The following information about Arkansas Oversize Permits is for informational purposes only. It’s important to always read your permits and provisions sheets carefully as we cannot guarantee the accuracy of the information provided. If you have any questions or need assistance, you can contact the following number.

Arkansas DOT # 501-569-2381

Arkansas Oversize Permits Duration

Arkansas oversize permits are valid for three days and must be obtained before entering the state.

Operating Time

Travel is permitted only during daylight hours, defined as sunrise to sunset in Arkansas, seven days a week. Continuous travel is allowed for loads weighing up to 108,000 pounds, exclusively oversized, and not exceeding 90′ in length (other dimensions within legal limits).

Restricted Travel in California

Oversize movements are prohibited in the metropolitan Little Rock area from 7:00 am to 9:00 am and 4:00 pm to 6:00 pm. Additionally, travel is restricted on I-30 (M.M. 138-143), I-40 (M.M. 151-155), and the entirety of I-630. No travel is allowed on major holidays, including New Year’s, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving, and Christmas. If a holiday falls on a Monday or Friday, no weekend movement is permitted.

Get Permit Now

Call (832) 454-5883 For Permit Consultation

Legal Dimensions for Arkansas Oversize Permits

Length:

53′-6″ trailer & load

Overhang:

  • – Traveling during the day with 60′ poles, pipes, machinery, steel beams, or other structurally-related items up to 90′ overall length does not necessitate a permit.
  • – A permit is required for night travel.
  • – Without a permit, trailers or loads up to 53′-6″ are permissible.
  • – If long beams are on a stretch trailer and do not extend beyond the rear of the trailer, a permit is required.

Width:

8′-6″

Height:

13′-6″

Weight:

80,000 Gross

  • Single – 20,000
  • Tandem – 34,000
  • Tridem – 54,000
  • Steer Axle – Arkansas asks for manufacturer’s front axle weight rating (up to maximum of 20,000 pounds), which you are not allowed to exceed.

Routine Permit Limits in Arkansas

Length:

No set limit

Width:

16′ (20′ on some non-interstate routes)

Height:

17′ (Over 16′ must obtain special approval, and not allowed on Interstates. Utilities personnel must accompany load over 17′.)

Note: Over 14′ wide or over 15′ high is looked at on a case-by-case basis to determine if route survey is required.

Weight:

  • Single – 20,000
  • Tandem – 46,000
  • Tridem – 60,000
  • Quad – 68,000

Loads exceeding these dimensions are classed as Super Loads.

Arkansas Oversize Permits image

Escort Requirements for Arkansas Oversize Load Permits

Length:

  • Over 100′ – one escort
  • over 130′ – two escorts

Width:

On 2-lane Highways:

  • Over 12′ – one escort
  • over 14′ – two escorts

On Interstate and Controlled Access Highways:

  • over 14′ – one escort
  • over 16′ – two escorts
  • Police escorts for larger loads are looked at on a case-by-case basis.

Height:

Over 15′ – one escort with a height pole.

Signs, Flags & Lights for Arkansas Oversize Load Permits

  •    “Oversize Load” signs must be displayed on all loads surpassing legal width, height, or length.
  •    Red flags measuring 18″ square are mandatory on the rear corners of all loads exceeding legal width, height, or length.
  •    No sign or flag requirements apply to loads that are only overweight.

Shipping Containers

  •    Federal regulations prohibit loaded shipping containers from overhanging the transporting trailer.
  •   In California, empty containers are permitted a 5′ overhang, but rules for empties may vary in other states.