Oversize/
Overweight
Permit Manual
New Jersey
Foreword
The Specialized Carriers & Rigging Association is pleased to publish this Oversize/ Overweight Permit Manual.
Each state analysis includes information in a standardized format: contact, legal limits, special permit limits,
general restrictions, types of permits available, fees, escort needs, fines, and restricted travel areas. Telephone
numbers, locations, and hours of operation are listed for ports of entry and permit branches. However, readers
are always advised to check with the state offices on current laws and procedures. This project could not have
been completed without the advice and consultation of many state officials. We thank all of those who provided
permit manuals, maps, laws, regulations, and various other forms of documentation.
Legal Notice
This SC&RA Oversize/Overweight Permit Manual is intended only to provide concise, easily read information,
useful in planning movements of overdimensional and overweight loads. This Permit Manual is not intended to be
an accurate summary of all the applicable laws and regulations. Users of the Permit Manual should confirm the
information contained herein before dispatching vehicles and loads. The SC&RA cautions Permit Manual users
that state laws and regulations are subject to change without notice, and that some time elapses between the
effective date of such changes and the amendment of the Permit Manual to reflect those changes. The SC&RA
assumes no responsibility for accident, injury, loss or claim, penalties or any other damage resulting from
reliance on the contents of this Permit Manual.
Specialized Carriers &
Rigging Association
5870 Trinity Parkway, Suite 200
Centreville, VA 20120
PHONE: (703) 698-0291
Fax: (571) 722-1698
Website: www.scranet.org
Email: [email protected]
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Copyright 1987-2014 by the Specialized Carriers & Rigging
Association. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may
be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any
form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying,
recording, scanning, or otherwise, without the prior written
permission of the publisher, Joel M. Dandrea, Executive Vice
President, Specialized Carrier & Rigging Association. Requests to
the publisher for permission should be addressed to Joel M.
Dandrea, Specialized Carriers & Rigging Association, 5870 Trinity
Parkway, Suite 200, Centreville, VA 20120.
SC&RA Oversize/Overweight Permit Manual
NEW JERSEY
CONTACT
Department of Transportation
OS/OW Permit Office
1035 Parkway Avenue
PO Box 600
Trenton, NJ 08625
Hours: 8:30 am – 4:00 pm
Ph: 609-530-6089
Website: nj.gotpermits.com
LEGAL LIMITS
WIDTH
GVW
o (steer)
o
oo
ooo
80,000
22,400
22,400
34,000
56,400
HEIGHT
LENGTH
-Federal Bridge Formula applies.
TOLERANCE:
5% on state highways on
axles and gross provided gross weight does
not exceed 80,000 lbs.
8' nondesignated hwys
8'6" designated hwys
13'6"
40' single unit
53’ semitrailer, 41’ kingpin
applies designated
highways only.
48’ semitrailer
28’ doubles
NS over all length
63’ load limit (steel beams,
logs)
65’ autotransporter (3’
front, 4’ rear overhang)
75’ stinger steered
OVERHANG NS
See: TITLE 39. MOTOR VEHICLES AND TRAFFIC
REGULATION
SUBTITLE 1. MOTOR VEHICLES GENERALLY;
TRAFFIC LAWS
CHAPTER 3. MOTOR VEHICLES GENERALLY
ARTICLE 5. DIMENSIONS AND WEIGHT;
VIOLATIONS; SEVERABILITY
PERMIT LIMITS
o
oo
ooo
oooo
5 axles
6 axles
7 axles
8 axles
Calculated at
800 lbs. per
inch tire
width
WIDTH
HEIGHT
LENGTH
18’
16'
120'
Note: AN OVERWEIGHT PERMIT IS NOT VALID WHEN LOAD EXCEEDS 800 LBS PER INCH OF TIRE WIDTH.
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PERMIT RESTRICTIONS
General - Oversize Permits are valid for one trip in one direction; FIVE days are allowed to complete the
trip. Travel is permitted from sunrise to sunset ANY DAY OF THE WEEK. . Overweight Permits are also valid
for one trip in one direction for FIVE days and is permitted 24 hrs per day as long as travel speed, visibility
and conditions specified under 13:18-1.10 are met.
