PERMITS
South Dakota oversize permits are valid for three days. Must have permit prior to entering the state.
OPERATING TIME
One-half hour before sunrise to one-half hour after sunset, including Saturday and Sunday. Loads not exceeding 10′ wide, 14’6″ high, 110′ overall length may travel on interstate highways continuously and within a 2-mile radius of Interstate Highway interchanges on state highways. Loads that are only overweight may operate 24/7.
LEGAL DIMENSIONS
Length: 53′ semi-trailer
Overall length not limited
Overhang:
- 3′ front
- 4′ rear
- or 53′ trailer and load
- Poles, pipes, beams, utility poles, etc. are not exempt from permits for length or rear overhang.
Width: 8’6″
Height: 14″
Weight: 80,000 Gross
Single – 20,000
Tandem – 34,000
Tridem – 42,000
Steer Axle may not exceed 600 pounds per inch of tire width
Divisible Loads Exceeding 80,000: You can exceed 80,000 gross without a permit on state highways as long as you are legal on all axle/group weights and you are licensed for at least the amount of your gross weight. However, if you need any Interstate route, you will need to get an "Interstate Permit."
ROUTINE PERMIT LIMITS
Length: Depends on routes
Width: Depends on routes
Height: Depends on routes
Weight:
Single – 24,000
Tandem – 46,000*
Tridem – 60,000*
Quad – 68,000*
Steer – 600 lbs. per inch of width (13,200 for 11″ steers)
*Register for at least the amount of weight you wish to permit, or pay extra for a trip permit. Some routes will allow more weight. SD will have to determine by route. All axles must be on the ground when permitting for overweight load. Tractor must be registered for weight hauled, or pay an extra fee for the trip with the permit order.
ESCORTS
Length: Over 130′ – 1 escort
Width:
On Interstate Highways: Over 16′ – 1 escort
On most State Highways: Over 20′ – 1 escort
Multiple escorts are required if the load extends more than two feet into adjacent driving or passing lanes, or if traffic cannot pass without the permitted vehicle or passing vehicle driving on the shoulder of the road. Black Hills area, except on US16 from Rapid City to Keystone, WY & US 18: over 10′ –
1 escort.
Height: Normally no requirements.
SEASONAL LOAD (WEIGHT) RESTRICTIONS
Spring thaw load weight restrictions may go into effect any time after February 15th. Check with Permit Office.
SIGNS, FLAGS & LIGHTS
All overdimensional vehicles and loads must display flags. Flags must be attached to all corners of vehicles or loads wider than 8’6” and to corners of any load extending beyond the width of the hauling vehicle. Flags are also to be attached to load projections exceeding 3 feet in front of the vehicle's front bumper or more than 4 feet beyond the rear of the trailer. If the front or rear projection is not wider than two feet, at least one flag is needed on the projection, and 2 flags are required on the projection if it is over 2 feet in width.
"Oversize Load" or "Oversized Load" signs are required front and rear on all permit vehicles that exceed a width of 12 feet or a length of 95 feet, or that operate during nighttime hours. Signs must be reflectorized when used for night moves. Signs must be covered or removed when they are not required. Load projections must be lighted for nighttime running with amber lights, red lights, and reflectors. The specific requirements of nighttime lighting are listed on the South Dakota permit.
