Carriers operating in South Dakota must ensure that they are operating within the maximum length, height, width and axle limitations and that they meet South Dakota bridge and weight laws. Information can be obtained by contacting the following agency or visiting the South Dakota Highway Patrol Motor Carrier Services web page at: http://hp.state.sd.us/oversize.htm

Below is a brief synopsis of size & weight regulations. For complete information and illustrations, please refer to the SD Motor Carrier Handbook, Chapter 4: Permits.

Vehicle Size Regulations

Height Limitations
The maximum height for any vehicle, including load, is 14 feet.

Exceptions:
1. A vehicle with a load of baled hay is permissible up to 14 feet 3 inches
2. Farm Machinery and Fire Equipment: No Height Limit

Width Limitations
The maximum width of any vehicle is 102 inches (8 feet 6 inches).

Exception:
1. Farm Machinery Operated by a Farmer: No Width Limitation except on the interstate system (daylight hours only)

Length Limitations
Length limitations are illustrated in Table 5. Unless specifically addressed, the length limits shown only apply to the vehicle, and do not apply to the load carried on it. They are exclusive of the load overhang, retractable extensions used to support loads, and safety or energy conservation devices such as mirrors, turn signal lamps, hand holds, flexible fender extensions, and mud flaps. Retractable extensions must be retracted if not being used to support overhanging loads.

Overhang
Loads or retractable extensions on any vehicle may not extend more than four feet beyond the rear bumper, bed or body, or more than three feet beyond the front bumper, bed or body of the vehicle carrying the load.

Vehicle Weight Regulations

Axle Group Limitations
The maximum allowable weight for all individual axles and axle groups is limited by statute:

Group Type - Maximum Allowable Weight Single Axles - 20,000 pounds Tandem Axles - 34,000 pounds Tridem Axles - 42,000 pounds Other Axle Groups - based on the Bridge Weight Formula.

Tire Limitations
The weight supported on a tire may not exceed 600 pounds per inch width of tire, if that tire is on:

• A steering axle;
• An axle equipped with dual tires; or
• A trailer towed by a vehicle with a Gross Vehicle Weight Rating of 11,000 pounds or less.

The weight supported by tires mounted on other axles may not exceed 500 pounds per inch width of tire.