Legal size limits without a permit
| Measurement | Kentucky legal limit |
|---|---|
| Height | 13'6" |
| Width | 8'0" (excluding safety devices) |
| Front Overhang | 3 ft (standard); 4 ft (stinger-steered transporters) |
| Rear Overhang | 4 ft (standard); 6 ft (stinger-steered transporters) |
Axle and gross weights
How much each axle group and the whole vehicle can carry in Kentucky, 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 | 24,000 lbs (steering axle capped at 20,000 lbs) |
| Tandem axle | 34,000 lbs (42"-96" spacing); Tridem 34,000-48,000 lbs depending on spread | 45,000 lbs (5-axle units); 48,000 lbs (6+ axle units); Tridem 60,000 lbs |
| Tridem axle | Confirmed at filing | 60,000 lbs |
| Quad axle | Confirmed at filing | Confirmed at filing |
| Gross weight | 80,000 lbs | Up to 160,000 lbs (7+ axle configurations) |
Superload: No single published cutoff; bridge/structural analysis pays an additional $500 fee, and loads over 15'6" high must file a Proposed Route Survey
Permit types we file in Kentucky
Single-Trip PermitValid for one move, with a duration of 10 days.
Annual PermitValid for an unlimited number of moves over 365 days, issued in commodity/size classes.
Superload / Route-Survey PermitFor loads needing individual bridge analysis and a filed route survey.
Maximum dimensions with a permit
| Dimension | Maximum with a permit |
|---|---|
| Length | Up to 120 ft (e.g., manufactured home + towing vehicle combination cap) |
| Width | Up to 16 ft under annual permit categories |
| Height | 13'6" standard annual permit ceiling (up to 15' for manufactured-home annual permits) |
| Rear Overhang | Confirmed at filing |
Any load/vehicle combination exceeding 15'6" in height must file a Proposed Route Survey with the Division of Motor Carriers.
Escorts and travel restrictions
Escort & pilot car rules
- Two-lane routes: lead escort when width exceeds 12 ft, length exceeds 75 ft, or height exceeds 14'11".
- Four-lane routes: lead escort when width exceeds 14 ft or height exceeds 14'11".
- Loads over 15'6" high must submit a Proposed Route Survey.
When you can travel
- No general holiday travel restrictions; travel is allowed 24/7 unless the permit states otherwise.
- Mobile/manufactured home moves restricted to daylight hours Monday-Saturday; no travel on Sunday.
- Rush-hour ban (7-9 a.m. and 4-6 p.m., Mon-Fri) in Boone, Campbell, Fayette, Jefferson, and Kenton counties.
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.
Kentucky specifics
- Banner size, flag size and light rules for Kentucky 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 KYTC and can change. We confirm the current rules for your exact load before filing.