Massachusetts commercial vehicle weight limits follow the federal Interstate standard of 80,000 lbs gross, 22,400 lbs per single axle, and 36,000 lbs per tandem axle group. The federal bridge formula (23 U.S.C. 127) applies on all routes. Massachusetts imposes spring weight restrictions on non-Interstate roads typically February through May. Frost law postings are strictly enforced. Check MassDOT for current restricted routes. Oversize and overweight permits are available from MA DOT for loads exceeding standard limits. Verify current road-specific postings with the Massachusetts DOT before routing heavy loads.
Massachusetts imposes spring weight restrictions on non-Interstate roads typically February through May. Frost law postings are strictly enforced. Check MassDOT for current restricted routes.
Check current restrictions at MA 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 Massachusetts on all routes where federal standards apply.
W = maximum weight in lbs · L = axle spacing in feet · N = number of axles
Massachusetts MassDOT issues oversize/overweight permits. Single-trip and annual permits available through the MassDOT permit portal. Superloads require engineering review and pre-approved route analysis. Moves involving Boston tunnels, the Tobin Bridge, or the Sagamore/Bourne bridges require special coordination. Spring frost law period severely restricts permit issuance for non-Interstate road movements February through May.
Apply for Massachusetts OS/OW Permit →Massachusetts allows 22,400 lbs single axle and 36,000 lbs tandem axle on non-Interstate state routes — higher than the federal standards of 20,000 and 34,000 lbs. Interstate highways follow the federal limits. Note that spring frost law postings reduce these allowances significantly from February through May on non-Interstate roads.
Massachusetts frost law postings typically run from February through May on non-Interstate roads. The restrictions are issued by MassDOT and strictly enforced by RMV and local police. Interstate highways are not affected. Always check MassDOT for current posting status before routing on any non-Interstate Massachusetts road during the spring period.
Yes. The Ted Williams Tunnel, Sumner Tunnel, and Callahan Tunnel in Boston have height restrictions (typically 13'6"). These restrictions apply regardless of vehicle weight. CDL drivers must know tunnel routing restrictions before entering the Boston metro. Consult MassDOT or local routing guides for current height limits and alternate routes.
Massachusetts oversize/overweight permits are issued by MassDOT through the online permit portal at mass.gov. Single-trip permits handle most one-time heavy hauls. Annual permits are available for qualifying recurring operations. Superloads require engineering review. Spring frost law period restricts permit issuance for non-Interstate movements. Moves involving Boston tunnels or Cape Cod bridges require additional coordination.
The Sagamore Bridge and Bourne Bridge providing access to Cape Cod have posted weight limits that may restrict standard truck movements. CDL drivers routing to Cape Cod must verify current bridge weight limits with MassDOT. Overweight loads may require permits and pre-approval for bridge crossing. Check MassDOT for current bridge weight postings before routing.
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Disclaimer
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: Massachusetts MA Department of TransportationLast reviewed: 2026-04