How to read a Maryland oversize permit
Maryland hauling permits are issued by MDOT SHA through its online Maryland One system and cover state-maintained highways from your origin to your destination. Maryland writes the route as a chain of route numbers, such as I-68-MD 53-US 220, and you follow them in that order.
Issued by the Maryland Department of Transportation State Highway Administration, Hauling Permits office through Maryland One. Written from MDOT SHA's published rules; we haven't read a real Maryland permit yet.
How to read the route
SHA's manual shows the route as a list of route numbers in driving order, for example I-95 – I-695 – I-95. It asks for every route and road from start to finish, including county roads, written with route identifiers like MD 213, I-70, or US 40. SHA's own example says a permit using US 220 south from I-68 must read I-68-MD 53-US 220. This comes from the 2008 manual, so today's Maryland One permit may lay it out differently, but the route-number style is the same one SHA uses in its current restriction list.
Road names on Maryland permits
| On the permit | Means |
|---|---|
| MD 213 | Maryland Route 213 (MD means a Maryland state route) |
| US 40 / US ALT 40 | U.S. Route 40 and its Alternate route |
| I-695 | Interstate 695, the Baltimore Beltway |
| I-495/I-95 | The Capital Beltway around Washington, D.C. |
| IL / OL | Inner Loop / Outer Loop, the two directions of a beltway |
Where the route starts and ends
SHA's manual asks for a specific start point, often a line or an intersection, such as Baltimore City Line and MD 675, Annapolis at the intersection of MD 450, or Delaware State Line and US 301, and the name of the place you are going.
Conditions to watch for
Travel time
Loads up to 225,000 pounds, 13 feet 11 inches wide, 14 feet 6 inches high, and 139 feet long may move any time. Loads 14 feet wide or more move only 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Any curfew will be listed on the permit. Source
“Moves for loads up to and including 225k GVW, 13'11" wide, 14'6' high, 139' long may move 24/7.”
Holidays
Around major holidays, no moves from noon on the day before until 9 a.m. after. In 2026 that covers New Year's Day, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving (noon Wednesday, Nov. 25 until 9 a.m. Monday, Nov. 30), and Christmas. Source
Escorts
One escort over 13 feet wide, over 85 feet long, over 60 tons, or 14 feet 6 inches high (pole car). Two escorts at 14 feet wide or 140 feet long. Police escort at 16 feet wide or 75 tons. Source
“The permittee must provide for police escort for any permit move that is 16' wide or more, 75 tons gross weight or more,”
Flags and lamps
A load sticking out more than 4 inches past the sides needs lamps and flags. A rear overhang over 4 feet needs flags and lamps too. Escort cars run a yellow roof light and headlights on. Source
Weather and snow
The permit depends on good road and weather conditions, and it is not valid where a snow emergency plan is in effect. Source
“The permit is not valid when snow emergency plan is in effect for specified area.”
Local roads
An SHA permit does not cover city or county roads, except to cross them. Get local approval for those, and obey any rules posted on a bridge or road. Source
Easy to miss
- Beltway restrictions are listed by loop. SHA writes IL for Inner Loop and OL for Outer Loop on I-695 and I-495, and a limit can apply to one loop only.
- SHA's route restriction list changes often (one version was updated 9/15/2026) and includes width, height, and lane limits on I-695, I-70, I-97, US 40, and others. Check it before every move.
- Toll bridges and tunnels have their own restrictions. SHA warns that Maryland has many toll, bridge, and tunnel restrictions to check before you start.
Questions
Can oversize loads travel at night in Maryland?
Yes, if the load is no more than 225,000 pounds, 13 feet 11 inches wide, 14 feet 6 inches high, and 139 feet long. Loads 14 feet wide or more may move only from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Your permit lists any curfew.
What are Maryland's holiday restrictions for oversize loads?
SHA publishes a holiday sheet each year. In 2026 there are no moves from noon before major holidays until 9 a.m. after, for example noon Wednesday, Nov. 25 until 9 a.m. Monday, Nov. 30 for Thanksgiving.
Does a Maryland SHA permit cover county roads?
No. SHA's general conditions say the permit does not cover highways or bridges run by a city, county, or town, except to cross them. You need local approval for those roads.
Sources
- MDOT SHA Hauling Permits
- MDOT SHA Truck Overdimensional Permit Limitations (escorts, provisions, travel time, holidays)
- Maryland State Highway & Baltimore City General Conditions for Hauling Permits
- MDOT 2026 Holiday Hauling Permit Restrictions
- Maryland Route Restrictions (updated 9/15/2026)
- Maryland Oversize/Overweight Hauling Permit Manual (April 10, 2008)
- Maryland One online permitting
Your permit is the legal document; follow everything it says. Rules change; check MDOT SHA's site before you move.Last checked October 2026.