Overview
Tennessee oversize and overweight permits are issued by the Tennessee Department of Transportation. Single-trip permits are valid for six travel days.
Permit approval depends on the proposed route, dimensions, axle weights and infrastructure conditions.
Permit Office
| Office | Tennessee Department of Transportation — TN Oversize Permits |
| Address | Suite 300, James K. Polk State Office Building, Nashville, Tennessee 37219 |
| Contact | (615) 741-3821 |
| Hours | 8:00 A.M. – 4:30 P.M. (CT) |
Permit Basics
| Permit validity | Single-trip permits are issued for six (6) travel days. |
| Operating time | 8:00 A.M. – 4:30 P.M. (CT) |
Dimensions & Weights
Routine permit limits
| Length | 120′ |
| Width | 16′ |
| Height | 15′ |
| Axle / group | Spacing | Weight |
|---|---|---|
| Single | — | 20,000 |
| Tandem | — | 40,000 |
| Tridum | — | 60,000 |
| Quad | — | 80,000 |
Escort Requirements
| Based on | Escorts required |
|---|---|
| Width | On 2-lane highways — width over 10′ up to 12′6″ where pavement width (excluding shoulders) is less than 24′: 1 front |
| Width | On 2-lane highways — width over 10′ up to 12′6″ at bridge structures where road width is less than 20′: 1 flagperson |
| Width | On 2-lane highways — width over 12′6″ up to 14′: 1 front |
| Width | On 4-lane highways — width over 12′6″ up to 14′: 1 rear |
| Width | On all highways — width over 14′ (if approved): 2 (front & rear) |
| Length | On all highways — length over 75′ up to 85′: needs light |
| Length | On all highways — length over 85′ up to 120′: 1 rear |
| Length | On all highways — length over 120′: 2 (front & rear) |
| Height | On all highways — height over 13′6″ up to 15′: special permit with special routing, no escort |
| Height | On all highways — height over 15′ if approved, using height pole: 1 front |
- Moving houses: 2 (front & rear)
- Weight GVW over 150,000 lbs requires approval by TN DOT
Notes
- Gross Weight — 5 Axles: 100,000
- Gross Weight — 6 Axles: 120,000
- Gross Weight — 7 Axles: 140,000
- Gross Weight — 8 Axles: 160,000