Tennessee oversize load rules
Legal limits, pilot car requirements, travel restrictions, superload thresholds and permit fees for oversize and overweight loads in Tennessee.
Legal limits without a permit
| Width | 8′6″ |
|---|---|
| Height | 13′6″ |
| Length | 65′ truck and trailer · 50′ kingpin to rear of semitrailer |
| Weight | 80,000 lb gross |
Travel restrictions
- Escorted loads: no travel 7–9 AM or 4–6 PM, Monday–Friday, in Davidson, Rutherford, Knox, Shelby and Hamilton counties
- Superloads, houseboats and mobile homes: daylight only
- Permits allow travel every day including holidays, except site-built houses and houseboats
Escort (pilot car) requirements
- Front escort on two-lane routes with under 24′ of pavement (10′1″–12′6″ wide)
- Front escort on two-lane routes; rear escort on interstates and four-lane routes (12′7″–13′6″ wide)
- Front and rear escorts (13′7″ and wider)
- Tennessee Highway Patrol escorts in addition (over 18′ wide)
- Front escort with height pole (15′1″ and higher)
- Tennessee Highway Patrol escorts in addition (over 18′ high)
- Rear escort (90′1″–120′ long)
- Front and rear escorts (over 120′ long)
- The permit office may require additional escorts for complex or very large loads.
Superloads
A superload is over 165,000 lb gross, 16′ wide or 15′6″ high. Superloads move in daylight only. Processing runs 3 days up to 165,000 lb, 5 days to 250,000, 15 days to 500,000 and 30 days above that. A route survey is required over 15′6″ high or 16′ wide.
Permit fees
| Single-trip permits | See TDOT fee page |
|---|
Single-trip permits are valid 10 days. THP escorts cost $65 per officer per hour plus $0.13 per mile, 2 officers and 4 hours minimum.
Common questions
When does a load need a pilot car in Tennessee?
From 10′1″ wide on narrow two-lane routes, 12′7″ wide on most roads, 15′1″ high, or 90′1″ long. From 13′7″ wide, front and rear escorts are required.
Are there rush-hour restrictions for oversize loads in Tennessee?
Yes, for escorted loads: no travel 7–9 AM or 4–6 PM on weekdays in the Nashville, Murfreesboro, Knoxville, Memphis and Chattanooga counties.
What is a superload in Tennessee?
Over 165,000 lb gross, over 16′ wide or over 15′6″ high.
Sources
Planning reference. Permits carry their own conditions, and city and county roads have separate rules. Confirm with the Tennessee Department of Transportation (TDOT) before moving a load. Found an error? Report it.
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