Alabama

Alabama Oversize Permits & Escorts Information

Do you need oversize load permits in the state of Alabama? Find out the maximum width and weight allowed on Alabama highways, the legal operating times, the oversize load signage rules, and when Alabama requires pilot cars. The following data is for informational purposes only. We are not a permit service, do not arrange permits for carriers, and do not answer permit and escort requirement questions.

Oversize Load Limits

Maximum load sizes before a permit is required:

• Length: 57′
• Width: 8’6″
• Height: 13″6″
• Weight: 80,000 lbs gross
• Overhang:  5′ in the front; 4′ off the rear

Permits

Alabama oversize permits are valid for five consecutive days. Permits are required prior to entering the state. For more information, visit the Alabama Department of Transportation.

Legal Operating Times

• Daylight only, Monday through Saturday.
• No travel on Sunday and select holidays (New Year’s Day, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving Day, and Christmas Day).
• Shipments 120′ to 150′ in length are restricted from moving between 9:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m., Monday through Friday.

Pilot Cars & Escort Vehicles

Escort vehicle or pilot car required for heavy-haul or oversize loads if:

• The height exceeds 15’6″. (One front pilot car and a height pole adjusted 4-6″ higher than the actual shipment are required. Note: On some routes, a height pole pilot may be required for lesser heights.)
• The width exceeds 12′. (Two front and one rear pilot cars are required. Note: For mobile home shipments, rear pilot cars can be replaced with two 5-inch flashing, strobing, or rotating amber lights.)
• The length exceeds 85′. (One rear pilot car is required.)
• The length exceeds 105′. (One front and one rear pilot cars are required.)
• The load overhang exceeds 10′ from the front of the trailer or 5′ off the rear of the trailer. (One rear pilot car is required.)

Additional special escort requirements exist for bulldozers, scrapers, loaders, and other construction equipment that is transported with an intact blade or bucket. Some two-lane roads may require one front pilot car, and some four-lane roads may require a rear escort.

Pilot Car and Escort Vehicle Requirements

A pilot car must be an actual passenger vehicle (car, truck, van, etc.) and be equipped with an amber flashing, rotating, or strobe light. The pilot car must be able to communicate with, and be in constant contact with, via CB or 2-way radio, all parties working on the shipment. Signs mounted on pilot cars must moderately fit the vehicle and not be obtrusive. See federal requirements for pilot cars and escort vehicles.

Oversize Load Sign Requirements

A sign with the words “OVERSIZE LOAD” must be mounted on the front and rear of any over-width or over-length truck and trailer. Signs must be a minimum of 7′ in width and 18″ in height. They must have an orange or yellow background and marked with black letters of no less than 10″ in height, with a minimum of a 1-5/8″ line thickness. For all over-dimensional shipments, red flags, at least 18″x18″, must be placed at all four outermost corners.

Super Load Shipping

Super loads require special approval are are subject to a structural analysis. Drawings are required and must include axle weights and spacings. If bridges are to be crossed, super load shipments may be moved at night with police escorts. A load is considered a super load if:

• It is over 250,000 lbs.
• It is over 150′ long.
• It is over 16′ in width.
• It is over 16′ in height.

The data on this page is for informational purposes only, and we do not guarantee its accuracy.