Texas DOT highway use bonds.
From $100.

When you move oversize or overweight equipment on Texas highways under a TxDOT Highway Use Agreement, TxDOT can require a surety bond payable to the department for any damage to the highway. TxDOT sets the amount under Transportation Code Chapter 623. Pricing runs 1% of the bond amount, with a $100 minimum.

✓

Required when TxDOT conditions a Highway Use Agreement on a bond under Transportation Code Chapter 623

✓

Covers damage to highways, bridges, and culverts from moving the permitted equipment

✓

From $100 — enter the amount TxDOT set and your exact price appears at the application

1% of amount$100 minimumSoft pullnever a hard inquiryFastinstant underwriting for most

Trusted by industry leaders

How it works

Apply to issued in one sitting.

No long underwriting queue for the standard highway-use bond — enter your amount, consent to a soft pull, and pay. Here is the whole thing:

TODAY · ONLINE

Apply online

Your business details, the bond amount TxDOT set, and the effective date — that is the application, plus a one-time consent to a soft credit pull.

USUALLY SAME DAY

Reviewed & issued

Most of these clear quickly; the soft pull never affects your score. Larger amounts may get a brief underwriter review within 48 hours.

SAME DAY

File with TxDOT / TxDMV

Submit the executed bond with your Highway Use Agreement so the move can proceed. Wet-ink original mailed whenever the agency insists.

About this bond

What it is and who needs it.

What the highway use bond actually covers

When a carrier moves oversize or overweight machinery on the state highway system, TxDOT can issue a Highway Use Agreement and require a surety bond as a condition. The bond is a damage guarantee: it stands behind any harm the equipment causes to state roads, bridges, or culverts during the move.

The authority sits in Transportation Code Chapter 623, which governs permits for oversize and overweight vehicles and loads. When a bond is required, it is filed with TxDMV in an amount set by TxDOT and payable to TxDOT for highway damage caused by operating the permitted equipment.

It's a three-party arrangement: you (the principal), the surety, and TxDOT (the obligee). If your equipment damages the highway and TxDOT recovers against the bond, you repay the surety — it is not insurance for you. The bond stays in force for the term stated on the Highway Use Agreement.

Tex. Transportation Code Chapter 623Texas Transportation Code Chapter 623 governs permits to move oversize and overweight vehicles and equipment on state highways. Section 623.075(c) requires certain applicants for a Subchapter D heavy-equipment permit to file a bond with TxDMV, in an amount set by TxDOT and payable to TxDOT, conditioned on paying for any damage to the highway caused by operating the permitted equipment. Confirm the required amount on your permit paperwork or Highway Use Agreement.

You need this bond if you are

✓

A contractor or hauler moving oversize or overweight equipment under a TxDOT Highway Use Agreement

✓

Operating heavy machinery on routes where TxDOT requires a damage bond

✓

Bidding work that conditions the move on a highway-use surety bond

✓

Renewing or extending an agreement whose bond term is expiring

One application, issued instantly.

These are the actual underwriting fields, including a one-time consent to a soft credit pull. Enter the amount TxDOT set and submit.

Start the application →

FAQ

Common questions.

How much is the TxDOT highway use bond?Pricing is 1% of the bond amount, with a $100 minimum. The amount itself is set by TxDOT on your Highway Use Agreement, tied to the potential highway damage from the equipment you are moving. Enter that figure and see your price.

When is the bond required?When TxDOT conditions a Highway Use Agreement on it, under Transportation Code Chapter 623. Not every oversize/overweight move requires a bond — it depends on the route and equipment. Your agreement states whether one is needed and for how much.

What does the bond cover?Damage to state highways, bridges, and culverts caused by operating the permitted equipment. TxDOT is the obligee; if TxDOT recovers against the bond, you repay the surety. It is a guarantee, not insurance for you.

Is there a credit check?A quick soft credit check may apply — never a hard inquiry, and it never affects your score. It informs approval only. Larger amounts may get a brief underwriter review.

How long does it last?The bond stays in force for the term stated on the Highway Use Agreement, and TxDOT releases it after the agreement ends or the work is satisfactorily completed.

Which A-rated carriers underwrite these bonds?Typically Arch Insurance Company (A.M. Best A+) or Nationwide Mutual Insurance Company (A.M. Best A). Which one writes your bond depends on the bond type and your state. The carrier's name and official signature are printed on the bond you receive.

How do I contact Light RFP about this bond?Email insurance@lightrfp.com. It reaches the bond team at Light RFP Risk Management Services LLC (NY DFS License # PC-1978982). Write to us about quotes, applications, bond forms or certificates. We will respond within 24 hours.

Related bonds

Other Texas bonds.

Highway use bond, issued today.

Pricing at 1% of the bond amount, $100 minimum. Enter the amount TxDOT set and file with your agreement the same day.

Start application

Your premiumfrom $100

Apply now →