Legal size limits without a permit
| Measurement | Louisiana legal limit |
|---|---|
| Height | 14'0" (Interstate); 13'6" (non-Interstate) |
| Width | 8'6" (102 in), exclusive of safety devices |
| Front Overhang | 4 ft |
| Rear Overhang | 8 ft (up to 20 ft allowed for forest products) |
Axle and gross weights
How much each axle group and the whole vehicle can carry in Louisiana, 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 30,000 lbs for off-road equipment configurations |
| Tandem axle | 34,000 lbs (Tridem 42,000 lbs; Quad 50,000 lbs; Quint 58,000 lbs) | Up to 60,000 lbs (Tridem up to 66,000 lbs) for off-road equipment configurations |
| Tridem axle | Confirmed at filing | Confirmed at filing |
| Quad axle | Confirmed at filing | Confirmed at filing |
| Gross weight | 80,000 lbs standard | 120,000 lbs under the standard Annual Overweight Permit; general permit loads routinely allowed up to 232,000 lbs on non-designated routes |
Superload: Loads over 232,000 lbs (non-designated routes) or 254,000 lbs (all highways) require detailed structural review
Permit types we file in Louisiana
Oversize PermitSingle-trip permit for loads exceeding legal length, width, height, and/or with projecting loads.
Annual Overweight Permit$2,500/year, up to 120,000 lbs GVW, 14'4" high, 12' wide.
Monthly Oversize PermitPre-selected travel days, up to 90' long, 12' wide, 14'4" high.
Maximum dimensions with a permit
| Dimension | Maximum with a permit |
|---|---|
| Length | 90 ft (standard Oversize Permit ceiling) |
| Width | 12 ft (standard Oversize Permit ceiling) |
| Height | 14'4" |
| Rear Overhang | Up to 30 ft under standard Oversize Permit provisions |
Loads exceeding 90' long, 12' wide, or 14'4" high move outside the standard Oversize Permit envelope; superload status (232,000-254,000+ lbs) triggers mandatory advance structural review.
Escorts and travel restrictions
Escort & pilot car rules
- Loads 12'-16' wide require a private escort.
- Loads over 16' wide require Louisiana State Police escort, front and rear.
- Loads 90'-125' long require a private escort; over 125' long requires State Police.
- Loads over 15'10" high require a height-pole escort truck.
When you can travel
- Movement generally prohibited at night, in inclement weather, and on certain designated holidays.
- Loads over 12' wide prohibited on certain Interstate segments during peak hours.
- No oversize travel permitted through Louisiana tunnels.
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.
Louisiana specifics
- Banner size, flag size and light rules for Louisiana 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 DOTD and can change. We confirm the current rules for your exact load before filing.