Code 23 Overweight/Overdimensional Trailer Registration


Trailer registrations for overweight/overdimensional (known as Code 23) trailers are available at motor vehicle agencies. You must register your trailer prior to applying for a permit to operate. Overdimensional and/or Overweightpermits are issued by the New Jersey Department of Transportation (NJDOT).

Code 23 Trailer Registration Specifications/Limitations  

Code 23 trailer or semitrailer registration specifications are as follows:

  • Restricted to transportation of one piece (non-divisible) loads.
  • Weight restricted to 800 lbs. for each inch of width of tire on all wheels.
  • Certificate of Liability Insurance required.

How to register a Code 23 Overweight/Overdimensional trailer

To apply for a special trailer registration:

How to apply for a permit to operate a Code 23 Overweight/Overdimensional trailer

After registering your trailer, you may apply for an overdimensional and/or overweight vehicle permit. There are two permit options to apply for with a Code 23 registration.  Those options are:

1. Code 23 Overdimensional Trailer Permit

This permit is to be used on the roadways of this State to move either an empty Code 23 registered trailer that exceeds the dimensional limits set forth under N.J.S.A. 39:3-84(a), OR a Code 23 overdimensional trailer with a load that does not exceed 80,000 lbs. gross vehicle weight (GVW) or any of the weight limitations specified under N.J.S.A. 39:3-84(b).  This permit type is subject to the following conditions/limitations:

  1. Trailer can exceed 8 feet, but not more than 10 feet, in width.
  2. Truck/trailer combination can exceed 55 feet, but not more than 70 feet, in overall length.
  3. The load shall not exceed the dimensional limits of the vehicle (no width or length overhang).
  4. Combined vehicle and cargo weight shall not exceed 80,000 GVW or any other weight limitations specified under N.J.S.A. 39:3-84(b).
  5. This permit is valid for the life of the trailer or as long as the Code 23 registration remains valid.
  6. This permit may be also used to cover the overdimensional permit requirements when used in conjunction with a Code 23 Special Weight/Overdimensional Route Permit, described below, when the vehicle falls within the dimensional limits specified in conditions #1 thru #3 above.

This Code 23 Overdimensional Trailer Permit is considered invalid if any of the above conditions are not met.  If any of the above conditions are not met, the carrier must apply for a Code 23 Overweight/Overdimensional Route Permit, described below, for each one-way trip and pay any associated excess size fees.

2. Code 23 Overweight/Overdimensional Route Specific Permit

A Code 23 Overweight/Overdimensional Route Specific Permit is a special permit category that is used for the transport of heavy construction or road building machinery that exceeds the weight, or weight and size limits, specified under N.J.S.A. 39:3-84.  As specified under N.J.S.A. 39:4-26, this permit is to be used to transport overweight and overdimensional road building machinery, construction related equipment or any apparatus/machinery of unusual size or weight along or across a public roadway.  The following conditions and limitations apply:

  1. This permit to be used in conjunction with a Code 23 registered trailer.
  2. This permit type is only available for those trailers hauling heavy equipment/machinery as specified under N.J.S.A. 39:4-26.
  3. This permit is to be used to transport heavy machinery/equipment when the combined weight of the vehicle and/or load exceeds any of the weight limits specified under 39:3-84. No excess weight fees apply.
  4. This permit is also required when the following overdimensional conditions exist with a Code 23 registered trailer:

     

    a). When the combination vehicle exceeds the dimensional limits (10 feet in width and 70 feet in overall length) described under the Code 23 Overdimensional Trailer Permit above.  Excess size fees shall apply in this case.

    b) When the combination vehicle measures between 8 and 10 feet in width or 55 to 70 feet in overall length and the carrier does not possess a Code 23 Overdimensional Trailer Permit described above.

    c) When the load exceeds the confines of the Code 23 registered trailer, including width and/or length overhang.  Excess size fees shall apply in this case.

In addition:

  • These permits are valid for Non-Divisible loads only.
  • These permits are route specific.
  • These permits are valid for each one-way trip.
  • These permits are valid for a period of 30 days.

These permits are issued by the (NJDOT. Please visit the NJDOT website for further information on permitting.   You can log in to “SUPERLOAD”, the State’s on-line OS/OW permitting system..