Alabama Oversize /Overweight Permits (US DOT-701497 | MC-586860)

Superload Rules and Regulation in Alabama

Loads that surpass 180,000lbs GVW or conventional length and breadth are classed as superloads. The state will select a precise route.

Oversize Road and Bridge Restrictions:

Alabama uses the Federal Bridge Formula to set bridge weight limitations and restrictions. When it comes to oversize load road restrictions, the following must be considered:

• Avoid driving through active construction areas.
• Follow all caution signs when going through work zones.
• Give way to police enforcement, emergency vehicles, and other priority traffic.

Alabama Tire Regulations for Oversize Load

•  Tires should be in proper working condition, fully inflated, and have a tread depth of at least 2/32 inches.
• Tires must not have protrusions composed of materials other than rubber, unless particularly necessary for safety.
• Every tire must have a rubber surface that entirely covers its grip area, measuring at least four inches wide and reaching at least one inch above the outer rim edge around the whole circle.

Alabama Traveling Time and Restrictions with oversize load

• Oversize Legal Travel Times:
  Oversized loads are permitted to travel Monday through Saturday, starting 30 minutes before sunrise and ending 30 minutes after sunset.
• Oversize Travel Time Restrictions:
  Travel is not allowed on Sundays for oversize vehicles.
• Oversize Holiday Restrictions:
  Movement of oversize loads is prohibited on major holidays and during holiday weekends
• Oversize Road and Bridge Restrictions:
  Specific road and bridge restrictions may apply based on the route and load dimensions. It is essential to check permit conditions for any additional limitations.
  Alabama uses the Federal Bridge Formula to set bridge weight limitations and restrictions. When it comes to oversize load road restrictions, the following must be considered:
  
  o Avoid driving through active construction areas.
  o Follow all caution signs when going through work zones.
  o Give way to police enforcement, emergency vehicles, and other priority traffic.
  
  
• Oversize Seasonal Weight Restrictions:
  While the Frost Law is applied in many states and provinces of Canada, no specific seasonal restrictions are provided by the state of Alabama. However, they may appear in Alabama oversize load permits, arising from the nature and type of the load.

Alabama Oversize load Pilot Cars or Escort Vehicles Requirements

• Length Escort Requirements:
  Loads exceeding 90 feet in length require one escort.
  Loads exceeding 105 feet in length require two escorts.
  Trailers longer than 57 feet require one rear escort.
• Overhang Escort Requirement:
  A rear overhang greater than 5 feet requires one escort.
• Width Escort Requirement:
  Exceeding 12 feet – Requires 1 escort
• Height Escort Requirement:
  Loads exceeding 16 feet in height require one escort (Escorts may be required for lower heights on certain routes).

Flags, Banners and lights requirements in Alabama

• Oversize Load Flag Requirements:
  Flags must be placed at the front and rear corners of any oversized vehicle or load.
  Any load extending more than 4 feet beyond the rear of the vehicle must have a flag during daylight hours.
• Oversize Load Banner Requirements:
  Vehicles with excess width or length must display “Oversize Load” banners at both the front and rear.
• Oversize Load Sign Requirements:
  No signs or flags are required for loads that exceed only height or weight limits.
• Oversize Load Lighting Requirements:
  If the rear overhang exceeds 4 feet, lights are required at night.
  Any load with a rear overhang over 5 feet requires a permit and cannot travel at night.

Alabama Oversize Load Regulations

• Miscellaneous Equipment Regulations:
  If the load exceeds both width and height at the same time on a flatbed, the permit cannot be approved.
  Bulldozers, front-end loaders, and similar equipment must be loaded with the blade facing backward if the blade extends beyond the transport vehicle.
  Heavy bulldozers with blades attached must be transported as a single unit.
  If the blade is detached, it must be transported as a separate load.
  Structural steel up to 60 feet is exempt from permit and escort requirements.
• Bucket or Blade Escort Requirements:
  If a bucket or blade extends beyond 12 feet from the trailer’s rear or sides, one escort is required.
  If outriggers are used to prevent the bucket or blade from extending beyond the trailer’s width, no escort is needed.
• Alabama-Specific Blade and Bucket Rules:
  In Alabama, two pilot cars are required when a blade or bucket extends beyond 12 feet from the trailer’s sides.
  This rule applies to bulldozers, excavators, and any other equipment with a blade or bucket.
  Additionally, the blade or bucket must be loaded at the rear of the trailer.

The Validity of Alabama Oversize Permits

Alabama oversize permits remain valid for three to five days, and they must be obtained before entering the state.

Alabama Oversize Permits Types, Cost and Requirements

• The cost of an oversize permit in Alabama depends on the permit type, load size, route, and whether escorts are required.
  
  
• Alabama Oversize/Overweight Permits Costs in Alabama
  The cost of Alabama OSOW permits varies depending on the load type, its nature, and its excessive weight and size. It starts at $10.
  Oversize Load Weight Fees:
  $10 for loads weighing between 80,001 and 100,000 lbs
  $30 for loads between 100,001 and 125,000 lbs
  $60 for loads between 125,001 and 150,000 lbs
  $100 for loads exceeding 150,000 lbs
  Overheight-Only Permit Fee: $10
  
  Over-Dimension Permit Fees (Height, Width, or Length):
  – $20 for loads up to 100,000 lbs
  – $40 for loads between 100,001 and 125,000 lbs
  – $70 for loads between 125,001 and 150,000 lbs
  – $110 for loads exceeding 150,000 lbs
• 5-Day Permit Fees:
  – $20 for loads between 80,001 and 100,000 lbs
  – $40 for loads between 100,001 and 125,000 lbs
  – $70 for loads between 125,001 and 150,000 lbs
• Permit Requirements:
  Any vehicle subject to the International Registration Plan (IRP) and the International Fuel Tax Agreement (IFTA) but not registered under these programs must obtain an IRP trip permit, an IFTA trip permit, or a combination IRP/IFTA trip permit before entering Alabama.
  

   

•  Alabama Single Trip Oversize/Overweight Permits Rules And Cost

  The cost of oversize and overweight (OSOW) permits in Alabama depends on the load’s weight, dimensions, and classification. Single-trip permits start at $20, while annual permits can cost several thousand dollars based on the specific requirements of the load.

• Oversize/Overweight Load Fines in Alabama

  Fines for oversize and overweight violations in Alabama begin at $10 and can exceed $100. The penalty amount is determined by how much the vehicle surpasses legal weight limits and the number of prior violations within a 12-month period.
  
  
• Alabama Trip Permits
  Alabama provides a seven-day IRP (International Registration Plan) trip permit at a cost of $20. Additionally, a combined seven-day fuel and trip permit is available for $40.
  
  
• Alabama Fuel Permits
  A seven-day IFTA (International Fuel Tax Agreement) permit can be obtained for $20 in Alabama.
  To legally operate across state lines, commercial vehicles subject to IRP and IFTA regulations must secure an IFTA fuel license along with the appropriate decal. Furthermore, they are required to obtain an IRP license plate and a cab card before engaging in interstate transport.
• Alabama Specialty Permits Rules And Cost
  Specialty permits may be necessary based on the load’s weight, dimensions, or type.
  Manufactured Housing and Mobile Home Permits
  A single-trip or annual permit is required when transporting manufactured homes or mobile homes that exceed standard size and weight limits. A single-trip permit remains valid for five days and also allows for the return trip to the original point of departure if the return mileage is approved.
  Maximum Permitted Dimensions:
  Single-trip: Up to 16 feet wide and 16 feet high
  Annual permit: Up to 14 feet wide and 14 feet high