TxDMV issues annual over axle/over gross weight tolerance permits for the movement of divisible commodities. Vehicles, alone or in combination, may exceed the allowable axle weight by a tolerance of 10 percent and may exceed the gross weight by a tolerance of five percent. Tolerances are above the maximum allowed for the particular vehicle or combination and are enforced based on the "outer bridge" distance, not the vehicle's registered weight. This permit does not exempt any owner, motor carrier, operator, or driver from complying with any statute, regulation, rule, order, or other legal requirement not specifically referenced in Transportation Code, Section 623.011 or 43 Texas Administrative Code, Section 219.30.
Vehicles and/or vehicle combinations may not exceed Texas legal size limits.
Note: Vehicles moving under this permit may travel on county roads and state-maintained roadways, excluding the Interstate Highway System, in those counties selected on the permit application.
If any segment in the State of Texas of United States Route 59, United States Route 77, United States Route 281, United States Route 84, Texas State Highway 44, or another roadway is designated as Interstate Route 69, a vehicle that could operate legally on that segment with this permit type before the date of the designation may continue to operate on that segment, without regard to any requirement under 23 U.S.C. 127(n).
NOTE: You must verify the size and weight limits needed BEFORE seeking a special permit.
Operating Authority Requirements
Prior to being issued a permit, you must have an Over Axle/Over Gross Weight Tolerance Permit Bond (Form 1753) in the amount of $15,000 or an Irrevocable Letter of Credit on file with TxDMV.
During the permit application process, you must provide your USDOT Number. TxDMV will check the number against the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) system, MCMIS, for any out-of-service orders prior to permit issuance. The permit will be issued to the company name as it is listed for the USDOT Number.
An original copy of the bond must be on file with TxDMV. An electronic copy will not be accepted.
Additional Requirements
You may not operate your vehicle on a load-posted bridge if the gross weight of the vehicle and load, or the axles and wheel loads, are greater than the established and posted limits, unless the bridge provides the only public vehicular access to or from your origin or destination.
How to Apply
You may also download the Over Axle and Over Gross Weight Tolerance Permit Application (MCD-1751) and submit by mail to the address listed on the application form.
Prior to being issued a permit, you must have an Over Axle/Over Gross Weight Tolerance Permit Bond (Form 1753) in the amount of $15,000 or an Irrevocable Letter of Credit on file with TxDMV.
An original copy of the bond must be on file with TxDMV. An electronic copy will not be accepted.
Fees & Payment Information
The annual permit fee includes a base fee of $90 and an administration fee of $5, plus a county fee based on the number of counties applied for. See table below:
Number of Counties | County Fee | Total Fee |
---|---|---|
1-5 | $175 | $270 |
6-20 | $250 | $345 |
21-40 | $450 | $545 |
41-60 | $625 | $720 |
61-80 | $800 | $895 |
81-100 | $900 | $995 |
101-254 | $1,000 | $1,095 |
Fees are payable by:
- MasterCard, VISA, Discover or American Express (a service charge of 25 cents per permit plus 2.25 percent will be added.)
- Automated Clearing House (ACH) – Electronic Check (only accepted when ordering online through TxPROS)
- Personal check, business check, cashier's check or money order, payable to the Texas Department of Motor Vehicles (for mail applications only)
A permit fee will not be refunded after the permit number has been issued unless such refund is necessary to correct an error made by the Motor Carrier Division.