Federal & State Regulations | Oversize and overweight movements - Utah

General requirements

Reducible expectations	All vehicles and/or loads must be reduced to the minimum practical dimensions. The department may, at its discretion, authorize permits exceeding the provisions for non-divisible loads over approved routes.
Permit timing	Because of additional processing requirements, Western Regional, and/or loads exceeding 15' 6" high, 17' wide, or over 300,000 lbs. will only be processed Monday-Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Mountain Standard Time.
Method of application	Permits may be purchased on-line at Utah's On-Line Permits & Information Maintenance System or through J. J. Keller & Associates, Inc., Trip Permits, at (800) 231-5266 prior to entry in to Utah.
Payments accepted	Permits may be purchased with a major credit card are issued on a single trip, semi annual or annual basis.
Electronic permits	A permit may be in paper or electronic format.
Route surveys	When required, applications for oversize/or overweight permits will be evaluated with the assistance of the super load team or other agencies such as structures, region right of way and other state agencies.

Insurance requirements

Liability	As a condition for obtaining an oversize permit, the applicant or permittee assumes all responsibility for crashes, including injury to any persons or damage to public or private property caused by his/her operations. The applicant or permittee also agrees to indemnify and hold harmless the Utah Department of Transportation from any and all claims resulting directly or indirectly from the operation and transportation of vehicles or combination of vehicles operating under an oversize or overweight permit.
Coverage	NS

Available permits and fees

Overdimension
Permit Period	Conditions	Fee
Single trip	96 hours	$30
Semiannual	180 days	$75
Annual	Oversize	$90
Overdimension and/or Overweight
Permit Period	Conditions	Fee
Non-Divisible Loads
Single trip	Oversize and overweight	$60
180-days	80,001 - 84,000 lbs	$180
180-days	84,001 - 112,000 lbs	$320
180-days	112,001 - 125,000 lbs	$420
Annual	80,001 - 84,000 lbs	$240
Annual	84,001 - 112,000 lbs	$480
Annual	112,001 - 125,000 lbs	$540
Single trip	> 125,000 lbs fee for each mile for each pound over 80,000 lbs ($80 minimum - $540 maximum)	$0.012 per
Divisible Loads
For oversize and overweight permits for divisible loads that do not exceed the bridge formula and the length is: • More than 61' of cargo carrying length for 2 trailers but not more than 81', or more than 65' for a 2-vehicle combination, and the application is for a single trip, semiannual trip, or annual trip permit; or • More than 81' in cargo carrying length but not more than 95' in cargo carrying length and the application is for an annual trip permit
Single trip	Oversize and overweight (96-hours)	$60
180-days	80,001 - 84,000 lbs	$180
180-days	84,001 - 112,000 lbs	$320
180-days	112,001 - 129,000 lbs	$420
Annual	80,001 - 84,000 lbs	$240
Annual	84,001 - 112,000 lbs	$480
Annual	112,001 - 129,000 lbs	$540

Permit limitations

Permit limitations
Width	Limitation
Blades	Bulldozer blades, loader buckets, or similar equipment exceeding 16' in width must be removed for transport
Configuration	Limitations
Oversize divisible	Issued for moving a combination of vehicles and loads exceeding the legal limits under the following conditions: • Height: 14' • Width: 8' 6" • In combinations, a longer trailer precedes the shorter trailer • In multiple trailer combinations, a lighter trailer may not be placed in front of a heavier trailer when the weight difference is greater than 4,000 lbs
Oversize nondivisible	Must comply with the following conditions: • All vehicles and loads must be reduced to the minimum practical dimensions • Semi-annual and annual permits may be issued for dimensions up to, but not exceeding 14' in height, 14' 6" in width, and 105' in length • Operators of loads exceeding 10' wide and 120' long must purchase a single trip permit
Overweight divisible	To obtain an overweight permit for a divisible load: • Registered: 78,001 to 80,000 lbs • Width: 8' 6" • Height: 14' • Axles: Dual tires or super wide singles (14" or more) • Axle, groups of axles, and gross vehicle weight cannot exceed the federal bridge formula
Overweight nondivisible (<125,000)	Must comply with the following conditions: • The vehicle and loads are reduced to the minimum practical dimensions • Registered for 78,001 - 80,000 lbs or the total gross weight of the vehicle • Actual weight must comply with the bridge table formula of 1.47 x 500({LN/N-1} + 12N + 36) • Tandem axle: 50,000 lbs • Tridem axle: 61,750 lbs • Trunnion axle: 60,000 lbs • Gross weight: 125,000 lbs
Overweight nondivisible (>125,000)	Operators of loads exceeding 125,000 lbs gross, or axle weights for overweight divisible loads, may only purchase single trip permits. • Actual weight must comply with the bridge table formula of 1.47 x 500({LN/N-1} + 12N + 36) • 9' wide axles are allowed 7.5% more weight than 8' wide axles • 10' wide axles are allowed 15% more weight than 8' wide axles • When using an axle equipped with 8 tires, rather than 4, add 10% to the weight authorized for an 8' wide axle group • Tires must be in compliance with the manufacturer's tire load rating as indicated on the tire sidewall
Mobile homes	Mobile homes with a width in excess of 14' 6" up to 16' transported on their own running gear may be issued a single trip permit

