Federal & State Regulations | Oversize and overweight movements - District of Columbia

General requirements

Reducible expectations	Permits will not be issued for oversize or overweight loads that can be reduced or loaded within the legal size and weight limits.
Permit timing	Allow for two weeks for an annual permit. Allow one week for single haul permits.
Method of application	Apply on-line on TOPS, DDOT's on-line permitting system or J. J. Keller & Associates, Inc., Trip Permits, at (800) 231-5266.
Payments accepted	Once the on-line application is approved, payment can be made on-line using MasterCard or Visa or by mailing a check or money order made payable to “DC Treasurer.” The DC Treasurer is located at 1100 4th Street, SW, Washington, DC.
Electronic permits	A paper permit must be kept in the vehicle at all times. For annual tag permits, a “tag” is issued that must be affixed to the front of the vehicle and be visible to other motorists.
Route surveys	A route will be confirmed based on size and weight.

Liability	Permittees will be held liable for all damages that may be caused to the highway or structures as a result of any oversize or overweight movement. If the driver is not the owner of the vehicle or combination but is operating with the express permission and instruction of the owner, then the driver and the owner shall be jointly liable for any damage to the highway or highway structures.
Coverage	The Director of Highways is authorized to require a bond or security deposit to compensate for any damage to the highway or highway structures caused by the oversize or overweight movement.

General Permits
Permit Period	Conditions	Fee
Single trip	Required if: • Length (including tractor, trailer, and load) is over 70' long • Height (including load) is over 13' 6" • Width (including load) is over 8' 6"	$30
Round trip		$50
Annual	Tractor and trailer	$85
Annual	Truck crane or concrete pump truck: • GVW maximum 120,000 lbs • Width maximum 11'	$85
Annual	Dump truck, cement mixer or trash truck • GVW maximum 65,0000 lbs	$1,193

Permit limitations
Configuration	Limitations
Overhang	3' front, 6' rear
Weight	Any police officer having reason to believe that the weight of a vehicle and load is unlawful, may require the driver to stop and weigh the load by means of either portable or stationary scales. The officer may require that the vehicle be driven to the nearest public scales for weight verification.

General sign requirement

There are no stated sign requirements for oversize and/or overweight movements

General light requirements	When required, 1 light shall be energized to flash continuously at all times, and the second light shall be energized when brakes are applied, acting as a stoplight. In respect to night transportation, every vehicle must be equipped with a sufficient number of clearance markers on both sides.
Escort light requirements
	Type	Placement
General light type and placement	NS	NS
Escort light type and placement	NS	NS

Size	Placement	Content
NS	NS	NS

A police escort is required when moving the following types of oversized or overweight loads:

The District of Columbia regulations do not specify escort car/company requirements.

Daytime	No movements will be permitted for those vehicles traveling under a Type A, C ,or D permit on arterial streets on weekdays between 7 a.m. - 9:30 p.m. and 4 p.m. - 6:3 0p.m. If a move using arterial streets is not capable of maintaining a minimum speed of 15 mph, it must be made between10pm - 6 a.m. Moves exceeding 80’ in length or 15’ in width will only be permitted between 10 p.m. - 6 a.m.
Weekend	There are no weekend or holiday restrictions for vehicles moving under special permits, unless so specified on the permit.
Holidays	There are no weekend or holiday restrictions for vehicles moving under special permits, unless so specified on the permit.
Visibility	NS

['Size and Weight Limits']

['Oversize and Overweight Movements']