Table 3-6: Semitrailer Length Limitations on National Truck Network by State (48 Feet Unless Otherwise Specified)
In addition to weight, state and federal governments are also interested in the length and other characteristics of commercial trucks using the road system. Twenty nine states have semitrailer length limitations on the National Truck Network other than the 48 foot limit set by federal law for a semitrailer operating in a truck tractor-semitrailer combination.
| State | Length limitation (feet and inches) |
|---|---|
| Alabama | 53-6 |
| Arizona | 57-6 |
| Arkansas | 53-6 |
| California1 | 48-0 |
| Colorado | 57-4 |
| Delaware | 53-0 |
| Illinois | 53-0 |
| Indiana2 | 48-6 |
| Iowa | 53-0 |
| Kansas | 57-6 |
| Kentucky | 53-0 |
| Louisiana | 59-6 |
| Mississippi | 53-0 |
| Missouri | 53-0 |
| Montana | 53-0 |
| Nebraska | 53-0 |
| Nevada | 53-0 |
| New Mexico | 57-6 |
| North Dakota | 53-0 |
| Ohio | 53-0 |
| Oklahoma | 59-6 |
| Oregon | 53-0 |
| Pennsylvania | 53-0 |
| Rhode Island | 48-6 |
| South Dakota | 53-0 |
| Tennessee | 50-0 |
| Texas | 59-0 |
| Wisconsin3 | 48-0 |
| Wyoming | 57-4 |
1Semitrailers up to 53 feet may also operate without a permit by conforming to a kingpin-to-rearmost axle distance of 38 feet.
2Semitrailers up to 53 feet in length may operate without a permit by conforming to a kingpin-to-rearmost axle distance of 40 feet and 6 inches. Semitrailers that are consistent with 23 CFR 23 658.13(h) may operate without a permit provided the distance from the kingpin to the center of the rear axle is 46 feet or less.
3Semitrailers up to 53 feet in length may operate without a permit by conforming to a kingpin-to-rearmost axle distance of 41 feet, measured to the center of the rear tandem assembly. Semitrailers that are consistent with 23 CFR 658.13(h) may operate without a permit provided the distance from the kingpin to the center of the rear axle is 46 feet or less.
Note: The National Truck Network is the composite of the individual network of highways from each state on which vehicles authorized by the Surface Transportation Assistance Act of 1982 are allowed to operate.
Source: U.S. Department of Transportation, Federal Highway Administration, Truck Size and Weight, Route Designations - Length, Width and Weight Limitations, Code of Federal Regulations, Title 23, Part 658.
