New Mexico DOT Permit Requirements Explained

Nov. 17, 2025, 5:45 p.m.
Moving oversize or overweight loads through New Mexico requires strict compliance with the New Mexico Department of Transportation (NMDOT) permitting rules. Whether you’re a carrier, dispatcher, broker, or owner-operator, understanding these requirements helps you stay legal, avoid delays, and prevent costly penalties. Below is a complete breakdown of New Mexico DOT permit requirements.
New Mexico DOT Permit

1. When You Need a New Mexico DOT Permit

You must obtain a permit when your vehicle or load exceeds standard legal limits for:

  • Weight

  • Width

  • Height

  • Length

New Mexico also requires permits for temporary operations such as trip permits, fuel permits, or specialized equipment movement.

2. Legal Vehicle Limits in New Mexico

If your vehicle stays within these limits, no permit is needed:

Weight Limits

  • 80,000 lbs. GVW (standard federal limit)

  • 12,000 lbs. single axle

  • 34,000 lbs. tandem axle

  • Additional limits depend on axle spacing (Bridge Formula)

Size Limits

  • Width: 8’6”

  • Height: 14’

  • Length:

    • Truck + trailer: 65’

    • Single vehicle: 45’

Exceeding any of these requires a permit.

3. Types of New Mexico DOT Permits

New Mexico offers several permit types depending on your load:

Oversize Permits

For loads exceeding height, width, or length limits.

Overweight Permits

For vehicles exceeding weight limits or axle weights.

Trip Permits

Required for trucks without IRP registration entering the state.

Special Permits

  • Manufactured homes

  • Superloads

  • Construction equipment

  • Farm machinery

  • Wind turbine components

4. Escort (Pilot Car) Requirements

Escorts may be required depending on the load dimensions:

  • Width over 12 ft → 1 escort car

  • Width over 14 ft → 2 escort cars

  • Height over 15 ft → Height pole required

  • Length over 90–120 ft → Escort requirements vary by route

NMDOT reviews routes to determine whether escorts are necessary.

5. Route Restrictions

New Mexico enforces strict route guidelines:

  • Certain highways are restricted to oversize loads.

  • Mountain passes and bridges may have clearance limits.

  • Some routes require pre-approved detours.

  • Loads over specific dimensions must undergo route surveys.

6. Travel Time Restrictions

Oversize and overweight loads must follow NMDOT schedule rules:

Allowed Travel Hours

  • Sunrise to sunset only

  • No night travel for most oversize loads

Holiday Restrictions

Travel is not allowed on major holidays including:

  • New Year’s Day

  • Memorial Day

  • July 4th

  • Labor Day

  • Thanksgiving

  • Christmas

Additional restrictions may apply to holiday weekends.

7. Safety Equipment Requirements

Depending on your permit, the following may be required:

  • Oversize load banners (front and rear)

  • Red or orange flags

  • Flashing amber lights

  • Height poles for tall loads

  • Reflective warning signs

All safety equipment must meet NMDOT specifications.

8. Applying for a New Mexico DOT Permit

Permits can be obtained through:

  • Phone (505) 578-2195

  • Online permitting system - www.newmexicotruckingonline.com

You must provide:

  • Vehicle details

  • Axle weights & spacings

  • Load dimensions

  • Proposed travel route

  • Travel dates

9. Permit Fees

Fees vary based on the type of permit:

  • Oversize/overweight permits

  • Manufactured home permits

  • Trip permits

  • Superload reviews

Fees depend on load dimensions, mileage, and whether engineering review is needed.

10. Penalties for Non-Compliance

Violating New Mexico’s permit rules can lead to:

  • Fines

  • Delays at ports of entry

  • Forced route changes

  • Out-of-service orders

  • Permit revocation

Repeat violations can result in higher penalties and carrier inspection scrutiny.