Order Iowa Oversize Permits Online Now!
Iowa Oversize Overweight Permits Phone Number: (270)908-9656
Iowa Oversize Overweight Permits Rules and Regulations
Iowa Oversize/Overweight permits Validity: Oversize permits issued in Iowa remain valid for a total of five consecutive days. Drivers are required to secure the permit before entering the state.
Iowa Traveling Time with Oversize Load: Vehicles measuring 100 feet in length, 11 feet in width, 14 feet 6 inches in height, and falling within the permitted axle restrictions may move continuously seven days a week (24/7), as long as the road has a minimum width of 22 feet and a minimum lane width of 11 feet. Additionally, safety lighting must comply with the Iowa requirements sheet. Oversized cargoes are permitted to operate between half an hour before sunrise and half an hour after sunset, including weekends.
Iowa Holiday Restriction: Unless otherwise noted on the Iowa oversize load permit, movement of oversize loads is not permitted on the following holidays: New Year’s Day, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving Day, and Christmas Day, beginning at noon on the holiday and continuing through the rest of the day.
If the holiday falls on a Saturday, Sunday, or Monday, movement restrictions will begin at noon on the preceding Friday and will continue through the end of the holiday weekend
Iowa Road Bridge Restriction with Oversize Load:
Iowa follows the Federal Bridge Formula, which includes specific limitations on bridge crossings. Regarding road restrictions, the following are considered key violations:
- Passing through active construction zones
- Ignoring warning signals in work zones
- Failing to yield to law enforcement, emergency vehicles, or directed traffic
Note: All vehicles, whether self-propelled or towed, must comply with all posted bridge weight limits.
Oversize load Seasonal Restriction in Iowa:
While the frost law is enforced in several Canadian provinces and U.S. states, Iowa does not impose general seasonal restrictions. However, such limits may be specified on individual Iowa oversize load permits, based on the type and nature of the load.
Note: The agency in charge is responsible for placing signs and notices related to seasonal weight limits or temporary/permanent bridge weight restrictions
Iowa Oversize Tire Regulations:
- Tires must be in good condition, properly inflated, and meet minimum tread depth standards.
- The maximum allowable weight is 575 pounds per inch of tire width (or 600 pounds for steering axles).
- Tires must not have any metal or non-rubber protrusions, unless such features are explicitly permitted or necessary for safety purposes.
Note: From November 1 to April 1, the use of studded tires is allowed, provided the studs do not protrude more than 1/16 inch beyond the tread.
Chain Requirements: The use of tire chains is permitted when ice, snow, or slippery conditions create hazardous driving circumstances and the chains are necessary for safety
Iowa Legal Dimensions/Size Limit
Iowa Legal Length: A semi-trailer measuring 53 feet, with its load, may not exceed this length without getting the necessary permit. This exemption does not include steel pipes, beams, or building materials.
Iowa Wide Load Limit: 8 feet 6 inches
Iowa Legal Height: 13 feet 6 inches
Iowa Legal Weight Limit: 80,000lbs gross weight
- Single Axle: 20,000lbs.
- Tandem Axles: 34,000lbs.
- Tridem Axles: 42,000lbs.
Maximum Load Dimensions with permits in Iowa
Length: 120 feet.
Width: 18 feet
Iowa Wide Load Requirements
- Permit Required: Loads wider than 8 ft 6 in need an Iowa Oversize Permit.
- Flags: Red or fluorescent orange 18-inch square flags on all extremities.
- Escort Vehicle Requirements Width: Rear escort if width exceeds 16 ft 6 in on 4-lane roads. Front escort if width exceeds half the roadway on 2-lane roads, or if width over 14 ft 6 in.
Iowa Wide Load Restrictions
Travel Time Restrictions:
Regular: Half an hour before sunrise to half an hour after sunset.
