Connecticut Axle Weight Limits

Maximum Legal Weight Allowed

Commercial Vehicle Limits in Connecticut

1. The Motor Vehicle Department issues registrations with a gross weight in accordance with the number of axles. Distribution of the weight, per axle, is the responsibility of the owner/lessor operator of the vehicle.
2. In all cases the weight on any single axle is not to exceed 22,400 pounds, or in the case of axles spaced less than 6 feet apart, 18,000 pounds per axle.

Weight Limits

Width – 102.37 inches  Height – 13 feet 6 inches 
Maximum Weight Practicable – 80,000 pounds on 5 axles with 51-feet between the first and last axle. 
Axle Weights – Axles spaced less than 6 feet apart 18,000 pounds per axle or axles spaced 6 feet or greater 22,400 pounds per axle.
Tires – Load per inch width of tire 600 pounds maximum. 
Single Unit – 2-axle vehicle 32,000 pounds, 36,000 pounds when axle weight does not exceed 18,000 pounds or 40,000 pounds when the wheelbase is 10 feet or more; 3-axle vehicle 53,800 pounds: 4-axle vehicle 67,400 pounds or 73,000 pounds permitted when the distance between the first and last axle is 28 feet or more: 5-axle vehicle 73,000 pounds. 
Tractor Semitrailer – 3-axle combination 58,400 pounds: 4-axle combination 67,400 pounds, if wheelbase is 28 feet or more 73,000 pounds: 5 or more axle combination 73,000 pounds. 
Gross Vehicle Weights Over 73,000 pounds – A maximum gross weight of 80,000 pounds is allowed when all the requirements of the Federal Bridge Formula are met.

Non-Divisible Single Trip Permit

Non-Divisible load permits are issued for one piece or item which cannot be separated into units of less weight without affecting the physical integrity of the load.

Single-Trip OS/OW Permit Information

The Department of Transportation is authorized to issue size and weight permits on a per trip basis during daylight hours for a three-day period. The State’s base permit fee is $30.00 with an additional $5.00 charge for all permits available via electronic means; if a carrier elects to have a Permit Service request a permit, there may also be an additional permit service fee not associated with the DOT.  To order a single-trip permit, order online at: www.cvisn.ct.gov

Maximum Permit Weight Allowed

Divisible Load Permits

Four (tri) axle single unit vehicles are allowed 67,400 pounds or 73,000 pounds when the distance between the first and last axle is 28 feet or more. However, the maximum gross vehicle weight is 73,000 pounds, no permit required, when the vehicle is engaged in construction work, transporting construction material or equipment to a construction project. Construction materials are defined as: sand, gravel, stone and concrete.

Divisible load permits are issued to the following types of vehicles:

Single Unit Permitted Vehicles

Tractor and Semi-Trailer Combinations

Note: at no time can vehicles exceed the Gross Vehicle Weight Rating

Source: http://www.ct.gov/dot/cwp/view.asp?a=1394&Q=58674
Source: https://www.ct.gov/dot/lib/dot/Documents/dpermits/DivisibleLoadPermitLimits-01.pdf
Source: Oversize.io