Holiday -
An oversize permit shall not be valid for the operation of a vehicle on the following holidays:
* New Year's Day
* Memorial Day and Friday before Memorial Day
* Independence Day
* Labor Day and the Friday before Labor Day
* Thanksgiving Day and the Wednesday before
* Christmas Day
If the holiday fall on a Sunday, the operation shall not be permitted on the following Monday. If the holiday fall on a
Saturday, the operation shall not be permitted on the preceding Friday.
Divisible load permits are not available.
Insurance — An application for a permit shall not be accepted unless the applicant provides proof of
coverage by insurance in the following minimum limits:
1. $ 100,000 for bodily injury or death to any one person in any one occurrence;
2. $ 300,000 for bodily injury or death to two or more persons in any one occurrence;
3. $ 100,000 for damage to or destruction of property in any one occurrence.
Permit Information Required — Permit Information - Information to be provided by the applicant for a
single-trip permit shall include, but not be limited to, the following:
1. The name, address and telephone number of the permit applicant;
2. The vehicle information including, but not limited to, the type of tractor and trailer combina-tion;
3. The vehicle height, length and width;
4. The axle configuration and weight over each axle; 5. The overall gross vehicle weight;
6. The dates of travel;
7. The details of the anticipated route of travel, including locations of the entrance to and exit from the New
Jersey State highway system, including, but not limited to, the interstate highways, the New Jersey
Turnpike, the Garden State Parkway south of Exit 105 and the Atlantic City Ex-pressway; and
8. The name of insurance provider and policy number required pursuant to N.J.A.C. 13:18-1.7(b).
Information to be provided by the applicant for an annual ocean borne containerized cargo multiple-trip
permit shall include, but not be limited to, the following:
1. The name, address and telephone number of the permit applicant
2. The name of the applicant's insurance provider and policy number required pursuant to N.J.A.C. 13:181.7(b).
Weekend/Night Travel - An oversize permit shall not be valid for the operation of a vehicle or
combination of vehicles:
During the nighttime hours of sunset to sunrise, When visibility is limited to a distance of less than 500 feet
during the daylight hours of sunrise to sunset; and when hazardous road conditions exist.
An oversize permit shall not be valid for the operation of a vehicle or combination of vehicles that are
incapable of being operated safely at a maximum speed of 40 miles per hour during hours when lighted
lamps are required.
The Chief Administrator may grant a written waiver of the holiday or the nighttime restrictions under the
following minimum situations. Any request for a waiver must accompany the permit application.
1. If it is determined that traffic congestion would be reduced by the waiver;
2. If the permit applicant can justify a business hardship caused by the restrictions; or
3. If an emergency condition exists.
Inclement Weather - An oversize permit shall not be valid for operation of a vehicle or combination of
vehicles:
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SC&RA Oversize/Overweight Permit Manual
PERMIT TYPES
Single Trip - OS/OW (5 DAY PERMIT)
Code 23 –
Trailer registrations for overweight/overdimensional (known as Code 23)
trailers are available at any local motor vehicle agency. There are two
permit options with Code 23 registration. They are as follows:
1) Code 23 Overweight/Overdimensional Route Specific Permit
A Code 23 Overweight/Overdimensional Route Specific Permit is a special permit
category that is used for the transport of heavy construction or road building
machinery that exceeds the weight, or weight and size limits, specified under 39:384. As specified under 39:4-26, this permit is to be used to transport overweight
and overdimensional road building machinery, construction related equipment or any
apparatus/machinery of unusual size or weight along or across a public roadway.
The following conditions and limitations apply:




This permit to be used in conjunction with a Code 23 registered trailer.
This permit type is only available for those trailers hauling heavy
equipment/machinery as specified under NJSA 39:4-26.
This permit is to be used to transport heavy machinery/equipment when the
combined weight of the vehicle and/or load exceeds any of the weight limits
specified under 39:3-84. No excess weight fees apply.
