Pennsylvania Oversize Permits Guide

Navigating Pennsylvania’s roads with an oversize load requires a clear understanding of Pennsylvania oversize permits and regulations. These permits, valid for seven days, come with specific travel time restrictions and area limitations. Adhering to Pennsylvania oversize regulations, PA oversize regulations, and PA oversize load regulations ensures safe and compliant transport, avoiding potential penalties.

Pennsylvania DOT information

validity of Pennsylvania Oversize Permits

Pennsylvania oversize permits are valid for a period of seven days. It is crucial to secure the permit before entering the state to comply with Pennsylvania oversize regulations.

Operating Time for pennsylvania oversize loads

Pennsylvania oversize load provisions restrict travel until noon on Saturdays and prohibit travel on Sundays. Vehicles exceeding 10 feet in width or 85 feet in length cannot travel on weekends. In urban areas, travel is allowed seven days a week between 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. and 7:00 p.m. – sunset, as well as from 3:00 a.m. – 7:30 a.m., but requires two pilots and special lighting. Philadelphia requires a city permit for all routes except Interstates. Typically, travel is restricted from noon the day before major holidays and holiday weekends until the following weekday.

Restricted Travel in Pennsylvania

Travel is permitted from sunrise to sunset on weekdays (Monday through Friday) and until noon on Saturdays. For overweight vehicles that do not exceed 107,000 pounds and 70 feet in overall length, continuous travel at prevailing speeds is allowed. However, Pennsylvania oversize load provisions restrict travel until noon on Saturdays and prohibit travel on Sundays. Vehicles exceeding 10 feet in width or 85 feet in length cannot travel on weekends. In urban areas, travel is allowed seven days a week between 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. and 7:00 p.m. – sunset, as well as from 3:00 a.m. – 7:30 a.m., but requires two pilots and special lighting. Philadelphia requires a city permit for all routes except Interstates. Typically, travel is restricted from noon the day before major holidays and holiday weekends until the following weekday.

Pennsylvania Turnpike

Advance permits are required for vehicles exceeding 10 feet in width, 85 feet in length, 13’6” in height, 125,000 pounds in weight, or any axle weight over 22,400 pounds. Heights over 13’6” are not permitted on the mainline (I-76). Loads exceeding 11 feet in width, 90 feet in length, or with more than 15 feet of rear overhang require a pilot car. From Memorial Day to Labor Day, oversize and overweight loads can travel from dawn to dusk Monday through Thursday and from dawn to noon on Fridays. From after Labor Day until Memorial Day, travel is allowed from dawn to dusk Monday through Friday and from dawn to noon on Saturdays. Toll costs vary based on gross weight, with moderate expenses for loads between 80,000 – 100,000 pounds and higher costs for loads over 100,000 pounds. For toll calculations, visit PA Turnpike Toll Calculator or call (717) 939-9551, ext. 2980.

Call (832) 454-5883 For Permit Consultation

Legal maximum Dimensions for Pennsylvania Oversize Permits

The following are legal dimensional limits for Pennsylvania oversize permits. Permits are required if exceeding these dimensions.

• Length: 53 feet for semitrailers (kingpin to the center line of the rear axle group must not exceed 41 feet). Permits are not required if the load is 70 feet or less or if the overall length is 85 feet or less and the load is non-divisible.
• Overhang: Up to 6 feet of rear overhang is allowed for divisible loads. Non-divisible loads must follow the above length restrictions.
• Width: 8’6” on designated highways and 8 feet on other roads.
• Height: 13’6”.
• Weight: 80,000 pounds. Specific axle weight limits include: Steer Axle – 20,000 pounds; Single – 20,000 pounds; Tandem – 34,000 pounds; Tridem – 42,500 pounds.

Routine Limits for Pennsylvania oversize permits

The following are maximum dimensional limits allowed to be permitted under pa oversize load regulations. Exceeding these dimensions can classify the shipment as a super load. Depending on the load require additional processing time and review.

Length: 120 feet; 160 feet on 4-lane highways.

Width: 16 feet.

Height: 14’6”.

Weight: Single – 27,000 pounds; Tandem – 52,000 pounds; Tridem – 63,000 pounds; Quad – 72,000 pounds. Loads exceeding 201,000 pounds gross weight, over 16 feet wide, or 160 feet long are considered superloads.

pilot cars Requirements for Pennsylvania Oversize Permits

Exceeding the following dimensions requires escorts/pilot cars at pennsylvania.

Length: Over 90 feet requires 1 escort; Over 160 feet requires a police escort.

Overhang: Over 15 feet requires 1 escort.

Width: Over 13 feet on all highways requires 1 escort; Over 16 feet requires a police escort.

Height: Over 14’6” requires 1 escort with a height pole, and a route survey is needed with the permit application.

Weight: Over 201,000 pounds requires a police escort.

Philadelphia: Police escort required for loads exceeding 11’5” wide, 14 feet high, 75 feet long, or 145,000 pounds.

Miscellaneous information for pennsylvania oversize permits

For dozers with blades exceeding 12 feet but not more than 15 feet in width, transportation is permitted if a traffic protector guide rail device is attached. Detached buckets or blades on overweight loads are not allowed.

Signs, Flags & Lights for Pennsylvania Oversize loads

All oversized loads must display “Oversize Load” signs on the front and rear of the vehicle or trailer. Flags must be placed at the widest points of the load. Rear overhangs of 4 feet or more must be flagged or have a red light attached during darkness. Headlights and rear lamps must be turned on when accompanied by pilot cars.