Department of Transportation
MaineDOT
Maine • United States of America
The Maine Department of Transportation (MaineDOT) manages over 8,700 miles of state highways through a vast, mostly rural state with a significant forest products and seafood export economy. Key freight corridors include I-95 (the Maine Turnpike), I-295, US-1, and US-2. MaineDOT operates weigh stations and administers commercial vehicle permits critical for the timber, paper, and agricultural sectors. The department enforces strict weight limits to protect roads during spring thaw — known as 'mud season' — a critical period for freight operators. MaineDOT's 511ME system provides road conditions and traveler information for commercial drivers.
| Official Website | https://www.maine.gov/mdot/ |
|---|---|
| Founded | 1913 |
| Headquarters | Portland |
Available Data
Social Media
- @MaineDOT1 — MaineDOT
Maine Trucking Regulations
Size & weight limits, OS/OW permits, and seasonal restrictions for commercial vehicles
Weight Limits
| Category | Limit |
|---|---|
| Max Gross Vehicle Weight | 100000 lbs |
| Single Axle | 22400 lbs |
| Tandem Axle | 38000 lbs |
Dimensional Limits
| Category | Limit |
|---|---|
| Max Height | 13.5 ft |
| Max Width | 8.5 ft |
| Max Length (Single Unit) | 40 ft |
| Max Length (Combination) | 65 ft |
OS/OW Permits
Seasonal Restrictions Mar, Apr, May
Maine has significant spring weight restrictions ("mud season"), typically March through May on state and local roads. Restrictions can be severe on rural secondary roads. MaineDOT publishes an annual spring posting map. Timing varies by region and elevation — coastal areas lift restrictions earlier than inland/northern regions.
Weigh Station Bypass
31¢/gal
Member
Special Exemptions
Notable Rules
Maine allows higher GVW (up to 100,000 lbs) and axle weights (22,400 lbs single, 38,000 lbs tandem) on qualifying state routes. The forest products and logging industries are critical to Maine's economy and have shaped the state's truck weight laws. I-95 (Maine Turnpike) is the primary freight corridor. Many rural roads have seasonal or year-round weight restrictions due to road conditions.