Signs

General sign requirement	Oversize loads exceeding 10' in width, 14' in height, and 105' in length must display a sign to warn the motoring public that extra large vehicles are in operation. Front signs mounted on front bumper or on top of vehicle cab, rear signs are positioned at the rear most part of the vehicle or load as feasible, if possible the bottom edge of the sign be positioned no more than 5' above the road surface. Oversize signs are not required on LCVs.
Escort sign requirement	Mounted on top and clearly legible by oncoming traffic. The sign for the front pilot escort vehicle is to be displayed so as to be clearly legible and readable by oncoming traffic at all times and the rear pilot escort vehicle must display its sign so as to be readable by traffic overtaking from the rear.
	Type	Size	Lettering	Background
General signs	OVERSIZE LOAD	7' x 18"	Black, 10" with 1.4" stroke	Yellow
Escort signs	OVERSIZE LOAD	5' x 10"	8" wide black with 1" brushstroke	Yellow

Lights

General light requirements	Warning lights are required when headlights are necessary.
Escort light requirements	Warning lights are required to be illuminated at all times during operation.
	Type	Placement
General light type and placement	Amber rotating or flashing	Front overhangs exceeding 3' must be marked with a steady, amber marker light A rear overhang exceeding 4' is marked with red clearance lights for night travel Vehicles with an overhang extending 20' from the front or rear bumper, or from the center of the closest axle in the absence of a bumper, must display a rotating or flashing beacon visible from a minimum of 500', at a minimum height of 4' above ground Drawbar must display an amber light on both the right and left side of the drawbar located near the center of the bar
Escort light type and placement	(2) AAMVA approved amber flashing lights, minimum 6" in diameter, 60 flashes per minute: OR an AAMVA approved amber rotating, oscillating, or flashing beacon or light bar: Incandescent, strobe or diode lights may be used provided they meet the criteria	• Mounted with one on each side of sign and illuminated at all times during operation • Mounted on top of the pilot escort vehicle, unobstructed and visible for 360°

Flags

	Type	Size	Placement
General Flags	Red or orange	NS	Affixed on all extremities when the vehicle or load exceeds 10' in width or load exceeds 3' to the front or 4' to the rear of the bed or body.
Escort Flags	NS	NS	NS

Escort vehicle markings

Size	Placement	Content
NS	NS	NS

Escort/flagperson requirements

One pilot/escort vehicle is required for vehicles/loads that exceed the following dimensional conditions:

12 feet in width on secondary highways (non-interstate) and 14 feet in width on divided highways (interstates);
120 feet in length on divided highways and 105 feet in length on secondary highways; or
An excess of 20 feet of overhangs (one in the front for front overhangs or one to the rear for rear overhangs).

Two pilot/escort vehicles are required for vehicles/loads which exceed the following dimensional conditions:

14 feet in width on secondary highways and 16 feet in width on divided highways;
120 feet in length on secondary highways;
16 feet in height on all highways; or
When required by the Motor Carrier Division.