Night travel allowed if: Width 11 ft or less
Height: 18 feet
Weight:
Weight Limits Under Routine Permits:
- Steering Axle: A permit does not exceed the weight of the steer axles, but regulation is based on the weight rating of single (steer) tires, which is computed as two per tire. In Iowa, you must have a license for any amount you want to get permit.
- Single axle: 22,000 pounds.
- Tandem axles: 46,000 pounds.
- Tridem axles: 60,000 pounds.
- Quad axles: 80,000 pounds.
Superload: The load that surpass these sizes or weight, considered superload.
What Are The Requirements For a Pilot Car In Iowa
Length On all routes:
- More than 85 feet–1 Pilot Car Or amber light
- More than 120 feet–1 Pilot Car
Height On all routes:
More than 14 feet 6 inches–1 Pilot Car with high pole.
Overhang On all routes:
If the front projection reaches 25 feet or the rear overhang exceeds 10 feet, escort or amber spinning lights are necessary. A strobe light must also be placed at the rear of the load if the rear overhang is higher than 10 feet.
Width:
- For widths of 14 feet 6 inches to 16 feet 6 inches, either a rear escort or two amber revolving or strobe lights are needed (one on the power unit and one at the back of the vehicle or load).
- An escort is required on four-lane roads with widths more than 16 feet 6 inches.
- If the width exceeds half of the road width, including 14 feet 6 inches, a front escort is necessary.
- For widths over 14 feet 6 inches, an escort is required. However, if the width is up to 14’6″ and exceeds half the width of the lane, an amber or strobe light on both the power unit and the rear of the vehicle or load may be used instead of an escort, as long as there are appropriate shoulders when the weight is 12 feet or wider
Signage, Flashing Amber lights and flags Requirements and Iowa Additional Information
When a vehicle and load surpass 75 feet in length, 8 feet 6 inches in width, and 14 feet 4 inches in height, “Oversize Load” signs and flags are necessary. Any allowed vehicle or load with a rear overhang longer than 4 feet must be marked with flags for visibility. Flags should be placed on the towing unit’s front and rear corners, as well as any wide points or projections on the load. An amber rotating light, at least 7 inches tall and 7 inches in diameter, is also required whenever the length exceeds 85 feet, the front overhang is more than 25 feet, the rear overhang is more than 10 feet (with the light positioned at the rear of the load), or the weight exceeds 80,000 pounds. An escort may be used instead of the amber light
Blades, buckets, counterweights, and other similar attachments are not required to be removed if the load exceeds their dimensions. However, if the load is too heavy, these accessories must be removed and carried individually.
Iowa Oversize/Overweight Permit fee:
In Iowa, the cost for oversize and overweight (OSOW) permits depends on the nature, size, and weight of the load. A single-trip permit typically starts around 35 dollars, while annual permits can go beyond 400 dollars. Additional charges may apply for application processing and handling.
Trip Permits:
Out-of-state carriers operating in Iowa can secure a 72-hour IRP trip permit for $35. This permit allows temporary travel within the state without full IRP registration. Processing and handling fees may be charged separately.
Fuel Permits:
Out-of-state carriers may obtain a 72-hour International Fuel Tax Agreement (IFTA) permit for 20 dollars. This temporary fuel permit is valid for either 72 hours or one trip, whichever is completed first. Additional processing fees may apply.
Single Trip Oversize/Overweight Permits:
A single-trip oversize or overweight permit in Iowa is typically valid for five days and covers non-divisible loads exceeding legal limits. This type of permit is for a one-way movement from the starting point to the destination. A separate permit may be required for the return trip. The fee is 35 dollars per permit.
Note: The maximum allowable weight per axle is 20,000 pounds.
Annual Oversize/Overweight Permits:
This permit authorizes repeated movement of the same vehicle and load between two specific locations for one full year, using approved and designated routes. It is intended for loads meeting the following criteria:
- Maximum width: 13 feet 5 inches
- Maximum height: 15 feet 5 inches
- Maximum length: 120 feet
- Maximum gross vehicle weight: 156,000 pounds
- For special mobile equipment (excluding cranes): 126,000 pounds
- Maximum axle weight: 20,000 pounds
Iowa’s annual OS/OW permit carries a fee of $400.
