MO state page · Last reviewed 2026-05-25
Missouri Truck Weight Limits and Permit Sources Missouri truck weight and MoDOT motor carrier permit reference with cautious seasonal and fine status labels.
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; Missouri-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; Missouri-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; Missouri-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 Missouri Department of Transportation confirmed high Seasonal / frost No official statewide seasonal or frost weight restriction was confirmed during this review. No confirmed official source Needs official confirmation
not found in official review low Fine source Missouri Revised Statutes section 304.240 is the official source reviewed for vehicle weight penalty context. confirmed medium
Field-level reference data Regular weight limits Gross vehicle weight limit Federal Interstate gross limit is 80,000 lb; Missouri-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; Missouri-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; Missouri-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 Missouri Department of Transportation confirmed high Permit office name MoDOT Motor Carrier Services confirmed high Official permit URL MoDOT Motor Carrier Services permit source. confirmed high Online permit portal Use MoDOT Motor Carrier Services for current OS/OW permit access. inferred from official source medium Permit contact Use MoDOT MCS contact details 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 No official statewide seasonal or frost weight restriction was confirmed during this review. No confirmed official source Needs official confirmation
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. No confirmed official source Needs official confirmation
not found in official review low Official seasonal URL No confirmed official source Needs official confirmation
not found in official review low
Fines and enforcement Overweight fine structure Missouri Revised Statutes section 304.240 is the official source reviewed for vehicle weight penalty context. confirmed medium Overweight ticket notes Use RSMo section 304.240 and the issued citation before estimating a weight-violation penalty. inferred from official source medium Enforcement agency Missouri State Highway Patrol Commercial Vehicle Enforcement 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 Missouri State Highway Patrol Commercial Vehicle Enforcement is the reviewed official enforcement source. 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
Missouri is one of the most important freight hubs in the central United States — I-70 (Kansas City to St. Louis), I-44 (St. Louis to Oklahoma), and I-55 (St. Louis to Tennessee) create a multi-directional freight junction. MoDOT Motor Carrier Services administers oversize and overweight permits; Kansas City and St. Louis are major distribution and rail-transfer nodes, and over-legal loads moving through either metro area need route terms confirmed on the permit. Bridge weight postings on older structures along the Missouri River and its tributaries can be more restrictive than the Interstate baseline.
How to verify this yourself
Use MoDOT Motor Carrier Services for permit authority. For Kansas City or St. Louis metro routing, confirm specific road and bridge conditions on the permit. Verify legal weights with current Missouri official sources.
FAQ Where should I verify Missouri permit requirements? Use the official MoDOT Motor Carrier Services source linked on this page before moving over legal size or weight.
Are Missouri 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.
Are these weight figures valid for Missouri state routes and non-Interstate roads? 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.