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Oversize permits in New Hampshire are essential for transporting loads that exceed legal dimensions and weights. The New Hampshire Department of Transportation (NHDOT) oversees the issuance of these permits to ensure safe and efficient transport on state roads. This article will cover the various aspects of New Hampshire oversize permits, including types of permits, weight and dimension limits, seasonal restrictions, route and escort requirements, permit application process, additional regulations, and contact information. In this article, you will learn about New Hampshire Oversize Permits.

New Hampshire Oversize Permits

New Hampshire offers several types of oversize permits to accommodate different transportation needs. These permits are designed to facilitate the safe and efficient movement of oversized loads within the state.

Single Trip Permits

Single trip permits are issued for one-time movements of oversize or overweight loads. These permits are valid for up to five days and are ideal for transport that does not occur regularly. The single trip permit ensures that the route and vehicle configuration meet safety standards for a specific journey.

Annual Permits for Frequent Movements

Annual permits are suitable for carriers who frequently transport oversize loads. These permits cover vehicles up to 75 feet in length, 10 feet 6 inches in width, and 13 feet 6 inches in height, within the legal weight limits. The cost for an annual permit is $115 for statewide travel and $60 for travel within a 100-mile radius for New Hampshire-based carriers. These permits simplify the process for regular transport, reducing the need for multiple single trip permits.

Emergency Permits

Emergency permits are issued for urgent transport needs, such as moving equipment during natural disasters or other emergencies. These permits allow for expedited processing to ensure timely transport of essential goods and services.

Construction and Maintenance Permits

Construction and maintenance permits are specifically for vehicles involved in construction or maintenance projects. These permits ensure that oversized construction equipment can be transported safely to and from job sites without causing undue disruption to traffic.

Weight Limits

New Hampshire imposes specific weight limits for vehicles carrying oversize loads to maintain road safety and infrastructure integrity. These limits vary based on the axle configuration of the vehicle.

Single Axle Weight Limit

The maximum weight limit for a single axle is 22,400 pounds. This limit helps prevent excessive wear and tear on roads and bridges.

Tandem Axle Weight Limit

For tandem axles, the weight limit is 18,000 pounds. Tandem axles distribute the weight more evenly, reducing the impact on the road surface.

Tridem Axle Weight Limit

Tridem axles have a weight limit of:

• Maximum on tandem: 36,000 pounds
• Maximum on tridem: 54,000 pounds

This configuration provides better weight distribution, making it suitable for heavier loads.

Dimension Limits

In addition to weight limits, New Hampshire has specific dimension limits for oversize loads to ensure safe passage on roads and through infrastructure like bridges and tunnels.

Maximum Length

The maximum length for an oversize load, even with a permit, is 110 feet. Loads exceeding this length may require additional permits and route surveys.

Maximum Width

The maximum width for permitted oversize loads is 16 feet. Wider loads may need special accommodations and escort vehicles.

Maximum Height

Permitted oversize loads can be up to 16 feet in height. Loads taller than this may require route surveys to avoid obstacles like overpasses and power lines.

Maximum Overhang

The maximum overhang allowed for oversize loads is 15 feet. Overhang refers to the portion of the load that extends beyond the vehicle’s rear or front end.

Seasonal Restrictions

New Hampshire imposes seasonal restrictions on oversize load transport to protect road infrastructure during vulnerable periods, such as spring thaw.

Seasonal Move Permits Availability

Seasonal move permits are available from April 20 to November 23 each year. These permits accommodate the transport of oversize loads during periods when road conditions are more favorable.

Travel Time Restrictions

Permit vehicles are allowed to travel from 30 minutes before sunrise until 30 minutes after sunset on weekdays and until 12 PM on Saturdays. Travel is prohibited on holidays and holiday weekends to minimize traffic disruptions.

Spring Thaw Weight Restrictions

During the spring thaw period, the maximum allowable vehicular weight on posted sections of state highways is 30,000 pounds. This restriction helps protect roads from damage when they are more susceptible to deterioration due to thawing conditions.

Route and Escort Requirements

To ensure the safe transport of oversize loads, New Hampshire requires specific route surveys and escort vehicles for certain dimensions and weights.

Route Surveys for Oversize Loads

Route surveys are mandatory for loads over 110 feet in length or 13 feet 6 inches in height. These surveys ensure that the proposed route can safely accommodate the oversize load. Applicants must submit completed route surveys as part of the permit application process.

Escort Vehicle Requirements

Escort vehicles are required for loads exceeding certain dimensions. For example, loads over 12 feet in width or 80 feet in length must have an escort vehicle. Escort vehicles help manage traffic and ensure the safety of other road users during the transport of oversized loads.

State Police Escort for Extremely Large Loads

Loads that exceed 18 feet in width or 100 feet in length often require a state police escort. The state police provide additional safety measures and traffic control to facilitate the safe movement of these exceptionally large loads.

Permit Application Process

Applying for an oversize permit in New Hampshire involves several steps to ensure all safety and regulatory requirements are met.

Information Required for Permit Application

Applicants need to provide detailed information about the vehicle and load, including the USDOT number, vehicle dimensions, load description, and route details. This information helps the NHDOT assess the safety and feasibility of the transport.

Submitting the Route Survey

If a route survey is required, it must be completed and submitted with the permit application. The survey verifies that the proposed route can accommodate the load’s dimensions and weight without issues.

Obtaining the Permit

Permits are issued after the NHDOT reviews and approves the application. The permit details the conditions and restrictions for the transport, including the approved route and any required escort vehicles.

Fees and Payment Methods

Permit fees vary based on the type and duration of the permit. Payment can typically be made online via the NHDOT permit portal. Annual permits and single trip permits have different fee structures, and emergency permits may incur additional costs due to expedited processing.

Additional Regulations and Compliance

New Hampshire has additional regulations to ensure the safe and lawful transport of oversize loads, including construction travel restrictions, road postings, and overweight certifications.

Construction Travel Restrictions

During construction periods, certain roads may have restrictions on oversize load travel. These restrictions are managed within the NHDOT permitting system and are displayed on the routing page when generating a permit application.

Annual Road Postings

Annual road postings provide information on roads with specific restrictions for oversize loads. These postings are updated regularly to reflect current road conditions and infrastructure changes.

Overweight Certification

Carriers must obtain overweight certification if their loads exceed standard weight limits. This certification ensures that the load can be transported safely without causing damage to roads and bridges.

Penalties for Non-Compliance

Failing to comply with permit conditions and regulations can result in significant penalties. These may include fines, suspension of permits, and other legal consequences. It is crucial for carriers to adhere strictly to all permit requirements.