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Pennsylvania Oversize Permits Phone Number: (270)908-9656
Pennsylvania Oversize/Overweight Permits Rules and Regulations
Pennsylvania Oversize/Overweight permits Validity: Oversize permits issued in Pennsylvania remain valid for a total of Seven consecutive days. Drivers are required to secure the permit before entering the state.
Pennsylvania Traveling Time with Oversize Load: Travel is allowed half hour before sunrise to half hour after sunset Monday to Friday and Saturday travel is allowed until noon. Continuous travel at normal speeds is permitted for loads weighing no more than 107,000 pounds and measuring no more than 70 feet in length.
Pennsylvania Oversize Load Restricted Travel: Travel is only permitted during daylight hours on Saturdays until noon, with no transport on Sundays. Weekend travel is not permitted for loads that are more than 10 feet wide or 85 feet long. Travel is permitted in metropolitan areas from 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM, 7:00 PM to sunset, and 3:00 AM to 7:30 AM, except holidays. During certain times, two pilot vehicles and more lights may be necessary. A municipal permit is necessary for all routes in Philadelphia, with the exception of interstates. Permit travel is not permitted on six major holidays, or from noon the day before a holiday weekend until the following workday.
Pennsylvania Turnpike: If the width exceeds 10 feet, the length exceeds 85 feet, the height exceeds 13 feet 6 inches, the weight exceeds 125,000 pounds, or any axle weighs more than 22,400 pounds, a permit is required in advance. The mainline (I-76) does not allow loads beyond 13 feet 6 inches in height. Pilot cars are necessary for cargoes wider than 11 feet, length than 90 feet, or with a rear overhang more than 15 feet. Between Memorial Day and Labor Day, large loads may move from dawn to nightfall Monday through Thursday, and from daybreak to noon on Friday. After Labor Day and until Memorial Day, travel is permitted Monday through Friday during daylight hours and on Saturdays from sunrise to noon. Loads weighing between 80,000 and 100,000 pounds are modestly priced to transport, but those weighing more over 100,000 pounds are more expensive.
Pennsylvania Road/Bridge Restriction with Oversize Load:
Pennsylvania follows the Federal Bridge Formula, which includes certain bridge-specific limitations. Key road-related oversize restrictions include, but are not limited to:
- Passing through construction zones
- Ignoring warning signals while traveling through work areas
- Failing to yield to law enforcement, emergency vehicles, or traffic control officials
Oversize load Seasonal Restriction in Pennsylvania:
Under Pennsylvania’s frost laws, the freeze/thaw season generally spans from February 15 to April 15. During this period, temperature fluctuations weaken road surfaces, and additional restrictions may be enforced due to severe weather or unexpected conditions. Hauling under Letters of Local Determination (LoLDs) is not permitted during this time unless approval is granted by the posting authority upon specific user request.
Pennsylvania Oversize permits Tire Regulations:
All tires must be well-maintained, have correct air pressure, and if the vehicle is over 10,000 lbs GVW, front tires must have a tread depth of at least 2/32″ (4/32″ for steering tires).
No part of the tire may contain protrusions made of materials other than rubber unless their use is both safe and officially permitted. Regrooved or recut tires are not allowed unless the tire is specifically manufactured for such purposes.
Tire chains are only permitted when necessary to protect life or property due to adverse weather conditions.
Chain Laws for Oversize Load in Pennsylvania:
From November 1 to April 15 each year, the use of studded snow tires or ice grip tires is allowed. Tire studs cannot extend more than 2/32″ beyond the tread surface.
Chains may also be used when snow, ice, or other conditions cause roads to become slippery, and their use is necessary for safe vehicle operation.
Pennsylvania Legal Dimensions/Size Limit
Pennsylvania oversize permits Legal Length:
Length:
- Semi-trailers up to 53 feet with kingpin setting to rear axle group centerline not exceeding 41 feet, do not need a permit if within the legal limits.
- Permits are not required for loads of 70 feet or less, or 85 feet for non-divisible loads.
- There are no overhang limits for non-divisible loads like beams, utility poles, pipelines, or construction equipment.
Overhang:
- Divisible loads are permitted a 6 feet rear overhang.
- Overhang is only permitted for non-divisible loads.
