North Carolina oversize load rules
Legal limits, pilot car requirements, travel restrictions, superload thresholds and permit fees for oversize and overweight loads in North Carolina.
Legal limits without a permit
| Width | 8′6″ (102 in) |
|---|---|
| Height | 14′ |
| Length | 53′ semitrailer (no overall limit) · 60′ other combinations · 40′ single vehicle |
| Weight | 80,000 lb gross |
Travel restrictions
- Sunrise to sunset, every day, unless the permit says otherwise
- Continuous travel (24/7) is allowed only at 112,000 lb or less with no over-dimension
- No travel on Independence Day, Thanksgiving or Christmas from noon on the weekday before until noon on the weekday after (over 112,000 lb or any over-dimension)
- No travel with visibility under 500 ft, on snow or ice, or when conditions are unsafe
Escort (pilot car) requirements
- 1 escort: in front on two-lane roads, behind on multi-lane highways (over 12′ to 14′ wide)
- Two-lane: front and rear escorts · multi-lane: 1 escort (over 14′ wide)
- Over 16′ wide is a superload; escorts are set in the permit after engineering review
- Front pole car with height indicator (over 14′5″ high)
- Rear escort (over 110′ long)
- Front and rear escorts (150′ and longer)
- Front escort (over 149,999 lb)
- 16′ is the maximum width for single-trip permits; wider loads are superloads.
- The permit office may require additional escorts for weight, width, length, height, weather, location or route.
Superloads
A superload application (PF-20) is required over 132,000 lb gross, over 20,000 lb on the steer axle, or over 16′ wide. It needs vehicle schematics with axle spacing and weights, at least 10 working days for bridge engineering review, a $100 application fee, and $3 per 1,000 lb over 132,000 lb.
Permit fees
| Single trip | $12–$48 |
|---|---|
| Superload application (non-refundable) | $100, plus $3 per 1,000 lb over 132,000 lb |
| Annual, non-divisible general commodities | $185 per vehicle |
Single-trip permits are valid 10 calendar days; a return trip can be included if requested at issuance.
Common questions
When does a load need a pilot car in North Carolina?
Over 12′ wide, over 14′5″ high, over 110′ long, or over 149,999 lb. Over 14′ wide on two-lane roads needs front and rear escorts.
What is a superload in North Carolina?
Over 132,000 lb gross, over 20,000 lb on the steer axle, or over 16′ wide. Allow 10 working days for engineering review.
What is the legal height in North Carolina?
14′, including the load.
Sources
Planning reference. Permits carry their own conditions, and city and county roads have separate rules. Confirm with the NCDOT Oversize/Overweight Permit Unit before moving a load. Found an error? Report it.
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