OSOW General Information
Indiana law states that drivers must obtain an oversize and/or overweight (OSOW) vehicle permit before traveling on Indiana roads if their vehicle exceeds:
- 13 feet 6 inches in height
- 8 feet 6 inches in width
- 53 feet (semi-tractor-semi-trailer combination) in length; or
- 80,000 pounds gross vehicle weight (subject to axle weights)
Two-vehicle combinations totaling 60 feet or more are not eligible for OSOW permits unless the vehicle is registered as a tractor trailer or one of the vehicles is a fifth-wheel travel trailer.
Most Indiana OSOW permits are issued by the Indiana Department of Revenue's (DOR) Motor Carrier Services (MCS), under the guidance and rules set by INDOT and in accordance with Indiana law. The Oversize/Overweight (OSOW) unit at MCS helps drivers make these loads non-divisible and properly marked to ensure the safety of all motorists. Also, MCS issues and collects civil penalties for OSOW violations issued by Indiana State Police (ISP).
In addition to obtaining a permit, drivers must follow signage, escort and other requirements. In some cases, loads are required to have an Indiana State Police escort. Requirements are listed on M-204, General Provisions of an Oversize/Overweight Vehicle Permit and M-204S, Special Provisions for Vehicle Permitting. A paper or electronic copy of the M-204 and, if applicable, the M-204S, must be kept with the OSOW permit.
Farm vehicles that meet the dimensions listed above and travel on any interstate in Indiana need an OSOW permit. Farm vehicles are not exempt from escort requirements on secondary roads. For more information on escort requirements, see Form M-204, General Provisions of an Oversize/Overweight Vehicle Permit.
Indiana Oversize Overweight Permitting System Overview
Motor carrier customers can apply for OSOW permits using our comprehensive system that features multiple ways to input destinations and the option to choose a pre-approved route or one of the system’s alternate routes to receive your permit immediately.
You can access our OSOW permitting system through motorcarrier.dor.in.gov. If you had an account for the previous system, you do not need to create a new account or login.
Gear up before applying for your next permit by:
- Viewing a demonstration
- Reading our quick start guide and the comprehensive online user guide
- Knowing how to import vehicles into the new system
- Watching these short video tutorials:
You may want to have the quick start guide and user guide available when applying for your first few permits.
For more information on the transition to the Indiana Oversize/Overweight Permitting System, read “Navigating the Change” and watch this informative video from Operations Manager Jay Erickson: