WV state page · Last reviewed 2026-05-25

West Virginia Truck Weight Limits and Permit Sources

West Virginia truck weight reference with official permit links, FHWA weight source tracking, and conservative seasonal and fine status labels.

At-a-glance summary

Field Value Source Status Confidence
Gross Federal Interstate gross limit is 80,000 lb; West Virginia-specific limits are in the FHWA state law compilation linked here. inferred from official source medium
Single axle Federal Interstate single-axle limit is 20,000 lb; West Virginia-specific limits are in the FHWA state law compilation linked here. inferred from official source medium
Tandem axle Federal Interstate tandem limit is 34,000 lb; West Virginia-specific limits are in the FHWA state law compilation linked here. inferred from official source medium
Bridge formula Federal bridge formula checks apply on Interstate routes; verify state exceptions and permit conditions before movement. inferred from official source medium
Permit agency West Virginia Department of Transportation confirmed high
Seasonal / frost No official statewide seasonal or frost weight restriction was confirmed during this review. not found in official review low
Fine source West Virginia Code section 17C-17A-10 is the official source reviewed for size and weight penalty context. confirmed medium

Field-level reference data

Regular weight limits

Gross vehicle weight limit Federal Interstate gross limit is 80,000 lb; West Virginia-specific limits are in the FHWA state law compilation linked here. inferred from official source medium
Single axle limit Federal Interstate single-axle limit is 20,000 lb; West Virginia-specific limits are in the FHWA state law compilation linked here. inferred from official source medium
Tandem axle limit Federal Interstate tandem limit is 34,000 lb; West Virginia-specific limits are in the FHWA state law compilation linked here. inferred from official source medium
Bridge formula applies Federal bridge formula checks apply on Interstate routes; verify state exceptions and permit conditions before movement. inferred from official source medium
Interstate notes Use FHWA Interstate limits together with the state source and any permit conditions. inferred from official source medium
Non-Interstate notes Use the reviewed state source and local postings for non-Interstate operation. inferred from official source medium

Axle and loading notes

Steer axle notes Steer axle review should include axle law, tire/equipment ratings, registration, and route postings. inferred from official source medium
Drive axle notes Drive axle groups should be checked against tandem/group limits and permit terms. inferred from official source medium
Trailer tandem notes Trailer tandem position changes distribution and may affect spacing-sensitive checks; re-weigh after adjustment. inferred from official source medium
Fifth wheel notes Fifth-wheel movement redistributes weight but does not create permit authority. inferred from official source medium
Bridge law notes Check FHWA bridge formula and the state source when axle spacing is close to a limit. inferred from official source medium

Oversize / overweight permits

Permit agency West Virginia Department of Transportation confirmed high
Permit office name West Virginia Hauling Permits confirmed high
Official permit URL West Virginia hauling permit source. confirmed high
Online permit portal Use West Virginia Hauling Permits official source for current online filing or portal links. inferred from official source medium
Permit contact Use contact information published by West Virginia Hauling Permits. inferred from official source medium
Permit notes Permit terms, route conditions, dates, and vehicle configuration should be checked on the official permit source before travel. inferred from official source medium

Seasonal and special restrictions

Frost / seasonal restriction No official statewide seasonal or frost weight restriction was confirmed during this review. not found in official review low
Seasonal weight notes Local route, bridge, or permit restrictions may still apply; no statewide seasonal weight restriction was confirmed in this review. not found in official review low
Official seasonal URL not found in official review low

Fines and enforcement

Overweight fine structure West Virginia Code section 17C-17A-10 is the official source reviewed for size and weight penalty context. confirmed medium
Overweight ticket notes Use West Virginia Code section 17C-17A-10 and the issued citation before estimating penalties. inferred from official source medium
Enforcement agency West Virginia Motor Carrier Safety Assistance Program / commercial vehicle enforcement partners confirmed medium
Fine official URL Official fine or penalty source linked in Sources. confirmed medium
CSA / safety notes CSA impact depends on inspection and reporting; use FMCSA SMS materials and the actual inspection record. inferred from official source medium

Scale notes

Public scale notes A public scale ticket is a self-check record, not state permit authority. inferred from official source medium
Weigh station / enforcement notes West Virginia DOT MCSAP is the reviewed official commercial vehicle enforcement-context source. inferred from official source medium
CAT Scale disclaimer CAT Scale tickets are private self-check records and do not replace official permits or enforcement decisions. inferred from official source medium
Scale ticket notes Use steer, drive, trailer, and gross readings to compare against official limits before travel. inferred from official source medium

West Virginia’s topography — mountains and narrow river valleys — concentrates freight on a limited set of routes: I-64, I-77, and I-79 are the primary corridors. Coal haul operations on non-Interstate roads are subject to state coal-haul permit rules that are separate from the standard OS/OW permit framework. WVDOH (Division of Highways) administers hauling permits; older bridge structures on secondary roads, particularly in the coalfields of southern and western West Virginia, carry lower posted limits than the Interstate baseline.

How to verify this yourself

Open West Virginia hauling permit materials before over-legal movement. For coal haul operations, verify the applicable coal-road permit and weight rules separately. Check bridge postings on any non-Interstate routing before departure.

FAQ

Where should I verify West Virginia permit requirements?

Use the official West Virginia Hauling Permits source linked on this page before moving over legal size or weight.

Are West Virginia seasonal restrictions confirmed here?

No. This review did not confirm a statewide seasonal or frost source, so route and permit restrictions still need checking.

Are West Virginia overweight fines confirmed here?

No. A specific official fine schedule was not confirmed in this review.