Legal size limits without a permit
| Measurement | Washington legal limit |
|---|---|
| Height | 14'0" (no permit) |
| Width | 8'6" (no permit) |
| Front Overhang | Not separately published beyond general length limits |
| Rear Overhang | Not separately published beyond general length limits |
Axle and gross weights
How much each axle group and the whole vehicle can carry in Washington, 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 |
| Tandem axle | 34,000 lbs | 43,000 lbs |
| Tridem axle | Confirmed at filing | Confirmed at filing |
| Quad axle | Confirmed at filing | Confirmed at filing |
| Gross weight | 80,000 lbs | Up to 200,000 lbs via self-issue/standard overweight permits |
Superload: A load is classified as a superload above 200,000 lbs gross weight, or 16' wide, 16' high, or 125' long
Permit types we file in Washington
Self-Issue PermitCarrier-issued permit for loads within standard oversize/overweight parameters, up to 200,000 lbs.
Fixed-Load (30-Day) PermitVehicle-specific permit valid 30 days for defined axle configurations.
Superload PermitWSDOT Commercial Vehicle Services-reviewed permit for loads exceeding standard thresholds.
Maximum dimensions with a permit
| Dimension | Maximum with a permit |
|---|---|
| Length | Up to 125' before superload classification |
| Width | Up to 16' before superload classification |
| Height | Up to 16' before superload classification |
| Rear Overhang | Governed by escort requirements at 105'+ length |
Loads exceeding 16' wide, 16' high, 125' long, or 200,000 lbs are classified as superloads; weight-based superload applications require 30 days' advance notice.
Escorts and travel restrictions
Escort & pilot car rules
- Loads 105'+ long on two-lane highways require one rear escort (superloads).
- Loads 125'+ long require front and rear escorts on all highways.
- Widths over 14' on two-lane highways require permitting and escort evaluation.
When you can travel
- The 16'-wide daylight exception restricts travel to daylight hours only.
- Nighttime, weekend, and holiday travel restrictions apply per WAC 468-38-175.
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.
Washington specifics
- Banner size, flag size and light rules for Washington 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 WSDOT and can change. We confirm the current rules for your exact load before filing.