MD state page · Last reviewed 2026-05-25

Maryland Truck Weight Limits and Permit Sources

Maryland truck weight reference with official permit links, FHWA weight source tracking, and conservative seasonal and fine status labels.

At-a-glance summary

Field Value Source Status Confidence
Gross Federal Interstate gross limit is 80,000 lb; Maryland-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; Maryland-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; Maryland-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 Maryland State Highway Administration confirmed high
Seasonal / frost No official statewide seasonal or frost weight restriction was confirmed during this review. not found in official review low
Fine source Maryland Transportation section 24-111 is the official statute reviewed for weight-related penalties. confirmed medium

Field-level reference data

Regular weight limits

Gross vehicle weight limit Federal Interstate gross limit is 80,000 lb; Maryland-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; Maryland-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; Maryland-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 Maryland State Highway Administration confirmed high
Permit office name Maryland SHA Hauling Permits confirmed high
Official permit URL Maryland SHA hauling permit source. confirmed high
Online permit portal Use Maryland SHA Hauling Permits official source for current online filing or portal links. inferred from official source medium
Permit contact Use contact information published by Maryland SHA Hauling Permits. 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 No official statewide seasonal or frost weight restriction was confirmed during this review. not found in official review low
Seasonal weight notes Local route, bridge, or permit restrictions may still apply; no statewide seasonal weight restriction was confirmed in this review. not found in official review low
Official seasonal URL not found in official review low

Fines and enforcement

Overweight fine structure Maryland Transportation section 24-111 is the official statute reviewed for weight-related penalties. confirmed medium
Overweight ticket notes Use Maryland Transportation section 24-111 and the actual citation before estimating penalties. inferred from official source medium
Enforcement agency Maryland State Police Commercial Vehicle Enforcement Division 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 Compare scale readings with official limits, route postings, and any permit terms. 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

Maryland’s I-95 corridor through Baltimore is one of the highest-volume freight corridors on the East Coast; the Baltimore Harbor Tunnel and Fort McHenry Tunnel both carry hazmat and height restrictions that overlap with, but are separate from, weight enforcement. SHA (State Highway Administration) administers hauling permits, and Baltimore-area routes require particular attention to posted bridge limits on approach roads to port and warehouse facilities. Seasonal and weekend restrictions on certain Maryland routes can also affect load timing.

How to verify this yourself

Open Maryland SHA hauling permit materials for OS/OW moves and check tunnel and bridge restrictions for Baltimore-area routes separately. Confirm ordinary legal weights through current Maryland official materials.

FAQ

Where should I verify Maryland permit requirements?

Use the official Maryland SHA Hauling Permits source linked on this page before moving over legal size or weight.

Are Maryland seasonal restrictions confirmed here?

No. This review did not confirm a statewide seasonal or frost source, so route and permit restrictions still need checking.

Are Maryland overweight fines confirmed here?

No. A specific official fine schedule was not confirmed in this review.