Pennsylvania oversize permits Wide Load Limit:
- 8 feet 6 inches on designated routes
- 8 feet on all other routes
Pennsylvania Legal Height: Legal maximum is 13 feet 6 inches
Pennsylvania oversize permits Legal Weight Limit: Up to 80,000 pounds.
Axle Weight Limits:
- Single axle: 22,400lbs
- Tandem axle: 34,000lbs
- Tridem axle: 42,500lbs
Maximum Load Dimensions with permits in Pennsylvania
Length:
- 140 feet on 4 lane routes
- 120 feet for others
Width: Up to 16 feet
Pennsylvania oversize permits Wide Load Requirements
Permit Required For loads wider than 8′6″ (8′ on undesignated roads).
Flags: Red 18″ flags must mark all corners and any overhang over 4′.
“Oversize Load” banners must be shown on both the transport vehicles and escorts.
Signage must be at minimum 7′ wide by 18″ tall with 10″ black letters on a yellow background.
Lighting: Extra lights visible from 1,000 ft when moving between 3 a.m. and sunrise; headlights/tail lights must remain on.
Escort Vehicles: Width over 13′ One front (single-lane) or rear escort (multi-lane).
Pennsylvania oversize permits Wide Load Restrictions
Holiday Travel: No movement on Sundays and major holidays unless permit allows.
Road/Bridge Limits: Must follow Federal Bridge Formula. Restrictions apply for:
– Construction zones
– Ignoring signals
– Not yielding to emergency or law enforcement
Seasonal Weight Limits:
– Feb 15 – Apr 15 (freeze/thaw season)
– Extra restrictions possible
– No LoLD hauling unless specially approved
Height: 14 feet 6 inches
Weight:
- Single Axle: 27,000lbs.
- Tandem Axles: 52,000lbs.
- Tridem Axles: 63,000lbs
- Quad Axles: 72,000lbs
Superload: When the loads that surpass these dimensions or have a gross vehicle weight (GVW) of more than 201,000, width more than 16 feet OR length 160 feet overall, it considered superloads.
What Are The Requirements For a Pilot Car In Pennsylvania
Length Based Escort Requirement in Pennsylvania:
- More than 90 feet – 1 Pilot Car
- More than 160 feet—needed police escort.
Overhang Based Escort Requirement in Pennsylvania:
More than 15 feet – 1 Pilot Car
Note: If the total length exceeds 90 feet and its width surpasses 13 feet, pilot vehicles are needed both in front and rear of the load on all two-lane routes
Width Based Escort Requirement in Pennsylvania:
- More than 13 feet–1 Pilot Cars on all routes
- More than 16 feet—needs police escort
Height Based Escort Requirement in Pennsylvania:
- More than 14 feet 6 inches–1 Pilot Car with high pole
- PA needs the route survey to approval
Pennsylvania oversize permits Bridge restriction(Escort Required):
- If the permit requires a lower speed across bridges, 1 Pilot Car is required.
- If the permit allows the load to drive solo across bridges or occupy multiple lanes of traffic, 2 Pilot Cars are required.
Philadelphia escorts/Pilot cars requirements:
Police escort lease remember, For weekend travel between 3:00 AM and 12:00 PM, load wider than 11 feet must be accompanied by a pilot car, and loads higher than 15 feet need a pilot car that includes a height pole.
Signage, Flashing Amber lights and flags Requirements and Pennsylvania Additional Information
All loads requiring a permission must have “Oversize Load” signage. Red flags should be put on the load’s broadest points and at the rear of any overlength loads. If the overhang exceeds the permissible limit, the load’s end must be tagged and a lighting installed for improved visibility during daytime hours. Overweight loads going during the day need “Oversize Load” signs, however these signs should be removed while driving at night.
Additional Information:
Poles, beams, steel pipes, and construction steel up to 85 feet in total length (vehicle and load) may be moved without a permit as long as the trailer is no longer than 59 feet 6 inches, and the remaining dimensions meet regulatory criteria. Travel should be confined to daytime hours
Pennsylvania Oversize/Overweight Permit fee:
The cost of obtaining oversize or overweight (OSOW) permits in Pennsylvania depends on the type, weight, and dimensions of the load. Single-trip permits generally begin at $25, while annual and specialty permits can cost several hundred dollars or more.
