Legal size limits without a permit
| Measurement | Kansas legal limit |
|---|---|
| Height | 14'0" (14'6" for cylindrical hay bales) |
| Width | 8'6" (102 in) |
| Front Overhang | Confirmed at filing |
| Rear Overhang | Confirmed at filing |
Axle and gross weights
How much each axle group and the whole vehicle can carry in Kansas, without a permit and with an overweight permit.
| Axle group | Legal limit | With a permit |
|---|---|---|
| Steer axle | Confirmed at filing | Confirmed at filing |
| Single axle | 20,000 lbs (22,000 lbs on the Kansas Turnpike) | Set by KDOT bridge-formula/route analysis rather than one flat figure |
| Tandem axle | 34,000 lbs (40"-96" spacing) | Per bridge formula, evaluated per route |
| Tridem axle | Confirmed at filing | Confirmed at filing |
| Quad axle | Confirmed at filing | Confirmed at filing |
| Gross weight | 80,000 lbs | 120,000 lbs under Annual Permit; up to 150,000 lbs under a Standard/Single-Trip OSOW Permit |
Superload: Loads exceeding standard permit dimensions/weight are routed as superloads requiring individual bridge/route analysis
Permit types we file in Kansas
Standard OSOW PermitSingle-trip permit for general moves up to 126' long, 16'6" wide, 18' high, and 150,000 lbs GVW.
Annual PermitTied to a specific vehicle, for repeated moves up to 126' long, 16'6" wide, 15' high, and 120,000 lbs GVW.
Large Structure / Superload PermitFor loads exceeding standard dimensions or weight; requires individual bridge analysis and route survey.
Maximum dimensions with a permit
| Dimension | Maximum with a permit |
|---|---|
| Length | 126 ft |
| Width | 16'6" |
| Height | 18 ft (Standard permit); 15 ft (Annual permit) |
| Rear Overhang | Confirmed at filing |
Loads beyond these standard permit ceilings, or with weight concentrated over a short span, are handled individually as superloads with bridge analysis and custom routing.
Escorts and travel restrictions
Escort & pilot car rules
- Loads over 14 feet wide require escort vehicles.
- Escort vehicle operators/companies must be KDOT-certified via an 8-hour course.
- Superloads may require additional escorts and case-by-case routing restrictions.
When you can travel
- Oversize loads generally may not operate between 30 minutes after sunset and 30 minutes before sunrise without special authorization.
- Movement is restricted when visibility falls below KDOT-specified minimums.
Signs, flags and lights
Most states require
- An “OVERSIZE LOAD” banner on the front of the truck and the rear of the load.
- Red or fluorescent orange warning flags at each corner and at the widest points of the load.
- Amber warning lights or clearance lights when moving at night, where night travel is allowed.
Kansas specifics
- Banner size, flag size and light rules for Kansas are listed on your permit.
- We include them in your permit notes so your driver has them before the trip.
Rules change. Limits and requirements are set by KDOT and can change. We confirm the current rules for your exact load before filing.