When an Overdimension Permit Is Required in Washington State
You must obtain a permit before transporting any vehicle or load that cannot be reasonably reduced and that exceeds one or more of these legal limits:
1. Size (Dimension) Limits
If the vehicle and load exceed:
-
Width: Greater than 8 feet 6 inches
-
Height: Greater than 14 feet
-
Length:
-
Single unit vehicle longer than 40 feet
-
Trailer longer than 53 feet
-
Combination (truck + trailer) longer than 75 feet
-
-
Overhang: More than 3 feet front or 15 feet rear of the load
If any of these are exceeded and the load cannot reasonably be divided, a permit is required.
2. Weight Limits
A permit is required when the vehicle or combination’s weight exceeds the legal limits for state highways — including axle and gross vehicle weight. Legal weight depends on factors like tire size and axle spacing.
3. Non-Divisible Loads
Washington only issues oversize/overweight permits for non-divisible loads (loads that cannot be broken down into smaller pieces without damage or undue expense). If the load can be reasonably reduced, you must reduce it instead of getting a permit.
Special Cases
• Superloads: Vehicles or loads that exceed extreme criteria (e.g., over 16 feet wide, 16 feet high, 125 feet long, or over 200,000 pounds) follow a more detailed approval process and may require written application well in advance.
• Night Travel: If you exceed certain larger size thresholds, you might need special approval for nighttime movement.
Key Takeaway
You generally need an overdimension/oversize permit in Washington any time your vehicle or load goes beyond the standard legal dimensions or weight limits defined by state law, and it cannot be reasonably divided or reduced.
Apply for overdimensional permits at https://www.washingtontruckingonline.com/ or call to (206) 339-6683
You must obtain a permit before transporting any vehicle or load that cannot be reasonably reduced and that exceeds one or more of these legal limits:
1. Size (Dimension) Limits
If the vehicle and load exceed:
-
Width: Greater than 8 feet 6 inches
-
Height: Greater than 14 feet
-
Length:
-
Single unit vehicle longer than 40 feet
-
Trailer longer than 53 feet
-
Combination (truck + trailer) longer than 75 feet
-
-
Overhang: More than 3 feet front or 15 feet rear of the load
If any of these are exceeded and the load cannot reasonably be divided, a permit is required.
2. Weight Limits
A permit is required when the vehicle or combination’s weight exceeds the legal limits for state highways — including axle and gross vehicle weight. Legal weight depends on factors like tire size and axle spacing.
3. Non-Divisible Loads
Washington only issues oversize/overweight permits for non-divisible loads (loads that cannot be broken down into smaller pieces without damage or undue expense). If the load can be reasonably reduced, you must reduce it instead of getting a permit.
Special Cases
• Superloads: Vehicles or loads that exceed extreme criteria (e.g., over 16 feet wide, 16 feet high, 125 feet long, or over 200,000 pounds) follow a more detailed approval process and may require written application well in advance.
• Night Travel: If you exceed certain larger size thresholds, you might need special approval for nighttime movement.
Key Takeaway
You generally need an overdimension/oversize permit in Washington any time your vehicle or load goes beyond the standard legal dimensions or weight limits defined by state law, and it cannot be reasonably divided or reduced.
Apply for overdimensional permits at https://www.washingtontruckingonline.com/ or call to (206) 339-6683