Additional application and processing fees may also apply.
Pennsylvania Single Trip OSOW Permits
Pennsylvania provides 5-day permits for single trips involving indivisible loads that exceed the standard size or weight. These permits authorize one trip from origin to destination during the allowed travel hours listed in the permit. A separate permit is required for return travel.
Pennsylvania Annual OSOW Permits
Annual permits are available for specific oversize/overweight loads. These permits start at $50 and cover loads within the following limits:
- Single axle: up to 21,400 lbs
- Tandem axle: allows a weight of up to 21,400 pounds per axle
- Tridem axle group: up to 68,000 lbs
- Four-axle group: up to 73,280 lbs
Note: Processing and administrative charges may be added.
Pennsylvania Trip Permits (IRP)
Operators from outside Pennsylvania may obtain 72-hour IRP trip permits. These are issued for vehicles that meet one of the following criteria:
- Includes vehicles with two axles and a gross weight over 26,000 pound
- Have three or more axles
- Applies to units that are part of a combined gross weight exceeding 26,000 pound
Pennsylvania Temporary Fuel Permits (IFTA)
ennsylvania issues 5-day IFTA fuel permits for visiting operators. The standard cost is $73, not including processing and administrative fees.
Specialty Permits in Pennsylvania
Special permits may be necessary for loads with specific characteristics. These include:
Special Mobile Equipment Permits:
Eligibility includes vehicles registered as special mobile equipment that meet requirements:
- Each individual axle must remain under 21,400lbs
- Overall length, width, and height remain within legal limits
- Total gross weight does not exceed 73,280 lbs
- Axle weights must remain within manufacturer-specified limits
Amber Light Permits: Vehicles escorting wide loads must be fitted with amber roof-mounted warning lights.
Loading Zone Permits: These permits allow non-commercial delivery vehicles to use commercial loading zones legally.
Single Trip Oversize Permits:
- $36 for loads up to and including 14 feet in width
- $75 for loads wider than 14 feet
Overweight Permits:
- Additional charges apply based on weight class and travel distance
Annual Permit Fees:
- General OSOW permits typically start at $50
- Special Mobile Equipment fees are $300 if the axles are over the weight limit
Other Applicable Fees:
- PA Turnpike: $37 flat fee + per-ton-mile charges for loads over 80,000 lbs
- County Fees: Additional local fees may apply, e.g., a $10 fee for superload permits in certain counties
Fines for oversize and overweight violations in Pennsylvania vary based on how much the vehicle exceeds the legal weight limit.
Any individual violating a regulation under this section where no specific penalty is outlined may face a standard fine of $300 per offense.
For operating a vehicle that exceeds the legal weight on a public highway, the base fine is $75, plus an additional $75 for every 500 pounds (or fraction thereof) beyond 3,000 pounds over the limit.
If the total weight goes beyond the permitted limit entirely, the calculated fine amount is doubled.
Important: Misuse of ice grips or tire studs can result in a separate penalty of $55.
FAQ’s
You can contact at (270)908-9656 Express Heavy Haul for Pennsylvania Oversize Permits.
The phone number for oversize permits in Pennsylvania (270)908-9656. The Express Heavy Haul is ready to assist you with any inquiries.
In Pennsylvania, if your load is more than 8 feet 6 inches wide, 14 feet high, 65 feet long, or weighs more than 80,000 pounds, it is considered oversize. Make sure to check these limits before hitting the road to avoid any hassles.
A 72-hour journey permit costs $36. This permit guarantees that you comply with state regulations for a smooth journey.
Oversize loads are generally not permitted to be run at night in Pennsylvania, mostly for safety concerns. However, exceptions might be made in cases of emergencies or disaster situations.
For daytime travel, you may carry up to a 12 feet wide load without a permit. Anything wider will need the acquisition of the required permissions to guarantee safe and legal travel
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Get Your Pennsylvania Oversize Overweight Permits - 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 Pennsylvania oversize or overweight permit. State Direct. 24/7 Live Service. Order Online Today. Trip & Fuel Combo Permits. Types: Oversize, Overweight, Trip.