CO state page · Last reviewed 2026-05-25
Colorado Truck Weight Limits and Permit Sources Colorado truck weight reference with CDOT permit links, FHWA weight source, and seasonal-review status.
This page is a reference aid, not legal advice. Weight rules, permits, routes,
and penalties can change without notice; use the linked official source as the
final authority.
At-a-glance summary Field Value Source Status Confidence Gross Federal Interstate gross limit is 80,000 lb; Colorado-specific limits are in the FHWA state law compilation linked here. inferred from official source medium Single axle Federal Interstate single-axle limit is 20,000 lb; Colorado-specific limits are in the FHWA state law compilation linked here. inferred from official source medium Tandem axle Federal Interstate tandem limit is 34,000 lb; Colorado-specific limits are in the FHWA state law compilation linked here. inferred from official source medium Bridge formula Federal bridge formula checks apply on Interstate routes; verify state exceptions and permit conditions before movement. inferred from official source medium Permit agency Colorado Department of Transportation confirmed high Seasonal / frost Colorado route and chain/weather restrictions may affect movement; a statewide frost-law weight source was not confirmed in this review. not found in official review low Fine source Colorado Revised Statutes Title 42 is the official penalty source reviewed for size and weight citation context; the amount depends on the cited section and case facts. confirmed medium
Field-level reference data Regular weight limits Gross vehicle weight limit Federal Interstate gross limit is 80,000 lb; Colorado-specific limits are in the FHWA state law compilation linked here. inferred from official source medium Single axle limit Federal Interstate single-axle limit is 20,000 lb; Colorado-specific limits are in the FHWA state law compilation linked here. inferred from official source medium Tandem axle limit Federal Interstate tandem limit is 34,000 lb; Colorado-specific limits are in the FHWA state law compilation linked here. inferred from official source medium Bridge formula applies Federal bridge formula checks apply on Interstate routes; verify state exceptions and permit conditions before movement. inferred from official source medium Interstate notes Use FHWA Interstate limits together with the state source and any permit conditions. inferred from official source medium Non-Interstate notes Use the reviewed state source and local postings for non-Interstate operation. inferred from official source medium
Axle and loading notes Steer axle notes Steer axle review should include axle law, tire/equipment ratings, registration, and route postings. inferred from official source medium Drive axle notes Drive axle groups should be checked against tandem/group limits and permit terms. inferred from official source medium Trailer tandem notes Trailer tandem position changes distribution and may affect spacing-sensitive checks; re-weigh after adjustment. inferred from official source medium Fifth wheel notes Fifth-wheel movement redistributes weight but does not create permit authority. inferred from official source medium Bridge law notes Check FHWA bridge formula and the state source when axle spacing is close to a limit. inferred from official source medium
Oversize / overweight permits Permit agency Colorado Department of Transportation confirmed high Permit office name CDOT Truck Permits confirmed high Official permit URL CDOT truck permits page. confirmed high Online permit portal Use CDOT's official truck permit page for current online permit access. inferred from official source medium Permit contact Use CDOT permit contact links from the official source. inferred from official source medium Permit notes Permit terms, route conditions, dates, and vehicle configuration should be checked on the official permit source before travel. inferred from official source medium
Seasonal and special restrictions Frost / seasonal restriction Colorado route and chain/weather restrictions may affect movement; a statewide frost-law weight source was not confirmed in this review. not found in official review low Seasonal weight notes Colorado route, chain, and weather restrictions may affect movement; check CDOT permit materials for current route-level restrictions before travel. not found in official review low Official seasonal URL Colorado route and chain/weather restrictions may affect movement; a statewide frost-law weight source was not confirmed in this review. not found in official review low
Fines and enforcement Overweight fine structure Colorado Revised Statutes Title 42 is the official penalty source reviewed for size and weight citation context; the amount depends on the cited section and case facts. confirmed medium Overweight ticket notes Use the CRS Title 42 citation, the permit record, and Colorado State Patrol Port of Entry information before estimating any overweight penalty. inferred from official source medium Enforcement agency Colorado State Patrol Port of Entry confirmed medium Fine official URL Official fine or penalty source linked in Sources. confirmed medium CSA / safety notes CSA impact depends on inspection and reporting; use FMCSA SMS materials and the actual inspection record. inferred from official source medium
Scale notes Public scale notes A public scale ticket is a self-check record, not state permit authority. inferred from official source medium Weigh station / enforcement notes Colorado State Patrol Port of Entry is the reviewed official enforcement source for commercial vehicle size and weight checks. inferred from official source medium CAT Scale disclaimer CAT Scale tickets are private self-check records and do not replace official permits or enforcement decisions. inferred from official source medium Scale ticket notes Use steer, drive, trailer, and gross readings to compare against official limits before travel. inferred from official source medium
Colorado’s mountain freight corridors — I-70 through the Eisenhower-Johnson Tunnel and Vail Pass, US-50 through Monarch Pass, and US-160 through Wolf Creek Pass — carry restrictions that go beyond statutory weight limits. CDOT administers oversize and overweight permits; chain law and traction requirements on mountain passes are seasonal enforcement issues that overlap with but are separate from weight limits. The Eisenhower-Johnson Tunnel has specific height, hazmat, and in some conditions weight restrictions that apply to all vehicles regardless of permit status.
How to verify this yourself
Use CDOT truck permits for OS/OW authority. For I-70 mountain corridor trips, check CDOT traveler information for current chain law, closure, or tunnel restrictions before departure. Use FHWA’s state-law compilation only as a starting point for regular weight review.
FAQ Where should I verify Colorado permit requirements? Use the official CDOT Truck Permits source linked on this page before moving over legal size or weight.
Are Colorado seasonal restrictions fully confirmed here? No. This review did not confirm a statewide seasonal or frost source, so route and permit restrictions still need checking.
Do the weight values here cover Colorado non-Interstate roads, including mountain routes? The values shown are the federal Interstate baseline. State-specific non-Interstate limits are in the FHWA state law compilation linked here and may differ from the baseline.