['Size and Weight Limits']
['Oversize and Overweight Movements']
05/01/2025
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General requirements
Reducible expectations | All vehicles and loads that exceed the legal size or weight limitations must obtain a special permit before traveling the highways of Oregon. | |||
Permit timing | The single trip permit will be valid for a period of five working days, for use by the permitted vehicle only (tractor and trailer). | |||
Method of application | Carriers may obtain permits in person, by phone, or by mail at the permit office in Salem, at one of the Port of Entry operations, a number of field offices, or through J. J. Keller & Associates, Inc., Trip Permits, at (800) 231-5266. Permits can also be obtained through Oregon’s Trucking on-line Service. | |||
Payments accepted | Fees may be paid in cash, by check, or permit fee coupon. County administrative fees will be collected where applicable. | |||
Electronic permits | The permit or permit identification card must be in the driver’s immediate possession at all times when driving the vehicle or combination of vehicles upon a public highway, road or street; and display a variance permit or permit identification card upon demand of any police officer, motor carrier enforcement officer, county weighmaster, judicial officer or the director of permits of the Department of Transportation. | |||
Route surveys | Oregon provides several maps that show where certain types of oversize/overweight vehicles may operate. Each applicant for a permit should obtain a set of maps before entering the state. |
Insurance requirements
Liability | Verification of public liability and property damage insurance and/or an indemnity bond may be required at the discretion and in the amounts determined by the granting authority. The granting authority may require the applicant to furnish public liability and property damage insurance in a sum fixed by the granting authority and indemnity insurance, or an indemnity bond in a sum fixed by the granting authority. | |||
Coverage | Level III authorization self-issuance variance permits must file general liability insurance having an annual aggregate limit or at least $2,000,000. Evidence of insurance filing must be in the form of a certificate of insurance signed by the carrier's insurer. |
Available permits and fees
General | ||
Permit Period | Conditions | Fee |
All | Administrative fee or every permit issued | $8.00 |
All | All vehicles are subject to highway use tax | Variable |
Axle | Road use assessment fee for each equivalent single-axle load mile traveled (difference of actual axle weights to 18,000 lbs) | $0.085 per |
GVW | Road use assessment fee for vehicles in excess of 98,000 lbs (in lieu of the weight-mileage tax) | Variable |
GVW | Road use assessment fee for vehicles up to 240,000 lbs (based on formula of GVW and axles) | Variable |
Permit limitations
Permit limitations | |
Width | Limitation |
Continuing permit | 14' |
Trailer coaches and modular units | 14' |
Height | Limitation |
Continuing permit | Legal height cannot be exceeded |
Length | Limitation |
Continuing Permit | • A solo vehicle must not exceed 40' and vehicle inclusive of load must not exceed 60' in overall length • Motor truck and trailer must not exceed 75' in overall length. |
Weight | Limitations |
Annual | Up to 98,000 lbs for non-divisible loads (based on Weight Table 3) |
Configuration | Limitations |
Manufactured housing | • Drive axle — Equipped with dual wheels. Two spare tires to be carried, ready for use. • General length: 85' Not to exceed two vehicles in combination (the towing vehicle and the unit being transported) • Length: 95' allowed on Interstate highways and other state highways approved for the longer overall length by written order of the State Highway Engineer (by single trip permit) • Length: Up to 110' feet on Interstate highways and multilane highways or as authorized by a single trip permit • Unit length: 75' |
Sealed Container | Vehicles laden or unladen and designed and used exclusively to transport overseas marine containers that are en route to or from a marine port or an intermodal transportation facility • Routes restricted • Semitrailer may not be longer than 53' • Overall length must be 105' or less • Combination of vehicles may consist of no more than one truck- tractor, one jeep, one overseas marine container trailer, and one booster axle |
Overweight
The maximum weight limitations are the same for continuing and single trip permits.
If any trailer or semitrailer is lighter by 1,500 pounds or more, such trailer or semitrailer shall be placed in the rear of the combination.
An overweight permit will be allowed for any single part or item but not allowed for a load consisting of two or more items. An overweight permit will be allowed for all parts of a disassembled machine on a single load providing that a permit would have been issued for the assembled machine.
Movements are subject to any posted weight limitations in effect on highways, bridges, or structures.