This permit is also required when the following overdimensional conditions
exist with a Code 23 registered trailer:
1. When the combination vehicle exceeds the dimensional limits (10 feet in
width and 70 feet in overall length) described under the Code 23
Overdimensional Trailer Permit below. Excess size fees shall apply in
this case.
2. When the combination vehicle measures between 8 and 10 feet in width
or 55 to 70 feet in overall length and the carrier does not possess a Code
23 Overdimensional Trailer Permit described below.
3. When the load exceeds the confines of the Code 23 registered trailer,
including width and/or length overhang. Excess size fees shall apply in
this case.




These
These
These
These
permits
permits
permits
permits
are
are
are
are
valid for Non-Divisible loads only.
route specific.
valid for each one-way trip
valid for a period of 30 days.
2) Code 23 Special Oversize Trailer Permit
This permit is to be used on the roadways of this state to move either an empty
Code 23 registered trailer that exceeds the dimensional limits set forth under 39:384(a), OR a Code 23 overdimensional trailer with a load that does not exceed 80,000
lbs. GVW or any of the weight limitations specified under 39:3-84(b). This permit
type is subject to the following conditions/limitations:

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Trailer can exceed 8 feet, but not more than 10 feet, in width
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




Truck/trailer combination can exceed 55 feet, but not more than 70 feet,
in overall length
Combined vehicle and cargo weight shall not exceed 80,000 GVW or any
other weight limitations specified under 39:3-84(b).
The load shall not exceed the dimensional limits of the vehicle. (no width
or length overhang)
This permit is valid for the life of the trailer or as long as the Code 23
registration remains valid.
This permit may be also used to cover the overdimensional permit
requirements when used in conjunction with a Code 23 Special
Weight/Overdimensional Route Permit when the vehicle falls within the
dimensional limits specified herein.
This Code 23 Special Oversize Trailer Permit is considered invalid if any of the
above conditions are not met. If any of the above conditions are not met, the carrier
must apply for a Code 23 Overweight/Overdimensional Route Permit for each
trip and pay any associated excess size fees.
Code 23 Heavy construction equipment permit (30 DAYS PERMIT)
Code 23 Special Oversize Trailer Permit (Valid for the life of the trailer)
Trailer registrations for Code 23 overweight/overdimensional trailers are available at any local motor vehicle
agency. You must register your trailer before applying for a permit to operate.
How to register an overdimensional trailer:




Visit any local motor vehicle agency
Complete a registration application, available at the agency
Provide a copy or original Certificate of Liability Insurance; description of operations
must include Code 23 trailer
Pay $209.50 registration fee
Annual Permit: Ocean borne Containers — Overweight permits are valid for sealed containers of the
type commonly used for the conveyance of freight transported in international ocean-going commerce,
bearing the seal of the United States Custom Service, the seal of another governmental agency, or seal of
the shipper, where the per-axle weight limitation does not exceed 38,000 lbs. for one tandem axle unit or
56,400 pounds for any tri-axle trailer configuration only in a tractor/semitrailer combination. These vehicles
must follow other axle limitations in N.J.S.A. 39:3-84 and the maximum tire load limit in N.J.A.C. 13:181.10(2), as well as comply with the Federal Bridge Formula.
An annual permit is issued for these vehicles up to 90,000 pounds. At a cost of $100, the permit may be
used for multiple trips by the company of invoice.
FEES
Single Trip OW permit:
$10 Base Fee + any excess weight fees + Transaction/Service charges
Single Trip OD permit:
$10 Base Fee + any excess dimensional fees + Transaction/Service charges
Single Trip OD & OW permit:
$20 Base Fee + any excess weight and dimensional fees + Transaction/Service charges Single Trip Permit
Excess weight fees (as defined in Title 39:3-84):
$5.00 per ton (or fraction thereof) over 80,000 pounds GVW.
$5.00 per ton (or fraction thereof) over the following legal axle weights:
22,400 lbs. on a single axle
34,000 lbs. on a tandem axle
NOTE: 5% leeway is given on axle weights.
