The following information about Kentucky Oversize Permit regulations 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.

Kentucky DOT #: 502-564-1257

Kentucky Oversize Permits Duration

Kentucky oversize permits are valid for ten calendar days. It is a requirement to obtain the permit before entering the state.

Operating Time

Kentucky now permits continuous running, 24/7, including Saturdays and Sundays, with the exception of the restrictions outlined below and super loads.

Restricted Travel in Kentucky

Permitted loads are prohibited from traveling in Boone, Kenton, or Campbell Counties (greater Cincinnati area), Jefferson County (greater Louisville), Fayette County (greater Lexington), or at Owensboro, KY 2155 Bridge (between KY and IN) from 7:00 am to 9:00 am or 4:00 pm to 6:00 pm.

Legal Dimensions for Kentucky Oversize Permit

Length:

A 53-foot trailer or load is permitted on Interstate and designated highways, while a 65-foot truck and trailer are allowed on other highways.

Overhang:

5′ rear overhang on 48′ trailer (53′ semi-trailer and load)

Width:

8′-6″ Interstate and designated roads, 8′ on non-designated.

Height:

13′-6″

Weight:

80,000 Gross

  • Single – 20,000
  • Tandem – 34,000
  • Tridem – 48,000
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Call (832) 454-5883 For Permit Consultation

Routine Permit Limits in Kentucky

Length:

110′ on 4-lane, 75′ on 2-lane

Width:

16′

Height:

15′-6″ *

*Note loads exceeding 15 feet 6 inches in height are generally not permitted to travel through Kentucky. In exceptional cases, delivery of such a load into Kentucky may be allowed on a one-time basis, provided the carrier can identify safe routes for it. However, it is usually not permitted.

Weight:

Gross Weights

  • 5 axles – 96,000
  • 6 axles – 120,000 (6 axles and 7 axles on 2-lane)
  • 7 axles – 134,000 – 140,000* (On 4-lane with a booster axle rather than a tridem to get over about 134,000)

Axle Weights

  • Single – 24,000
  • Tandem – 45,000/5 axles; 48,000/6 or more
  • Tridem – 60,000
  • Quad – 80,000

These dimensions and weights may vary depending on the specific routes taken.

Weight does not put you into superload status until around 300,000 pounds gross.

Kentucky Oversize Permit image

Escort Requirements for Kentucky  Oversize Permit

On 4 or more lane divided highways:

Length:

over 120′ – three escorts.

Overhang:

Over 10′ – one escort (some highways may need two)

Width:

  • Over 12′ – one escort
  • Over 14′ – may require two escorts
  • Over 16′ – three escorts

Height:

Over 14′-11″ – one front escort with height pole

On 2-lane highways:

Length:

  • Over 75′ to 85′ – one escort
  • Over 85′ – one front and two rear escorts

Overhang:

Over 10′ – one escort (some highways may need two escorts)

Width:

  • Over 10′-6″ to 12′ – one escort
  • Over 12′ to 14′ – two escorts.

Height:

Over 14′-11″ – one front escort with height pole

Miscellaneous

Blades, buckets, etc. exceeding 14 feet in width must be removed but can be transported alongside the load. Smaller ones may be detached and hauled with the load, even if the load is overweight.

Signs, Flags & Lights for Kentucky Oversize Load Permit

Oversize Load” signs are mandatory for all loads exceeding 10 feet 6 inches in width. Flags must be displayed on all four corners of any wide load and on extremities. For over-length loads, flagging is required, but there are no sign requirements.