Legal size limits without a permit
| Measurement | Pennsylvania legal limit |
|---|---|
| Height | 13 ft 6 in |
| Width | 8 ft 6 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 Pennsylvania, 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 | UNCONFIRMED | UNCONFIRMED |
| Tandem axle | UNCONFIRMED | Typically set per bridge formula analysis; standard overweight permits commonly run 95,000-107,000 lbs |
| Tridem axle | Confirmed at filing | Confirmed at filing |
| Quad axle | Confirmed at filing | Confirmed at filing |
| Gross weight | 80,000 lbs | Up to 201,000 lbs before Super Load classification |
Superload: Gross weight exceeding 201,000 lbs, OR length exceeding 160 ft, OR width exceeding 16 ft, requiring State Police escort
Permit types we file in Pennsylvania
Single-Trip (Special Hauling) PermitAuthorizes one movement, generally valid for a limited number of days.
Annual PermitYear-long authorization for a specific vehicle/configuration.
Seasonal / Blanket-Network PermitSpecified-duration or system-based routing permits not tied to a single origin/destination.
Maximum dimensions with a permit
| Dimension | Maximum with a permit |
|---|---|
| Length | Up to 90 ft before pilot-car length trigger; permits issued up to 120 ft before Super Load review at 160 ft |
| Width | Standard permits 9 ft 2 in to 12 ft; up to 16 ft before Super Load classification |
| Height | Typically 14 ft 6 in to 16 ft 6 in under standard permit |
| Rear Overhang | Confirmed at filing |
A load becomes a Super Load under 67 Pa. Code Chapter 179 at over 201,000 lbs gross weight, over 160 ft length, or over 16 ft width.
Escorts and travel restrictions
Escort & pilot car rules
- Width over 13 ft: pilot car required.
- Length over 90 ft total, or overhang beyond 15 ft to the rear: a pilot car must follow.
- Height over 14 ft 6 in: pilot car must precede by 1,000-3,000 ft equipped with a height-detection pole.
When you can travel
- Holiday travel bans on major federal holidays — restrictions run from noon the day before through sunrise 1-4 days after.
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.
Pennsylvania specifics
- Banner size, flag size and light rules for Pennsylvania 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 PennDOT and can change. We confirm the current rules for your exact load before filing.