California Truck Weight and Size Limits
Legal limits for a truck in California without a permit: Interstate axle and gross weights, height, width, and semitrailer length, each with its official source.
California limits at a glance
| Limit | California | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Interstate gross weight | 80,000 lb | 23 CFR 658.17, Weight (eCFR) |
| Interstate single axle | 20,000 lb | 23 CFR 658.17, Weight (eCFR) |
| Interstate tandem axle | 34,000 lb | 23 CFR 658.17, Weight (eCFR) |
| Width (National Network) | 102 in | 23 CFR 658.15, Width (eCFR) |
| Height | 14 ft (vehicles over 13 ft 6 in only on highways the operator deems safe) | Cal. Veh. Code § 35250 |
| Semitrailer length | 48 ft; up to 53 ft on the Interstate, qualifying federal-aid highways, and identified routes if the rearmost axle is 40 ft or less from the kingpin (38 ft for a single axle) | Cal. Veh. Code § 35401.5 |
| Grandfathered semitrailer length | 48 ft | 23 CFR part 658, Appendix B, Grandfathered Semitrailer Lengths (eCFR) |
Interstate weight limits
Federal law sets the Interstate limits at 20,000 lb on a single axle, 34,000 lb on a tandem, and 80,000 lb gross, with the bridge formula on every axle group (23 CFR 658.17). States may keep higher limits they had before the federal limits took effect ("grandfather rights").
Bridge formula check with California limits
A 5-axle tractor-trailer is filled in. Change the spacings and weights to match your rig; the limits for single axles, tandems, and gross are California's Interstate limits.
Your result
California limits off the Interstate
FHWA's summary of California law for trucks in regular operation (no permit), including non-Interstate highways. It reflects state law as of October 1, 2012; check the state for later changes.
- Single axle
- 20,000 lbs. / Alternative method of computation: 18,000 lbs. / Alternative method of computation, limit on steering axle: 12,500 lbs.
- Tandem axle
- 34,000 lbs. / Alternative method of computation: 33,600 lbs.
- Tridem axle
- Not defined in statute but subject to provisions
- Gross weight
- 80,000 lbs. / Alternative method of computation: 76,800 lbs.
Where California allows more than federal limits
- Log trucks are allowed to exceed the Federal limit for tandem axles of 34,000 lbs. by 1,500 lbs.
- Between September 15 and March 15 each year, cotton trucks that meet certain criteria are allowed an additional 6,000 lbs. above the Federal limit of 34,000 lbs. for tandem axles.
Height, width, and length
- Width: 102 inches. States may not set a width limit of more or less than 102 inches on the National Network (23 CFR 658.15(a)). Permits can allow wider loads.
- Height: 14 ft (vehicles over 13 ft 6 in only on highways the operator deems safe). There is no federal height limit; each state sets its own.
- Semitrailer length: 48 ft; up to 53 ft on the Interstate, qualifying federal-aid highways, and identified routes if the rearmost axle is 40 ft or less from the kingpin (38 ft for a single axle)
- Grandfathered semitrailer length: 48 ft. The minimum semitrailer length the state must allow in a tractor-semitrailer combination on the National Network, based on lengths legal in the state on December 1, 1982. Federal law also requires at least 48 ft (23 CFR 658.13(b)(1)). Semitrailers up to 53 ft may also operate without a permit with a kingpin-to-rearmost-axle distance of 38 ft.
Over these limits you need a permit. California oversize/overweight permits (916-322-1297).
California compared with neighboring states
| State | Gross | Single | Tandem | Height | Semitrailer |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| California | 80,000 lb | 20,000 lb | 34,000 lb | 14 ft | 48 ft |
| Arizona | 80,000 lb | 20,000 lb | 34,000 lb | 13 ft 6 in | 57 ft 6 in |
| Nevada | 80,000 lb | 20,000 lb | 34,000 lb | 14 ft | Pending |
| Oregon | 80,000 lb | 20,000 lb | 34,000 lb | 14 ft | Pending |
Sources
Source: 23 CFR 658.17, Weight (eCFR) · Last verified Sep 28, 2026
Source: FHWA, Compilation of Existing State Truck Size and Weight Limit Laws (Report to Congress, May 2015), Appendix A: California · Effective Oct 1, 2012 · Last verified Sep 28, 2026
Source: 23 CFR 658.15, Width (eCFR) · Last verified Sep 28, 2026
Source: 23 CFR part 658, Appendix B, Grandfathered Semitrailer Lengths (eCFR) · Last verified Sep 28, 2026
Source: Cal. Veh. Code § 35401.5 · Last verified Sep 28, 2026
Source: Cal. Veh. Code § 35250 · Last verified Sep 28, 2026
Source: FHWA, Oversize/Overweight Load Permits: State permit contacts · Last verified Sep 28, 2026
Limits change, and cities, counties, and posted bridges can set lower ones. Check with California before you run a load near the limits. Page data last verified Sep 28, 2026.