Massachusetts Truck Weight and Size Limits
Legal limits for a truck in Massachusetts without a permit: Interstate axle and gross weights, height, width, and semitrailer length, each with its official source.
Massachusetts limits at a glance
| Limit | Massachusetts | 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 | 22,400 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 | Mass. Gen. Laws ch. 90, § 19 |
| Semitrailer length | 53 ft (no overall length limit when the semitrailer is 53 ft or less) | Mass. Gen. Laws ch. 90, § 19 |
| 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").
Massachusetts allows 22,400 lb on a single axle spaced 6 ft or more from the next axle, on all highways. FHWA lists 36,000 lb tandem and 127,400 lb gross as grandfathered on the Massachusetts Turnpike (I-90) only.
Grandfathered: up to 127,400 lb GVW, 22,400 lb single, and 36,000 lb tandem on the Massachusetts Turnpike (I-90).
FHWA on Massachusetts: Massachusetts has a grandfather provision under Federal law (23 CFR Part 658, Appendix C) to allow vehicles to operate up to 22,400 lbs. on a single axle, 36,000 lbs. on a tandem axle, and 127,400 lbs. GVW on parts of the Interstate system (the Massachusetts Turnpike). See the Routes section for a full description of the routes to which this grandfather provision applies.
Bridge formula check with Massachusetts 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 Massachusetts's Interstate limits.
Your result
Massachusetts limits off the Interstate
FHWA's summary of Massachusetts 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
- 18,000 lbs. on non-Interstate highways if axles are spaced less than 6 ft. apart / 22,400 lbs. on all highways if axles are spaced 6 ft. or more apart
- Tandem axle
- 34,000 lbs.
- Tridem axle
- Per State weight table
- Gross weight
- 80,000 lbs.
- Other
- 800 lbs. per inch of tire (Mass. Gen. Laws Ann. ch. 85, §30)
Where Massachusetts allows more than federal limits
- Massachusetts State statute allows for several axle and GVW exemptions for various types of vehicles and commodities.
- Massachusetts State statute allows tolerances for axle weights and/or GVW.
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 (no overall length limit when the semitrailer is 53 ft or less)
- 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. Massachusetts oversize/overweight permits (781-431-5148).
Massachusetts compared with neighboring states
| State | Gross | Single | Tandem | Height | Semitrailer |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Massachusetts | 80,000 lb | 22,400 lb | 34,000 lb | 13 ft 6 in | 53 ft |
| Connecticut | 80,000 lb | 22,400 lb | 36,000 lb | Pending | Pending |
| New Hampshire | 80,000 lb | 20,000 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 |
| Vermont | 80,000 lb | Pending | Pending | 13 ft 6 in | 53 ft on the Interstate and qualifying… |
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: Massachusetts · 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: Mass. Gen. Laws ch. 90, § 19 · 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 Massachusetts before you run a load near the limits. Page data last verified Sep 28, 2026.