Leading Permitting Practices that Harmonize Enforcement of Divisible Load Permits across Jurisdictions

A February 2023 workshop with industry and state representatives identified challenges related to inconsistent interpretation and enforcement of divisible load requirements. Although 23 CFR 658.5 provides a definition of “divisible load,” both industry and state agencies report variation in how the definition is applied across states and, in some cases, within the same state. Some states provide written guidance for operators and enforcement personnel, while others offer limited or no formal documentation. These differences can create operational challenges, including route adjustments, additional travel time, increased fuel use, parking constraints, and scheduling complications. Operators may also receive citations in one jurisdiction for loads that are permitted in another. This scan will examine how divisible load requirements are interpreted and enforced across states, counties, metropolitan areas, municipalities, and other transportation agencies. It will document differences in practice, explore factors contributing to those differences, and incorporate input from industry partners regarding cross-jurisdictional challenges and potential solutions.

• Record URL:
  • http://apps.trb.org/cmsfeed/TRBNetProjectDisplay.asp?ProjectID=6022
• Supplemental Notes:
  • Contract to a Performing Organization has not yet been awarded.

Language

• English

Project

• Status: Proposed
• Funding: $150,000.00
• Contract Numbers:

  Project 20-68, Scan 26-05

• Sponsor Organizations:

  National Cooperative Highway Research Program

  Transportation Research Board
  500 Fifth Street, NW
  Washington, DC  United States  20001

  American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials (AASHTO)

  444 North Capitol Street, NW
  Washington, DC  United States  20001

  Federal Highway Administration

  1200 New Jersey Avenue, SE
  Washington, DC  United States  20590
• Project Managers:

  Irvin, Deborah

• Start Date: 20260316
• Expected Completion Date: 0
• Actual Completion Date: 0

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Load limits; Oversize loads; Overweight loads; Permits; Traffic law enforcement
• Subject Areas: Freight Transportation; Motor Carriers; Planning and Forecasting; Policy;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 01982447
• Record Type: Research project
• Source Agency: Transportation Research Board
• Contract Numbers: Project 20-68, Scan 26-05
• Files: TRB, RIP
• Created Date: Mar 17 2026 2:58PM