Transporting Commercial Motor Vehicles into Texas

This summary is not a complete text of Texas' laws governing commercial motor vehicles, nor is it written in the exact language of that law. It is intended as an informal educational tool.

Transportation of commercial motor vehicles into Texas is governed by the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT). We recommend that you contact TxDOT as soon as possible, to satisfy all requirements before attempting to bring such equipment into Texas. For a copy of the booklet General Information Covering Commercial Vehicle Operation in Texas, contact TxDOT's Vehicle Titles and Registration Division, (512) 465-7611.

To legally enter Texas, commercial vehicles or tractor-trailer combinations weighing 26,000 pounds or more, when fully loaded, must meet all three of the following requirements:

1. Apportioned plates, with the State of Texas shown on the vehicle's cab card, or the purchase of a temporary registration permit ("trip permit"). Permits for 72-hour trip permits cost $25.00; 144-hour permits cost $50.00; longer stays require the purchase of additional permits. Trip permits should be purchased in advance from the State of Texas' one-stop shop for motor carriers, (800) 299-1700 (press "1" from the main menu; press "7" from the second menu; press "2" from the third menu).
   
   NOTE: Commercial vehicles entering Texas from Mexico are restricted to the border commercial zones, and are not required to obtain permits if the vehicles are registered and licensed as required by Mexico, as evidenced by the display of a valid metal license plate. Mexican commercial vehicles not displaying valid license plates from Mexico may apply for a NAFTA annual permit to operate within the border commercial zones. The fees for NAFTA annual permits are based on the vehicle's classification and gross weight.
   
   Vehicles registered in Alaska and the Northwest Territories must purchase trip permits to enter Texas, because they do not have reciprocity agreements with Texas.
   
   Manitoba joined the International Registration Plan (IRP) in March 2001; Newfoundland, New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, Ontario, and Quebec joined the IRP in April 2001. Effective at this time, their commercial vehicles may display apportioned plates and will no longer be subject to permits or reciprocal agreements to enter Texas.
   
2. International Fuel Tax Agreement (IFTA) permit, or fuel trip permit. A carrier that is not an IFTA member must purchase a fuel trip permit (in lieu of the IFTA permit) before entering Texas. The fuel trip permit costs $50.00. For information on obtaining an IFTA permit or a fuel trip permit, call (800) 299-1700 (press "5" from the main menu).
   
3. Single state registration, to prove that the carrier's insurance is on file with TxDOT's Motor Carrier Division. For further information, call (800) 299-1700 (press "2" from the main menu).

Size and weight limitations in Texas

1. weight: 80,000 pounds
   
2. width: 102 inches
   
3. height: 14 feet
   
4. wheel load: 650 psi per inch-width of tire
   
5. length:
   • single vehicle or truck: 45 feet
     
   • truck and trailer combination: 65 feet
     
   • truck and semitrailer combination: trailer is limited to 59 feet, but combination length is unlimited
     
   • truck-tractor: unlimited
     
   • truck-tractor combination: unlimited, but trailer is limited to 59 feet
     
   • semitrailer, single unit: 59 feet
     
   • semitrailer, two trailers: 28 feet, 6 inches
     
   • front overhang: 3 feet
     
   • rear overhang: 4 feet
     
   • combination: no limit, but trailer is limited to 59 feet
     
   • semi-trailer: 59 feet
     
   • double trailer: 28 feet, 6 inches

For further information on size/weight limitations, or specifics on safety inspections, commercial driver licenses and other aspects of bringing rolling stock into Texas, please contact:

Texas Department of Public Safety
Customer Service
(800) 299-1700 (press "6" from the main menu)

Further Information
For more information about transportation of commercial motor vehicles into Texas, please contact:

Texas Department of Transportation
Vehicle Titles and Registration Division
(512) 465-7611
www.dot.state.tx.us
(follow the link for "Trucking and Vehicle Storage Facilities")