Police escorts are required for vehicles with loads exceeding:

17 feet wide or 17 feet 6 inches high on secondary highways; or
20 feet wide or 17 feet 6 inches high on all highways.

All loads exceeding 175 feet in length must have a minimum of one police escort. All loads exceeding 200 feet in length must have a minimum of two police escorts.

Follow-up vehicles or escorts are also required for permitted vehicles and loads unable to maintain a minimum speed of 45 miles per hour on any highway, whether four-lane or two-lane.

The UDOT may apply escort vehicle requirements at its discretion when sight distance is deficient or when the width and character of the route are such that an escort vehicle(s) is necessary to provide advance warning to the motoring public.

Flagpersons

During the movement of an overdimensional load or vehicle, the pilot escort driver in the performance of flagging duties, may control and direct traffic to stop, slow, or proceed in any situations where it is deemed necessary to protect the motoring public from the hazards associated with the movement of the overdimensional load or vehicle. The pilot escort driver, acting as a flagger, may aid the load or vehicle in the safe movement along the highway designated on the permit and must:

Assume the proper flagger position outside the pilot escort vehicle, and as a minimum, have in use the necessary safety equipment in section 6E.1 of the Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD);
Use STOP and SLOW paddles or 24-inch red or fluorescent orange or red square flags to indicate emergency situations and other equipment as described in section 6E.1 of the MUTCD; and
Comply with the flagging procedures and requirements as set forth in the MUTCD and the Utah Department of Transportation Flagger Training Handbook.

Escort car/company requirements

Escort vehicles must meet the following requirements:

The vehicle may be either a passenger car or a two-axle truck and must be properly registered and licensed;
The wheelbase shall be a minimum of 95 inches;
The gross vehicle weight shall be a maximum of 12,000 pounds;
Equipment on the vehicle must not reduce visibility or mobility of the pilot escort vehicle while in operation; and
Pilot/Escort vehicles may not carry a load or tow a trailer while in pilot/escort operations.

Pilot escort vehicles must be equipped with a two-way radio capable of transmitting and receiving voice message over a minimum distance of one-half mile. Radio communications must be compatible with accompanying pilot escort vehicles, utility company vehicles, permitted vehicle operators, and police escorts, when necessary. When operating with police escorts, a CB radio is required.

Pilot escort must be equipped with the following safety items:

Standard 18-inch or 24-inch red/white STOP & black/orange SLOW paddle signs (for nighttime travel moves, signs must be reflective according to MUTCD standards);
Eight red-burning flares, glow sticks, or an approved alternate;
Nine reflective triangles or 18-inch reflective orange traffic cones (not to replace the flares or cones required in this equipment list);
Three orange 18-inch high cones;
Flashlight with a minimum one and one-half-inch lens diameter, with extra batteries or charger (shake or crank flashlights not allowed);
Six-inch minimum length red or orange cone or traffic wand for use when directing traffic;
Orange hard hat and Class 2 safety vest (Class 3 safety vests are required for nighttime travel moves);
Height measuring pole, of a non-conductive non-destructive, flexible material (only required when escorting any load exceeding 16 feet in height);
Fire extinguisher;
First aid kit, clearly marked as such;
One spare OVERSIZE LOAD sign, seven feet by 18 inches;
Serviceable spare tire, tire jack, and lug wrench; and
Handheld two-way simplex radio or other compatible form of communication for operations outside pilot escort vehicles.

Vehicles should not have unauthorized equipment on the vehicle, such as those generally reserved for law enforcement personnel.

Pilot escort vehicle drivers must possess current certificates of insurance or endorsement that indicates the operator, or the operator's employer, has in full force and effect no less than $750,000 combined single limit coverage for bodily injury and property damage as a result of the operation of the escort vehicle, the escort vehicle operator, or both, causing bodily injury and property damage arising out of an act or omission by the pilot escort vehicle operator of the duties required by the regulations. Such insurance or endorsement must be maintained at all times during the term of the pilot escort certification. Pilot escort vehicles shall have a minimum amount of $750,000 liability (this is not a cumulative amount).

Pre-trip planning and coordination meetings must be held prior to a load movement. Certified pilot escort operators must refer to highway restrictions specified in the secondary highway restrictions prior to all load movements.

