Colorado Single Trip Permits: How to Apply

Colorado Legal Limits vs. Extra-Legal Loads

You must check your vehicle specifications against 2026 Colorado legal limits before you start your application process. The rules state that any vehicle which exceeds these measurements needs to obtain a special single-trip permit to travel.

• Width: 8'6" (102 inches)
• Height: 14'6"
• Length: 75' (Combination) or 45' (Single Unit)
• Gross Vehicle Weight (GVW): 80,000 lbs on Interstates; 85,000 lbs on non-Interstate highways.

IRP and Fuel Trip Permits (72-Hour)

The driver must acquire a Laden Weight/Fuel Tax Trip Permit from the nearest Port of Entry when their commercial vehicle lacks International Registration Plan (IRP) and International Fuel Tax Agreement (IFTA) registration. The permits enable multiple state entries during their 72-hour validity period.

The COOPR Permitting System: Step-by-Step Application

You have to use the COOPR System as your official state transportation permit application system starting from 2026. Standard single-trip movement requests now require electronic submission because manual paper applications got discontinued.

• Account Creation: Users who want to create an account must complete registration on the COOPR portal. You will need your USDOT number, EIN or SSN, and a valid email address.
• Vehicle & Load Profile: You should provide the VIN and license plate and complete vehicle dimensions. The Bridge Weight Limit Map analysis requires an axle spacing report which should be detailed for overweight permit applications.
• Route Selection: Users must define the start and end points within Colorado. The system uses real-time data to flag vertical clearances, seasonal weight restrictions, and active construction zones.
• Fee Payment: Permits are issued immediately after the user completes electronic payment.

Colorado Single Trip Permit Fees (2026)

The permit fee system will begin redirecting funds to the Freight Cash Fund starting July 1, 2026 to help support mobility infrastructure projects. The standard practice requires a $4.00 credit card transaction fee to be charged for all transactions.

Escort and Pilot Car Mandates

The Pilot Escort Vehicle (P/EV) requirements in Colorado’s mountainous areas establish specific safety and traffic control standards.

• Width (11' – 13'): One certified pilot car in the front.
• Width (13'+): Two certified pilot cars (one front, one rear).
• Height (17'6"+): Requires a certified Route Survey and a high-pole escort.
• Length (130'+): Mandatory route survey to ensure the configuration can navigate switchbacks and tight mountain curves.

Travel Restrictions and Curfews

The permitted load curfews help to control traffic flow through high-density regions which include Denver and Colorado Springs.

• Denver/Perimeter Curfews: Travel is prohibited during peak hours (6:00 AM – 9:00 AM and 3:00 PM – 6:00 PM) on weekdays.
• Holiday Prohibitions: The major holidays including Memorial Day, Independence Day and Labor Day make all single-trip permits invalid for use.
• Inclement Weather: Travel is prohibited when the "Traction Law" (Code 15 or 16) becomes active on mountain passes which include Vail Pass and the Eisenhower Tunnel.

Compliance Checklist for 2026

• Check the Bridge Map: Your axle weights need to match the Bridge Map requirements which were established in the 2026 CDOT Bridge Weight Limit Map update.
• Carry Digital Credentials: Drivers need to carry both the permit document and all required Third-Party Weight Documentation whenever their vehicle weight exceeds 200,000 pounds.
• Regional Permits: Drivers who use E-470 must obtain an additional permit from the E-470 Public Highway Authority in addition to their existing E-470 permission.