Arkansas commercial vehicle weight limits follow the federal Interstate standard of 80,000 lbs gross, 20,000 lbs per single axle, and 34,000 lbs per tandem axle group. The federal bridge formula (23 U.S.C. 127) applies on all routes. Arkansas imposes spring weight restrictions on secondary state routes typically February through April during spring thaw. Posted routes have reduced axle weight limits to protect pavement. Check ARDOT for current restricted routes and load limits before routing on state highways and county roads. Oversize and overweight permits are available from AR DOT for loads exceeding standard limits. Verify current road-specific postings with the Arkansas DOT before routing heavy loads.
Arkansas imposes spring weight restrictions on secondary state routes typically February through April during spring thaw. Posted routes have reduced axle weight limits to protect pavement. Check ARDOT for current restricted routes and load limits before routing on state highways and county roads.
Check current restrictions at AR DOT →The federal bridge formula limits the weight on any group of axles based on the distance between the outermost axles in the group. It applies in Arkansas on all routes where federal standards apply.
W = maximum weight in lbs · L = axle spacing in feet · N = number of axles
ARDOT issues oversize/overweight permits through its Permits Section. Single-trip permits for one-time movements exceeding legal limits. Annual permits for qualifying repetitive operations. Superload permits for extreme weights or dimensions require engineering review and pre-approved routing. Permits are available online through the ARDOT permit system. Poultry industry and Walmart supply chain carriers frequently use annual permits for their operations.
Apply for Arkansas OS/OW Permit →On Arkansas Interstate highways, the maximum gross vehicle weight is 80,000 lbs — matching the federal standard. Arkansas state routes and county roads may have lower posted limits. Overweight permits from ARDOT are required for loads exceeding 80,000 lbs.
Yes. Arkansas imposes spring weight restrictions on secondary state routes typically from February through April during spring thaw. Posted route signs show the reduced weight limits in effect. Plan routes to use Interstate highways where possible during this period, as restrictions do not apply to Interstate roadways.
ARDOT issues oversize/overweight permits through its Permits Section at ardot.gov. Apply online for single-trip or annual permits. Superload permits for extreme weights require engineering review, route survey, and escort vehicle coordination. ARDOT staff can advise on the appropriate permit type for your specific load.
Arkansas's tandem axle limit is 34,000 lbs on Interstate highways, matching the federal standard. Tridem configurations are allowed up to 42,000 lbs. During spring weight restriction periods, axle limits on secondary roads may be significantly lower — posted restrictions must be observed.
Arkansas provides agricultural weight exemptions for certain farm commodity vehicles on intrastate routes, which may include live poultry haulers. Specific exemption conditions vary — contact ARDOT or review current Arkansas agricultural vehicle statutes for the precise vehicle and route configurations that qualify. Commercial poultry processors' logistics operations typically operate under standard weight limits or appropriate permits.
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The information on this page is compiled from publicly available government sources and is provided for general informational purposes only. TruckRadar is an independent search engine — we are not affiliated with any government agency and this content does not constitute legal or compliance advice. Regulations change frequently; always verify current requirements directly with the official source before making compliance decisions.
Official source: Arkansas AR Department of TransportationLast reviewed: 2026-04