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Oversize/
Overweight
Permit Manual
Colorado
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 1987-2013 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
COLORADO
CONTACT
Department of Transportation
Extra-Legal Permit Office
4201 E. Arkansas, Room 124
Denver, CO 80222
7:30 - 4:30pm Monday - Friday
Phone: (303) 757-9539
Toll Free: 1-800-350-3765
Fax: 303-757-9719
Internet Applications On-Line 24/7 at www.coloradodot.info/business/permits/truckpermits
LEGAL LIMITS
GVW
GVW
o (steer)
o
oo
85,000 Non-Interstate
80,000 Interstate
20,000
20,000
36,000
40,000 Non-Interstate
WIDTH
HEIGHT
14'6"
LENGTH
Federal Bridge Formula applies on Interstate.
Colorado Bridge Formula applies on NonInterstate W = (L + 40)1000
8'6"
13'
45'
57'4"
28'6"
(non-designated
highways)
(designated
highways)
single unit
semitrailer
doubles
70’
overall length limit for
laden truck -semitrailer combinations (no more
than 4 units for combination allowed)
75’
overall length limit for
laden truck tractor -semitrailer combinations
75'
boat/autotransporter
(4' front, 6' rear
overhang) stinger-steered
only
OVERHANG 4'
front
10'
rear
PERMIT LIMITS
o
27,000 or less
oo
50,000 or less
ooo
65,000 or less
oooo
72,000 or less
(5,000 lbs extra on primary drive axles)
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TRUNNION
AXLES
No special treatmentRecognize as traditional
axles
WIDTH
17' for Annual Permit
Wider than 17' requires - Special
Permit
HEIGHT
16’ for Annual Permit
No limit for Single Trip
LENGTH
130’ on all 4-lane highways for
Annual Permits
SC&RA Oversize/Overweight Permit Manual
120’ on all non-mountainous 2-lane
highways for Annual Permits
110’ on all mountainous 2-lane
highways for Annual Permits
No length limit for Single Trip
PERMIT RESTRICTIONS
General - Single trip permits are valid for up to five days or for one trip. Travel is permitted 24 hours per
day, unless complying with special restrictions or other regulations which restrict travel on certain roads
during certain hours or on certain days.
Divisible load permits are available for the movement of overweight divisible loads on non-interstate
highways only. Permit allows for overweight divisible loads to operate on non-interstate highways up to
110,000 lbs. for vehicles with a quad-axle configuration and up to 97, 000 lbs. for a power unit and trailer
combination (trailer must have two or not more than three axles) and cannot exceed the axle weight limits
indicated on CDOT’s Bridge Weight Limit map. Vehicle combination must operate within Colorado’s legal
(size) dimensions.
Insurance — Mobile home movers must submit proof of public liability insurance in amounts not less than
$100,000 per person/$300,000 per accident. This insurance has to be submitted with the application to
move a MH or the permit will not be issued.
Weekend/Night Travel – Travel is permitted on Saturday and Sunday unless complying with special
restrictions or other regulations which restrict weekend travel on certain roads. Daylight travel is allowed as
well as nighttime; however, night time travel has special requirements.
For night travel, vehicles must have lights. For loads less than 12' in width, amber lights must be placed on
top of the cab, along with two lights but not more than three, positioned on the extreme rear of the vehicle
or load. For loads 12' to 14' in width, these vehicles must have escorts, located at the front on two-lane
roads or at the rear on four-lane roads. These restrictions are in addition to all other permit requirements.
Some areas are prohibited for night time travel. Night travel for loads over 14' in width requires special
permits.
Holiday – July 2013 – June 2014
The Permit Office will be closed in observance of the following holiday days, unless noted.
