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Commercial vehicles: Vehicle size and weight

The State Patrol is the sole agency having statewide jurisdiction in vehicle size and weight enforcement. The Commercial Vehicle Section operates highway weigh stations at Clarks Grove, Erskine, Lakeland, Moorhead, Ramsey, Saginaw and Worthington. In addition, all commercial vehicle enforcement personnel carry low profile portable scales for roadside weighing statewide. 

Legal dimensions 

Maximum height:  13 feet 6 inches 

Maximum width:    8 feet 6 inches

Maximum length:  75 feet

Single unit vehicle:  45 feet

Trailer: 45 feet

Semi-trailer: 53 feet 

Two-unit combinations: 75 feet 

Single-unit truck crane length: 48 feet  

Semi-trailers greater than 48 feet in length shall not exceed a distance of 43 feet measured from the kingpin to the center of the rear axle group. 

Basic weight limits 

Listed below are the weight limits for trunk highways in Minnesota. Local and county roads may be posted for lower weight limits. 

  • Single Axle: 20,000 pounds. 

  • Tandem Axle: 34,000 pounds. 

  • Gross Weight: 80,000 pounds. 

  • Single tire weight is the lessor of: 

    • 600 pounds per inch of tire width (steering axle) 
    • 500 pounds per inch of tire width (all other axles) 
    • Manufacturer’s load rating as indicated on the tire 

All axle groups must be in compliance with the gross weight schedule

Oversized/overweight permits 

Vehicles exceeding maximum dimensions and weight limits may be required to obtain special permits. For state trunk highways, oversize/overweight permits may be obtained by contacting the Minnesota Department of Transportation permit office at 651-296-6000 or online at https://mn.gotpermits.com/ .  

Publications and related links 

The publications and links provided will aid you in determining legal size and weight limits for your vehicle. If you require additional assistance, please email your questions to cmvinfo@state.mn.us or call 651-350-2000, option 1.