The following information about California 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.

California DOT# 916-322-1297

California Oversize Permits Duration

California oversize permits are valid for seven days.

Operating Time

Continuous travel is permitted, provided the load doesn’t require escorts, detours off state routes, and remains within a two-vehicle configuration. The load must be adequately lighted for night travel.

Restricted Travel in California

  • Days: Monday through Friday
  • Sacramento, San Francisco, and San Diego areas:7:00 am – 9:00 am & 4:00 pm – 6:00 pm
  • Los Angeles area:*6:00 am – 9:00 am & 3:00 pm – 6:00 pm
  • San Francisco/Oakland Bay Bridge: 6:30 am – 9:00 am & 3:30 pm – 6:30 pm
  •  Over 11′ wide or overweight require highway patrol escort.
  • Over 12′ wide restricted to 11:00 am – 1:00 pm Monday – Friday. Call 707-648-4180.
  • Holiday travel restrictions typically apply only to larger loads.

Legal Dimensions for California Oversize Permits

Length:

  • 75′ (65′ on non-designated highways)
  • 48′ semi trailer

Note: Semi-trailers exceeding 53 feet are illegal unless the kingpin to center of rear axle distance is within 40 feet. Longer trailers may be permitted if stretched for a specific load or justified by the load.

Overhang:

10′, as long as length including overhang does not exceed 75′ overall.

Width:

8′-6″

Height:

14′ (over height not permitted on flatbed, see next section)

Weight:

80,000 Gross

  • Steer – 12,500
  • Single – 20,000
  • Tandem – 34,000
  • Tridem – depends on axle spread Spread Axle Tandem (10′ to  10′-2″ spread) is legal at 40,000 (20,000 – 20,000)
Get Permit Now

Call (832) 454-5883 For Permit Consultation

Routine Permit Limits in California

Length:

Generally up to 135′

Overhang:

If the tractor/trailer exceeds 75′ in total length due to rear overhang, California Oversize Permits DOT may deny a permit and mandate the use of a stretch trailer for the load.

Width:

15′

Height:

Determined by route; loads exceeding legal height are prohibited on flat-bed trailers unless the load length justifies flatbed use.

Weight:

  • Steer – 12,500
  • Single – 20,000
  • Tandem – 46,000*
  • Tridem – 58,061 to 60,000*

Weight limits differ based on axle spacings and routes. For instance, Tridem with 9′ spacings can carry up to 59,168 pounds. Spread axle tandems (8′ to 10′-2″ spread) have a maximum limit of 40,000 pounds. Tridems with over 10′ spacing (5′ – 5′) are permitted a maximum of 40,000 pounds.

Over 15′ wide, 17′ high or 135′ long are considered super loads.

California Oversize Permits image

Escort Requirements for California  Oversize Load Permits

Length:

  • Over 100′ in LA City – two escorts
  • Over 120′ to 135′ – one or more escorts

Overhang:

Over 30′ front or rear – one or more escorts.

Width:

  • Over 12′ – one or two escorts (Some local routes may need escort under 12′).
  • Over 13′ on two-lane – two escorts on some routes.
  • Over 14′-11″ on Interstate and four-lane – two escorts
  • Over 16′ (over 15′ on two-lane) also needs CHP escorts (three CHPs)

Height:

For loads exceeding 18 feet, a single escort with a tall pole, utility clearance, and route survey is mandatory. California Highway Patrol (CHP) escorts may also be necessary. Any escort for a lower height must be specified on the permit; otherwise, fines may apply.

Miscellaneous

Loaded shipping containers are not allowed any rear overhang, but 5 feet is permitted for empty containers. Overheight is not permitted for shipping containers. Buckets, blades, and counterweights can remain on the trailer. The blade can be detached and transported on the same trailer with an overweight dozer, but the permit must explicitly state “blade detached and reloaded.” Permits are not issued for tow-aways without an inspection report on the tow-away unit or Cal-Trans permission and inspection appointment California oversize permits. Unregistered tow-away units require temporary CA registration, ordered with the permit. Four-axle tractors need a CA inspection report or permission and inspection appointment. Single axle jeeps and boosters must undergo a Caltrans inspection before California permits are granted.

Signs, Flags & Lights for California Oversize Load Permits

Vehicles over 8 feet 6 inches wide, over 80 feet long, or with over 10 feet overhang must display signs and flags. Signs are also required for overweight loads. For night travel, amber marker lights are mandatory at load front corners and one on the left outside extreme edge, visible from front and sides. Red lights are needed at rear corners, visible from rear and sides. In Los Angeles County, amber lights are required at all protrusions and at 5-foot intervals around the load, with red lights in the rear, not exceeding 5 feet above ground level. A rear overhang of 4 feet or greater requires at least two lights or a rear light bar at night, except for long loads in daylight unless turn signals and brake lights are obstructed.

Trailers over 48 feet in length are illegal in California unless the kingpin to the center of the rear axle does not exceed 40 feet. Longer trailers can be permitted only when justified by the load’s length.