Planning a move with a big rental truck, shipping container, or heavy equipment this spring in Daviess County? The roads may be soft, and local seasonal restrictions can change your route or timing. You want to protect your budget, your schedule, and the roads. This guide explains the rules, who to call, and a simple plan to move heavy loads without surprise delays or fines. Let’s dive in.
Seasonal road rules in Daviess County
Seasonal or “frost law” rules temporarily reduce allowable vehicle weights when frozen ground thaws and roads are vulnerable. The goal is to prevent damage like rutting and potholes caused by heavy vehicles on weakened road bases. You can read a plain-English overview of how frost laws work in colder climates at this technical summary of frost laws.
In Indiana, counties typically make the call on seasonal restrictions for local roads. State routes are handled by INDOT, which notes that it does not issue frost laws and that local counties may set them instead. Always confirm county postings and any state route conditions before you roll.
For Daviess County roads, the Daviess County Highway Department manages load-limit postings, local load permits, and a “Load Limit Exempt Truck Route” resource. The county does not publish a fixed annual calendar for restrictions. Conditions drive timing, so call to verify the current status before planning a heavy move.
Permit basics for heavy loads
If your load exceeds Indiana’s legal limits, you likely need an oversize or overweight (OSOW) permit through the Indiana Department of Revenue’s Motor Carrier Services. Common triggers include width over 8 feet 6 inches, height over 13 feet 6 inches, trailer length over 53 feet, or gross weight over 80,000 pounds.
Permits can be limited or suspended when weather and road conditions make travel unsafe or likely to damage infrastructure. Federal and state rules allow agencies to restrict permitted travel during these periods, and counties may deny access on local roads while seasonal limits are in place. Plan early and verify your entire route remains open under current conditions.
Noncompliance can be costly. The DOR OSOW pages summarize recent statute and civil-penalty updates. Check current rules and penalties before moving any oversize or overweight load.
Plan your move: 6-step checklist
- Step 1: Map your full route. Mark where you will use state routes versus county or town roads. State trunklines are less likely to be under county seasonal limits, but you still need to confirm conditions with INDOT.
- Step 2: Call and confirm 10 to 14 days ahead.
- Daviess County Highway Department: Ask if seasonal load limits or closures are active, whether a local load permit is required, and if there are designated all-season or load-limit-exempt routes you should use.
- INDOT Vincennes District or INDOT4U: Confirm state route conditions, detours, or weather-based suspensions that could affect your move.
- Indiana DOR Motor Carrier Services: If you exceed legal size or weight, apply for an OSOW permit and confirm any escort, marking, or insurance requirements.
- Step 3: Favor stronger corridors. Where possible, choose state or U.S. highways and minimize miles on county roads, especially those under seasonal postings. Obtain any required county load permit if your route uses local roads.
- Step 4: Expect operational limits. Seasonal rules may reduce allowable axle or gross weights, and oversize permits often require daylight travel, lower speeds, and escorts or special signage.
- Step 5: Budget for fees and time windows. OSOW permits carry fees. If a preferred route is restricted, you may need a longer path or to wait for permission to move.
- Step 6: Hire experienced pros. Choose movers or heavy-haul carriers with proven Indiana permit experience and specific familiarity with Daviess County. Get it in writing that they will secure all required permits and escorts.
What to expect during restrictions
- Reduced allowable weights. Counties set the reduction amount based on conditions. In some regions, seasonal rules can lower axle limits by a significant percentage. Always confirm exact reductions with the county.
- Travel limits and escorts. Daylight-only travel, lower speeds, pilot cars, and special markings are common for oversize loads. The DOR OSOW resources list escort and marking provisions and related forms.
- Bridge-specific limits. Bridges may have separate posted ratings that require rerouting, even if the road itself appears open. A route review helps catch these limits before move day.
Local contacts you should use
- Daviess County Highway Department: 812-444-5798, 5247 E 100 N, Montgomery, IN 47558. The department’s page includes local load permit information and the county’s load-limit-exempt routes.
- INDOT Vincennes District and INDOT4U: Contact INDOT to confirm state route conditions and any weather-based restrictions that could affect your timing and route.
- Indiana DOR Motor Carrier Services: Apply for OSOW permits through the online portal and review current rules, escort, and marking requirements.
Hiring a mover for heavy loads
If your move involves large equipment, modular buildings, oversized farm items, or a fully loaded tractor-trailer, bring in a mover or heavy-haul specialist who does this work locally. Ask for proof of recent Indiana OSOW permits, route surveys, and escorts. Confirm in writing that they will handle county permits in Daviess County and coordinate with INDOT where needed.
Moving soon and want local guidance on timing and access around your property? Reach out to Klein Real Estate. We live and work here, and we can help you think through route access and closing timelines so your move stays on track. Start the conversation with Klein Real Estate.
FAQs
Are state highways exempt from county seasonal limits in Indiana?
- State-maintained routes fall under INDOT. Counties generally cannot set seasonal limits on those roads, but INDOT can restrict or suspend permitted travel during weather events. Always check both county and INDOT before a mixed-jurisdiction move.
When do seasonal or frost restrictions start and end in Daviess County?
- There is no fixed calendar. Counties activate limits based on thaw and road conditions. Call the Daviess County Highway Department for the current status and expected window.
Can I get a permit for a heavy household move during restrictions?
- It depends on conditions and policy at the time. Some moves may be allowed on specified routes or times, while others may be deferred. Plan early, favor state highways, and apply for any county load permit as soon as possible.
What happens if I travel without a permit or on a posted restricted road?
- You can face significant civil penalties, and additional enforcement actions may apply. Check current rules before you travel and secure all required permits and escorts.