Thursday, July 4, 2013
Independence Day
Monday, September 2, 2013
Labor Day
Monday, October 14, 2013
Columbus Day
Monday, November 11, 2013
Veteran's Day
Thursday, November 28, 2013 Thanksgiving Day
Wednesday, December 25, 2013 Christmas Day Holiday
Wednesday, January 1, 2014
New Year's Day Holiday
Monday, January 20, 2014
Martin Luther King, Jr.
Monday, February 17, 2014
President's Day
Monday, May 26, 2014
Memorial Day
Submit applications in a timely manner to ensure issuance of the permit prior to the movement of the
vehicle or load.
Inclement Weather - OS/OW Loads are Prohibited from Travel when hazardous conditions
exist. Hazardous Conditions include SNOW, ICE, MUD, ROCKS, WIND and VISIBILITY OF LESS THAN 1000
FEET. No Oversize Movement is EVER allowed where the Chain Law is in Effect. Overweight only are
allowed to chain up and proceed as conditions allow. See Rule 2 CCR 601-4, 405 Hazards.
Permit Information Required — Copies of Vehicle registrations are no longer required with application for
annual permits. Tractor information and last eight characters of VIN number; description of load; overall
dimensions; gross weight; axle weights; axle spacings; origin and destination; routes to be traveled;
effective dates. Applications should be faxed, ordered online or walked in to the main office. Colorado is a
pre-clearance state therefore a permit must be ordered before the vehicle or load enters the state.
Chain Law – All commercial vehicles operating on I-70 between Dotsero (milepost 133) and Morrison
(milepost 259) from September 1st to May 31st must carry sufficient chains to be in compliance with the
Colorado chain law. The fine for not carrying chains in the specified highway during the specified season is
$50 plus a surcharge. The fine for not chaining up when the law is in effect is $500 with a surcharge. The
fine for not chaining up and subsequently blocking the highway is $1,000 plus surcharge.
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SC&RA Oversize/Overweight Permit Manual
PERMIT TYPES
Single Trip — Up to 200,000 lbs GVW, no height restriction, 17' width or less, no length restriction.
Annual — Good for up to 200,000 lbs GVW, 16' height, 17' width or less, or 110-130' length depending on
highway configuration.
Special/Superload — For loads/vehicles that exceed the maximum limits of the restriction maps or annual
permit. Superloads are a combination vehicle with a weight of 500,000 lbs. or more that occupies two lanes
to haul the load, or an unladen combination vehicle with an expandable dual-lane transport trailer that
occupies two lanes.
FEES
*Effective July 1, 2009 - Single Trip and Special Transport Permits issued will be assessed a surcharge equal
to the amount of the permit fee pursuant to the passage of Senate Bill 09-108. A single trip permit costs
$15.00*. If the vehicle or load is overweight add $5.00* per axle. For example a six-axle semi-truck/trailer
with a load exceeding 80,000 pounds would cost $45.00. Here is a complete list of the permit fees:
Single Trip Oversize $15.00*
Single Trip Oversize/Overweight
4 axles $35*
5 axles $40*
6 axles $45*
7 axles $50 * and so on
$15 plus $5 per axle*
Single Trip Non-Interstate Overweight Divisible (Vehicle must have a quad axle grouping)
$30 plus $10 per axle
Single Trip Non-Interstate Two/Three Axle Overweight Divisible (power unit/trailer combo, trailer must have
at least two but not more than three axles) $15* + $10* per axle
Annual Oversize Permit
$250.00
Annual Oversize/Overweight
$400.00
Annual Overweight only
$400.00
Company Fleet Permit (CFP)
base fee for
$3000.00 first 10
vehicles
Annual CFP (each vehicle over base)
$300.00
Special Permits
$125.00*
Superload Permits
$400.00*
LVC Fleet Base Fee
$1500.00
LVC Permit
$250.00
Non-Interstate Overweight Divisible
Annual (Vehicle must have a quad axle
grouping)
$500.00
plus $25 per
vehicle
Non-Interstate Overweight Divisible Fleet
Plus $35 per
(Vehicle must have a quad axle
$2000.00
vehicle
grouping)
Non-Interstate 2/3 Axle Overweight
Divisible Annual (Power unit/Trailer
combo, trailer must have two but not
more than three axles)
$500.00
Non-Interstate 2/3 Axle Overweight
Divisible Six-month permit (Power
$250.00
unit/Trailer combo, trailer must have two
but not more than three axles)
Credit Card Fee
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$3.00
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per
transaction
SC&RA Oversize/Overweight Permit Manual
per permit
ESCORTS AND SIGNS
Labeling — Oversize load signs are required on all oversize loads and must have black lettering on a yellow
background. Minimum sign size: 5' wide x 10" high with 8" letters (1" brush stroke). Maximum sign size: 7'
wide x 18" high with 10" letters (1.41" brush stroke).
