Department of Transportation
Iowa DOT
Iowa • United States of America
The Iowa Department of Transportation manages approximately 9,400 miles of state highways through the nation's leading agricultural state, making it one of the most freight-intensive highway systems in the country. Iowa's road network — anchored by I-80, I-35, I-380, and US-30 — carries massive volumes of corn, soybeans, pork, and processed food products. The Iowa DOT administers the state's commercial vehicle permit and registration systems, enforces seasonal weight limits to protect roads during spring thaw, and provides the 511IA travel information system for truckers. The department also manages the Commercial Vehicle Information Systems and Networks (CVISN) program.
| Official Website | https://iowadot.gov/ |
|---|---|
| Data API | https://www.511ia.org/ |
| Founded | 1913 |
| Headquarters | Des Moines |
Available Data
Social Media
- @statewideia511 — Statewide Iowa 511
Iowa Trucking Regulations
Size & weight limits, OS/OW permits, and seasonal restrictions for commercial vehicles
Weight Limits
| Category | Limit |
|---|---|
| Max Gross Vehicle Weight | 95500 lbs |
| Single Axle | 20000 lbs |
| Tandem Axle | 34000 lbs |
Dimensional Limits
| Category | Limit |
|---|---|
| Max Height | 13.6 ft |
| Max Width | 8.5 ft |
| Max Length (Single Unit) | 40 ft |
| Max Length (Combination) | 65 ft |
OS/OW Permits
Seasonal Restrictions Feb, Mar, Apr
Spring weight restrictions are posted on Iowa primary and secondary highways, typically February through April. Iowa DOT coordinates postings with county engineers. Posted roads carry reduced weight limits during the frost thaw period. Check the Iowa DOT 511 system for current postings.
Weigh Station Bypass
33¢/gal
Member
Special Exemptions
Notable Rules
Iowa allows GVW up to 95,500 lbs on qualifying Iowa primary highways for 5+ axle vehicles — significantly above the federal Interstate standard. I-80 traverses the state east-west and is one of the highest-volume freight corridors in the country. Des Moines is the primary freight hub. Iowa is a major agricultural state with heavy grain and livestock transport demand.