Weight Table 2, Extended Weight-Permit Required, applies to vehicles between 80,000 pounds and 105,000 pounds maximum (common vehicle types include truck-tractor-semitrailer (doubles), triple-trailer combinations, truck-tractor and tri-axle semitrailers):
Maximum Gross Weight in Pounds on: | ||||
---|---|---|---|---|
Axle
Spacing in feet | 5 Axles | 6 Axles | 7 Axles | 8 or More Axles |
47 | 77,500 | 81,000 | 81,000 | 81,000 |
48 | 78,000 | 82,000 | 82,000 | 82,000 |
49 | 78,500 | 83,000 | 83,000 | 83,000 |
50 | 79,000 | 84,000 | 84,000 | 84,000 |
51 | 80,000 | 84,500 | 85,000 | 85,000 |
52 | 80,500 | 85,000 | 86,000 | 86,000 |
53 | 81,000 | 86,000 | 87,000 | 87,000 |
54 | 81,500 | 86,500 | 88,000 | 91,000 |
55 | 82,500 | 87,000 | 89,000 | 92,000 |
56 | 83,000 | 87,500 | 90,000 | 93,000 |
57 | 83,500 | 88,000 | 91,000 | 94,000 |
58 | 84,000 | 89,000 | 92,000 | 95,000 |
59 | 85,000 | 89,500 | 93,000 | 96,000 |
60 | 85,500 | 90,000 | 94,000 | 97,000 |
61 | 86,000 | 90,500 | 95,000 | 98,000 |
62 | 87,000 | 91,000 | 96,000 | 99,000 |
63 | 87,500 | 92,000 | 97,000 | 100,000 |
64 | 88,000 | 92,500 | 97,500 | 101,000 |
65 | 88,500 | 93,000 | 98,000 | 102,000 |
66 | 89,000 | 93,500 | 98,500 | 103,000 |
67 | 90,000 | 94,000 | 99,000 | 104,000 |
68 | 90,000 | 95,000 | 99,500 | 105,000 |
69 | 90,000 | 95,500 | 100,000 | 105,500 |
70 | 90,000 | 96,000 | 101,000 | 105,500 |
71 | 90,000 | 96,500 | 101,500 | 105,500 |
72 | 90,000 | 96,500 | 102,000 | 105,500 |
73 | 90,000 | 96,500 | 102,500 | 105,500 |
74 | 90,000 | 96,500 | 103,000 | 105,500 |
75 | 90,000 | 96,500 | 104,000 | 105,500 |
76 | 90,000 | 96,500 | 104,500 | 105,500 |
77 | 90,000 | 96,500 | 105,000 | 105,500 |
78 | 90,000 | 96,500 | 105,500 | 105,500 |
Weight Table 3, Heavy Haul Weight-Permit Required (http://tinyurl.com/weighttable3), contains the maximum weight for single-trip permits (based on the number of axles and wheelbase). Other maximums include 600 pounds per inch of tire width; 21,500 pounds per single axle; 43,000 pounds per tandem axle; or the weight shown on the overdimension permit and the sum of the permittable axle, tandem axle, or group axle weight, whichever is less. Weight Table 3 applies to common vehicle types including truck-tractor-lowbed semitrailer, truck-tractor-semitrailers and boosters.
Weight Table 4, Heavy Haul Weight-Permit Required (http://tinyurl.com/weighttable4), contains maximum weight based on number of axles and wheelbase. Table 4 allows for more weight using a shorter wheelbase than that authorized by Table 3. Other maximums include 600 pounds per inch of tire width; 21,500 pounds per single axle; 43,000 pounds per tandem axle; or the weight shown on the overdimension permit and the sum of the permittable axle, tandem axle, or group axle weight, whichever is less. Weight Table 4 applies to common vehicle types including self-propelled cranes, truck-tractor-lowbed semitrailers, truck-tractors with jeep and semitrailer, or truck-tractor with semitrailer and booster.
Weight Table 5, Heavy Haul Weight-Permit Required (http://tinyurl.com/weighttable5), contains maximum weights for specific vehicle configurations only. It provides up to 48,000 pounds per tandem axle if the combination of vehicles has at least nine axles, with a steer axle followed by four consecutive tandem axles which are eight feet wide (standard). Ten percent more weight may be allowed when the combination has 10-foot wide axles with four tires per axle. Instead of 48,000 pounds per tandem, this allows up to 60,000 pounds. Use of Weight Table 5 is more complex than the other weight tables and may require special analysis by the Over-Dimension Permit Unit. Contact ODOT for details.
An online weight analysis tool is available to companies that need to determine the weight of a divisible or non-divisible load and what's allowed under a permit. Visit http://tinyurl.com/weightanalysis to access the online tool.