Escort Vehicles and Personnel — Escort vehicles must have a flashing amber light mounted atop the
vehicle and an oversize load sign mounted on top of the pilot/escort vehicle.
Escort requirements vary according to routes traveled. See Pilot Escort and Oversize Restriction Map.
Certification Pilot car operators are required to be certified. Colorado uses a third party instructor, RSA
Network, Inc, to conduct the pilot escort certification classes. The class schedules can be found at:
www.uspilotcar.com. In addition, Colorado accepts certifications from Arizona, Florida, Minnesota,
Oklahoma, Utah, Washington and the Specialized Carriers & Rigging Association.
To pilot escort in Colorado, you must have the following documents (electronic copies are acceptable –
download from www.coloradodot.info/business/permits/truckpermits) – or contact our office to request hard
copies of items 2-6:
1. A valid certification from Colorado, Arizona, Florida, Minnesota, Oklahoma, Utah, Washington or the
Specialized Carriers & Rigging Association
2. CDOT Rules & Regulations Booklet (blue book – dated August 1, 2010)
3. Pilot Escort & Oversize Map
4. Height Restriction Map
5. Bridge Weight Limit Map
6. Hazardous and Nuclear Material Route Restrictions Map
Proof of insurance in the minimum amount of $1,000,000 combined single limit or commercial liability
coverage. The proof must show that the insurance covers Pilot Escort Operations.
Pilot Escort Certification Rule - See Chapter 5
The rules pertaining to the requirements for pilot escort operations are located within the Rules and
Regulations of the Colorado Department of Transportation Pertaining to Transport Permits for the Movement
of Extra-Legal Vehicles or Loads (2 C.C.R. 601-4)
Do pilot car operators in Colorado need to be certified?
Yes, you will need to complete the pilot escort course. Effective August 1, 2007, the pilot escorts must carry
a minimum of $1,000,000 of either Commercial Liability or Combined Single Limit insurance - policy must
indicate the coverage is for the pilot escort operations. Your driving record must be clear of any conviction of
drug or alcohol related offenses and has not had a single moving violation penalty assessment of six points
or more. Colorado recognizes certifications from Arizona, Florida, Minnesota, Oklahoma, Utah, Washington
and the Specialized Carriers and Riggers Association.
