Types of Trucking Permits Required in Washington

Nov. 12, 2025, 4:16 p.m.
Washington State requires various permits for commercial vehicles that exceed certain size, weight, or operational limits, or for specific types of commercial transport. These permits are issued primarily through the Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) and the Department of Licensing (DOL).
Types of Trucking Permits Washington

1. Oversize Permit

Purpose: Required for vehicles or loads that exceed legal dimensions.
Applies When:

  • Width exceeds 8 feet 6 inches (102 inches)

  • Height exceeds 14 feet

  • Length exceeds 53 feet for semi-trailers or 75 feet for combinations

Notes:

  • Specific routes may be restricted.

  • Travel times may be limited (e.g., no nighttime or holiday travel).

2. Overweight Permit

Purpose: For vehicles exceeding Washington’s legal weight limits.
Applies When:

  • Weight exceeds 20,000 lbs per single axle or 34,000 lbs per tandem axle

  • Gross vehicle weight exceeds 80,000 lbs

Notes:

  • Calculated based on axle spacing and total weight.

  • May require route approval to avoid restricted bridges or roads.

3. Superload Permit

Purpose: For extremely large or heavy loads that exceed standard oversize/overweight limits.
Applies When:

  • Gross weight exceeds 200,000 lbs or

  • Dimensions exceed 16 feet wide, 16 feet high, or 125 feet long

Notes:

  • Requires engineering review and route analysis.

  • May require pilot/escort vehicles and police coordination.

4. Temporary Trip Permit

Purpose: Allows out-of-state carriers to legally operate in Washington without full registration.
Duration: Up to 3 days (72 hours).
Used For:

  • Unregistered or newly purchased commercial vehicles.

  • One-time trips through Washington.

5. Temporary Fuel Permit

Purpose: For carriers not licensed under IFTA (International Fuel Tax Agreement) entering Washington.
Duration: Valid for 3 days (72 hours).
Covers: Payment of state fuel taxes during the trip.

6. Log Truck Permit

Purpose: Special overweight permit for log-hauling vehicles.
Notes:

  • Allows up to 84,000 lbs on approved routes.

  • Must be registered as a log truck with WSDOT.

7. Farm Vehicle Permit

Purpose: For agricultural haulers transporting farm products, machinery, or supplies.
Benefits:

  • Allows limited exemptions for size/weight.

  • Seasonal and route-specific.

8. Non-Reducible Load Permit

Purpose: For loads that cannot be reduced in size or weight (e.g., machinery, construction equipment).
Note:

  • Applies to loads like cranes, tanks, or bridge beams.

  • Requires route pre-approval.

9. Tow Truck Permit

Purpose: For tow trucks hauling disabled or abandoned vehicles exceeding standard limits.
Note:

  • Must comply with WSDOT tow truck regulations.

  • May need escort for oversize recovery.

10. Hazardous Materials Permit

Purpose: Required for vehicles transporting hazardous substances regulated under federal and state law.
Issued By: Washington State Patrol (WSP) and USDOT.
Requirements:

  • Placarding, route restrictions, and driver hazmat endorsement.

11. Special Mobile Equipment (SME) Permit

Purpose: For equipment like cranes, graders, and well drillers that are not designed for normal highway use.
Notes:

  • Exempt from full registration, but must obtain movement permits.

  • Often route- and time-restricted.

12. Port of Entry Permit

Purpose: For trucks entering Washington via specific border or port inspection stations.
Used For:

  • Weight verification and compliance checks.

  • Issued at weigh stations or inspection facilities.

13. Annual Blanket Permits

Purpose: For carriers who frequently operate oversize or overweight vehicles on approved routes.
Benefits:

  • Valid for one year.

  • Covers multiple trips under preset size/weight limits.

14. Forest Product Permit

Purpose: For hauling logs, chips, or other forest products at higher weight limits.
Notes:

  • Typically up to 105,500 lbs with approved configurations.

  • Issued to specific routes in forestry areas.

15. Emergency or Disaster Relief Permit

Purpose: Temporary exemption for trucks assisting with disaster response, recovery, or emergency services.
Issued By: WSDOT or authorized emergency agencies.
Notes:

  • May suspend certain travel restrictions or fees.