Ohio Trip Permit

When Do You Need an Ohio Trip Permit?

Temporary authorization for commercial vehicles that do not have permanent apportionment is mandatory by the Ohio Department of Taxation and state authorities. If you intend to use your commercial vehicle in interstate commerce and any of the following applies to you, then you will be required to get Ohio trip permits:

• Weight Limit: Your power unit, or power unit-trailer combination, has a gross vehicle weight (GVW) or registered weight exceeding 26,000 lbs.
• Number of Axles: The number of axles on your vehicle is three or more, or you use a trailer regardless of the GVW.
• Non-Appt Vehicle: Your vehicle is licensed in another jurisdiction and is not covered by the International Registration Plan (IRP) to operate in Ohio.

Compliance Tip: The typical temporary permit is limited to the temporary registration of a vehicle. In case your commercial vehicle lacks an active International Fuel Tax Agreement (IFTA) license for Ohio, then you have to get an additional Ohio Temporary Fuel Permit.

Permit Validity and Key Requirements

Effective logistics coordination will avoid conflicts with highway patrol officers or weigh-scale officials on heavily traveled transport routes, such as the Ohio Turnpike (I-80/I-90), I-70, I-71, and I-75. Consider the following operating factors:

• Permit Duration: Standard Ohio IRP trips generally require that permits be valid for 72 hours.
• Mandatory Carriage: You should keep an up-to-date version of the permit in digital or printed form in the vehicle. The inspectors have the right to ask for documents during inspections.
• Pre-Entry Compliance: It is mandatory to buy the permits before entering Ohio. Otherwise, you will be penalized heavily.

How to Obtain Your Ohio Permits

Getting temporary credentials fast reduces down time. Carriers may use the third party permit services or wire services to get their temporary credentials electronically.

Information Required to Apply:

To prevent administrative errors or any compliance issues while on transit, please make sure to have the following information handy before submitting your application:

• Interstate USDOT number from the U.S. Department of Transportation
• Complete Vehicle Identification Number (VIN)
• License plate number and base state
• Gross Vehicle Weight (GVW)

Important Operational Factors in Ohio

Oversized and Overweight Cargo: The standard 72-hour permit does not allow for cargo that is beyond the standard legal limits of sizes and weights (e.g., the standard 80,000 pounds GVW limit, 8.5 feet width, and 13.5 feet height). If your configuration is beyond the statutory requirements, then special permits need to be obtained through ODOT.