California Oversize /Overweight Permits (US DOT-701497 | MC-586860)
California Oversize Permits DOT Ph: (630) 222-5770 – PERMIT AGENCY
Get your Caltrans Transportation Permit just an hour or two! Call us for expert assistance. Fast, affordable, and accurate nationwide service—Get a FREE quote today!
Get Your California oversize permits or California Overweight Permits quickly and hassle-free, we are a permit agency with 15+ years of experience (US DOT-701497 | MC-586860), serving the US & Canada. We provide Oversize Load Permit Regulations, Provision Sheets, Legal Dimensions, Escort Requirements, Operating Times, Restricted Travel Info, California Oversize / Overweight Permits Applications, Tire Law, Cost, Overweight Permit Map, validity travel with load and more.
California Oversize/Overweight Regulations and Limits
Under California law, a load that exceeds the specified weight and dimension limits is considered oversize or overweight, see below:
- California Legal Dimension/Size Limit:
Length of a truck or semi trailer: 48 feet for semitrailer, 65 feet for overall on nondesignated routes and 75 feet for overall on other routes
Note: 53-feet semi-trailers are not allowed unless the rear axle’s kingpin-to-center distance is less than 40 feet. Longer trailers may be authorized only if they are being utilized to convey a specific load or if the length is justified by the load itself.
Overhang: 10 feet Including length, length may not exceed 75 feet with overhang.
Width: 8 feet 6 inches wide load can haul without a permit in CA
Height: 14 feet, If a load on a flatbed exceeds the height limit, it is highly restricted for transport. - California Legal Weight Limit:
Maximum Gross Weight (GVW): 80,000lbs
Steering Axle: 12,2500lbs
Single Axle: 20,000lbs
Tandem Axles: 34,000lbs
Tridem Axles: It depends on axles spacing, if tridem axles are 10 feet to 10 feet 2 inches spread (legal), 40,000lbs will be legal weight on tridem (20,000 – 20,000)
Georgia Oversize Permit limit
California Oversize Permit limit
With a California Oversize/ Overweight Permit, you can haul loads up to the permitted maximum dimensions and weight limits set by the state regulations. see below:
- California Dimension/Sizes regulations with a permit:
California Oversize load Length with a permit: Generally, up to 135 feet
Overhang rules in California: If the rear overhang allows the tractor/trailer to exceed a total length of 75 feet, California may refuse the permit and require the load to be transported on a stretch trailer.
California Wide Load Requirements: 15 feet wide load can transport with a wide load permit.
California Overheight Requirements: High Load Flatbed trailers cannot exceed the legal height limit unless the length of the load warrants the usage of a flatbed, which varies by route. - California Axle Weight regulations with a permit:
Steering Axle: 12,2500lbs
Single Axle: 20,000lbs
Tandem Axles: 46,000lbs
Tridem Axles: 58,061 to 60,000lbs
Weight limitations are influenced by axle spacing and route configuration. For example, a tridem with a 9 feet spacing can carry up to 59,168 pounds. A spread axle tandem (8 feet to 10 feet 2inches spread) has a maximum weight capacity of 40,000 pounds. Tridems with a spacing greater than 10 feet (5 feet – 5 feet) are likewise limited to a maximum weight of 40,000 pounds.
Superload Rules and Regulation in California
Loads that surpass 15 feet in width, 17 feet in height, or 135 feet in length are considered super loads.
Oversize Road and Bridge Restrictions:
California 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.
California Tire Regulations for Oversize Load
- Between November 1st and April 30th, vehicles may use pneumatic tires with metal studs, as long as the metal in contact with the road does not exceed 3%.
- Steering axle tires require a minimum tread depth of 4/32 inches in all major grooves, whereas all other vehicle tires require a minimum tread depth of 2/32 inches in all significant grooves.
California Traveling Time and Restrictions with oversize load
- Oversize Legal Travel Times:
Continuous travel is generally permitted if the load does not require escorts, avoids state routes, and does not exceed the configuration of two vehicles. For night travel, the load must be lightweight. - Oversize Legal Travel Time Restrictions:
Loads exceeding 10′ in width have restricted travel hours on weekdays (Monday–Friday) in the following areas:
– Sacramento, San Francisco, and San Diego regions: No travel from 7:00 AM – 9:00 AM and 4:00 PM – 6:00 PM.
– Los Angeles region:No travel from 6:00 AM – 9:00 AM and 3:00 PM – 6:00 PM.
