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North Carolina Oversize Permits Phone Number: (270)908-9656
North Carolina Oversize/Overweight Permits Rules and Regulations
North Carolina Oversize/Overweight permits Validity: Oversize permits issued in North Carolina remain valid for a total of Ten consecutive days. Drivers are required to secure the permit before entering the state.
North Carolina Traveling Time with Oversize Load: Travel is typically allowed from sunrise to sunset, Monday through Saturday. Sunday travel is not allowed. However, 24/7 movement is permitted only for overweight loads not exceeding 112,000lbs gross (or 94,500lbs for sealed ship containers) and only on interstate routes if specified on the permit and requested during the application.
North Carolina Oversize Load Restricted Travel: Loads wider than 10 feet are not allowed within a 10-mile radius of the following cities during peak hours:
- Charlotte
- Raleigh
- Durham
- Chapel Hill
Restricted hours:
- Morning: 7:00 AM to 9:00 AM
- Evening: 4:00 PM to 6:00 PM
Additionally, loads taller than 14 feet traveling near I-40 tunnels close to the Tennessee line are subject to speed and safety restrictions. Holiday weekends and major holidays also restrict travel—always confirm with the permit office for updated restrictions.
North Carolina Holiday Restriction: Unless otherwise noted on the North Carolina oversize load permit, loads exceeding 112,000 lbs are prohibited from travel starting at noon the day before and until noon the day after these holidays:
- New Year’s Day
- Memorial Day
- Independence Day
- Labor Day
- Thanksgiving Day
- Christmas Day
North Carolina Road/Bridge Restriction with Oversize Load:
North Carolina follows the Federal Bridge Formula, which governs bridge weight limits and specific crossing restrictions. Road limitations include, but are not limited to:
- Traveling through construction zones
- Ignoring caution signals in work zones
- Failing to yield to emergency vehicles or law enforcement
Oversize load Seasonal Restriction in North Carolina:
Although frost laws are enforced in many northern states and Canadian provinces, North Carolina does not impose specific seasonal weight restrictions. However, such limitations may still appear on oversize permits depending on the nature and classification of the load.
North Carolina Oversize Tire Regulations:
All tires must be in standard operating condition, properly inflated, and must have a minimum tread depth of 2/32 of an inch.
- Studs, chains, or protrusions other than rubber are not allowed unless explicitly approved and proven safe.
- If approved, studs must not extend more than 1/16 inch beyond the tread surface.
Chain Laws for Oversize Load in North Carolina:
When roads are icy or snow-covered, tire chains are permitted for safety. Their use is allowed when conditions warrant additional traction.
North Carolina Legal Dimensions/Size Limit
North Carolina Legal Length:
- Length:
A 53-foot trailer is permitted on Interstate routes and other designated highways..
On non-designated routes, trailers are limited to 48 feet in length.
There is no overall length restriction for 48′ trailers on any highway, but a 60-foot total length applies on non-designated routes.
For 53′ trailers, no total length restriction exists on Interstates or federally designated roads.
Note: In North Carolina, only Interstates and certain four-lane U.S. Highways qualify as federally designated routes. Most other U.S. highways follow the 60-foot overall limit.
The measurement from the kingpin’s center to the rear tandem’s center must not go beyond 41 feet for 53-foot semitrailers.
Overhang Limits:
- Front overhang: Up to 5 feet
- Rear overhang: Up to 5 feet
Be cautious: Overhangs are still subject to length limitations on non-designated route
North Carolina Wide Load Limit:
- 8 feet 6 inches on Interstates and designated highways
- 8 feet on all other roads
North Carolina Legal Height: Maximum allowable height is 13 feet 6 inches
North Carolina Legal Weight Limit: Up to 80,000 pounds.