Other Annual Permits and Fees
- Annual Oversize Permit: 50 dollars
- Annual All-Systems Oversize Permit: 160 dollars
- Annual Oversize/Overweight Permit: 400 dollars
- Annual Raw Forest Products Permit: 175 dollars
- Annual All-Systems Overweight Permit: 500 dollars
- Bridge Exempt Permit: 25 dollars
- Single-Trip Permit for certain divisible loads (such as construction equipment): 25 or 35 dollars
Specialty Permits
- Highway Use Tax Permits: The Federal Heavy Vehicle Use Tax, imposed by the IRS, applies to trucks registered at 55,000 pounds or more. Tax payment proof or exemption documentation is necessary when registering in Iowa.
- Amber Light Permits: Escort vehicles that accompany oversize loads must be fitted with amber-colored warning lights mounted on the roof for visibility and safety.
- Loading Zone Permits: A loading zone permit may be granted to non-commercial vehicles that need to use commercial loading areas for delivery-related purposes.
Oversize and Overweight Load Fines in Iowa
In Iowa, penalties for exceeding legal weight limits are based on how much the actual weight surpasses the allowable maximum. The fines follow a progressive structure, increasing with the level of excess weight:
For the first 1,000 pounds over the legal limit, the fine is 6 dollars.
If the excess weight is between 1,001 and 2,000 pounds, the penalty increases to 11 dollars.
For 2,001 to 3,000 pounds overweight, the fine rises to 77 dollars and 50 cents.
If the load is 3,001 to 4,000 pounds over, the fine becomes 120 dollars.
For weights over 20,000 pounds beyond the limit, the base fine is 1,100 dollars, with an additional charge of 5 cents for every pound over the 20,000-pound mark.
FAQ’s
You can contact at (270)908-9656 Express Heavy Haul for Alabama Oversize Permits.
Alabama defines a vehicle as oversize if its width is more than 8 feet 6 inches, its height exceeds 13 feet 6 inches, or its overall length surpasses 85 feet. Any load exceeding these limits requires a special oversize permit before operating on state roads.
The cost of a wide load permit in Alabama varies depending on the size, weight, and route of the load. Typically, single trip permits start at $10 and can increase based on additional dimensions and axle weight.
Yes, Alabama accepts electronic versions of oversize and overweight permits. Drivers may display the permits on a digital device during inspections as long as they are clearly readable.
In most cases, oversize loads are restricted to daylight hours only. Travel is typically permitted 30 minutes before sunrise until 30 minutes after sunset, and night travel is generally not allowed unless specifically authorized in the permit.
Escort vehicle usage within Alabama is determined by the specific dimensions of width, height, or length being transported. For example, loads over 12 feet wide usually require one escort, and loads exceeding 14 feet wide may require two escorts. Height over 15 feet 6 inches may also require a pole car.
Alabama requires all oversize or overweight vehicles to obtain a permit prior to travel. Movement is limited to authorized timeframes, and based on size, escort vehicles may be required. Special restrictions apply near holidays, urban areas, and during adverse weather.
In Alabama, the legal maximum width for a vehicle is 8 feet 6 inches. Anything wider is considered a wide load and requires an oversize permit.
Oversize transport is permitted from 30 minutes prior to sunrise until 30 minutes past sunset, Monday through Saturday. Sunday and holiday travel is generally prohibited unless specified in the permit.
Get in Touch with Us
Lets Get Started
Get Your Alabama Oversize Permit - Trucking Permits
If your vehicle exceeds those numbers, it’s likely overweight or hauling an oversize load. Let Express Heavyhaul Trucking Permits help get you your Arizona oversize or overweight permit. State Direct. 24/7 Live Service. Order Online Today. Trip & Fuel Combo Permits. Types: Oversize, Overweight, Trip.
