Washington Oversize/Overweight Permits

Washington
PERMITS

Washington oversize permits are valid for three days. Haulers must obtain their permits prior to entering the state. Washington permits can no longer be purchased at Ports of Entry. Therefore, you must purchase them ahead of time with us!

OPERATING TIME

Haulers may transport oversize loads from one-half hour before sunrise to one-half hour after sunset, including Saturdays and Sundays. However, vehicles and loads not exceeding 12’6″ wide, 14’6″ high, and 105′ long, including legal overhangs, may operate at night with proper lighting as defined by Federal Regulations 49 CFR 393.11.

Legal Limits

Width8’6″
Height14’
Length
  • Single Unit – 40 ft.
  • Semi-trailer – 53 ft.
  • Double Trailer 61 ft.
  • Truck/Trailer – 75 ft.
Weight: Gross weight is legal up to 105,500 lbs. depending on a number of axles and their spacings:
  • 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.: Your load can exceed 80,000 lbs. of gross weight without a permit on state highways and on Interstate Highways as long as you do not exceed the legal limits on all axle/group weights. Beyond that, your load is legal when you are licensed for at least its gross weight.

Permit Limits

Width16′ (14′ on 2-lane highways)
Height16′
Length125′ trailer and load
Weight (Depends on axle spacings)Gross Weights

 

  • 5 axles – 99,000 lbs.
  • 6 axles – 114,700 lbs.
  • 7 axles – 130,000 lbs.
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

Note: On height clearances: Washington state oversize permits do not guarantee height clearances on permitted routes.

Loads exceeding these dimensions or exceeding 200,000 lbs. are considered superloads.

Requirements for Escort/Pilots Cars

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 (depends on routes)
  • 1 Front
Rear Overhang
  • If the load exceeds one third of the total trailer and load length – Needs one escort vehicle

When the load measured from the center of the last axle exceeds 1/3 or the total length.

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

Restricted Travel

Monday through Friday time/width curfew restrictions for the jurisdictions of Seattle-Everett, Tacoma, Olympia, Vancouver, and Kelso are listed on the Commuter Curfew Hours Sheet which accompanies your permits. A validation number is required for permission to use city routes in Seattle and Tacoma.

You can also obtain any trip and fuel permits you may need with our sister site!