Legal size limits without a permit
| Measurement | Alabama legal limit |
|---|---|
| Height | 13′6″ |
| Width | 8′6″ |
| Front Overhang | 5′ |
| Rear Overhang | 5′ |
Axle and gross weights
How much each axle group and the whole vehicle can carry in Alabama, 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 | Up to 22,000 lbs |
| Tandem axle | 34,000 lbs | Confirmed at filing |
| Tridem axle | Confirmed at filing | Confirmed at filing |
| Quad axle | Confirmed at filing | Confirmed at filing |
| Gross weight | 80,000 lbs | 150,000 lbs |
Superload: Reviewed case by case
Permit types we file in Alabama
Single-Trip PermitValid for 5 days. Best for one-time or occasional moves.
Annual PermitMatched to a specific vehicle by VIN. Ideal for carriers running repeat hauls.
Special-Use PermitFor house moves, mobile homes, sealed containers, and portable buildings.
Escorts and travel restrictions
Escort & pilot car rules
- Widths of 12′–14′ require one escort; over 14′ require both a front and rear escort
- A rear escort is required for loads 90′–125′ long
- Both front and rear escorts are required for loads 125′–150′ long; loads over 150′ require law-enforcement escorts
When you can travel
- Oversize loads may travel from half an hour before sunrise to half an hour after sunset
- No movement on Sundays or on New Year’s Day, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving, or Christmas
- Longer loads may face additional weekday time-of-day restrictions set at permit approval
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.
Alabama specifics
- Banner size, flag size and light rules for Alabama 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 OSOW and can change. We confirm the current rules for your exact load before filing.