Rhode Island sets vehicle length and heavy-load travel rules

Vehicles, including their loads, may be up to 45 feet long, except Rhode Island public transit authority articulated buses. The limit applies to vehicles and their loads on roads covered by the chapter, except the authority’s articulated buses. The 45-foot limit includes front and rear bumpers.

The transportation department may issue annual blanket permits for eligible loads moved within Rhode Island. The department may issue permits for in-state moves of non-divisible construction equipment, boats, or marine assets. The permit holder must follow the permit’s limits and carry its documents. The $400 fee covers eligible non-divisible construction equipment, boats, or marine assets under 130,000 pounds; it does not waive permit rules. Loads may be 55 to 80 feet long, up to 12 feet 4 inches wide, and up to 130,000 pounds, with axle weight up to 25,000 pounds. The permit lasts no more than one year. Travel depends on weather and road conditions, is barred on two named bridges and through construction zones with reduced lane widths, and has weekday rush-hour and holiday limits for vehicles over 10 feet wide, 80 feet long, or 130,000 pounds. A blanket permit may last no more than one year.

Certain farm vehicles and machinery are exempt from listed size, length, and weight limits when incidentally operated on a highway. The exemptions cover the listed farm vehicles and machinery during incidental highway use. Farm vehicles and tractors, and temporarily moved machinery, are exempt from the listed width, length, and load-extension limits. Farm vehicles hauling non-divisible farm machinery are also exempt from listed axle and tandem-weight limits. These exemptions do not allow travel on a road or structure restricted for the vehicle’s load.