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

• North Carolina Oversize/Overweight Permit Regulations for Annual Permit Limits
  GVW Restrictions for Annual Permits:
  – Vehicles with 5, 6, or 7 axles can operate up to 90,000 lbs but are prohibited from traveling on restricted roads and bridges.
  – 5-axle vehicles may qualify for a permit allowing up to 112,000 lbs.
  – 6-axle vehicles may receive a permit for a maximum of 108,000 lbs.
  – 7-axle vehicles can be permitted for up to 122,000 lbs.
  o Additional Considerations:
  – Vehicles must have a minimum wheelbase of 51 feet to qualify for permits over 90,000 lbs.
  – Routes must be pre-approved for loads exceeding 90,000 lbs, and travel on restricted roads or bridges is not permitted.

Superload Rules and Regulation in North Carolina

Loads that surpass conventional length and width or more than 132,000lbs GVW and 15 feet width are classed as superloads. A letter from shipper must b attached with an application of superload.

Oversize Road and Bridge Restrictions:
North Carolina 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.

North Carolina Tire Regulations for Oversize Load

• Tires must be in perfect working order, fully inflated, and have a minimum tread depth of 2/32″. 
• No protrusions made of materials other than rubber are permitted unless absolutely required for safety.

North Carolina Traveling Time and Restrictions with oversize load

• Oversize Legal Travel Times: 
  Travel is allowed from morning light until dusk, Monday through Saturday.  
  No travel allowed on Sundays.  
  Overweight loads up to 112,000 pounds gross (or 94,500 pounds for sealed shipping containers) are permitted 24/7 on interstate routes, but only with a valid permit.  
• Oversize Travel Time Restrictions: 
  Loads exceeding 10 feet in width are restricted within a 10-mile radius of the following cities:
  In and around Charlotte, Raleigh, Durham, and Chapel Hill, travel is restricted during peak traffic hours. 
  Restricted hours: 7:00 AM – 9:00 AM and 4:00 PM – 6:00 PM  
  Tennessee Border Tunnel on I-40: Loads exceeding 14 feet in height must comply with speed and safety restrictions.  
• Oversize Holiday Restrictions:
  Movement of oversize loads is prohibited on major holidays and holiday weekends. 
  It is recommended to verify holiday restrictions with the permit office before traveling.
• Oversize Road and Bridge Restrictions:
  North Carolina does not provide specific bridge restriction as the Federal Bridge Formula that determines bridge restrictions. As for the oversize road restrictions, they come as the following:
  o driving through work zones that are under construction
  o neglecting warning signals when driving through work zones
  o 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 North Carolina. However, they may appear in North Carolina oversize load permits, arising from the nature and type of the load. 

• Length:
  Loads exceeding 110 feet require one escort.  
  Loads exceeding 150 feet require two escorts.  
  Overhang exceeding 15 feet at the front or rear requires one escort.  
  
  
•  Width:  
  Loads over 12 feet wide require one escort.  
  Loads over 14 feet wide require two escorts when traveling on two-lane or two-way roads.  
  Loads exceeding 15 feet in width may require police escorts.  
  
  
• Height:  
  Loads over 14 feet 5 inches require one escort with a height pole.  
  Special Requirements for I-40 Tunnels (Near Tennessee Border):  
  Eastbound traffic: Loads over 13 feet 11 inches require one escort with a height pole.  
  Westbound traffic: Loads over 14 feet 2 inches require one escort with a height pole.  
• Weight:  
  Loads exceeding 149,999 pounds require one escort.  