Signs
General sign requirement | Must be displayed on the front and rear of vehicle combination, made of reflective material when operating between 30-minutes after sunset and 30-minutes before sunrise, and be mounted horizontally to provide full visibility and readability at all times. | |||
Escort sign requirement | Warning signs are required and are to be mounted adequately to afford full view at all times, when in use, to the front or rear depending upon location of pilot vehicle or relative to the oversize unit. | |||
Type | Size | Lettering | Background | |
General signs | OVERSIZE LOAD (WIDE LOAD or LONG LOAD used in some instances) | 7' x 18" | 10" black FHWA series C brushstroke | Highway yellow |
Escort signs | OVERSIZE LOAD | 5' x 10" | 8" high black letters with 1" brushstroke | Reflective yellow |
Lights
General light requirements | In addition to any other lights required by law, a power unit transporting an oversize unit must be equipped with warning lights when the width exceeds 10' when operating on a 2-lane highway or width 12' when operating on four lane highways. | |||
Escort light requirements | Warning lights are required in addition to other lights required by law. The warning lights must be displayed only during the course of the oversize movement. | |||
Type | Placement | |||
General light type and placement | Amber and have a minimum of 30 flashes per minute. | Mounted on the transporting power unit above the roof of the cab, be clearly visible from 500' with a minimum of 30 flashes per minute. | ||
Escort light type and placement | (2) flashing amber warning lights, a revolving amber warning light, or an amber strobe light with 360° visibility. | Lights must be mounted above the roof of the cab, be clearly visible from 500', have a minimum of 30 flashes per minute. |
Flags
Type | Size | Placement | ||
General Flags | Red or fluorescent orange | 18" square | All four lower corners of any overwidth load must be flagged during daylight hours. | |
Escort Flags | (2) red or fluorescent orange | 18" square | Mounted on 3' length staffs carried by each pilot vehicle. |
Escort vehicle markings
Size | Placement | Content | |
NS | NS | NS |
Escort/Flagperson requirements
The following pilot vehicle(s) are required when width exceeds eight feet (eight feet six inches for commercial vehicles). When one pilot vehicle is required, it shall travel in front of the oversize unit. When two pilot vehicles are required, one must be in front and one must be at the rear of the oversize unit:
Width | Interstate and
Multi-Lane High-ways | Routes shown in
Green on Route Map 2 | Routes shown in
Purple on Route Map 2 | Group Map 1
Group 1 Highways | Group Map 1
Group 2 Highways | Group Map 1
Group 3 Highways |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Up to 9' | NONE | NONE | NONE | NONE | ONE | TWO |
9' 1" to 10' | NONE | NONE | ONE | ONE | ONE | TWO |
10' 1" to 11" | NONE | NONE | ONE | ONE | ONE | TWO |
11" 1' to 12" | NONE | NONE | ONE | TWO | TWO | TWO |
12" 1' to 14' | NONE | ONE | TWO | TWO | TWO | TWO |
14' 1" to 16" | ONE in REAR | TWO | TWO | TWO | TWO | TWO |
Over 16' | As specified by the permit | As specified by the permit | As specified by the permit | As specified by the permit | As specified by the permit | As specified by the permit |
Width | Interstate and
Multi-Lane High-ways | Routes shown in
Green on Route Map 2 | Routes shown in
Purple on Route Map 2 | Group Map 1
Group 1 Highways | Group Map 1
Group 2 Highways | Group Map 1
Group 3 Highways |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Up to 9 ft | NONE | NONE | NONE | NONE | ONE | TWO |
9 ft 1 in. to 10 ft | NONE | NONE | ONE | ONE | ONE | TWO |
10 ft 1 in. to 11 ft | NONE | NONE | ONE | ONE | ONE | TWO |
11 ft 1 in. to 12 ft | NONE | NONE | ONE | TWO | TWO | TWO |
12 ft 1 in. to 14 ft | NONE | ONE | TWO | TWO | TWO | TWO |
14 ft 1 in. to 16 ft | ONE in REAR | TWO | TWO | TWO | TWO | TWO |
Over 16 ft | As specified by the permit | As specified by the permit | As specified by the permit | As specified by the permit | As specified by the permit | As specified by the permit |
The following pilot vehicle(s) are required for front overhang:
In addition to the standard requirements for pilot vehicle(s) on overwidth movement, the following provisions shall apply to the hauling of shovels, draglines, loaders, or cranes with attached booms on truck-tractor and semitrailer combinations:
- Four-lane highways - no additional; and
- Two-lane highways - one pilot vehicle shall precede all movements having a front overhang in excess of 10 feet (15 feet for mobile cranes and fixed load vehicles) beyond the front or foremost part of the vehicle.
