Connecticut Truck Weight and Size Limits
Legal limits for a truck in Connecticut without a permit: Interstate axle and gross weights, height, width, and semitrailer length, each with its official source.
Data pending verification
Some official figures this page relies on haven't been confirmed against the source yet. Don't rely on results here until this notice is gone.
What's pending
- weight-limits/states/connecticut
Connecticut limits at a glance
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").
FHWA's exceptions table lists grandfathered limits of 22,400 lb single and 36,000 lb tandem at 80,000 lb gross. Connecticut's summary adds conditions: 22,400 lb applies to axles 6 ft or more apart (18,000 lb if closer), 36,000 lb to tandem axles less than 6 ft apart, and above 73,000 lb gross the first and last axles must be at least 51 ft apart.
Bridge formula check with Connecticut 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 Connecticut's Interstate limits.
Your result
Connecticut limits off the Interstate
FHWA's summary of Connecticut 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
- 22,400 lbs. per axle (if axles are spaced 6 feet apart or more) / 18,000 lbs. (if less than 6 feet apart)
- Tandem axle
- 36,000 lbs. (if axles of tandem are less than 6 feet apart)
- Tridem axle
- Per FBF
- Gross weight
- 73,000 lbs. or 80,000 lbs. and application of FBF*
Where Connecticut allows more than federal limits
- Connecticut allows 22,400 lbs. on a single axle and 42,500 lbs. on a tandem axle.
- Connecticut allows exemptions for certain commodities, including milk and refuse.
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: pending verification. There is no federal height limit; each state sets its own.
- Semitrailer length: pending verification.
- 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)).
Over these limits you need a permit. Connecticut oversize/overweight permits (860-594-2880).
Connecticut compared with neighboring states
| State | Gross | Single | Tandem | Height | Semitrailer |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Connecticut | 80,000 lb | 22,400 lb | 36,000 lb | Pending | Pending |
| Massachusetts | 80,000 lb | 22,400 lb | 34,000 lb | 13 ft 6 in | 53 ft |
| New York | 80,000 lb | 20,000 lb | 34,000 lb | Pending | Pending |
| Rhode Island | 80,000 lb | 22,400 lb | Pending | 13 ft 6 in | 53 ft |
Sources
Source: FHWA, Compilation of Existing State Truck Size and Weight Limit Laws (Report to Congress, May 2015), Appendices A and B · Effective Oct 1, 2012 · Last verified Sep 28, 2026
Source: FHWA, Compilation of Existing State Truck Size and Weight Limit Laws (Report to Congress, May 2015), Appendix A: Connecticut · 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: 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 Connecticut before you run a load near the limits. Page data last verified Sep 28, 2026.