Axle Weight Limits:
- Single Axle: 20,000lbs
- Tandem Axles: 38,000lbs
- Tridem Axles: Determined by spacing between axles
Maximum Load Dimensions with permits in North Carolina
Limits vary depending on the specific route, distance, and any bridge crossings involved
Length:
- Up to 105 feet total vehicle length
- For beams and girders, a maximum of 120 feet is allowed
Width: Permits are typically issued for loads up to 15 feet wide
- North Carolina Wide Load Requirements
All loads wider than 8′ 6″ must obtain a permit from the North Carolina DOT.
Red or fluorescent orange 18″ square flags must mark all extremities.
Vehicles over 10′ wide must display “OVERSIZE LOAD” or “WIDE LOAD” banners on front and rear.
Mobile/modular homes (16′ wide) must indicate width in the banner (e.g., “OVERSIZE 16 FT. LOAD”).
Signs must be 18″ high x 7′ wide with 10″ black letters on a yellow background.
Escort vehicles must use flashing amber lights.
Escort Vehicle Requirements
Width Over 12′: 2-lane roads: 1 front escort and On multi-lane highways: 1 escort in front + 1 escort at the rear
Width Over 14′: 2-lane roads: 1 front + 1 rear escort - North Carolina Wide Load Restrictions
Holiday Restrictions Applicable
Urban Area Restrictions: Vehicles wider than 12′ are restricted from traveling within a 10-mile radius of Charlotte, Raleigh, Durham, and Chapel Hill From 7–9 AM and 4–6 PM
Road & Bridge Restrictions
Seasonal Weight Restrictions
Height:
- There is no universal maximum height, but routes must be evaluated in advance.
- Loads exceeding 14 feet in height may experience longer processing times due to clearance checks
Weight:
Axle Group Limits:
- Steer axle: Up to 20,000 lbs
- Single axle: Up to 25,000 lbs
- Tandem axle: Up to 50,000 lbs
- Tridem axle: Up to 60,000 lbs
- Quad axle: Up to 68,000 lbs
Gross Vehicle Weights:
- 5 axles: Up to 112,000 lbs
- 6 axles: Up to 120,000 lbs
- 7 axles: Up to 132,000 lbs
Superload: Loads exceeding 132,000 lbs or wider than 15 feet are classified as superloads. A letter from the shipper must be included when applying for a superload permit
What Are The Requirements For a Pilot Car In North Carolina
Length Based Escort Requirement in North Carolina:
- If the load exceeds 110 feet in length, one escort vehicle is required.
- Loads measuring more than 150 feet in length require two escort vehicles.
Overhang Based Escort Requirement in North Carolina: A front or rear overhang beyond 15 feet mandates one escort
Width Based Escort Requirement in North Carolina:
- Any load exceeding 12 feet in width requires a minimum of one escort.
- On two-lane or two-way roads, loads wider than 14 feet need two escort vehicles.
- Police escorts could be required when the width goes beyond 15 feet
Height Based Escort Requirement in North Carolina: Loads over 14 feet 5 inches in height must be accompanied by one escort with a high pole
- Special Tunnel Advisory – I-40 near the Tennessee Line:
Eastbound loads taller than 13 feet 11 inches require an escort with a high pole
Westbound loads exceeding 14 feet 2 inches also need an escort with a height pole
Weight Based Escort Requirement in North Carolina:
For loads surpassing 149,999 pounds in weight, one escort vehicle is essential.
Signage, Flashing Amber lights and flags Requirements and North Carolina Additional Information
- Loads over 10 feet wide must display “Oversize Load” signs on both the front and rear.
- Red or orange flags must be attached at each corner and at the widest points of any load exceeding 8 feet 6 inches in width.
- Flags must be placed in a way that does not increase the total width of the load.
- For rear overhangs over 4 feet, a flag is required or, during nighttime movement, a red or amber light visible from 200 feet is mandatory.
Miscellaneous Equipment and Load Regulations:
- Buckets and blades wider than 14 feet must be removed.
- If the blade or bucket is part of the equipment being hauled, it can be transported separately without classifying the load as divisible.
