The following information of north carolina 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.

North Carolina DOT #: 877-368-4968

PERMITS DURATION:

Oversize permits in North Carolina are valid for a period of ten days, and it is essential to obtain the permit before entering the state.

OPERATING TIME:

Travel is allowed from sunrise to sunset, Monday through Saturday, with no travel permitted on Sundays. However, for overweight loads only, not exceeding a gross weight of 112,000 pounds (or 94,500 pounds for a sealed ship container) and traveling exclusively on Interstate routes, 24/7 travel is permissible. It is important to note that this continuous travel must be requested at the time of the permit order.

RESTRICTED TRAVEL:

Loads exceeding 10 feet in width are restricted within a 10-mile radius of the following cities: Charlotte, Raleigh, Durham, and Chapel Hill from 7:00 a.m. – 9:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m. Additionally, loads over 14 feet in height are subject to speed and escort restrictions in I-40 tunnels near the Tennessee line (refer to the Escort Section below). No travel is allowed on major holidays or holiday weekends, and it is advisable to double-check with the permit office for specific holiday restrictions.

LEGAL DIMENSIONS AT NORTH CAROLINA

Length:

  • 53′ trailer* on designated highways
  • 48′ trailer on all other roads
  • There is no specific designated legal length on all highways for a 48-foot trailer; however, a 60-foot overall length is allowed on non-designated routes.
  • For a 53-foot trailer, there is no designated overall length restriction on Interstates or federally designated highways.

In North Carolina, only Interstates and certain sections of 4-lane US Highways are considered federally designated highways. On other routes, including most US Highways, the legal overall length is 60 feet.

*(53′ semitrailer must not exceed 41′ center of kingpin to center of rear tandem).

Overhang:

  • Front – 5′
  • Rear – 5′

Note: length restriction for non-designated routes on 53′ trailers).

Width:

  • 8’6″ Interstate and designated highways
  • 8′ on other roads

Height:

13’6

Weight:

80,000 Gross

  • Single – 20,000
  • Tandem – 38,000
  • Tridem – depends on spacings
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Call (832) 454-5883 For Permit Consultation

North Carolina Oversize permits

ROUTINE PERMIT LIMITS

Length:

  • 105′
  • Beams and girders maximum 120′

Width:

15′

Height: No set limits – determined by route. Loads over 14′ may take extra processing time.

Weight:

  • Gross Weights
  • 5 axles – 112,000
  • 6 axles – 120,000
  • 7 axles – 132,000
  • Axle Weights
  • Steer Axle – 20,000*
  • Single – 25,000
  • Tandem – 50,000
  • Tridem – 60,000
  • Quad – 68,000

Weight over 132,000 or widths over 15′ are superloads.
Letter from shipper must be included with a superload application.

ESCORTS CONDITIONS FOR NORTH CAROLINA OVERSIZE PERMITS

Length:

  • Over 110′ – 1 escort
  • Over 150′ – 2 escorts

Overhang:

Over 15′ front or rear – 1 escort

Width:

  • Over 12′ – 1 escort
  • Over 14′ – 2 escorts on 2 lane or 2 way roads
  • Over 15′ wide may require police escorts

Height:

  • Over 14’5″ – 1 escort with high pole

Note: For I-40 tunnels near TN line:

  • Eastbound and over 13’11” – 1 escort with height pole
  • Westbound and over 14’2″ – 1 escort with height pole

Weight:

Over 149,999 pounds – 1 escort.

MISCELLANEOUS CONDITION FOR NORTH CAROLINA OVERSIZE PERMITS:

Blades and buckets that cannot be angled to stay within a 14-foot width must be removed. If a blade or bucket is part of the original equipment being transported, it can be detached and hauled with the equipment without being considered a divisible load. Beams, poles, pipes, and structural materials do not require a permit if they are up to 85 feet long, transported during daylight hours only, and on Interstates and designated roads.

Regarding the multiple pieces rule in North Carolina, it does not allow or issue permits for overlength vehicles or loads (over 60 feet overall length) on “non-designated” highways. For example, if you are transporting two farm tractors end-to-end with an overall length of 70 feet, a permit cannot be obtained in North Carolina except for Interstates and “designated” US routes, mainly 4-lane US highways. If the route includes other highways, including most US Highways, a permit will not be issued unless it is claimed to be for a single piece.

SIGNS, FLAGS & LIGHTS:

For loads exceeding a width of 10 feet, it is mandatory to display “Oversize Load” signs at both the front and rear. For loads surpassing 8 feet 6 inches in width, flags must be affixed at each corner and at the widest point of the load. However, these flags must be mounted in a manner that does not extend beyond the overall width of the load. If there is a rear overhang exceeding 4 feet, a flag is required; alternatively, during nighttime transport, a red or amber light must be used, ensuring visibility for at least 200 feet.