating jurisdictions under an applicable All-Systems Permit.
Reviewed against the cited official source; exceptions and permit conditions apply.
Verified 2026-09-19 · Official source · printed p26
Plan the details
Requirements and fees can change. Final permits, routes and movement requirements are determined by the applicable issuing authorities. State permits may not cover local or toll roads.