When a Permit Is (and Isn’t) Required
No Permit Needed
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Farm implements up to 16 ft wide may generally travel on state highways without a special permit if they stay within other legal limits and safety standards.
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Equipment used for normal agricultural purposes traveling short distances between fields or locations may also fall under exemptions — but safety rules still apply (flags, lights, etc.).
Permit Required
A farm implement permit (often called a “farm implement oversize permit”) is needed when:
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The implement is over 16 feet wide but less than 20 feet wide.
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You’re moving the equipment beyond casual field-to-field travel on public highways.
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The move is outside normal exemptions (e.g., special transport or long distance).
When a permit is required, you must comply with specific conditions — including advance notification and restrictions on route and hours.
Permit Details & Requirements
Who Can Apply
Only:
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Farmers, or
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Businesses that sell, repair, or maintain farm implements
can buy special farm implement permits.
Permit Scope & Restrictions
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Often limited to several contiguous counties, unless expanded by justification.
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Travel is generally restricted to routes that can support the equipment — carriers must verify bridge/road limits.
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Advance notification: Some movements require notifying WSDOT maintenance areas at least 8 hours before moving when equipment exceeds legal width/weight.
Fees & Time Frames
Washington charges modest fees for farm implement permits, with separate schedules for farmers and implement dealers:
| Permit Type | Farmers | Implement Dealers |
|---|---|---|
| 3-Month (Quarterly) | $100 | $250 |
| Annual | $550 | $1000 |
Note: These permits allow legal movement within their validity period and must be carried with the implement during transport.
Safety and Travel Rules
Even with permit exemptions, farmers must follow safety requirements on public highways:
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Lighting & reflectors for slow-moving or oversized equipment (SMV emblems, flashing lights at night).
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OVERSIZE LOAD signs if wider than standard allowed widths.
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Escort vehicles may be required for very wide or long loads.
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Movement ideally during daylight hours, unless otherwise authorized.
Tips Before You Move
Before transporting oversized farm equipment:
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Check your route: Verify bridges and lane widths meet your implement’s dimensions.
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Confirm permit status: Know if an exemption applies or if you need an oversize permit.
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Prepare safety equipment: Flags, lights, and escort vehicles if required.
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Notify authorities: If moving equipment wider than legal limits, contact WSDOT maintenance areas ahead of time.
Summary
| Aspect | Washington Farm Equipment Permits |
|---|---|
| Up to ~16 ft wide | Usually no special permit required |
| 16-20 ft wide | Permit required |
| Fees | Quarterly/Annual affordable options |
| Who can apply | Farmers or implement sellers/repairers |
| Safety | Lighting, marking, escorts as needed |