Michigan commercial vehicle weight limits follow the federal Interstate standard of 80,000 lbs gross, 18,000 lbs per single axle, and 32,000 lbs per tandem axle group. The federal bridge formula (23 U.S.C. 127) applies on all routes. Michigan has the most restrictive spring weight restrictions in the US. Season typically runs February through late April. Nearly all non-Interstate routes post reduced weight limits (often 25–35% reductions). Check MDOT for current restrictions — critical for Michigan operations. Oversize and overweight permits are available from MI DOT for loads exceeding standard limits. Verify current road-specific postings with the Michigan DOT before routing heavy loads.
Michigan has the most restrictive spring weight restrictions in the US. Season typically runs February through late April. Nearly all non-Interstate routes post reduced weight limits (often 25–35% reductions). Check MDOT for current restrictions — critical for Michigan operations.
Check current restrictions at MI 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 Michigan on all routes where federal standards apply.
W = maximum weight in lbs · L = axle spacing in feet · N = number of axles
Michigan MDOT issues oversize/overweight permits. Single-trip and annual permits available. Special permits required for 11-axle auto carrier configurations on designated routes. Superloads require engineering review. Spring restriction period severely limits permit issuance for non-Interstate road movements February through late April — critical planning consideration. County road permits may be required separately from state permits.
Apply for Michigan OS/OW Permit →On Michigan Interstate highways, axle weights follow the federal standard: 20,000 lbs single axle, 34,000 lbs tandem axle, 80,000 lbs GVW. On Michigan non-Interstate state routes, the limits are LOWER: 18,000 lbs single axle and 32,000 lbs tandem axle. These lower limits reflect Michigan's road damage concerns. Spring restrictions reduce these further from February through late April.
Michigan's spring weight restrictions are the most severe in the US. Running February through late April, they apply to nearly all non-Interstate routes with reductions of 25–35% from normal posted limits. Interstate highways are not restricted. County road commissions may post even stricter limits. Always check MDOT for current road posting status — this is critical operational knowledge for Michigan carriers.
Yes. Michigan allows 11-axle auto carrier configurations on MDOT-designated routes under special permit. These configurations allow auto transport companies to carry more vehicles per load — a unique Michigan provision driven by the automotive industry. Contact MDOT for current authorized routes and permit requirements for multi-axle auto carriers.
Michigan oversize/overweight permits are issued by MDOT. Applications are available through the MDOT permit office. Single-trip and annual permits are available. Spring restrictions severely limit permit issuance for non-Interstate movements February through late April. County road moves may require separate permits from county road commissions in addition to state MDOT permits.
The Mackinac Bridge has specific vehicle weight restrictions posted by the Mackinac Bridge Authority. Load configurations must comply with bridge-specific limits. High-wind conditions also cause lane restrictions and convoy requirements for high-profile vehicles. Always check the Mackinac Bridge Authority website for current conditions and weight limits before routing across the bridge.
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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: Michigan MI Department of TransportationLast reviewed: 2026-04