Department of Transportation
RIDOT
Rhode Island • United States of America
The Rhode Island Department of Transportation (RIDOT) manages approximately 6,400 lane miles of roads in the nation's smallest state, yet a strategically located one on the I-95 Northeast Corridor between Providence and Boston. Key freight routes include I-95, I-195, I-295, and US-1. RIDOT manages over 1,000 bridges, many of which are aging infrastructure requiring careful weight limit management. Despite its small size, Rhode Island plays an important role in regional freight distribution, with the Port of Providence handling petroleum, scrap metal, and other bulk commodities. The department administers commercial vehicle permits and provides travel information services for truckers.
| Official Website | https://www.ridot.net/ |
|---|---|
| Data API | http://www.dot.ri.gov/ |
| Founded | 1934 |
| Headquarters | Providence |
Available Data
Social Media
- @RIDOTNews — RIDOTNews
Rhode Island 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 | 22400 lbs |
| Tandem Axle | 36000 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
Spring weight restrictions are posted on state and local roads, typically March through April.
Weigh Station Bypass
34¢/gal
Member
Special Exemptions
Notable Rules
Rhode Island allows higher axle weights on paved state roads (22,400 lbs single, 36,000 lbs tandem). The smallest US state by area, RI is primarily a freight pass-through. I-95 is the critical corridor. The Port of Providence handles bulk cargo. Many aging bridges have posted weight limits — verify bridge ratings when routing oversized loads.
Sources
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