DNP news
Blog
Washington Oversize Permits And State Regulations
Understanding the intricacies of Washington Oversize Permits is essential for transporting large loads within the state. Washington State Oversize Permits, issued by the Washington State DOT, encompass a range of regulations that ensure safe and legal travel for oversized and overweight vehicles. Familiarizing yourself with these Washington Oversize Permits regulations will help you navigate the state’s requirements effectively.
washington dOT Information
| Washington DOT Phone Number | (360) 704-6340 |
| Washington DOT Opening Time | 08:00 am |
| Washington DOT Closing Time | 04:30 pm |
| Washington DOT Permit Issue Type | Auto Issue |
| Washington Over Dimensional Fee | $10.00 |
washington oversize permits duration
Washington Oversize Permits are valid for three days and must be acquired before entering the state. Notably, Washington State Oversize Permits can no longer be obtained at Points of Entry (POEs).
operating time at washington
Travel is allowed from one-half hour before sunrise to one-half hour after sunset, including weekends. Vehicles and loads not exceeding 12 feet in width, 14 feet 6 inches in height, and 105 feet in length, including legal overhangs, may operate at night with proper lighting as per Federal Regulations 49 CFR 393.11.
restricted travel in washington
Curfew restrictions apply Monday through Friday in areas around Seattle-Everett, Tacoma, Olympia, Vancouver, and Kelso. Specific curfew hours are provided on the Commuter Curfew Hours sheet with permits. A validation number is required for city routes in Seattle and Tacoma. For more details, please contact us.
Legal limits for washington state oversize permits
| Width | 8’6″ |
| Height | 14’ |
| Length | Single Unit – 40 ft. Semi-trailer – 53 ft. Double Trailer 61 ft. Truck/Trailer – 75 ft. |
| Weight | Single Axle – 20,000 lbs. Tandem Axle – 34,000 lbs. Steer Axle– 600 lbs. per inch of tire width Other Axles – 500 lbs. per inch of tire width |
| Overhang | Front Overhang – 3 ft. from the front bumper Rear Overhang – 15 ft. from the rear axle |
DIVISIBLE LOADS EXCEEDING 80,000 LBS.: Loads can exceed 80,000 lbs. of gross weight without a permit on state highways and Interstate highways, provided that all axle and group weight limits are within legal limits. Additionally, you must be licensed for at least the total gross weight of the load to ensure it is considered legal.
Call (832) 454-5883 For Permit Consultation
Oversize and Overweight Permit Limits in Washington
| Max Length With Permit | No set limits |
| Max Overhang With Permit | 3′ in the front and 15′ in the rear |
| Maximum Width With Permit | 14 feet |
| Maximum Height With Permit | 16 feet |
| Axle Weights | Steer Axle – 600 lbs. per inch of tire width (13,200 lbs. maximum with 11-inch tires) Single – 22,000 lbs. Tandem – 43,000 lbs. Tridem – Depends on spacings (4’2″ spacings get about 54,080 lbs; 4’6″ spacings get about 58,500 lbs, etc.) You can register for up to 105,500 lbs. to permit for that much or more |
Super Load Shipping Permits in Washington
Vehicles or loads that are non-divisible, or a combination of both, exceeding 200,000 lbs in weight, 16′ in height, or 16′ in width are classified as superloads in Washington state. To obtain Washington oversize permits for these superloads, an application must be submitted 30 days in advance for weight excesses and 7 days for height or width excesses. The application must include justification for the move, evidence that the load cannot be reasonably reduced, mechanical drawings of the truck, trailer, and shipment, a solid route plan, a detailed traffic control plan, pilot car usage details, and awareness of railroad crossing schedules. Additionally, you must prove that emergency vehicles can pass easily at any time. The Washington State DOT may charge for reviewing your application. Due to the complexity and requirements of Washington Oversize Permits regulations, handling superloads should be entrusted to a professional to avoid potential delays and expenses.
Pilot Car Requirements for washington oversize permits
On 2 Lane Highways:
| Width | Over 11′ – Needs 2 escorts (Front & Rear) Over 16′ – Case by case basis |
| Height | Over 14’6″ – Needs 1 escort |
| Length | Trailer length including load over 105′ – Needs 1 escort |
| Front overhang | 1 Front |
| Rear Overhang | If the load exceeds one third of the total trailer and load length – Needs one escort vehicle |
On multiple Lane Highways
| Width | Over 14′ – Needs 1 escort (Rear) Over 16′ – case by case basis |
| Length | Trailer length including load over 125′ – Needs 1 escort (Rear) |
| Height (county to city authorizations necessary for detours to accommodate move) | Over 14’6″ – Needs 1 escort (Front) |
| Overhang | Center last axle to end of load should exceed 1/3 of the total trailer and load length – Needs 1 escort |
Miscellaneous
Lift axles must be deployed if exceeding legal axle weights, and efforts should be made to reduce overweight single-piece loads. Loads created through welding, bolting, or tying are considered reducible.
Signs, Flags & Lights
“Oversize Load” signs are mandatory at the front and rear of the vehicle, at a height of 5 to 7 feet from ground level or as high as practicable. No signs are required for overweight-only loads. Flags must be displayed on all four corners of overwidth loads and at the extreme ends of protrusions, projections, or overhangs. During nighttime movement, loads extending beyond the sides must have amber lights visible from the front and side at the outermost extremities, and the rearmost edge must be marked with a red lamp visible from the rear and side.