- Materials like beams, poles, pipes, and structural items up to 85 feet in length may travel without a permit on interstates and designated routes during daylight only.
On non-designated highways in North Carolina, transporting multiple items that result in an overlength load (more than 60 feet) is not allowed under a single permit. For example, if hauling two farm tractors end-to-end reaches 70 feet, a permit is not issued unless you’re on interstate highways or designated 4-lane U.S. routes. Routes involving other U.S. highways require proof the load is a single, non-divisible piece.
North Carolina Oversize/Overweight Permit fee:
The cost of OSOW permits in North Carolina depends on the type of permit, the load’s dimensions, and total weight.
- Single Trip Permit fees start at $12
- Annual Permits may cost up to $200
- Superload Permits include additional surcharges based on excess weight and require a $100 non-refundable application fee
Application and transmittal fees may apply in addition to the base permit cost.
Maximum Dimensions & Weight Allowances:
- Maximum Width: 16 feet
- Maximum Length (Mobile Homes or Combination): 105 feet
- Maximum Gross Vehicle Weight:
5 Axles: 94,500 lbs (or 112,000 lbs with a minimum 51′ wheelbase)
6 Axles: 108,000 lbs (or 120,000 lbs with a minimum 51′ wheelbase)
7 Axles: 122,000 lbs (or 132,000 lbs with a minimum 51′ wheelbase)
Axle Weight Limits:
- Steer Axle: 20,000 lbs
- Single Axle: 25,000 lbs
- Tandem Axle: 50,000 lbs
- Tridem Axle: 60,000 lbs
- Quad or More: 68,000 lbs
North Carolina Annual Oversize/Overweight Permits
Annual permits allow continuous movement of eligible non-divisible loads over the course of a year. Permits are specific to the vehicle and may also be specific to the route, depending on the load.
Cost:
- Standard Vehicle Permit: $100
- Mobile Home Permit: $200
- General Commodity Permit: $185 (per vehicle)
Dimension Restrictions:
- Maximum Width: The maximum width allowed is 12 feet (extended to 14 feet for agricultural equipment)
- Maximum Height: 13 feet 6 inches
- Maximum Length:
For a single item or a truck/53′ trailer combo: 105 feet
For multiple commodities in line: 60 feet
For toter/mobile home combinations: 105 feet
Weight Restrictions:
- 5, 6, or 7 Axle Combinations: Up to 90,000 lbs on non-posted roads
- 5 Axles: Up to 112,000 lbs
- 6 Axles: Up to 108,000 lbs
- 7 Axles: Up to 122,000 lbs
Loads above 90,000 lbs may require a route-specific annual permit.
Note: Vehicle combinations must maintain a minimum 51-foot wheelbase to qualify for higher GVWs.
North Carolina Superload Permits
- Loads exceeding specific thresholds are classified as superloads and require pre-approval with a formal application.
When is a Superload Permit Required? - GVW exceeds 132,000 lbs
- Width exceeds 16 feet
- Steer axle weight exceeds 20,000 lbs
Fees:
- Non-refundable Application Fee: $100
- Permit Fee: $12–$48 based on dimensions
- Transmittal Fee: $3
- Excess Weight Charge: $3 per 1,000 lbs over 132,000 lbs GVW
A letter from the shipper must accompany the superload application.
North Carolina Trip Permits (IRP)
Trip permits are for temporary registration when operating a vehicle in North Carolina without IRP credentials.
Key Details:
- Permit Duration: 10 days
- Cost: $15
- Applicable For: Arizona, Iowa, Nebraska, North Dakota
The original permit must be carried in the cab at all times.
North Carolina Fuel Permits (IFTA)
Fuel permits are required for interstate carriers operating in North Carolina without an IFTA license.
Permit Details:
- Validity: 72 hours
- Requirement: Must be displayed in the cab
- Processing Fee: Additional service charges may apply
North Carolina Oversize/Overweight Load Fines
Operating an oversize or overweight vehicle without proper authorization in North Carolina can result in significant fines. Penalties typically begin at $100 for a first-time offense and may increase up to $1,500 if you fail to use the required number of certified escort vehicles.
