Construction and agricultural industry permit exemptions

Dec. 12, 2025, 6:06 p.m.
Washington State allows several exemptions from oversize/overweight permits for specific vehicles and equipment used in construction, farming, and related industries. These exemptions help industries move equipment more efficiently while staying compliant with Washington State Patrol (WSP) and WSDOT regulations. Below is a full breakdown of the most important exemptions.
agricultural industry permit

1. Construction Equipment Exemptions (When No Permit Is Required)

Washington allows certain construction vehicles to travel without an oversize permit if they meet specific criteria.

A. Construction Vehicles Within Legal Limits

You are exempt if the equipment fits within standard legal size/weight:

  • 8’6” width

  • 14’ height

  • 75’ overall length (varies by configuration)

  • 20,000 lbs per single axle

  • 34,000 lbs on tandem

If equipment stays within these limits, no permit is needed.

2. Special Mobile Equipment (SME) Exemptions

Washington classifies many construction machines as Special Mobile Equipment (SME).

SME examples:

  • Backhoes

  • Excavators

  • Skid-steers

  • Loaders

  • Graders

  • Compact rollers

  • Pavers

  • Bucket trucks

SME Permit Exemption Rules

SME equipment is exempt from licensing as long as it:

  • Is not used for commercial hauling

  • Is only used for jobsite operations

  • Is not transporting commodities for hire

However, oversize/overweight rules still apply.
SME does not mean exempt from height/width/weight permits.

3. Pilot Car Exemptions for Construction Equipment Moves

Certain construction equipment is allowed to operate without a pilot car under Washington rules if:

  • Width is 12 feet or less

  • Travel is during daylight hours

  • Speed is under 55–60 mph (depending on roadway)

But once width exceeds 12 feet, pilot car(s) become mandatory.

4. Construction Material Transport Exemptions

Some construction-industry carriers are exempt from permits depending on the cargo:

Exemptions Apply To:

  • Gravel and aggregate haulers

  • Concrete mixers

  • Asphalt trucks

  • Water trucks working on construction projects

  • Dump trucks hauling materials for road-building

These vehicles must still follow legal size/weight limits, but many qualify for:

  • Washington’s “Construction Season Weight Exemptions”

  • Enhanced Weight Tolerance (EWT) permits

Agricultural Industry Permit Exemptions

Washington provides several exemptions for farming vehicles, machinery, and movements.

5. Farm Machinery Movement Exemption

Farm machinery may travel on highways without oversize permits if:

  • The equipment is only used for farming operations

  • Travel is daylight only

  • Travel is within 50 miles of the farm

  • The transport is seasonal or necessary for farm work

Examples of Exempt Farm Machinery:

  • Combines

  • Swathers

  • Tractors with wide implements

  • Balers

  • Sprayers

  • Seeders

If machinery exceeds 16 feet in width, a pilot car is required, even though a permit is not.

6. Farm Implement Width Allowances

Washington allows farm implements to exceed standard width limits without a permit up to:

  • 14 ft wide on two-lane roads

  • 20 ft wide on four-lane roads

But the load must:

  • Display flags, lights, and escort vehicles when required

  • Travel at times with good visibility

  • Avoid peak traffic hours in some counties

7. Agricultural Commodity Transport Exemptions

Washington provides exemptions for vehicles hauling:

  • Hay

  • Grain

  • Feed

  • Fresh produce

  • Livestock

  • Farm supplies used in production

These may qualify for:

  • Seasonal weight exemptions

  • Farm-to-market allowances

  • Expanded axle weight tolerances

8. Farm Vehicle Licensing Exemption

Farm vehicles that are not used in interstate commerce can be exempt from:

  • IRP registration

  • Some fuel tax requirements

  • Certain permit fees

But they MUST display “Farm Vehicle” plates or tags.

9. When Construction & Agricultural Exemptions Do NOT Apply

You must obtain permits if any of the following occur:

  • The vehicle/excavator is being moved by a commercial carrier

  • Machinery exceeds legal axle weight limits

  • The move is for hire, not for direct farm or construction operations

  • Travel occurs at night (equipment must usually have a permit)

  • Movement goes beyond distance restrictions (typically 50 miles for farm equipment)

  • Equipment enters the interstate highway system and exceeds legal size

10. Common Violations During Exempt Moves

Even exempt vehicles get cited for:

  • No required pilot cars

  • Missing flags or amber lights

  • Crossing restricted bridges overweight

  • Moving at night without authorization

  • Improper use of farm or construction exemptions

  • Exceeding the allowed mileage radius

Washington is strict about safety measures even when permits are not needed.

https://app.leg.wa.gov/wac/default.aspx?cite=197-11-800