Flags, Banners and lights requirements in North Carolina 

• Oversize Load Flag Requirements:
  Flags are required at the widest points of loads exceeding 8 feet 6 inches in width. 
  Rear overhang exceeding 4 feet must have a red flag during the day or a red/amber light visible up to 200 feet at night.
• Oversize Load Banner Requirements:
  Loads exceeding 10 feet in width must display “OVERSIZE LOAD” signs at both the front and rear..
•  Oversize Load Sign Requirements:
  Same as banner requirements: “OVERSIZE LOAD” signs must be properly displayed at the front and rear of the vehicle.
• Oversize Load Lighting Requirements:
  Same as Banner Requirements

• Miscellaneous Regulations: 
  Blades and Buckets: If a blade or bucket cannot be positioned to keep the total width under 14 feet, it must be removed. However, if the blade or bucket is an integral part of the equipment being transported, it can be detached and hauled together with the equipment without being classified as a divisible load.
  Permit Exemptions for Certain Materials: Beams, poles, pipes, and structural materials up to 85 feet in length can be transported without a permit during daylight hours on Interstates and designated routes.
  Multiple Pieces Rule: North Carolina does not issue permits for vehicles or loads exceeding 60 feet in total length on non-designated highways if they consist of multiple pieces. For instance, if transporting two farm tractors end-to-end results in an overall length of 70 feet, a permit can only be obtained for travel on Interstates and certain four-lane U.S. routes. On other roads, including most U.S. Highways, a permit will not be issued unless the load qualifies as a single, non-divisible piece.

North Carolina Oversize Permits Types, Cost and Requirements

• North Carolina Oversize/Overweight Permits Costs in North Carolina  
  The cost of North Carolina OSOW permits varies depending on the load type, its nature, and its excessive weight and size. It starts at $60.
• Single-trip permits
  General: $61.61 per trip
  Overweight Loads:
  80,001–120,000 lbs: $210
  120,001–160,000 lbs: $285
  160,001–200,000 lbs: $360
  Over 210,000 lbs: $435
  Manufactured Housing: $40
  Portable Building: $15
  Annual permits can cost several thousand dollars, depending on the load specifications.

• North Carolina Single Trip Oversize/Overweight Permits Rules And Cost
  A general single-trip permit is issued for non-divisible oversize and overweight loads exceeding the legal limit. It is valid for three to five days and covers one movement from point A to point B and vice versa.
  Temporal expansions will not be conferred unless the voyage is hindered by forces of nature. A Single-trip permit is Starts at around $60
• Oversize/Overweight Load Fines in North Carolina  
• North Carolina Trip Permits
  North Carolina provides a 10-day IRP trip permit at a cost of $15, with additional charges for processing and handling.
  Important Note:
• This permit is only valid in Arizona, Iowa, Nebraska, and North Dakota.
• The original permit must be kept in the cab at all times.
  North Carolina Fuel Permits
  Interstate carriers operating in or passing through North Carolina must obtain an IFTA temporary fuel permit, which is valid for 72 hours. There are additional handling and processing fees associated with this permit.
  Important Note:
• The original permit must be carried in the cab during travel.
• North Carolina Specialty Permits
  Certain loads may require special permits depending on their size, weight, and type of cargo.
• Superload Permits:
• Loads exceeding the following limits must secure a superload permit:
• Gross Vehicle Weight (GVW) over 132,000 pounds
• Steering axle weight exceeding 20,000 pounds
• Width greater than 16 feet
  Fees for Superload Permits:
• A non-refundable application fee of $100.
• State fees range from $12 to $48, plus $3 per 1,000 pounds exceeding 132,000 pounds GVW.. 
  
  
• North Carolina Trip Permits 
  North Carolina offers two types of IRP trip permits: a 72-hour permit for $25 and a 144-hour permit for $50. Additionally, a $4.75 processing and handling fee applies.
  
  
• North Carolina Fuel Permits
  Motor carriers operating across state lines in North Carolina must obtain an IFTA permit, which ensures compliance with fuel use tax regulations. Vehicles registered outside the state may obtain North Carolina trip permits to enter the state. The vehicles must meet the following requirements:
  2 axles and the GVW exceeding 26,000 pounds
  3 or more axles regardless of the weight
  combined GVW exceeding 26,000 pounds