The amount of the fine is determined by two main factors:
- How much the vehicle exceeds the legal weight limits
- The number of previous violations within the same calendar year
Weight-Based Penalties:
- The per-pound fine ranges from $0.01 to $0.10 for each pound that exceeds the permitted weight.
- These charges are added on top of the base fine for each violation.
Additional Enforcement Action:
In certain situations, the North Carolina Department of Crime Control and Public Safety has the authority to impose a civil penalty of up to $10,000, depending on the severity and nature of the violation.
Reminder: Staying compliant with legal weight and escort requirements helps avoid costly penalties and potential delays.
FAQ’s
You can contact at (270)908-9656 Express Heavy Haul for North Carolina Oversize Permits.
An oversize load in North Carolina refers to any vehicle or combination of vehicles and loads that exceed the legal size and weight limits set by the state. Vehicles exceeding regular limits for height, width, length, or weight must obtain special permits to travel legally on public highways.
The maximum dimensions allowed under permit in North Carolina can vary depending on the route and conditions. Generally, loads beyond 16 feet wide, 16 feet high, 150 feet long, or weighing over 250,000 pounds are considered superloads and may need special routing, additional permits, and escort vehicles.
The maximum legal height for a vehicle in North Carolina without a permit is 15 feet. Any height above the standard legal maximum requires an oversize permit.
The legal maximum width without a permit in North Carolina is 8 feet 6 inches (102 inches). Any load wider than the allowed limit must secure an appropriate oversize permit.
North Carolina’s oversize regulations govern the movement of vehicles exceeding legal size or weight limits. Carriers must obtain appropriate permits before operating such loads, adhere to route restrictions, and comply with escort and safety requirements.
The cost of a wide load permit in North Carolina depends on the size and type of load. As of the latest guidelines, fees typically start at around $25 to $100 for single trip permits, with additional charges for larger or heavier loads.
Yes, North Carolina allows the use of electronic oversize permits, which can be downloaded and shown digitally on a mobile device, provided they are legible and accessible during inspections.
Yes, North Carolina allows the use of electronic oversize permits, which can be downloaded and shown digitally on a mobile device, provided they are legible and accessible during inspections.
Generally, oversize loads are allowed to move only during daylight hours, defined as 30 minutes before sunrise to 30 minutes after sunset. Night travel may be permitted for certain loads, but only with prior approval noted on the permit.
Escort vehicle requirements in North Carolina depend on the size of the load. Typically, one or more pilot cars are required for loads wider than 12 feet or taller than 15 feet, and police escorts may be necessary for extremely large or heavy shipments.
Oversize rules in North Carolina include obtaining permits in advance, adhering to designated travel times, displaying appropriate signs and lighting, and using escorts when required. These regulations are in place to ensure public safety and minimize road damage.
Any load exceeding 8 feet 6 inches in width is classified as oversize in North Carolina and requires a permit.
Oversize vehicles are generally allowed to operate from 30 minutes before sunrise to 30 minutes after sunset, Monday through Saturday. Travel on Sundays and holidays is usually restricted unless specifically allowed by the permit.
Nighttime movement of oversize loads is not typically permitted in North Carolina. Exceptions may be granted for certain routes or under specific conditions, but they must be clearly stated in the issued permit.
A single trip permit for North Carolina can be ordered through Our Website Express Heavy Haul, or by calling us at (270)908-9656
Oversize load travel is allowed during daylight hours only, which is 30 minutes before sunrise until 30 minutes after sunset. No movement is allowed on major holidays or Sundays unless authorized.
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Get Your North Carolina Oversize Permits 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 North Carolina Oversize Permits oversize or overweight permit. State Direct. 24/7 Live Service. Order Online Today. Trip & Fuel Combo Permits. Types: Oversize, Overweight, Trip.