States with Pilot Escort certification reciprocity with Colorado:
Arizona
Dept of Transportation
Enforcement & Compliance Division
1801 W Jefferson, Mail Drop 500M
Phoenix, AZ 85001
Florida
Dept. of Transportation
Permit Section
Mail Station 62
605 Suwanee St
Tallahassee, FL 32399
850-410-5777 (7:30 am – 5:00 pm ET)
850-421-5779 – fax
Minnesota
Dept. of Transportation
Permit Section
395 John Ireland Blvd., MS 420
St. Paul, MN 55155
651-296-6000 (8:30AM – 3PM)
651-215-9677 - fax
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SC&RA Oversize/Overweight Permit Manual
Oklahoma
Dept. of Public Safety
OS/OW Permits Division
PO Box 11415
Oklahoma City, OK 73136
877-425-2390 (7:00 am – 4:30 pm CT)
405-424-0943 – fax
Utah
Dept. of Transportation
Port of Entry Section
4501 South 2700 West
P.O. Box 141210
Salt Lake City, UT 84114
801-965-4000 (7:00 am – 5 pm MT)
801-965-4936 – fax
Utah’s 3rd Party Tester
RSA Network Inc
1654 W Reunion Ave Suite 10BSouth Jordan, Utah 84095
801-838-8999
801-838-8167 – fax
Washington
Evergreen Safety Council
401 Pontius Ave N
Seattle, WA 98199
800-521-0778
Colorado’s 3rd Party Tester
RSA Network Inc - www.uspilotcar.com
1654 W Reunion Ave Suite 10BSouth Jordan, Utah 84095
801-838-8999
801-838-8167 – fax
FINES
Overdimension Only: $75 + $25.00 surcharge, plus $35 + $11.00 surcharge for failure to obtain permit.
Overweight Fines:
Excess Weight
Penalty
1-1,000 lbs.
1,001-3,000
3,001-5,000
5,001-7,000
7,001-10,000
10,001-15,000
15,001-19,750
Over 19,750
$ 20.00
25.00
.03/lb.
.05/lb.
.07/lb.
.10/lb.
.15/lb.
.25/lb.
Surcharge
$ 15.00
15.00
49.00
109.00
385.00
1,893.00
2,439.00
28.00 for each
250 lbs. Excess
plus 492.00
Fines for permitted loads are as follows:
Excess Weight
Penalty
Surcharge
1 – 2,500 lbs.
2,501 – 5,000
5,001 – 7,500
7,501 - 10,000
$ 50.00
100.00
200.00
400.00
$ 47.00
97.00
193.00
385.00
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SC&RA Oversize/Overweight Permit Manual
over 10,000
400 + $297 for
150 + $144 for
each additional
each additional
1,000 lbs. + $50
1,000 lbs
for permit violation
Fines for a person who violates the maximum permitted weight on a axle or on gross weight under a permit
issued pursuant to section 42-4-510(b)(II) shall be doubled.
RESTRICTED TRAVEL
The following cities have time-of-day travel restrictions:
Aspen —
Central City
Colorado Springs
SH 82 (MP 11 to MP 42) 7:00–9:00 am, 4:00–6:00 pm M-F
All day except 3:00–11:00 am
7:00–9:00 am, 4:00–6:00 pm M-F
Cripple Creek Area —
(SH 24 & SH 67)
Fri, Sat, Sun Holidays 3:00–7:00 pm
Denver
6:00–9:00 am, 3:00–6:00 pm M-F
Pueblo
7:00–9:00 am, 4:00–6:00 pm M-F
I-70 (MP 259 to MP 173)
Summer (May 15th– September 15th)
Westbound
Friday 4:00–8:00 pm from MP 259 Morrison, Friday 5:00-8:00 pm from MP
241 Idaho Springs, Saturday 8:00 a.m.–Noon
Eastbound
Sunday 3:00–9:00 p.m.
Winter (December 1 — March 31)
Westbound
Friday 3:00–8:00 pm, Saturday & Sunday 7:00 a.m.– Noon
Eastbound
Saturday & Sunday 3:00–9:00 p.m.
Moving heavy equipment at railroad grade crossing
(1) No person shall operate or move any crawler-type tractor, steam shovel, derrick, or roller or any
equipment or structure having a normal operating speed of ten or less miles per hour or a vertical body
or load clearance of less than nine inches above the level surface of roadway upon or across any tracks
at a railroad grade crossing without first complying with this section.
(2) Notice of any such intended crossing shall be given to a superintendent of such railroad and reasonable
time be given to such railroad to provide proper protection at such crossing.
