California oversize load rules
Legal limits, pilot car requirements, travel restrictions, superload thresholds and permit fees for oversize and overweight loads in California.
Legal limits without a permit
| Width | 8′6″ (CVC 35100) |
|---|---|
| Height | 14′ (CVC 35250) |
| Length | 65′ overall on California-legal (black) routes · STAA (green) routes: 53′ semitrailer, 40′ kingpin-to-rear-axle, unlimited overall |
| Weight | 80,000 lb gross |
At a glance
| Escorts | 4 escort rules, starting at 8′6″ wide |
|---|---|
| Superload | 3 review triggers (height, length, width) |
| Travel | 4 restrictions (curfews, night, holidays) |
| Fees | 3 published fee lines |
Escort (pilot car) requirements
- 4 width, height and length thresholds with the escort count for each
- Police escort triggers
- Overhang and route-type conditions
Travel restrictions
- 4 restrictions: curfews, night travel, weekends and holidays
- Which ones apply to a given load size
Superloads
- Exact thresholds and what the state requires past them
- Lead times, route surveys and police escort conditions
Permit fees
- 3 published fee lines with links to the fee schedule
- Validity periods and add-on charges
Common questions
How much is a California oversize permit?
$16 for a single trip (good for 7 consecutive days), $90 for an annual permit and $90 for a repetitive permit of up to 90 days.
When does California require a CHP escort?
Over 15′ loaded width on green, blue and brown routes, and over 16′ on yellow routes. Over 14′ high needs a CHP escort westbound on the Bay Bridge through the Yerba Buena Island tunnel.
What counts as a superload in California?
Caltrans uses variance permits for loads over 15′ wide, over 17′ high (route survey) or over 135′ long. Apply at least 30 days ahead.
Are there curfews for wide loads in California cities?
Yes, for loads over 10′ wide on weekdays: Los Angeles 6–9 AM and 3–6 PM; Sacramento, San Diego and San Francisco 7–9 AM and 4–6 PM.
Sources
- Caltrans Transportation Permits FAQ (fees, variance thresholds, curfew areas)
- Caltrans Transportation Permits Manual, Chapter 5 (pilot cars, route colors, curfews, holidays)
- Caltrans Single Trip Pilot Car Maps
- Caltrans Legal Truck Access: vehicle widths (CVC 35100)
- Caltrans Legal Truck Access: height (CVC 35250)
- Caltrans Legal Truck Access: truck lengths quick guide
- Caltrans Transportation Permits (overview, when a permit is required)
Planning reference. Permits carry their own conditions, and city and county roads have separate rules. Confirm with the Caltrans Transportation Permits Issuance Branch (Sacramento) before moving a load. Found an error? Report it.
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