Texas · Houston
Houston Oversize & Overweight Permits for city, county and state roads
In Houston a TxDMV permit covers state highways only. City streets need a City of Houston oversize/overweight permit, and Harris County roads a Harris County permit. Send us the full route, and we check every jurisdiction on it.
Who issues what
One move through Houston & Harris County, up to 3 permits
Each road owner issues its own permit. We check the route and file with every one of them.
- State highways
TxDMV
Oversize & overweight permit - City streets
City of Houston
City street permit - County roads
Harris County Engineering
County road permit
Houston rules
Houston area restrictions
Local rules TxDMV lists for the Houston District, on top of the state permit's own conditions.
City of Houston
- City streets
- City permit for all OS/OW vehicles
- Manufactured housing
- Police escort in city limits
- Police notice
- 3 days ahead
Houston District (TxDOT)
- 17 ft 6 in high and over
- Signal contractor escort
- Permit copy
- Sent to the district signal shop
- Signal escort cost
- Paid by the carrier
- FM 1960 EB, Humble
- Notice before parking OS/OW vehicles
Source: TxDMV Houston District rules and the Harris County Office of the County Engineer.
Houston roads
Houston routes with their own rules
Where a move through Houston picks up extra conditions beyond the state permit.
State highways in the Houston District
On TxDOT roads around Houston, loads 17 ft 6 in and taller need a TxDOT-approved signal contractor to escort them past traffic signals.
Also:A copy of the permit goes to the district signal shop; the carrier pays the escort.
SH 99 Grand Parkway, east side
The only toll road open to the port container permit: SH 99 from SH 146 south of IH 10 to SH 146 north of IH 10.
Use:Overweight containers between Bayport, Barbours Cut and IH 10.
FM 1960 eastbound, Humble
Oversize and overweight vehicles give notice before parking along FM 1960 eastbound in Humble.
Listed by:TxDMV, for the Houston District.
City streets and county roads
Off the state system, City of Houston streets and Harris County roads each need their own permit, issued separately from TxDMV.
So:Send the route from the pickup gate to the delivery gate.
Houston freight
Where heavy freight starts in Houston
Barbours Cut, Bayport and IH 610
Container terminals covered by TxDMV's annual intermodal permit: up to 93,000 lbs on six axles or 100,000 lbs on seven, within 30 miles, off the interstates.
Port Freeport
Port Freeport is in the same container permit and also issues its own overweight permits for its designated corridor.
How it works
Your Houston & Harris County permit in three steps
Send the load and route
Truck, trailer, dimensions, weight, origin and destination. Your fleet details are saved for next time.
We check and file
Our permit desk checks the Houston & Harris County rules for your load and files with City of Houston, Harris County Engineering and TxDMV.
Get your permit
You get the permit PDF, a written route and an interactive route map to share with the driver.
From our permit desk
What we check before a Houston move
The route starts at the gate
Most Houston pickups are on city or county roads before the first state highway. We file the city and county permits with the state one, so the first mile is covered.
Book the signal escort early
At 17 ft 6 in and taller, the signal contractor has to be lined up before the move. We flag it when we quote.
Manufactured homes need police notice
Inside Houston city limits a manufactured home moves with a police escort, arranged three days ahead.
Oversize & Overweight Permit Cost Calculator
Enter your pickup and delivery locations, choose your permit type, and compare estimated permit costs across route options.
- Oversize and overweight permits across the lower 48 and DC
- State-by-state fee breakdown for each route option
- Order your permit or talk to a specialist
FAQ
Houston permit questions
Is a TxDMV permit enough to drive through Houston?
Only on state highways. Houston city streets and Harris County roads need their own permits. Send us the full route, and we file with every jurisdiction on it.
Who issues oversize permits for Houston city streets?
The City of Houston, for every oversize or overweight vehicle on city streets. We file it together with the state and county permits your route needs.
Does Harris County have its own oversize permit?
Yes. The Harris County Office of the County Engineer issues oversize and overweight permits for county roads, and we file it for you with the rest of the route.
What applies to loads 17 ft 6 in or taller in the Houston area?
In the Houston District a TxDOT-approved signal contractor must escort the move, the permit goes to the district signal shop by email, and the mover pays the costs.
Keep going
More on truck permits
Texas
24/7 permit desk
Need a permit in Houston & Harris County for this load?
Send the details once. We file with City of Houston, Harris County Engineering and TxDMV, plus every other state on your route.