Louisiana Truck Weight and Size Limits
Legal limits for a truck in Louisiana 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/louisiana
Louisiana limits at a glance
| Limit | Louisiana | 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 | Pending verification | FHWA, Compilation of Existing State Truck Size and Weight Limit Laws (Report to Congress, May 2015), Appendix A: Louisiana |
| Semitrailer length | Pending verification | FHWA, Compilation of Existing State Truck Size and Weight Limit Laws (Report to Congress, May 2015), Appendix A: Louisiana |
| Grandfathered semitrailer length | 59 ft 6 in | 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").
FHWA on Louisiana: Sugarcane: The Secretary issues annual special permits to persons who operate trucks that haul sugarcane. These permits allow up to 100,000 lbs. gross vehicle weight on any State-maintained highway, including Interstate highways, for up to 100 days. Beginning August 1, 2012, the Secretary may not issue an annual special permit to any owner or operator of a vehicle hauling sugarcane who has not added an additional single axle with dual mounted tires on the sugarcane trailer for a total of six axles for the vehicle and trailer combination. (La. Rev. Stat. Ann. §32-387.7)
Bridge formula check with Louisiana 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 Louisiana's Interstate limits.
Your result
Louisiana limits off the Interstate
FHWA's summary of Louisiana 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. / 18,000 lbs. on high pressure or solid rubber tires
- Tandem axle
- 34,000 lbs. / 32,000 lbs. on high pressure or solid rubber tires
- Tridem axle
- 42,000 lbs.
- Gross weight
- 80,000 lbs. / 83,400 lbs. for vehicle combinations with tridum or quadrum axles on Interstate highways / 88,000 lbs. for vehicle combinations with tridum or quadrum axles on non-Interstate highways
- Other
- Axle tolerances on non-Interstate highways: additional 2,000 lbs. for single axles and 3,000 lbs. for tandem, tridem, or quadrum axles / Quadrum axle: 50,000 lbs. / 650 lbs. per inch width of tire
Where Louisiana allows more than federal limits
- Louisiana allows axle tolerances on non-Interstate highways: an additional 2,000 lbs. for single axles and 3,000 lbs. for tandum, tridum, or quadrum axles.
- Vehicles with a tridum or quadrum axle are allowed up to 88,000 lbs. GVW on any non-Interstate State highway and 83,400 lbs. GVW on Interstates.
- Louisiana State statute allows for several axle and GVW exemptions for various types of vehicles and commodities.
- Several bulk commodities are exempt from the FBF in Louisiana.
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: 59 ft 6 in. 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. Louisiana oversize/overweight permits (225-343-2345 or 800-654-1433).
Louisiana compared with neighboring states
| State | Gross | Single | Tandem | Height | Semitrailer |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Louisiana | 80,000 lb | 20,000 lb | 34,000 lb | Pending | Pending |
| Arkansas | 80,000 lb | 20,000 lb | 34,000 lb | 14 ft | Pending |
| Mississippi | 80,000 lb | 20,000 lb | 34,000 lb | Pending | Pending |
| Texas | 80,000 lb | 20,000 lb | 34,000 lb | 14 ft | 59 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: Louisiana · 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 Louisiana before you run a load near the limits. Page data last verified Sep 28, 2026.