Delaware Truck Weight and Size Limits
Legal limits for a truck in Delaware without a permit: Interstate axle and gross weights, height, width, and semitrailer length, each with its official source.
Delaware limits at a glance
| Limit | Delaware | 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 | 13 ft 6 in | 21 Del. C. §§ 4502(b)(2), 4503(b)(1) |
| Semitrailer length | 53 ft on Interstate, federal-aid primary, and U.S. numbered routes | 21 Del. C. § 4503(b)(2) |
| Grandfathered semitrailer length | 53 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 Delaware 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 Delaware's Interstate limits.
Your result
Delaware limits off the Interstate
FHWA's summary of Delaware 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. on Interstates and U.S. numbered routes / 22,400 lbs. on all other highways
- Tandem axle
- 34,000 lbs. on Interstates and U.S. numbered routes / 36,000 lbs. on all other highways
- Tridem axle
- 60,000 lbs. for SU vehicles on all other highways
- Gross weight
- 2 axle GVW: 40,000 lbs. / 3 axle GVW: 54,000 lbs. on Interstates and U.S. numbered routes / 65,000 lbs. on all other highways* / 4 axle GVW: 74,000 lbs. on Interstates and U.S. numbered routes / 73,280 on all other highways / 5 axle GVW: 80,000 lbs.
Where Delaware allows more than federal limits
- Delaware State law allows a single axle load of up to 22,400 lbs. and a tandem axle load of 36,000 lbs. on all highways that are not Interstates or U.S. numbered routes.
- State law provides exemptions and tolerances for certain agricultural vehicles.
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: 13 ft 6 in. There is no federal height limit; each state sets its own.
- Semitrailer length: 53 ft on Interstate, federal-aid primary, and U.S. numbered routes
- Grandfathered semitrailer length: 53 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. Delaware oversize/overweight permits (302-744-2700).
Delaware compared with neighboring states
| State | Gross | Single | Tandem | Height | Semitrailer |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Delaware | 80,000 lb | 20,000 lb | 34,000 lb | 13 ft 6 in | 53 ft on Interstate, federal-aid prima… |
| Maryland | 80,000 lb | 20,000 lb | 34,000 lb | 13 ft 6 in | 48 ft |
| New Jersey | 80,000 lb | Pending | 34,000 lb | Pending | Pending |
| Pennsylvania | 80,000 lb | 20,000 lb | 34,000 lb | 13 ft 6 in | 53 ft |
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: Delaware · 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: 21 Del. C. § 4503(b)(2) · 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 Delaware before you run a load near the limits. Page data last verified Sep 28, 2026.