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North Carolina Oversize Permits

Navigating the complexities of North Carolina oversize permits is essential for any transport operation involving wide loads or overweight vehicles. Understanding the state’s specific wide load regulations and NC overweight permits is crucial to ensure compliance and avoid potential fines. This guide covers the essential details, including permit duration, operating hours, and restricted travel areas in North Carolina.
north carolina DOT Information
North Carolina DOT phone Number | (919) 814-3700 |
NC DOT Opening Time | 07:00 am |
NC DOT Closing Time | 04:00 pm |
NC Permit Issue Status | Auto Issue Pending |
North Carolina Over Dimensional Fee | $30 |
North Carolina Oversize Permits duration
North Carolina oversize permits are valid for ten days. It’s vital to secure the necessary wide load permit before entering the state to avoid penalties or delays.
Operating Hours at north carolina
Traveling with an oversized load is permitted from sunrise to sunset, Monday through Saturday. Sunday travel is prohibited. However, if your load is overweight but does not exceed 112,000 pounds gross weight (or 94,500 pounds for a sealed ship container) and is traveling only on Interstate routes, 24/7 travel is allowed. This continuous travel option must be requested when you order your permit
Restricted travel conditions
Certain restrictions apply to oversized loads in North Carolina, particularly in urban areas. Loads exceeding 10 feet in width are restricted from traveling within a 10-mile radius of Charlotte, Raleigh, Durham, and Chapel Hill during peak hours (7:00 a.m. – 9:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m.). Additionally, loads over 14 feet in height must adhere to speed and escort requirements when passing through I-40 tunnels near the Tennessee line. It’s also important to note that no travel is allowed on major holidays or holiday weekends. Always check with the permit office for specific holiday restrictions.
legal maximum dimensions for north carolina oversize permits
The following are legal dimensional limits for north carolina oversize permits. Permits are required if exceeding these dimensions.
Length | 53’ trailer* on designated highways 48’ trailer on all other roads No overall designated legal length on all highways for a 48’ trailer (60’ overall length) on non-designated highways For a 53’ trailer, no overall designated length on Interstates or federally designated highways |
Overhang | Total 10′ 0″ Front 5′ 0″ Back 5′ 0″ |
Width | 8′ 6″ |
Height | 13′ 6″ |
Weight | 80,000 lbs. |
Call (832) 454-5883 For Permit Consultation

routine limits for north carolina oversize permits
Maximum dimensional limits allowed to be permitted at north carolina. Exceeding these dimensions can classify the shipment as a super load. Depending on the load require additional processing time and review.
Length | 105′ 0″ |
Width | 15′ 0″ |
Height | No set limit. Height limits are determined by route. Loads over 14’ may take extra processing time. |
Weight | 132,000 lbs. |
Pilot Cars requirements for north carolina oversize permits
Exceeding the following dimensions requires escorts/pilot cars.
Weight | Loads over 149,999 lbs. need 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 |
Length | Over 110’ – 1 escort Over 150’ – 2 escorts |
Height | Over 14’5″ – 1 escort with high pole Note: For I-40 tunnels near TN line: Eastbound loads over 13’11” – 1 escort with high pole Westbound loads over 14’2″ – 1 escort with high pole |
Overhang | Over 15’ front or rear – 1 escort |
Blades
Blades and buckets which cannot be angled to not exceed 14 feet in width must be removed. A blade or bucket, if it is part of the original equipment being hauled, may be detached and hauled with the equipment without being considered a divisible load..
Signs, Flags, and Lights Requirements
To ascertain the safety of all motorists on the road during transport, lights, flags, and signs may be required for oversize or super loads at north carolina.
signs
For all loads exceeding 10 feet wide, “Oversize Load” signs are required at the front and rear of vehicles and cargo.
Flags
For loads over 8 feet 6 inches wide, flags must be mounted at the widest point of the load and on each corner. The flags must be mounted so as not to increase the overall width of the load. Additionally, rear overhangs exceeding 4 inches require a flag.
Lights
Lights are required at night to be mounted on the rear of any overhang exceeding 4 inches.
Partnering with dispatch N permits to obtain NC permits
If you are interested in streamlining the oversize permit process in North Carolina, consider partnering with a modular logistics company. Contact our experts to ensure a seamless wide and heavy haul experience for your project.