Legal size limits without a permit
| Measurement | Virginia legal limit |
|---|---|
| Height | 13'6" (no permit) |
| Width | 102 inches (8'6"), excluding mirrors and warning devices |
| Front Overhang | 3' beyond the front bumper |
| Rear Overhang | Governed by flagging/lighting rules |
Axle and gross weights
How much each axle group and the whole vehicle can carry in Virginia, 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 under standard single-trip permits |
| Tandem axle | 34,000 lbs (40"-96" spacing) | 44,000 lbs under standard single-trip permits |
| Tridem axle | Confirmed at filing | Confirmed at filing |
| Quad axle | Confirmed at filing | Confirmed at filing |
| Gross weight | 80,000 lbs | Non-interstate 5% 'overload' extension allows up to 84,000 lbs; heavier loads via single-trip/superload permits |
Superload: A move is classified as a superload above 250,000 lbs, 18' wide, 200' long, or 16' high (24VAC20-82-60)
Permit types we file in Virginia
Single-Trip PermitOne-time permit for a specific oversize/overweight move and route.
Blanket (Annual) PermitVehicle-specific permit valid for one year, limited to loads up to approximately 14' high/wide and 100' long.
Superload PermitSingle-trip or short-term permit for loads exceeding standard thresholds, requiring route research.
Maximum dimensions with a permit
| Dimension | Maximum with a permit |
|---|---|
| Length | 150' under standard single-trip permit; blanket (annual) permits capped at 100' |
| Width | 15' under standard single-trip permit; blanket permits capped at 14' |
| Height | 15' under standard single-trip permit; blanket permits capped at 14' |
| Rear Overhang | Governed by escort/flagging requirements rather than a fixed permit ceiling |
Moves exceeding 18' wide, 200' long, 16' high, or 250,000 lbs are classified as superloads requiring individualized route/travel-plan review.
Escorts and travel restrictions
Escort & pilot car rules
- 12'1"–14'0" wide/high: 2 escorts on non-interstate highways.
- 14'1"–16'0": 3 escorts.
- 16'1"–18'0": 4 escorts.
When you can travel
- Truck speed limits under permit are capped at 55 mph on limited-access highways.
- Superload and oversize moves are subject to route- and permit-specific curfews, holiday, and daylight restrictions.
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.
Virginia specifics
- Banner size, flag size and light rules for Virginia 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 DMV and can change. We confirm the current rules for your exact load before filing.