Pursuant to Act 300 of the Public Acts of 1949, the Michigan Vehicle Code (MVC), transport permits are required for vehicles and loads that exceed the maximum legal limits established in the MVC. Transport permits are only issued for vehicles and loads which cannot reasonably be reduced in size or transported by other means. More detail regarding legal sizes and types of permits issued by MDOT can be viewed by linking to the informational guides below:
Refer to these Online Resources:
Maximum axle loadings depend on the size of the tires on the axle.
There are two different types of permits available to individuals or companies to transport their vehicles/loads on state trunklines: Single Trip Permits and/or Extended Permits.
Single trip permits may be issued for a five day period if so requested. A single trip permit is valid for one trip only, but may be issued to include a return move.
Extended permits may be issued on an annual basis and are issued based on the vehicle/load being transported, there are various categories of permits including construction, miscellaneous, agricultural, pipe and pole, and modular or mobile home.
For additional information see Information on the Movement of Oversize or Overweight Vehicles and Loads (T-2).
A single trip permit shall be applied for electronically through MiTRIP.
This application shall be accessed via MDOT Permit Gateway.
You may also obtain a single trip permit through a permit service. However, you must register with MDOT Permit Gateway, add the task for oversize/overweight permits, click on the link once and select carrier from the dropdown prior to using a permit service. The permit services submit permits electronically as described above, and then forward them onto their customers.
An extended permit shall be applied for electronically through MiTRIP. This application shall be accessed via MDOT Permit Gateway.
You may also obtain an extended permit through a permit service. However, you must register with MDOT MPG, add the task for oversize/overweight permits, click on the link once and select carrier from the dropdown prior to using a permit service. The permit services submit permits electronically as described above, and then forward them onto their customers.
If you still have questions regarding extended permits, contact the MDOT Transport Permits Unit at 517-241-8999.
Electronically submitted single trip permits are processed in the order in which they are received and are usually issued within 12 business hours. Also, if the information submitted is inaccurate or incomplete, further information may be requested, which will delay issuance. Permits can be applied for up to seven (7) business days ahead of time.
Extended permits are usually issued within 15 to 21 business days from the time it is received by MDOT. Also, if the information submitted is inaccurate or incomplete, further information may be requested, which will delay issuance. Therefore, in order to ensure you receive your new permit prior to the expiration of your existing permit, MDOT recommends submitting the renewal application a minimum of 30 days prior to expiration of the existing permit. Permits can be applied for up to 60 days prior to expiration.
Oversize: $15
Oversize/Overweight: $50
Oversize: $30/12-month period
Overweight: $100/12-month period
The price of a new extended permit is pro-rated and varies based on the when it is received and the month in which it will expire. For a specific cost, see the Fee Schedule located on the Truckers webpage.
For additional information see Information on the Movement of Oversize or Overweight Vehicles and Loads (T-2).
MDOT is no longer billing accounts for transport permits. Permit application fees shall be paid at the time of application submission either through the shopping cart in MDOT Permit Gateway. After entering the application information in MiTRIP you will be asked to select your method of payment. The MDOT MPG shopping cart option will allow you to pay by credit card, debit card, or electronic check. You will then be able to access the shopping cart by returning to the MDOT MPG internet window and selecting shopping cart in the top right corner.
Note: Until the applications are paid for, they are not transmitted for processing.
MiTRIP assigns fees based on the exact dimensions and weights being entered into the system. Permitted loads are based on Michigan's legal allowable axle weights and not federal bridge weights.
The MDOT Transport Permits office is open Monday through Friday 7:30 a.m. through 4:30 p.m. excluding state holidays. Permits can be applied for through the MDOT Permit Gateway at anytime, but will only be processed during normal business hours.
Permit services are recommended when a customer requiring a single trip permit is not able to take advantage of direct electronic submission.
A permit is required for any vehicle or load beyond legal limits prior to entering Michigan.
MDOT no longer returns applications to the customer for correction. You will need to submit a new application with the correct information.
Permits are delivered to your specified e-mail address shown on the final screen of the MiTRIP system process. You can access MiTRIP through the MDOT Permit Gateway and go to My Permits at the top to check the status of your application and/or print your permit if it has been issued. If you do not receive an e-mail, it may be because of your e-mail provider's spam controls. In this case, the MiTRIP option will apply.
Ensure your e-mail provider is not identifying the permit e-mails as spam and placing them in a separate folder. If this is the case, many e-mail providers allow you the opportunity to identify certain addresses that you would like to receive e-mails from. Add "MDOT-miparssend@Michigan.gov" to that list in order to eliminate this problem.
Each permit includes appropriate conditions and restrictions based on the size and or weight of the movement. Signing the permit is acceptance of the permit conditions and restrictions and verification that you will abide by them.
The State of Michigan requires computer applications to contain a 30 minute time-out feature. If you are entering an application in MiTRIP and do not move to the next screen within a 30 minute timeframe, your application will be lost. Although the application may appear to be working, you will not receive an error message and MiTRIP does not save information that has been entered until the application is complete and submitted.
If you are timed out, you must exit MiTRIP and log out of MDOT Permit Gateway completely before logging back in.
The return trip must be within the 5 day window of the permit.
Weekend movement is now permitted in Michigan for loads not exceeding the dimensions of 10 feet in width, 14 feet in height, and 90 feet in length. This allowance is similar to other bordering state's provisions and allows weekend movement all day on Saturday and until 3 p.m. on Sunday. Mobile/modular homes are not eligible for weekend movement.
To electronically request weekend movement with a single trip using the MiTRIP application, check the Select Weekend Travel box on the application screen.
MDOT permits oversize and overweight vehicles/loads on state trunklines only and does not permit movement on county roads. State trunklines are typically designated by I-, M-, US-routes followed by a number. (Ex: I-96, US-127, etc.). Oversized and overweight permits for traveling on any county jurisdiction route must be obtained from the county in question.
Contact the County Road Association of Michigan at 517-482-1189 or www.micountyroads.org.
MDOT permits oversize and overweight vehicles/loads on state trunklines only and does not permit movement on city streets. State trunklines are typically designated by M, I or US symbols followed by a number. (Ex: I-96, US-127, etc.). Oversized and overweight permits for traveling on any city jurisdiction route must be obtained from the city in question.
MDOT does not issue permits for crated items. However, exceptions can be given when the crate is necessary to maintain the integrity of the object. An example of this would be transport of precision electronic equipment that would be damaged by excess moisture from rain or snow. Prior MDOT management approval is required for such exceptions.
During the spring thaw, a soft layer below the pavement and above the frost line can create weakness in the pavement. This is most prominent on routes that are designated as seasonal and the shoulder portion of all routes.
For this reason, during the period of weight restriction a number of precautions are taken in order to protect the condition of MDOT jurisdiction infrastructure. First, reduced weight limits are in effect for seasonal routes. Seasonal routes are shown on the MDOT Truck Operators' Map. Signs are typically posted indicating seasonal limits on these routes. Secondly, overweight permits are not issued for any MDOT jurisdiction routes. Lastly, in order to protect shoulder conditions, permits for vehicles or loads exceeding 14 feet in width are not issued. Certain emergency situations may receive exceptions to these guidelines.
For additional information, see Truck Weight and Vehicle Restrictions.
