New Mexico DOT Trucking Permit Overview

Dec. 21, 2025, 6:28 p.m.
Trucking permits in New Mexico are issued and enforced by the New Mexico Department of Transportation (NMDOT) (often in coordination with the Motor Transportation Police and Ports of Entry). These permits allow commercial vehicles, especially those with oversize or overweight loads, to legally operate on state highways and through checkpoints.
New Mexico DOT Trucking Permit

Create your New Mexico WDT Account here  https://www.newmexicotruckingonline.com/

 

Types of Trucking Permits in New Mexico

1. Online Trip Permits
Carriers not permanently registered in New Mexico — such as out-of-state carriers passing through or making occasional deliveries — can purchase trip permits to travel legally without full registration.

2. Weight Distance Accounts (WDT)
For carriers operating regularly in New Mexico, a Weight Distance Tax account is available through the state to report miles and pay taxes without buying trip permits for every trip.

3. Oversize / Overweight Permits
Required for vehicles or loads exceeding New Mexico’s legal limits for size, height, width, length, or weight. These include:

  • Single-trip permits

  • Annual or multiple-trip permits

  • Special and superload permits for extremely large or heavy moves

These must generally be obtained before entering New Mexico with a non-compliant load.

4. Other DOT Permits
NMDOT also issues several types of infrastructure-related permits (e.g., utility attachments, roadway work permits), but those are distinct from trucking movement permits.

When a Permit Is Required

A trucking permit (especially an oversize/overweight permit) is needed when a vehicle or load exceeds New Mexico’s legal limits, which typically include:

  • Width: Over 8 ft 6 in (102 in)

  • Height: Over 14 ft

  • Length: Exceeds standard combination or vehicle limits

  • Overweight: Exceeds authorized gross and axle weight limits

In most cases, non-divisible loads — those that cannot be broken down into smaller parts — trigger the need for a permit.

Permit Application Essentials

To obtain a New Mexico trucking permit, you should be prepared to provide:

  • Vehicle and load dimensions

  • Weight details and axle spacing

  • Proposed route

  • Travel dates

  • Insurance proof (minimum liability coverage is typically required)

Permits can be obtained online through the NMDOT ePermitting system or via phone before travel.

Route and Travel Restrictions

Permits may include route authorization and operational restrictions, such as:

  • Designated highways only

  • No night travel for many oversized loads

  • Restricted travel on holidays and certain peak periods

  • Required pilot/escort vehicles for wide or tall loads

Staying within permit specifications is crucial: deviating from the approved route or schedule can lead to fines or permit revocation.

Fees and Enforcement

  • Fees for standard oversize/overweight permits vary by load size, weight, and miles traveled; single-trip and annual options are available.

  • New Mexico enforcement occurs at ports of entry, where permits, credentials, and vehicle compliance are checked. All commercial vehicles must stop at operating ports of entry when entering the state.

  • Operating without the proper permit can lead to fines, delays, or being barred from travel until compliance is achieved.

Key Takeaways

Trip permits are ideal for occasional or one-off entries into New Mexico.
Oversize/overweight permits are required whenever a vehicle/load exceeds legal limits.
Weight Distance Accounts are useful for frequent operators.
Compliance with routing, insurance, and permit conditions is mandatory to avoid enforcement actions.

 

https://www.dot.nm.gov/travel-information/trucking-industry/