Vermont 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. Vermont has among the strictest and longest spring weight restrictions in the US. Season typically runs late February through late May on many routes. Vermont's older road infrastructure makes spring restrictions critical for road preservation. Check VTrans for current restricted routes and weight postings before routing any heavy load on state routes during this period. Oversize and overweight permits are available from VT DOT for loads exceeding standard limits. Verify current road-specific postings with the Vermont DOT before routing heavy loads.
Vermont has among the strictest and longest spring weight restrictions in the US. Season typically runs late February through late May on many routes. Vermont's older road infrastructure makes spring restrictions critical for road preservation. Check VTrans for current restricted routes and weight postings before routing any heavy load on state routes during this period.
Check current restrictions at VT 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 Vermont on all routes where federal standards apply.
W = maximum weight in lbs · L = axle spacing in feet · N = number of axles
VTrans issues oversize/overweight permits. Apply through VTrans at vtrans.vermont.gov. Single-trip permits required for loads exceeding state weight or dimension limits. Annual permits available for qualifying recurring operations. Superload moves require route engineering review and may require escort. Vermont's spring restriction compliance is strictly enforced.
Apply for Vermont OS/OW Permit →The maximum gross vehicle weight in Vermont is 80,000 lbs on Interstate highways, matching the federal standard. Vermont permits higher axle limits on qualifying state routes — 22,400 lbs single axle, 36,000 lbs tandem, and 48,000 lbs tridem. State routes and bridges may have lower posted limits, particularly during spring weight restriction season.
Vermont's spring weight restrictions are among the longest in the US, typically running from late February through late May — roughly 3 months on many routes. The extended season reflects Vermont's older road infrastructure and mountainous terrain. Restrictions vary by route and are updated by VTrans as conditions change. Always check VTrans at vtrans.vermont.gov before routing heavy loads on Vermont state routes during winter and spring.
Vermont, like several other New England states, operates under state axle weight limits that exceed the federal baseline under grandfather provisions. The 22,400 lb single axle, 36,000 lb tandem, and 48,000 lb tridem limits on qualifying state routes support Vermont's agricultural, timber, and industrial sectors. These higher limits apply on state-designated routes — not on Interstate highways, which remain at federal limits.
Vermont oversize/overweight permits are issued by VTrans. Apply at vtrans.vermont.gov. Single-trip permits are required for loads exceeding weight or dimension limits. Annual permits are available for qualifying recurring operations. Vermont strictly enforces spring weight restriction compliance — permit requests during restriction season will be evaluated against current route conditions.
Yes — bridge weight postings are a significant concern in Vermont. The state has a large inventory of older bridges, many with individual posted weight limits well below state or federal maximums. This is especially relevant in rural areas and on secondary roads. Always verify bridge weight postings on your planned Vermont route, particularly on non-Interstate roads. VTrans maintains bridge posting information — contact them before routing unusual or heavy loads on secondary routes.
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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: Vermont VT Department of TransportationLast reviewed: 2026-04