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Get all your State of South Carolina Permits in one place whether it's South Carolina Oversize Permits, South Carolina Overweight Permits, South Carolina Overhang Permits, or South Carolina Trip Permits. We offer reliable oversize/overweight permits, including South Carolina Single Trip Permits, South Carolina Annual Permits, and South Carolina DOT Oversize Permits. Stay compliant with South Carolina Memorial Bridge oversize restrictions. Fast, affordable hauling permits start at just $25 USD for all states!

South Carolina Oversize Permit Phone Number: (270)908-9656

South Carolina Oversize/Overweight Permits Rules and Regulations

South Carolina Oversize Overweight permits Validity: Oversize permits issued in South Carolina remain valid for a total of five consecutive days. Drivers are required to secure the permit before entering the state.
South Carolina Traveling Time with Oversize Load: Movement is allowed from sunrise to sunset, including Saturdays and Sundays.
South Carolina Oversize permits Load Restricted Travel: No travel is permitted on New Year’s Day, Good Friday, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving Day, and Christmas Day. Movement must stop by 12:00 PM (noon) on the day before any of these holidays and may resume after 9:00 AM the following day. Always confirm holiday travel restrictions with the permit office, as rules may change annually.
South Carolina Holiday Restriction: Unless explicitly stated otherwise in the South Carolina oversize load permits, the movement of oversize loads is not permitted on major holidays, including New Year’s Day, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving Day, and Christmas Day.

South Carolina Road/Bridge Restriction with Oversize Load: South Carolina follows the Federal Bridge Formula, which imposes specific weight and spacing limitations on bridges. In terms of road travel, oversize load movement is restricted in certain areas, including but not limited to:

  • Driving through active construction zones
  • Ignoring warning signs in work areas

Not yielding to emergency responders, police, or other priority traffic is prohibited.

Overweight load Seasonal Restriction in South Carolina:

Although many U.S. states and Canadian provinces enforce the Frost Law, South Carolina does not specify any general seasonal weight restrictions. However, such restrictions may still be outlined in individual oversize permits depending on the type and nature of the load.

South Carolina Oversize permits Tire Regulations:

Tires must be in safe operating condition, properly inflated, and have a minimum tread depth of 2/32 inches.

  • Tires must not have any protruding materials other than rubber unless specifically approved for use.
  • Regrooved or recut tires are only permitted if the tires are clearly labeled and designed for such modifications.
  • Vehicles that are oversize or overweight may use studded tires between October 15 and April 15.

If road conditions involve snow, ice, or slippery surfaces, vehicles may use tire chains to maintain traction and ensure safe travel.

South Carolina Oversize Permits Regulations
Chain Requirements:

From October 15 to April 15, the use of tire chains is allowed on highways when necessary for safety during snow, icy roads, or any conditions that might cause the vehicle to slip.
In the event of severe weather or emergencies, state authorities may restrict travel on highways for all vehicles, including those with permits.

South Carolina Legal Dimensions/Size Limit

South Carolina Legal Length:

On Interstate and designated highways, semi-trailers up to 53 feet are allowed. Loads such as poles or steel are permitted up to 70 feet, including a legal rear overhang of 5 feet. No load may extend more than 10 feet beyond the rear of the trailer.

Overhang Limits Without a Permit:

  • Rear Overhang: Up to 6 feet
  • Front Overhang: Up to 3 feet

South Carolina Wide Load Limit:

  • 8 feet 6 inches on designated routes
  • 8 feet on non-designated roads

South Carolina Legal Height:

  • 13 feet 6 inches on designated routes
  • 13 feet on non-designated routes

South Carolina Legal Weight Limit: 80,000 pounds gross weight

  • Steering Axle: 20,000lbs.
  • Single Axle: 20,000lbs.
  • Tandem Axles: 34,000lbs.
  • Tridem Axles: 42,000lbs.

 

Maximum Load Dimensions with permits in South Carolina

Length: Loads may extend up to 120 feet in total length.
Width: Maximum width for routine permits is 15 feet.

 

South Carolina Wide Load Requirements

  • A permit is required for any load exceeding 8′ 6″ in width.
  • Escort vehicles are required more than wide required 13′ = 1 escort, over 15′ needed 2 escorts + DSP

South Carolina Wide Load Restrictions

  • Holiday Travel Ban: No travel on major holidays (New Year’s, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving, Christmas).
  • Travel Times: Night travel (9 PM–5 AM) allowed for loads under 12′ Width.

South Carolina Wide Load Restrictions

Height: Routine permits allow for loads up to 15 feet tall
Weight:

  • Single Axle: 20,000lbs
  • Tandem Axle: 46,000lbs
  • Tridem Axle: 69,000lbs
  • Five Axles: Dependent on axle spacing
  • Six to Eight Axles: Up to 120,000lbs

Superload: Loads exceeding these limits must be processed as Super Loads and require special approval

What Are The Requirements For a Pilot Car In South Carolina

Length-Based Escort Requirements:

  • 90 feet or more required one rear escort
  • 100 feet or more required two escorts
  • 120 feet or more required two escorts plus State Police escort

Overhang: Over 15 feet: One escort unless otherwise stated in the permit

Width-Based Escort Requirements:

  • Over 13 feet required one escort
  • Over 14 feet required two escorts
  • Over 15 feet required two escorts plus State Police escort
Height-Based Escort Requirements:
  • At 15 feet required two escorts
  • At 17 feet 6 inches or more required two escorts and a State Police escort
  • Loads 15 feet high or more must have a certified route survey
Weight-Based Escort Requirements:

Over 120,000 pounds two escorts, State Police escort, and a bridge engineering survey may be required

Signage, Flashing Amber lights and flags Requirements and South Carolina Additional Information

Signage, Flashing Amber Lights and Flags:

Warning signs are required for all oversize movements. Any vehicle or load that exceeds legal width, length, or rear overhang must display “Oversize Load” signs. Loads that exceed the legal width must have flags at their widest points. If the rear overhang is more than 4 feet and the width at that point is 2 feet or less, one flag must be placed at the very rear. If the width is over 2 feet, two flags are required

Additional Information:

Miscellaneous: All loads that can be disassembled must be reduced this includes buckets, counterweights, blades, and similar components. No exceptions are allowed.