Escort certification

Every person who drives a pilot/escort vehicle to escort over-dimensional/permitted loads in the state of Utah must meet the following requirements:

Be a minimum of 18 years of age;
Possess a valid driver’s license for the state or jurisdiction in which he/she is a resident;
Obtain and carry in their possession at all times while in pilot/escort operations, a certification card issued by an authorized Qualified Certification Program; and
Meet the requirements of 49 CFR 391.11 if using a vehicle for escort operations in excess of 10,000 pounds.

Within 30 days, pilot escort drivers must provide a current motor vehicle record (MVR) certification to the qualified certification program at the time of the course.

Pilot/escort vehicle operators must never allow passengers under 16 years of age in pilot escort vehicles during the movement of oversize loads or perform work as a tillerman while performing pilot escort operations.

The pilot escort vehicle certification process includes the following:

Drivers domiciled in Utah must complete a Utah pilot escort certification course authorized by the Division (a list of authorized instructors may be obtained by calling (801) 965-4892);
Pilot escort drivers domiciled outside of Utah may operate as a certified pilot escort driver with another state's certification credential, provided the course meets the minimum requirements outlined in the Pilot Escort Training Manual - Best Practices Guidelines as endorsed by the Specialized Carriers and Rigging Association, Federal Highway Administration, and the Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance;
The department may enter into a reciprocal agreement with other states provided that the course materials are comprehensive and meet minimum requirements;
The pilot escort driver's initial certification expires four years from the date issued and it is the responsibility of the driver to maintain the certification; and
One additional four-year certification may be obtained through a mail-in or online re-certification process provided by a qualified pilot escort training entity.

Escort car signs, flags, and lights

Pilot escort vehicles must display an OVERSIZE LOAD sign mounted on the top of the pilot/escort vehicle. The sign must be a minimum of five feet wide by 10 inches high, with a solid yellow background and eight inch high by one-inch wide black letters (Note: solid is defined as when being viewed from the front or rear at a nine degree angle, no light can transmit through). The sign for the front pilot/escort vehicle must be clearly legible by oncoming traffic at all times, and the sign for the rear pilot/escort vehicle must be readable and clearly legible by traffic overtaking from the rear.

An escort displaying a Slow Vehicle sign must accompany oversize/overweight vehicles unable to maintain a minimum speed of 45 mph on freeways or interstate highways. This sign must be a wood or metal panel, five feet by ten inches, on a yellow background with eight-inch high black letters, in accord with Federal Highway Administration Standard Alphabet Series B, painted with a one-inch wide stroke. The sign must be mounted on top of the escort vehicle, with the bottom edge not less than five feet above the road surface.

If the permitted vehicle is able to maintain adequate speed, but an escort is still required, the escort must display an OVERSIZE LOAD sign. Its dimensions are the same for a Slow Vehicle sign (see above). Slow Vehicle signs always take precedence over OVERSIZE LOAD signs.

Two methods of lighting are authorized by the division:

Two AAMVA approved amber flashing lights, minimum six inches in diameter, 60 flashes per minute, mounted with one on each side of sign and illuminated at all times during operation; or
An AAMVA approved amber rotating, oscillating, or flashing beacon or light bar mounted on top of the pilot escort vehicle, unobstructed and visible for 360 degrees with warning lights illuminated at all times during operation.

Incandescent, strobe, or diode lights may be used provided they meet the above criteria.

Travel restrictions

Daytime	Loads exceeding 14' in height, 10' in width, 105' in length, or an overhang exceeding 10' are restricted to daylight hours. Night time travel, when authorized by the Motor Carrier Division, may be permitted with marker lights indicating extreme width using amber lights front and center, and red lights to the rear.
Weekend	NS
Holidays	NS
Visibility	An oversize vehicle or load in excess of 10' wide, 105' long, or with a 10' overhang (front or rear) may not operate when any accumulation of snow and ice on the roadway or visibility less than 1,000'. In addition, LCVs may not operate in wind in excess of 45 m.p.h.

['Size and Weight Limits']

['Oversize and Overweight Movements']

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Oversize and overweight movements - Utah