Arizona Truck Weight Limits and Permit Sources

At-a-glance summary

Field-level reference data

Arizona’s weight data is anchored at the state level by ARS section 28-5438, which gives a direct statutory reference for overweight assessments. That’s a cleaner penalty anchor than many FHWA-baseline states, where a specific state statute wasn’t confirmed. The gross, single-axle, and tandem weight rows still draw from the federal Interstate framework and the FHWA state law compilation — state-specific limits for non-Interstate routes live in that compilation.

Reading the Arizona weight table

The weight table is a starting point, not a complete clearance. Gross, steer, drive tandem, trailer tandem, and bridge formula checks each run independently — a load that passes the gross limit can still be over on a tandem group or a bridge calculation. For Arizona Interstate routes, the federal baseline applies directly. For state highways and off-Interstate segments, verify the FHWA state law compilation for Arizona and any route or permit conditions.

Bridge formula context matters when axle spacing is close to a limit. Check the actual configuration and spacing against the formula before treating a tandem reading as the only constraint. If the margin is tight, document which row was the controlling factor and which source confirmed it — that specificity matters if the load is later questioned.

Permit and route authority in Arizona

ADOT Oversize/Overweight Permits is the confirmed permit authority for Arizona over-limit moves. The application should be filed before the move, through the current ADOT portal. Permit terms typically include approved route, travel dates, axle weight limits, vehicle configuration, and may include time-of-day restrictions or escort requirements depending on load size. The issued permit covers that specific configuration on that approved route — changes to equipment, route, or timing mean the permit should be reviewed again.

Seasonal, route, and local checks

No statewide frost-law or seasonal weight restriction was confirmed for Arizona in this review. Arizona’s climate makes frost-law restrictions uncommon relative to northern states, but route-specific bridge postings, construction zones, and permit conditions can still impose movement restrictions. Local roads near certain mountain corridors may have conditions that differ from the statewide picture. Check the permit source and any current route advisories for the specific road segments in the trip.

Tickets and enforcement notes

Arizona Department of Public Safety Commercial Vehicle Enforcement is the enforcement agency confirmed in this review. ARS section 28-5438 is the official statutory source for Arizona’s overweight assessment structure — the actual amount depends on the citation and the excess weight facts specific to that violation. A private scale ticket documents measured weight but doesn’t cancel or modify an enforcement finding. Keep the scale ticket, permit record, and any agency communications together in the dispatch file.

Source-strength notes for Arizona

This page draws from 7 source records and carries 3 high-confidence, 23 medium-confidence, and 3 low-confidence field designations. The permit agency fields are high confidence — ADOT’s permit materials give direct support. The fine field is medium confidence because ARS 28-5438 supports the general framework, but exact amounts are citation- and calculation-specific. Seasonal fields are the low-confidence area where a live route and condition check is most needed.

Building an Arizona source file

A workable Arizona dispatch record should include the current scale ticket, the ADOT permit confirmation, the route covered under that permit, and any relevant ARS reference for the load type. The comparison pages — axle weight limits, permit offices, seasonal restrictions, and overweight fines — are useful for multi-state routes that include Arizona.

Scale ticket reading belongs with How to Read a CAT Scale Ticket. Distribution problems belong with How to Slide Tandems. Bridge spacing belongs with Bridge Formula Explained.