Department of Transportation
NCDOT
North Carolina • United States of America
The North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT) manages over 80,000 miles of roads — the second largest state-maintained highway system in the US — serving a rapidly growing state with a diverse freight economy. Key freight corridors include I-85, I-95, I-40, I-77, and US-74. North Carolina's ports at Wilmington and Morehead City, combined with the Charlotte-Douglas International Airport cargo hub, make freight connectivity a strategic priority. NCDOT administers commercial vehicle permits, manages over 13,000 bridges, and operates the DriveNC.gov system for real-time traffic information. The department also coordinates with eastern seaboard states on freight corridor improvements.
| Official Website | https://www.ncdot.gov/ |
|---|---|
| Data API | https://drivenc.gov/ |
| Founded | 1915 |
| Headquarters | Charlotte |
Available Data
Social Media
- @NCDOT — NCDOT
North Carolina Trucking Regulations
Size & weight limits, OS/OW permits, and seasonal restrictions for commercial vehicles
Weight Limits
| Category | Limit |
|---|---|
| Max Gross Vehicle Weight | 80000 lbs |
| Single Axle | 20000 lbs |
| Tandem Axle | 38000 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
Weigh Station Bypass
40¢/gal
Member
Special Exemptions
Notable Rules
North Carolina allows a higher tandem axle weight (38,000 lbs) on non-Interstate state roads — significantly above the federal standard of 34,000 lbs. Charlotte and the Triad (Greensboro/Winston-Salem/High Point) are major freight centers. The Outer Banks coastal bridges have weight restrictions. I-85, I-40, and I-77 are primary freight corridors. US-74 connects Charlotte to the Wilmington port.
Sources
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