On March 30, 2025, the Missouri Department of Transportation amended the regulatory requirements applicable to the transportation of over-sized loads within the state.   This modernization project increased dimensional thresholds and streamlined civilian escort requirements, increased off-peak system accessibility for nighttime and weekend travel, and simplified holiday restriction applicability.

Building on the success of that effort—and coupled with the resounding commitment to highway safety demonstrated by specialized carriers—the Missouri Department of Transportation is now advancing a pilot program to streamline the applicability of law enforcement escorts for superload transportation beginning January 1, 2026.

To support the efficient movement of goods and equipment across Missouri and to more closely harmonize with the regulatory framework of adjacent states, this pilot will exercise the following administrative discretion:

• 7 CSR 10-25.020(15)G5A – The threshold for law enforcement escorts for overwidth loads on two-lane highways is currently 16’ and will now apply when the load exceeds 18’ in width.
• 7 CSR 10-25.020(15)G5C – The threshold for law enforcement escorts for overlength loads on all highways is currently 150’ and will now apply when the load exceeds 200’ in length.
• 7 CSR 10-25.020(15)G5D – The threshold for law enforcement escorts for overheight loads on all highways is currently 17’ and will now apply when the load exceeds 18’ in height.

This pilot will be monitored throughout the 2026 calendar year to identify any adverse traffic causation. Roadside safety performance will be evaluated periodically and will be considered when determining whether an extension to the pilot shall be granted. 

The Missouri Department of Transportation reserves the right to terminate this pilot program without notice and/or require additional civilian and law enforcement escorts as Services division.

MoDOT STREAMLINES HAY MOVEMENT FOR DROUGHT RELIEF TO MISSOURI FARMERS AND RANCHERS
Permit fees and some restrictions waived

Expires: Dec 1, 2025

In response to Gov. Mike Kehoe’s declaration of a drought alert in all or portions of Missouri’s 85counties and the City of St. Louis, the Missouri Department of Transportation is offering a special overwidth hauling permit at no charge to help farmers and ranchers move hay as needed. Loads must be of legal height, length and weight.Permits can be requested using the MoDOT Carrier Express online service, located at www.modot.org/mce.  To ensure the fee is waived, hay haulers should place a comment in the application about the fee waiver. The blanket permit fee of $96 and single trip fee of $15 are waived for hay haulers through Dec. 1, 2025.. Click the Read More button for important details.