– San Francisco/Oakland Bay Bridge:No travel from 6:30 AM – 9:00 AM and 3:30 PM – 6:30 PM.
o Loads exceeding 11 inches in width or extra height require a Highway Patrol escort.
o Loads over 12 inches in width are restricted to travel between 11:00 AM – 1:00 PM, Monday–Friday. - Oversize Holiday Restrictions:
Holiday travel restrictions typically apply only to larger loads. - Oversize Road and Bridge Restrictions:
California adheres to the Federal Bridge Formula that determines bridge restrictions. As for the oversize road restrictions, they come as the following:
– driving through work zones that are under construction
– neglecting warning signals when driving through work zones
– not giving traffic priority to law enforcement, emergency vehicles, etc - 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 California. However, they may appear in California oversize load permits, arising from the nature and type of the load.
California Oversize load Pilot Cars or Escort Vehicles Requirements
- Length:
Over 100′ in Los Angeles City – Two escorts
Over 120′ to 135′ – One or more escorts
Overhang: Over 30′ front or rear – One or more escorts - Width:
Over 12′ – One or two escorts (Some local routes may require an escort under 12′)
Over 13′ on two-lane roads – Two escorts on certain routes
Over 14′-11″ on Interstate and four-lane highways – Two escorts
Over 16′ (or over 15′ on two-lane roads) – Three CHP escorts required - Height:
Over 18′ – One escort with a high pole, utility clearance, and route survey
CHP escorts may be required
If an escort is requested for a lower height, it must be stated on the permit, or a fine may be imposed.
Flags, Banners and lights requirements in California
- Oversize Load Flag Requirements:
Red or orange warning flags must be used for loads extending beyond the vehicle’s sides or with a rear overhang exceeding 4 feet - Oversize Load Banner Requirements:
California requires oversize vehicles or the ones hauling oversized loads to be equipped with “oversize load” banners. - Oversize Load Sign Requirements:
Oversize Load Signs are mandatory for vehicles exceeding 8 feet 6 inches in width, 80 feet in length, or with a rear overhang greater than 10 feet - Oversize Load Lighting Requirements:
Amber marker lights must be placed at the front corners of the load and on the leftmost extreme edge, visible from the front and sides.
– Red lights must be positioned at the rear corners, visible from the rear and sides.
– Los Angeles County requires amber lights at all protrusions, placed at 5′ intervals around the load, with red lights at the rear, ensuring none are higher than 5′ above ground level.
– Rear overhang of 4′ or more requires at least two lights or a rear light bar at night.
– A rear light bar is not necessary during daylight unless brake lights and turn signals are obstructed by the load. - Trailer Length Restrictions
– Standard Limit: Trailers exceeding 48 feet are not allowed in California unless the kingpin-to-rear axle distance is 40 feet or less.
– Exceptions: Longer trailers may be permitted only if necessary for the load being transported.
California Oversize Load Regulations
- Miscellaneous Regulations:
Shipping Containers: No rear overhang is allowed for loaded containers, while empty containers may have up to 5′ rear overhang.
Overheight Restrictions: Shipping containers exceeding legal height limits are not permitted.
Equipment Transport: Buckets, blades, and counterweights do not require removal. If a blade is detached, it can be transported on the same trailer with an overweight dozer, but the permit must specify this (“blade detached and reloaded”).
Tow-Away Units: Permits for tow-away loads are only issued if an inspection report is available or Caltrans approval and an inspection appointment are obtained.
If the tow-away unit is unregistered, a temporary California registration is required, which is arranged when applying for the permit.
Four-axle tractors must have either a California inspection report or Caltrans permission with an inspection appointment.
Single-axle jeeps and boosters must undergo a Caltrans inspection before obtaining a permit.
California Oversize Permits Types, Cost and Requirements
- California Oversize/Overweight Permit Fees
Standard Oversize Permit Fees:
– Single Trip Oversize Permit: $16
– Annual Oversize Permit: $90 - Overweight Permit Fees:
Single Trip Overweight Permit: $16 + weight-based fees
Annual Overweight Permit: Varies based on load and route - Superload Permit Fees:
Loads exceeding routine limits: Additional charges based on weight and dimensions - Escort and Special Fees:
Highway Patrol Escort (if required): Varies based on escort needs
Route Survey Fee (if applicable): Charged separately - Additional Fees:
Holiday/Weekend Travel Surcharge: May apply for special approvals
Permit Revision Fee: Charged for changes to an issued permit - Payment Methods:
Accepted payment: Credit card, electronic check, company check
For additional specialty or more permits call us
State-to-state Oversize Permits by States – Need an Oversize or Over-Dimensional Permit? Get a Free Quote Today! We’re here to assist with any permit requirements.
