Alabama Trucking Regulations

Alabama sits at the intersection of major Southeast freight corridors, with I-20, I-59, I-65, and I-85 carrying significant volumes of manufactured goods, steel, and automotive parts. The Port of Mobile adds intermodal complexity, connecting Gulf shipping lanes to inland carriers. Commercial motor vehicle regulation is divided between the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency (ALEA) for enforcement, the Alabama Department of Revenue (ADOR) for IFTA and IRP credentialing, and ALDOT for permit issuance and infrastructure oversight. Alabama participates in both IRP and IFTA, making multi-state fuel and registration administration straightforward for interstate carriers. Intrastate carriers operating entirely within Alabama must obtain an Alabama DOT number in addition to any USDOT number. Oversize and overweight permits are issued by ALDOT and can be obtained online. The Birmingham metro area and the Port of Mobile corridor see the heaviest commercial traffic, and carriers should expect active enforcement at permanent and portable weigh stations throughout the state.

Trucking authority and registration

  • Authority: Alabama Department of Revenue — Motor Vehicle Division (IRP/IFTA)
  • IRP jurisdiction: Yes (https://www.revenue.alabama.gov/motor-vehicle/)
  • IFTA jurisdiction: Yes (https://www.revenue.alabama.gov/motor-vehicle/)
  • DOT permit required: Yes — Intrastate carriers operating solely within Alabama must obtain an Alabama DOT number through ALEA in addition to any USDOT registration.

Weight limits

GVWR80,000 lbs federal interstate standard
Single axle20,000 lbs
Tandem axle34,000 lbs

Alabama permits longer combination vehicles (LCVs) on designated Interstate segments. Overweight permits available through ALDOT for loads exceeding standard limits.

Notable regulations

  • Alabama requires a state-issued oversize/overweight permit for any load exceeding standard federal dimensions; single-trip and annual permits are available via ALDOT Online Permit System.
  • Longer Combination Vehicles (LCVs) up to 105,500 lbs are permitted on designated Alabama Interstate segments under the LCV Freeze provisions.
  • Alabama does not assess a separate state fuel tax surcharge for IFTA filers — carriers report Alabama miles and fuel under the IFTA quarterly return administered by ADOR.
  • Commercial vehicles must stop at all open weigh stations; ALEA operates both fixed and portable inspection units statewide.
  • Port of Mobile carriers may be subject to Alabama State Port Authority access and credentialing requirements for terminal entry.

State trucking association: Alabama Trucking Association

Frequently asked questions

Does Alabama require a separate state DOT number?

Yes. Carriers operating exclusively within Alabama (intrastate) must obtain an Alabama DOT number through ALEA. Interstate carriers with a USDOT number do not need a separate Alabama number for cross-border operations.

How do I get an oversize or overweight permit in Alabama?

ALDOT issues oversize/overweight permits through its online permit system. Single-trip, multi-trip, and annual permits are available depending on load type and frequency. Escorts may be required for loads exceeding certain width or length thresholds.

Are LCVs (longer combination vehicles) allowed in Alabama?

Yes. Alabama permits LCVs on designated Interstate segments under the federal LCV Freeze, allowing gross weights up to 105,500 lbs on those routes. Operation off designated routes requires standard federal limits.

What are Alabama's IFTA filing requirements?

Alabama participates in IFTA. Qualified motor vehicles must file quarterly fuel tax returns through the Alabama Department of Revenue. Carriers based in Alabama receive IFTA credentials from ADOR and must display decals on qualified vehicles.

Sources

Verified 2026-05-26.