Length | Interstate and
Multi-lane highways | Route Map 2
Two-Lane Green Routes | All other
Two-lane highways |
---|---|---|---|
95' 1" to 105' | NONE | NONE | ONE |
105' 1" to 120' | NONE | ONE | ONE |
120' 1" to 150' | ONE | TWO | TWO |
Over 150' | As specified by the permit | As specified by the permit | As specified by the permit |
Length | Interstate and
Multi-lane highways | Route Map 2
Two-Lane Green Routes | All other
Two-lane highways |
---|---|---|---|
95 ft 1 in. to 105 ft | NONE | NONE | ONE |
105 ft 1 in. to 120 ft | NONE | ONE | ONE |
120 ft 1 in. to 150 ft | ONE | TWO | TWO |
Over 150 ft | As specified by the permit | As specified by the permit | As specified by the permit |
An oversize load must be preceded by a pilot vehicle on two-lane highways when the front overhang is in excess of 15 feet. There are no requirements on Interstate and Multi-lane highways. These overhang escort requirements are in addition to the requirements for overwidth.
Flagperson requirements
Movement of certain oversize loads may require traffic stops or controls to provide for safe passage of the load. Under certain conditions, a pilot car operator, certified in traffic control, may direct traffic.
A pilot vehicle (escort) operator must be certified to direct traffic and the following apply:
- A pilot vehicle operator must attend and satisfactorily complete ODOT training related to directing traffic flow;
- The training must include procedures that provide a process to close a section of highway for the safe passage of an oversize load;
- Successful completion of refresher training is required every three years after initial certification; and
- Proof of certification must be carried, and made available upon request by law enforcement, when conducting operations.
When movements require traffic stops or controls by certified pilot vehicle operators, at a minimum, a front and rear pilot vehicle are required. The lead pilot vehicle must be equipped with a sign that reads STOP AHEAD and the sign must be mounted above the roofline of the pilot vehicle, constructed to ODOT specifications for Type Y5 signs, kept clean and legible, and displayed only during operations. The rear pilot vehicle must be equipped to stop oncoming traffic using a handheld STOP/SLOW paddle a minimum of 18 inches across and that has internal lighting or that is faced with prismatic sheeting.
Escort car/Company requirements
Escort/Pilot vehicles may be required to ensure safety during the movement of oversize loads. Pilot vehicles may be a passenger car, pick-up, truck, or truck tractor. Combinations of vehicles are not authorized. Pilot vehicles are to be placed 300 to 500 feet from the oversize load.
Escort car signs, flags, and lights
Warning signs on escort vehicles shall be five feet wide by 10 inches high with eight-inch black letters of a one-inch brush stroke, in accordance with Federal Highway Administration standard alphabet series B, on a highway yellow background. The yellow background must be made of reflectorized material.
Pilot vehicles must have OVERSIZE LOAD warning signs that are 5 feet wide by 10 inches high mounted above the roofline of the vehicle, two flashing amber warning lights, a revolving amber warning light, or an amber strobe light with 360 degree visibility, two-way radio communication with the oversize vehicle, and carry two 18-inch square red flags on three foot staffs, and eight safety flares or reflectors. The warning sign must be visible to the front and rear of the vehicle. Pilot vehicles are under the direct control and supervision of the towing vehicle operator.
If three pilot vehicles are required by permit, and the load will cross the centerline of the highway, additional signs that read REDUCE SPEED and MOVE RIGHT may be required.
It shall be the duty of the pilot vehicle operator to warn approaching or overtaking traffic as the case may be of any hazard caused by the movement, by the use of approved signaling devices or flags and signs. Flares may not be used when escorting hazardous materials. Pilot vehicles shall on rural highways maintain a distance ahead or behind the movement of not less than 300 feet nor more than 500 feet. In cities or in congested areas where traffic is controlled by signals, this distance shall be reduced as may be required to protect the traveling public.
Travel restrictions
Daytime | NS | |||
Weekend | NS | |||
Holidays | Overwidth movement is not allowed during any hours or the last business day preceding the state observed holiday through one-half hour before sunrise of the first business day following the holiday: • New Years Day • Memorial Day (or during daylight hours the Saturday afternoon and Sunday after) • Independence Day • Labor Day (or during daylight hours the Saturday afternoon and Sunday before) • Thanksgiving Day (or from noon on the Wednesday preceding Thanksgiving Day until one-half hour before sunrise on Monday following Thanksgiving Day) • Christmas Day | |||
Visibility | Movement is not allowed when visibility is less than 500' due to snow, mist, rain, dust, smoke, fog or other atmospheric conditions. Movement is also not allowed when wind or other conditions may cause the vehicle or vehicles to swerve, to whip, to sway or fail to follow substantially in the path of the towing vehicle. |
['Size and Weight Limits']
['Oversize and Overweight Movements']
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