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The following information about South Carolina Oversize Permits is provided solely for reference. Please carefully review your permits and provisions sheets, as we cannot guarantee the accuracy of the information. For questions or assistance, contact the number provided.

South Carolina DOT #:855-467-2368

South Carolina Oversize Permits Duration

South Carolina oversize permits are valid for seven days, and it is mandatory to obtain the permit before entering the state.

Operating Time

Operating hours are from one-half hour after sunrise to one-half hour before sunset, Monday through Saturday. Travel on Sundays is not permitted. Vehicles weighing over 130,000 pounds gross can travel continuously if they can maintain the traffic flow speed. For weights exceeding 130,000 pounds, travel is restricted to Monday through Friday only.

Restricted Travel at South Carolina

No loads wider than 12′ (up to 15′) are allowed on state highways in close proximity to large urban areas between 7:00 – 9:00 AM and 3:00 – 6:00 PM on school days. For loads wider than 15′ (up to 16′), travel is permitted between 9:00 – 3:00 on school days and 9:00 – 4:00 on other days. Routes between I-95 and the Myrtle Beach area are off-limits on Fridays and Saturdays from Memorial Day through Labor Day. Travel is not allowed on major holidays and holiday weekends.

Call (832) 454-5883 For Permit Consultation

Legal Dimensions for South Carolina Oversize Trucks

Length: 

53’0 semitrailer and load (not to exceed 41′ from center of kingpin to center of rear tandem).

Overhang:

• 5′ rear overhang on a 48′ semitrailer
• None on a 53′

Width: 8’6″ Interstate and designated highways

Height:

 13’6

Note: SC will not permit overhang with multiple pieces. They will only permit it with a non-divisible load.

Weight: 

80,000 Gross

• Single – 20,000
• Tandem – 34,000
• Tridem – 35,200 depends on spacings

Routine Permit Limits for South Carolina Oversize Permits

Length:

 125′

Overhang:

• 3′ front of trailer
• 10′ rear on 48′ to 53′ semi-trailer

Width: 

16′

Height:

No set limits – determined by route. Must be at least 6″ less than any overhead structure.

Weight:

Gross Weights

• 5 axles – 90,000
• 6 axles – 110,000
• 7 axles – 130,000

Axle Weights

• Single – 20,000
• Tandem – 40,000
• Tridem – 60,000
• Quad – 80,000

Loads exceeding these dimensions are considered as superloads.

Escort Requirements for South Carolina Oversize Permits

Length:

 Not specified

Overhang: 

Over 10′ rear – 1 escort

Width:

• Over 12′ on 2-lane highways – 1 escort
• Over 14′ (all highway) – 2 escorts
• Over 16′ – 3 escorts at minimum, and may require police escort

Height:

 Not specified. Permittee is responsible for vertical clearances.

Exceptions & Miscellaneous in South Carolina Oversize Permits:

Implements of husbandry, such as farm tractors, forestry equipment, and road machinery, are exempt from permit requirements if the load dimensions do not exceed 12′ in width, 13’6 in height, or 90,000 pounds in gross weight. This exemption applies to daylight hours and permits operation seven days a week.

Signs, Flags & Lights

Loads exceeding 12′ in width must display “Oversize Load” signs at the front and rear, along with flags on each corner. For loads between 12′ and 14′ wide, a rotating amber beacon or strobe light is required at the rear. If the width exceeds 14′ up to 16′, a rotating amber beacon or strobe must be placed on each outer rear corner. For rear overhangs of 4′ or more, a red flag and a rotating amber beacon or strobe light are mandatory during travel from half an hour after sunset to half an hour before sunrise, or when visibility falls below 500 feet due to inclement weather or other conditions requiring windshield wipers.