Pennsylvania oversize load rules
Legal limits, pilot car requirements, travel restrictions, superload thresholds and permit fees for oversize and overweight loads in Pennsylvania.
Legal limits without a permit
| Width | 8′6″ |
|---|---|
| Height | 13′6″ |
| Length | 83′ overall (PennDOT legal-size definition for permits) · 40′ single straight truck |
| Weight | 80,000 lb gross |
At a glance
| Escorts | 6 escort rules, starting at 13′ wide |
|---|---|
| Superload | 3 review triggers (length, weight, width) |
| Travel | 4 restrictions (curfews, night, holidays) |
| Fees | 3 published fee lines |
Escort (pilot car) requirements
- 6 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
When does a load need a pilot car in Pennsylvania?
Over 13′ wide, over 14′6″ high (with a height pole), or over 90′ long. Superloads over 16′ wide, 160′ long or 201,000 lb also get a police escort.
Can oversize loads travel on weekends in Pennsylvania?
Saturday morning only, until noon, and not on Sundays unless the permit says otherwise. In urbanized areas travel is allowed seven days a week in the off-peak windows.
What is a superload in Pennsylvania?
Over 201,000 lb gross, over 160′ long or over 16′ wide. Preliminary applications are due 3 weeks ahead.
Sources
- 67 Pa. Code Chapter 179, Oversize and Overweight Loads and Vehicles (PDF)
- PennDOT Load Type Quick Reference Guide, October 2025 (PDF)
- PennDOT M-938 urbanized area map and general conditions (PDF)
Planning reference. Permits carry their own conditions, and city and county roads have separate rules. Confirm with the PennDOT Central Permit Office before moving a load. Found an error? Report it.
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