Single Trip Permit Excess dimensional fees (as defined in Title 39:3-84):
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$1.00 per
$1.00 per
Trips with
Trips with
foot (or fraction thereof) in excess of 14 feet in width
foot (or fraction thereof) in excess of various lengths:
a House related load -- Overall Length - 70 feet
a Non-House related load -- Overall Length - 63 feet
Code 23 permits:
Fees paid as part of Registration. No base fees or excess weight/dimensional fees applied. Only a transaction
fee of $12 plus the service charge of 5% of total permit fee. ($12.60)
Annual Ocean Borne Container Permits
$100 base fee + Transaction/Service charges (described below)
For movement of containers statewide with a max GVW of 90,000 lbs. and within the following legal axle
weight limits:
Max 38,000 lbs. on any one tandem axle trailer (34,000 lbs. on second tandem)
Max 56,400 lbs. on a tri-axle trailer
Transaction/Service Charges:
All permits will be assessed a transaction fee of $12.00 plus a service charge of 5% of the total permit fee
for each permit. Total permit fee includes the base permit fee, plus any excess oversize fees, plus any
excess overweight fees, plus the transaction fees.
ESCORTS AND SIGNS
Labeling — Oversize load signs must have black letters 10" high on a yellow background. The sign must
have dimensions of at least 6' x 1', and must be displayed on all oversize vehicles.
Red flags 18" square must be placed on all four corners and all extremities of the load, and are required on
all oversize vehicles.
Escort Vehicles and Personnel — (a) One escort vehicle shall be required when the width, including load,
exceeds 14 feet and/or when the length exceeds 100 feet.
(b) Two escort vehicles shall be required when the width, including load, exceeds 16 feet and/or when the
length exceeds 120 feet.
(c) Pursuant to the provisions of (a) and (b) above, one additional escort vehicle shall be required when an
oversize vehicle or combination of vehicles has been granted a waiver, pursuant to N.J.A.C. 13:18-1.11(e),
and is traveling during the nighttime hours of sunset to sunrise.
(d) When the height, including load, exceeds 14 feet, the provisions of N.J.S.A. 39:4-28 will apply.
(e) When one escort vehicle is required, it shall precede the escorted vehicles on highways having less than
four traffic lanes and shall follow the escorted vehicles on highways having four or more traffic lanes.
(f) When two escort vehicles are required, one shall precede the escorted vehicles and one shall follow the
escorted vehicles.
(g) When three escort vehicles are required, one shall precede the escorted vehicles, one shall follow the
escorted vehicles and one shall travel in the adjacent lane alongside the escorted vehicles on all highways
having three or more lanes. When three or more highway lanes are not available, the third escort vehicle
shall also follow the escorted vehicles.
(h) The preceding escort vehicle shall maintain a distance of from 200 feet minimum to 500 feet maximum
from the lead vehicle of the escorted combination of vehicles.
(i) The following escort vehicle shall maintain a distance of from 100 feet minimum to 250 feet maximum
from the rearmost vehicle of the escorted combination of vehicles.
FINES
Overdimension Only: $150 – $500.
Overweight Fines: 2 cents per pound up to 10,000 lbs. overweight; 3 cents per pound over 10,000 lbs.
The minimum fine is $50.
Fines are assessed from the permit weight. Operators may be fined for both axle and weight violations.
Drivers are permitted a reasonable amount of time to shift load to avoid an over axle citation, but can still
be fined after such time elapses.
RESTRICTED TRAVEL
Review NJDOT for restricted travel on the New Jersey Turnpike and the Garden State Parkway.
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PORTS OF ENTRY/WEIGH STATIONS
*also serves as Port of Entry
Route
Location
*I-78 EB
mile marker 3.0
*I-80 EB
1 mi. east of Pennsylvania state line
US 206 & Farnsworth Rd. NB,
SB
Bordentown-0.25 mi. north of New Jersey Tpk.
I-287 NB
Piscataway-north, between NJ 18 & NJ 527, mile marker 9.0
I-295 NB
Carneys Point-mile marker 3.6
New Jersey requires all vehicles that weigh 10,001 lbs or more to weigh.