South Carolina Oversize/Overweight Permit fee:

South Carolina’s oversize and overweight permit fees are based on the dimensions, weight, and nature of the load being transported.

  • Single-Trip Permits: These typically start at $30, depending on the specifics of the load.
  • Annual Permits: Costs for yearly permits can vary significantly, reaching up to $2,500 or more for high-capacity or heavy-load vehicles.
  • Additional Charges: A separate processing or administrative fee may apply when submitting your permit application

South Carolina requires a variety of permits depending on your vehicle’s size, weight, type of load, and travel route. Below is a categorized summary of all relevant permits, regulations, and fees.

South Carolina Trip Permits

  • Purpose: Required for out-of-state carriers operating in South Carolina without IRP registration.
  • Validity: Single-trip use.
  • Fees: Includes handling and processing charges.
South Carolina Fuel Permits (IFTA)
  • Purpose: Required for motor carriers operating through or within South Carolina without an IFTA decal.
  • Validity: 72 hours.
  • Fees: Includes a processing fee (exact amount may vary).
South Carolina Oversize/Overweight (OSOW) Permits
  • Single-Trip Oversize Permit
    Use: For non-divisible loads exceeding legal dimensions.
    Validity: 5 days, single movement from origin to destination.
    Fee: $30 per permit.
  • Single-Trip Overweight Permit
    Use: For loads exceeding legal weight but not qualifying as superloads.
    Validity: 5 days.
    Fee: $30 base + $10 per 8,000 lbs over legal limits.
    Legal Weight Limits:
    2 axles: 40,000 lbs
    3 axles: 65,000 lbs
    4 axles: 73,280 lbs
    5 or more axles: 80,000 lbs
South Carolina Superload Permits: Required for loads that exceed any of the following:
  • Width: 15′ or more
  • Height: 15′ or more
  • Length: 120′ or more
  • Weight: Over 120,000 lbs

Fee: $60 base + $10 per 8,000 lbs over the legal limit.

South Carolina Annual Permits
  • Annual Oversize Overweight Permits
    Availability: Not issued except for self-propelled cranes and similar equipment.
  • Annual Permit for Self-Propelled Cranes
    Validity: 24/7 movement allowed (except on restricted holidays).
    Fee:
    $1,500 for cranes ≤ 24,000 lbs
    $2,500 for cranes > 24,000 lbs
  • Maximum Allowed Under Blanket Permit:
    Length: 70′
    Width: 12′
    Height: 13′ 6″
    Weight:
    Single axle weight: 28,000 lbs
    2 axles: 56,000 lbs
    3 axles: 84,000 lbs
    4 axles: 112,000 lbs
    5 or more axles: 120,000 lbs
South Carolina Specialty Permits

Amber Light Permit
Use: Escort vehicles for oversize loads must have roof-mounted amber warning lights.
Loading Zone Permit
Use: For non-commercial delivery vehicles utilizing commercial loading zones.

Additional Permit Fees
  • Minimum Permit Fee (OSOW): $30 for a single-trip.
  • Overweight Charges: $10 per 8,000 lbs or fraction thereof exceeding legal weight.
  • Superload Base Fee: $60 (additional overweight fee applies).
  • Amendment Fee: $10 to modify a validated permit.

Note: Final permit costs may vary based on size, weight, and classification (i.e., superload status).

Fines and Penalties for Violations:
  • In South Carolina, penalties for operating an oversize or overweight vehicle depend on how much the vehicle exceeds the legal limits.
    First Violation: The driver may be fined between $28.75 and $230, may face up to 30 days in jail, or receive both penalties.
    Repeat Violations: For repeated offenses of the same kind, penalties increase. Fines range from $115 to $575, and offenders may be sentenced to up to 60 days in jail, or both a fine and imprisonment.

  • Interstate-Specific Penalties:
    First Offense on Interstate Routes: A fine of 2.3 cents per pound applies for the first 5,000 pounds over the limit. For weight beyond that, the fine increases to 5.75 cents per pound, with the possibility of up to 30 days in jail, or both.
    Subsequent Interstate Offenses: Fines rise to 5.75 cents per pound for the first 5,000 pounds over the legal limit, and 11.5 cents per pound for excess weight beyond that. A jail term of up to 60 days may also be imposed, or both penalties can be applied.

FAQ’s

You can contact at (270)908-9656 Express Heavy Haul for South Carolina Oversize Permits.

South Carolina 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 South Carolina 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, South Carolina 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 South Carolina 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.

South Carolina 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 South Carolina, 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.

Oversize travel at night is not typically allowed in South Carolina. Exceptions may be granted for certain loads, but they must be explicitly stated in the issued permit.

The standard travel window for oversize loads in South Carolina is from 30 minutes before sunrise to 30 minutes after sunset, Monday through Saturday. Travel during nighttime hours or on holidays is not allowed unless special authorization is granted.

In South Carolina, the maximum legal height for any vehicle without requiring an oversize permit is 13 feet 6 inches.

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Get Your South Carolina Oversize Permit - Trucking Permits

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South Carolina Oversize Permits Phone Number 270-908-9656
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