Maryland Truck Weight and Size Limits
Legal limits for a truck in Maryland without a permit: Interstate axle and gross weights, height, width, and semitrailer length, each with its official source.
Maryland limits at a glance
| Limit | Maryland | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Interstate gross weight | 80,000 lb | FHWA, Compilation of Existing State Truck Size and Weight Limit Laws (Report to Congress, May 2015), Appendices A and B |
| Interstate single axle | 20,000 lb | FHWA, Compilation of Existing State Truck Size and Weight Limit Laws (Report to Congress, May 2015), Appendices A and B |
| Interstate tandem axle | 34,000 lb | FHWA, Compilation of Existing State Truck Size and Weight Limit Laws (Report to Congress, May 2015), Appendices A and B |
| Width (National Network) | 102 in | 23 CFR 658.15, Width (eCFR) |
| Height | 13 ft 6 in | Md. Code, Transp. § 24-104 |
| Semitrailer length | 48 ft (single semitrailer with a truck tractor; no overall length limit) | Md. Code, Transp. § 24-104.1(i) |
| 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").
Single axles may carry 22,400 lb only when the registered GVW is 73,000 lb or less; heavier trucks are held to 20,000 lb.
Grandfathered: four-axle dump trucks on I-68 in Garrett and Allegany Counties are exempt from federal axle and bridge formula limits.
FHWA on Maryland: Maryland has a grandfather provision under Federal law (23 CFR Part 127) that exempts four-axle dump trucks registered in the State for "dump service registration" from Federal single-axle, tandem-axle, and bridge formula limits. These vehicles may only operate under this exemption on Interstate Route 68 in Garrett and Allegany counties. Also, a DSR vehicle is not subject to the gross weight or FBF unless it exceeds its maximum registered gross weight by 10 percent or one of its axles is not carrying at least 15 percent of the vehicle's total gross weight (Code of Maryland Regulations Title 11, Chapter 15 §13-919).
Bridge formula check with Maryland 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 Maryland's Interstate limits.
Your result
Maryland limits off the Interstate
FHWA's summary of Maryland 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. (if more than 73,000 lbs. GVW*) / 22,400 lbs. (if 73,000 lbs. GVW or less)
- Tandem axle
- 34,000 lbs.
- Tridem axle
- Per State weight table
- Gross weight
- 80,000 lbs.
Where Maryland allows more than federal limits
- Maryland allows 22,400 lbs. on a single axle if the vehicle has a GVW of 73,000 lbs. or less.
- Maryland allows several commodity exemptions and tolerances.
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: 48 ft (single semitrailer with a truck tractor; no overall length limit)
- 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. Maryland oversize/overweight permits (800-846-6435).
Maryland compared with neighboring states
| State | Gross | Single | Tandem | Height | Semitrailer |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Maryland | 80,000 lb | 20,000 lb | 34,000 lb | 13 ft 6 in | 48 ft |
| Delaware | 80,000 lb | 20,000 lb | 34,000 lb | 13 ft 6 in | 53 ft on Interstate, federal-aid prima… |
| District of Columbia | Pending | Pending | Pending | Pending | Pending |
| Pennsylvania | 80,000 lb | 20,000 lb | 34,000 lb | 13 ft 6 in | 53 ft |
| Virginia | 80,000 lb | 20,000 lb | 34,000 lb | 13 ft 6 in | 48 ft |
| West Virginia | 80,000 lb | 20,000 lb | 34,000 lb | 13 ft 6 in | 48 ft on the National Network and desi… |
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: Maryland · 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: Md. Code, Transp. § 24-104.1(i) · Last verified Sep 28, 2026
Source: Md. Code, Transp. § 24-104 · 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 Maryland before you run a load near the limits. Page data last verified Sep 28, 2026.