Service Port-New York/Newark
Port Information
Port Code:
Location Address:
Mailing Address:
General Phone:
General Fax:
Operational Hours:
4601
1100 Raymond Boulevard
Newark, NJ 07102
Same As Above
(973) 368-6100
(973) 368-6991
8:00 AM-4:30 PM(Eastern)
Weekdays (Monday-Friday)
Port Of Entry-Morristown Airport
Port Information
Port Code:
Location Address:
Mailing Address:
General Phone:
General Fax:
Operational Hours:
4681
15 Airport Road
Morristown, NJ 07960
Same As Above
(973) 267-0302
(973) 267-1759
8:00 AM-4:00 PM(Eastern)
Weekdays (Monday-Friday)
Port Of Entry-Perth Amboy
Port Information
Port Code:
Location Address:
4602
205 Jefferson Street
Perth Amboy, NJ 08861
Mailing Address:
General Phone:
Same As Above
(732) 442-0415
General Fax:
Operational Hours:
(201) 443-0430
8:00 AM-4:30 PM(Eastern)
Weekdays (Monday-Friday)
Port Newark/Elizabeth-Port Authority Marine Terminal
Port Newark/Elizabeth is home to three fully-equipped containership terminals. It features ExpressRail, the
port's on-dock-rail facility, more than one million square feet of warehouse space, seven distribution
buildings, numerous terminal buildings and an auto preparation center.
Address
Port Authority New Jersey
Marine Terminals
260 Kellog Street
Port Newark, NJ 07114
Tel: (973) 589-7100
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Fax: (973) 589-5018
Web site: www.panynj.info
PERMIT ORDERING
NJDOT has implemented a new online permitting system, called SUPERLOAD that is accessible via the
internet 24 hours per day, 7 days a week at “nj.gotpermits.com”.
Please visit this website for information on how to obtain a Logon ID/Password and use the site.
For Login inquiries concerning Logons and the new SUPERLOAD web site, please call 609.530.6089 between
8:30 and 4 pm, Monday through Friday. You may also send your inquiries via e-mail to
“[email protected]”.
SPECIAL NOTES
Recent Changes - The New Jersey Department of Transportation (NJDOT) is now issuing permits for nondivisible loads on behalf of the New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission (NJMVC) for all Oversize vehicles,
Overweight vehicles, Code 23 registered trailers, and Annual Ocean Borne Containers. This function has
been transferred to NJDOT under the provisions of the newly adopted rules contained in N.J.A.C. 13:18,
Subchapter 1: Permits for Over dimensional or Overweight Vehicles.
Since the new SUPERLOAD system was activated on August 16, 2010, over-dimensional Book Permits are no
longer being issued by the NJMVC and all requests for over-dimensional permits as well as all other permit
types noted above are being accepted through the new SUPERLOAD web site. Those who have recently
purchased Book Permits through the NJMVC can continue to use those permits for over-dimensional loads
until they expire.
Pending Changes – The NJDOT is working on the inclusion of county routes into the OS/OW permitting
network. In addition, NJDOT is also working with the New Jersey Turnpike (NJTP) Authority to incorporate
the NJTP network into our SUPERLOAD permitting system to permit the movement of overweight vehicles on
the NJTP.
NJ.GotPermits is currently in the process of implementing several adminstrative enhancements to our
Superload website. These enhancements will include:
New auto login process whereby carriers and permit service companies can set up their own accounts and
passwords.
New Login and Password retrieval process when username/password is forgotten.
Insurance Verification will now ask for Insurance Company name, Policy # and expiration date. System will
check to ensure insurance is still valid when applying for permits.
SWT*** prefix will no longer be valid for Code 23 permits. Applicant will be asked to put in actual trailer
plate number and system will verify that the trailer is registered with MVC under Code 23.
Applicants will be given the option to enter in up to 12 different trailer plate numbers with the same number
of axles and axle configuration--for use when the actual trailer to be used for the permit is unknown at the
time of application.
New emergency permit types will be added to cover loads transported under emergency conditions.
Paul S. Truban, P.E., PTOE, AICP
Manager, NJDOT Bureau of Freight Planning & Services
phone: (609) 530-3521
fax:
(609)530-5270
[email protected]
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