California Oversize /Overweight Permits (US DOT-701497 | MC-586860)
California Oversize Permits DOT Ph: (630) 222-5770 – PERMIT AGENCY
Get your Caltrans Transportation Permit just an hour or two! Call us for expert assistance. Fast, affordable, and accurate nationwide service—Get a FREE quote today!
Get Your California oversize permits or California Overweight Permits quickly and hassle-free, we are a permit agency with 15+ years of experience (US DOT-701497 | MC-586860), serving the US & Canada. We provide Oversize Load Permit Regulations, Provision Sheets, Legal Dimensions, Escort Requirements, Operating Times, Restricted Travel Info, California Oversize / Overweight Permits Applications, Tire Law, Cost, Overweight Permit Map, validity travel with load and more.
California Oversize/Overweight Regulations and Limits
Under California law, a load that exceeds the specified weight and dimension limits is considered oversize or overweight, see below:
- California Legal Dimension/Size Limit:
Length of a truck or semi trailer: 48 feet for semitrailer, 65 feet for overall on nondesignated routes and 75 feet for overall on other routes
Note: 53-feet semi-trailers are not allowed unless the rear axle’s kingpin-to-center distance is less than 40 feet. Longer trailers may be authorized only if they are being utilized to convey a specific load or if the length is justified by the load itself.
Overhang: 10 feet Including length, length may not exceed 75 feet with overhang.
Width: 8 feet 6 inches wide load can haul without a permit in CA
Height: 14 feet, If a load on a flatbed exceeds the height limit, it is highly restricted for transport. - California Legal Weight Limit:
Maximum Gross Weight (GVW): 80,000lbs
Steering Axle: 12,2500lbs
Single Axle: 20,000lbs
Tandem Axles: 34,000lbs
Tridem Axles: It depends on axles spacing, if tridem axles are 10 feet to 10 feet 2 inches spread (legal), 40,000lbs will be legal weight on tridem (20,000 – 20,000)
Georgia Oversize Permit limit
California Oversize Permit limit
With a California Oversize/ Overweight Permit, you can haul loads up to the permitted maximum dimensions and weight limits set by the state regulations. see below:
- California Dimension/Sizes regulations with a permit:
California Oversize load Length with a permit: Generally, up to 135 feet
Overhang rules in California: If the rear overhang allows the tractor/trailer to exceed a total length of 75 feet, California may refuse the permit and require the load to be transported on a stretch trailer.
California Wide Load Requirements: 15 feet wide load can transport with a wide load permit.
California Overheight Requirements: High Load Flatbed trailers cannot exceed the legal height limit unless the length of the load warrants the usage of a flatbed, which varies by route. - California Axle Weight regulations with a permit:
Steering Axle: 12,2500lbs
Single Axle: 20,000lbs
Tandem Axles: 46,000lbs
Tridem Axles: 58,061 to 60,000lbs
Weight limitations are influenced by axle spacing and route configuration. For example, a tridem with a 9 feet spacing can carry up to 59,168 pounds. A spread axle tandem (8 feet to 10 feet 2inches spread) has a maximum weight capacity of 40,000 pounds. Tridems with a spacing greater than 10 feet (5 feet – 5 feet) are likewise limited to a maximum weight of 40,000 pounds.
Superload Rules and Regulation in California
Loads that surpass 15 feet in width, 17 feet in height, or 135 feet in length are considered super loads.
Oversize Road and Bridge Restrictions:
California 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.
California Tire Regulations for Oversize Load
- Between November 1st and April 30th, vehicles may use pneumatic tires with metal studs, as long as the metal in contact with the road does not exceed 3%.
- Steering axle tires require a minimum tread depth of 4/32 inches in all major grooves, whereas all other vehicle tires require a minimum tread depth of 2/32 inches in all significant grooves.
California Traveling Time and Restrictions with oversize load
- Oversize Legal Travel Times:
Continuous travel is generally permitted if the load does not require escorts, avoids state routes, and does not exceed the configuration of two vehicles. For night travel, the load must be lightweight. - Oversize Legal Travel Time Restrictions:
Loads exceeding 10′ in width have restricted travel hours on weekdays (Monday–Friday) in the following areas:
– Sacramento, San Francisco, and San Diego regions: No travel from 7:00 AM – 9:00 AM and 4:00 PM – 6:00 PM.
– Los Angeles region:No travel from 6:00 AM – 9:00 AM and 3:00 PM – 6:00 PM.
