What Voids a Washington Oversize Permit? Speeding and Bridge Restriction Violations

Oct. 29, 2026, 6:58 a.m.
Washington rules name two violations that make an oversize permit null and void: exceeding a speed stated on the permit and breaking a bridge restriction. Learn both rules and how to protect your permit.
Washington Oversize Permit load on a restricted bridge

What Voids a Washington Oversize Permit? Speeding and Bridge Restriction Violations

 

Table Of Contents

 

  • Introduction

  • The Short Answer

  • What "Null and Void" Means for Your Load

  • Speeding: When the Permit States a Speed Limit

  • The Default Speed for Permitted Loads

  • Bridge Restrictions: The Rule Drivers Can't See

  • Posted Bridges vs. Restricted Bridges

  • Other Ways a Permit Can Be Lost

  • How to Protect Your Permit on Every Trip

  • Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Why Many Trucking Companies Choose Our Service

  • FAQ

 

Introduction

 

A Washington Oversize Permit lets you move a load that is wider, taller, longer, or heavier than the law normally allows. But the permit only protects you while you follow its conditions.

Washington's rules name two violations that make a permit "null and void" on the spot: going over a speed limit stated on the permit and breaking a bridge restriction listed on the permit. This guide explains both rules, what they mean on the road, and how to avoid them.

 

The Short Answer

 

Under the Washington Administrative Code (WAC), a Washington Oversize Permit becomes null and void if the driver:

  • Exceeds a speed limit stated on the permit, under WAC 468-38-175(5)(c), or

  • Violates a bridge restriction noted on the permit, under WAC 468-38-420(1)(b).

Once the permit is void, the load is treated as if it has no permit at all.

 

What "Null and Void" Means for Your Load

 

A void permit gives you no protection. The truck is still over legal size or weight, but it no longer has the special permit that allowed it on the highway.

Under RCW 46.44.105, a violation of the size and weight chapter is a traffic infraction, and overweight loads face fines that grow with every extra pound. An officer who finds a vehicle violating permit conditions may confiscate the permit and send it to the Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT), which may return, revoke, cancel, or suspend it without refund.

In other words, one mistake can cost you the permit fee, a fine, and a stopped load.

 

Speeding: When the Permit States a Speed Limit

 

WAC 468-38-175(5)(c) says:

"If a speed limit is stated on the special permit, it becomes one of the conditions under which the permit was issued. This stated speed must not be exceeded; however, if a lower speed is posted, it shall take precedence. Violation of the speed limit stated on the permit shall render the permit null and void."

So if your Washington Oversize Permit lists a maximum speed, that number is a condition of the permit, not a suggestion. And if a road sign shows an even lower speed, the lower speed applies.

WSDOT often sets a stated speed for heavy or very large loads, for example, when a load must slow down to cross a bridge.

 

The Default Speed for Permitted Loads

 

If no speed is stated on the permit, WAC 468-38-175(5)(a) applies: the maximum speed is the same speed limit posted for trucks.

There is one more speed rule. Under WAC 468-38-175(5)(b), when a load must travel on the shoulder of a two-lane highway to let traffic pass, the speed must not exceed 25 miles per hour.

 

Bridge Restrictions: The Rule Drivers Can't See

 

WAC 468-38-420(1)(b) covers restricted bridges. Some bridges can carry legal weights but not extra-legal weights. WSDOT restricts axle weights on those bridges, and the rule says these restrictions "are not posted on the bridge but are disclosed to the special permit applicant during the permitting process."

The rule ends with a clear warning:

"Vehicles with extra-legal weight authorized by special permit must comply with any bridge restriction noted on the permit. A violation of any restriction will cause the special permit to become null and void."

Because there's no sign at the bridge, the only place the driver will see the restriction is on the Washington Oversize Permit itself.

 

Posted Bridges vs. Restricted Bridges

 

Type How You Know What the Rule Says
Posted bridge Weight limit sign at the bridge Vehicles over the posted limit must not cross
Restricted bridge Listed on your permit only Breaking the restriction voids the permit

For posted bridges, WAC 468-38-420(1)(a) says WSDOT returns applications that exceed the posted limit, and vehicles over the limit must not cross the bridge.

 

Other Ways a Permit Can Be Lost

 

Speeding and bridge restrictions are the two violations the rules call "null and void." But other problems can still cost you the permit:

  • Violating permit conditions. Under RCW 46.44.105, officers may confiscate the permit, and WSDOT may revoke, cancel, or suspend it.

  • Repeat violations on certain permits. On the third finding in a calendar year of a violation of a permit issued under RCW 46.44.095, the permit shall be canceled, and the vehicle can't get a new one for 30 days.

  • Not carrying the permit. Under WAC 468-38-050(4)(d), the signed permit or a copy must be carried on the power unit at all times.

 

How to Protect Your Permit on Every Trip

 

  1. Read the Whole Permit. Look for a stated speed and any bridge restrictions before the truck moves.

  2. Brief the Driver. Make sure the driver knows the speed limit and the restricted bridges on the route.

  3. Follow the Lower Speed. If a posted sign is lower than the permit speed, obey the sign.

  4. Stay on the Permitted Route. A detour can put the truck on a bridge that wasn't reviewed.

  5. Keep the Permit in the Cab. Carry the signed permit or a valid electronic copy.

 

Common Mistakes to Avoid

 

  • Driving at the posted truck speed when the permit says lower. The permit speed controls.

  • Looking for bridge signs. Restricted bridges aren't posted. Check the permit.

  • Taking a shortcut. Leaving the approved route can mean crossing a restricted bridge.

  • Speeding on the shoulder. On a two-lane highway, the limit is 25 mph.

  • Ignoring warnings. Three violations in a year can cancel certain permits.

 

Why Many Trucking Companies Choose Our Service

 

Washington Trucking Online orders your Washington Oversize Permit and point out any stated speed limits or bridge restrictions before your driver leaves. That helps you keep the permit valid from the first mile to the last.

  • Oversize permit: $98

  • Trip permit: $95

  • Fuel permit: $95

We provide support 24/7 and also work weekends and holidays.

 

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FAQ

 

  • Can speeding void a Washington Oversize Permit?

    Yes. Exceeding a speed limit stated on the permit makes it null and void.

  • What speed applies if the permit doesn't list one?

    The speed limit posted for trucks.

  • Why aren't restricted bridges marked with signs?

    WSDOT discloses them during the permitting process, so they appear on the permit, not on the bridge.

  • What happens if I cross a restricted bridge?

    The special permit becomes null and void.

  • Can an officer take my permit?

    Yes. An officer may confiscate it and send it to WSDOT, which may revoke, cancel, or suspend it without refund.

 

For more information, visit the Washington State Department of Transportation.

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