Washington oversize load rules
Legal limits, pilot car requirements, travel restrictions, superload thresholds and permit fees for oversize and overweight loads in Washington.
Legal limits without a permit
| Width | 8′6″ |
|---|---|
| Height | 14′ |
| Length | 40′ single unit · 53′ semitrailer (RCW 46.44.030) |
| Weight | 105,500 lb gross maximum (RCW 46.44.041); 80,000 lb on Interstate without permit |
At a glance
| Escorts | 6 escort rules, starting at 11′ wide |
|---|---|
| Superload | 4 review triggers (height, length, weight, width) |
| Travel | 3 restrictions (curfews, night, holidays) |
| Fees | 5 published fee lines |
Escort (pilot car) requirements
- 6 width, height and length thresholds with the escort count for each
- Overhang and route-type conditions
Travel restrictions
- 3 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
- 5 published fee lines with links to the fee schedule
- Validity periods and add-on charges
Common questions
When does Washington require pilot cars?
Over 11′ wide on two-lane highways (front and rear), over 14′ wide on multilane (rear), over 14′6″ high (front with pole), over 105′ long on two-lane or 125′ on multilane (rear), and for front overhang over 20′.
What is a superload in Washington?
Over 16′ wide, 16′ high, 125′ of load length or 200,000 lb. Allow 30 days for loads over 200,000 lb and at least 7 days for loads over 16′.
Can oversize loads move at night in Washington?
Yes within 12′ wide, 14′6″ high and 105′ long. Larger loads need the permit to state that nighttime movement is approved.
How much is a Washington oversize permit?
$10 for a single-trip oversize permit; overweight is charged per mile by excess weight starting at $0.07 per mile with a $14 minimum.
Sources
- WAC 468-38-100, pilot/escort vehicle requirements
- WSDOT Superloads
- WSDOT Special Motor Vehicle Permit Regulations and Conditions (curfews, night envelope, holidays)
- RCW 46.44.0941, special permit fees
- Chapter 46.44 RCW, size, weight, load (legal limits)
- WSDOT permit types and fees
Planning reference. Permits carry their own conditions, and city and county roads have separate rules. Confirm with the WSDOT Commercial Vehicle Services (Olympia) before moving a load. Found an error? Report it.
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