– San Francisco/Oakland Bay Bridge:No travel from 6:30 AM – 9:00 AM and 3:30 PM – 6:30 PM.
o Loads exceeding 11 inches in width or extra height require a Highway Patrol escort.
o Loads over 12 inches in width are restricted to travel between 11:00 AM – 1:00 PM, Monday–Friday. - Oversize Holiday Restrictions:
Holiday travel restrictions typically apply only to larger loads. - Oversize Road and Bridge Restrictions:
California adheres to the Federal Bridge Formula that determines bridge restrictions. As for the oversize road restrictions, they come as the following:
– driving through work zones that are under construction
– neglecting warning signals when driving through work zones
– not giving traffic priority to law enforcement, emergency vehicles, etc - 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 California. However, they may appear in California oversize load permits, arising from the nature and type of the load.
California Oversize load Pilot Cars or Escort Vehicles Requirements
- Length:
Over 100′ in Los Angeles City – Two escorts
Over 120′ to 135′ – One or more escorts
Overhang: Over 30′ front or rear – One or more escorts - Width:
Over 12′ – One or two escorts (Some local routes may require an escort under 12′)
Over 13′ on two-lane roads – Two escorts on certain routes
Over 14′-11″ on Interstate and four-lane highways – Two escorts
Over 16′ (or over 15′ on two-lane roads) – Three CHP escorts required - Height:
Over 18′ – One escort with a high pole, utility clearance, and route survey
CHP escorts may be required
If an escort is requested for a lower height, it must be stated on the permit, or a fine may be imposed.
Flags, Banners and lights requirements in California
- Oversize Load Flag Requirements:
Red or orange warning flags must be used for loads extending beyond the vehicle’s sides or with a rear overhang exceeding 4 feet - Oversize Load Banner Requirements:
California requires oversize vehicles or the ones hauling oversized loads to be equipped with “oversize load” banners. - Oversize Load Sign Requirements:
Oversize Load Signs are mandatory for vehicles exceeding 8 feet 6 inches in width, 80 feet in length, or with a rear overhang greater than 10 feet - Oversize Load Lighting Requirements:
Amber marker lights must be placed at the front corners of the load and on the leftmost extreme edge, visible from the front and sides.
– Red lights must be positioned at the rear corners, visible from the rear and sides.
– Los Angeles County requires amber lights at all protrusions, placed at 5′ intervals around the load, with red lights at the rear, ensuring none are higher than 5′ above ground level.
– Rear overhang of 4′ or more requires at least two lights or a rear light bar at night.
– A rear light bar is not necessary during daylight unless brake lights and turn signals are obstructed by the load. - Trailer Length Restrictions
– Standard Limit: Trailers exceeding 48 feet are not allowed in California unless the kingpin-to-rear axle distance is 40 feet or less.
– Exceptions: Longer trailers may be permitted only if necessary for the load being transported.
California Oversize Load Regulations
- Miscellaneous Regulations:
Shipping Containers: No rear overhang is allowed for loaded containers, while empty containers may have up to 5′ rear overhang.
Overheight Restrictions: Shipping containers exceeding legal height limits are not permitted.
Equipment Transport: Buckets, blades, and counterweights do not require removal. If a blade is detached, it can be transported on the same trailer with an overweight dozer, but the permit must specify this (“blade detached and reloaded”).
Tow-Away Units: Permits for tow-away loads are only issued if an inspection report is available or Caltrans approval and an inspection appointment are obtained.
If the tow-away unit is unregistered, a temporary California registration is required, which is arranged when applying for the permit.
Four-axle tractors must have either a California inspection report or Caltrans permission with an inspection appointment.
Single-axle jeeps and boosters must undergo a Caltrans inspection before obtaining a permit.
California Oversize Permits Types, Cost and Requirements
- California Oversize/Overweight Permit Fees
Standard Oversize Permit Fees:
– Single Trip Oversize Permit: $16
– Annual Oversize Permit: $90 - Overweight Permit Fees:
Single Trip Overweight Permit: $16 + weight-based fees
Annual Overweight Permit: Varies based on load and route - Superload Permit Fees:
Loads exceeding routine limits: Additional charges based on weight and dimensions - Escort and Special Fees:
Highway Patrol Escort (if required): Varies based on escort needs
Route Survey Fee (if applicable): Charged separately - Additional Fees:
Holiday/Weekend Travel Surcharge: May apply for special approvals
Permit Revision Fee: Charged for changes to an issued permit - Payment Methods:
Accepted payment: Credit card, electronic check, company check