(3) Before making any such crossing, the person operating or moving any such vehicle or equipment shall
first stop the same not less than fifteen feet nor more than fifty feet from the nearest rail of such
railroad, and while so stopped shall listen and look in both directions along such track for any
approaching train and for signals indicating the approach of a train, and shall not proceed until the
crossing can be made safely.
(4) No such crossing shall be made when warning is given by automatic signal or crossing gates or a
flagman or otherwise of the immediate approach of a railroad train or car.
(5) Subsection (3) of this section shall not apply any railroad crossing where state or local road authorities
within their respective jurisdictions have determined that trains are not operating during certain periods
or seasons of the year and have erected an official sign carrying the legend “exempt,” which shall give
notice when so posted that such crossing is exempt from the stopping requirement provided in this
section.
(6) Any person who violates any provision of this section commits a class B traffic infraction.
PORTS OF ENTRY
HEADQUARTERS
15075 S Golden Rd
Golden, CO 80401
(303) 273-1870
FAX: (303) 273-1939
POE #1 DUAL
2237 Frontage Road, SE
Ft. Collins, CO 80525
(970) 482-1622
FAX: (970) 482-2477
(1.5 mi. S of junction CO 14 & I-25 on I-25)
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SC&RA Oversize/Overweight Permit Manual
POE #2
13336 Hwy. 85
Platteville, CO 80651
(970) 785-2427
FAX: (970) 785-6425
(.5 mi. S of junction CO 66 & US 85 on US 85)
POE #3 DUAL
13395 I-76 Frontage Rd.
Ft. Morgan, CO 80701
(970) 867-5623
FAX: (970) 867-1180 Eastbound
FAX: (970) 867-8967 Westbound
(6 mi. W of US 34 & US 6 on I-76)
POE #4 DUAL
53407 State Road 71
Limon, CO 80828-9002
(719) 775-9758
FAX: (719) 775-0632
(.25 mi. W of CO 71 on I-70)
POE #5 DUAL
7100 Hwy. 50
Lamar, CO 81052
(719) 336-4712
FAX: (719) 336-1568
(.5 mi. W of junction CO 196
& US 287 on US 50)
POE #6
10211 I-25 Exit 11
Trinidad, CO 81082
(719) 846-2408
FAX: (719) 846-7554
(10211 I-25, Exit 11)
POE #8
24125 Colorado Road G
Cortez, CO 81321-1136
(970) 565-9420
FAX: (970) 564-0455
(2 mi. S on US 160 & US 491)
POE #9 DUAL
1255 Thirteen Rd.
Loma, CO 81524
(970) 858-1068
FAX: (970) 858-4922
(.25 mi. W. of Jct. I-70 and Colorado
139 on I-70)
POE #10 DUAL
1120 County Road 308
Dumont, CO 80436
(303) 567-4807
FAX: (303) 567-9477
(west edge of Dumont on US 6 & 40 & I-70)
POE #11 DUAL
600 8th Street
Monument, CO 80132
(719) 481-2281
FAX: (719) 481-2494
(.5 mi. N of junction US 85 & CO 105 on I-25)
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SC&RA Oversize/Overweight Permit Manual
PERMIT ORDERING
All permits are issued from the CDOT’s main office. However, you may submit an application for a permit by
fax, online (www.coloradodot.info/business/permits/truckpermits) or by stopping at the main office or any
region office.
The Permit Office has a 2-hour turn around time for the issuance of Single Trip permits. We will not
guarantee that applications received after 3:00 p.m. (MT) will be processed on the same business day.
Applications are processed in the order in which they are received.
CHAPTER 6 SPECIALS - Please allow 2-3 weeks for the Permit Office to process Chapter 6 Special
Permits. Due to a shortage of staff inthe Bridge section and an increase in applications, we are requesting
that all applications and supporting documentation be submitted well in advance so the applications can be
put in the queue to be processed.
SPECIAL NOTES
Recent Changes – None Noted.
Pending Changes -None noted.
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SC&RA Oversize/Overweight Permit Manual