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

Superload Rules and Regulation in Georgia

Loads that surpass conventional length and breadth are classed as superloads.

Georgia Amber Light Permit Requirement: A Georgia light decal is mandatory for the use of a flashing amber light.

Oversize Road and Bridge Restrictions:

Georgia 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.

Georgia Tire Regulations for Oversize Load

• Tires must be in good working condition, properly inflated, and have a minimum tread depth of 2/32 inches.
• Only rubber-based protuberances are permitted unless additional materials are necessary for safety purposes.
• Tires labeled “Not for highway use” are strictly prohibited.
• Non-compliance that leads to an accident or obstructs traffic may result in a fine of up to $1,000,000.

Georgia Traveling Time and Restrictions with oversize load

• Oversize Legal Travel Times:
  Travel is allowed seven days a week, starting 30 minutes before sunrise and ending 30 minutes after sunset. Continuous transit is permitted for load within permissible dimensions and weighing no more than 125,000 pounds, providing it is mentioned while getting the permission.
• Oversize Travel Time Restrictions:
  Movement is forbidden on Sundays. Permit loads are not permitted to travel within or along I-285 in Atlanta between 7:00 AM to 9:00 AM and 4:00 PM to 6:00 PM, Monday through Friday.
• Oversize Holiday Restrictions:
  Travel is not permitted on major holidays.
• Oversize Road and Bridge Restrictions:
  Georgia 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.
• 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 Georgia. However, they may appear in Georgia oversize load permits, arising from the nature and type of the load.

Georgia Oversize load Pilot Cars or Escort Vehicles Requirements

• Length Escort Requirements:
  Vehicles exceeding 75 feet in length must have either one escort vehicle or an 8-inch flashing amber light positioned at each rear corner of the load.
  Loads surpassing 100 feet require one escort vehicle.
  For loads extending beyond 125 feet, two escort vehicles are necessary.
• Width Escort Requirement:
  Loads exceeding 12 feet but not exceeding 14 feet 8 inches require either a rear escort or an amber light on interstates and limited-access highways. On two-lane roads, two escorts are required, or one escort with a rear amber light.
  Loads over 14 feet 8 inches but up to 16 feet require two escorts on two-lane roads, while only one escort is necessary on interstates or limited-access highways.
  Loads exceeding 16 feet are subject to individual case evaluation for escort requirements.
• Height Escort Requirement:
  o Any load surpassing 15 feet 6 inches in height must have an escort vehicle equipped with a height pole.

Flags, Banners and lights requirements in Georgia

• Oversize Load Flag Requirements:
  All oversize loads must have flags placed at each corner and the extremities of the load to ensure visibility.
• Oversize Load Banner Requirements:
  Vehicles transporting oversize loads must display “Oversize Load” banners for clear identification.
• Oversize Load Sign Requirements:
  Proper signage indicating an oversize load is mandatory on all permitted vehicles.
• Oversize Load Lighting Requirements:
  To operate a flashing amber beacon light in Georgia, a valid Georgia light decal is required. (Refer to the Escort Requirements section for additional details.)

Georgia Oversize Load Regulations

• Additional Load Regulations:
  Utility poles, structural steel, and pipes up to 75 feet in length are considered legal and do not require special permits.
• Georgia-Specific Blade and Bucket Rules:
  Blades exceeding 12 feet in width must be transported at an angle.
  Equipment-mounted blades up to 14 feet wide may remain attached to the same vehicle.

The Validity of Georgia Oversize Permits

Georgia oversize permits remain valid for ten days, and they must be obtained before entering the state.

Georgia Oversize Permits Types, Cost and Requirements

The cost of an oversize permit in Georgia depends on the permit type, load size, route, and whether escorts are required.

• Georgia Oversize/Overweight Permits Costs in Georgia
  The cost of Georgia OSOW permits varies depending on the load type, its nature, and its excessive weight and size. It starts at $30.
  Standard Georgia Single Permit: $30. Covers loads up to 16 feet in width and height, with a maximum weight of 150,000 pounds.
  Georgia Superload Permit: $125, Required for loads exceeding 16 feet in width or height, or those weighing more than 150,000 pounds.
  Georgia Superload Plus Permit: $500, Necessary for loads exceeding 180,000 pounds, requiring a bridge analysis.
  Georgia Mega Load Permit: $500, Applies to loads surpassing 300,000 pounds, requiring external engineering approval.
  Georgia Annual Permit: Valid for 12 months, this permit applies to oversized or overweight loads that require frequent transport.
• Temporary Trip Permits 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 Georgia.

• Georgia Single Trip Oversize/Overweight Permits Rules And Cost

  The price of Georgia Oversize/Overweight (OSOW) permits depends on the size, weight, and type of load.
  The cost starts at $30 for a single-trip permit.
  An annual permit can cost up to $500, depending on the specific requirements of the load.
• Oversize/Overweight Load Fines in Georgia
  Penalties for oversize and overweight violations depend on the amount of excess weight and the number of violations within a 12-month period.
  – Carriers must pay $0.05 per pound for unpermitted excess weight.
  – If a vehicle operates without a permit and causes damage, the fine is 125% higher than the standard fee.
  – The vehicle owner or operator has 30 days from the citation date to either pay the fine or request an administrative review to verify the charge’s accuracy.
• Georgia Trip Permits
  Georgia offers a 72-hour single-trip permit for transporting loads from one location to another within the specified travel period stated in the permit. The fee for this permit is $30.
  Drivers must keep the permit in the vehicle’s cab at all times, as photocopies or digital copies are not accepted.
• Georgia Fuel Permits
  Motor carriers traveling across Georgia without an International Fuel Tax Agreement (IFTA) decal must obtain an IFTA permit. The cost for a 10-day IFTA license is $16.
• Georgia Specialty Permits Rules And Cost
  Certain loads may require specialty permits based on their size, weight, and nature.
  Manufactured Houses and Mobile Home Permits
  Manufactured homes and mobile houses must not exceed 16 feet in width and 80 feet in length.
  If the unit is wider than 12 feet, it must be transported by a truck with a minimum width of 15 feet and equipped with functional brakes on at least half of its axles (e.g., if the truck has three axles, at least two must have working brakes).