Georgia

Georgia Oversize Permits & Escorts Information

Do you need oversize load permits in the state of Georgia? Find out the maximum width and weight allowed on Georgia highways, the legal operating times, the oversize load signage rules, and when Georgia 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: 75′
• Width: 8’6″
• Height: 13’6″
• Weight: 80,000 lbs gross

Permits

Georgia oversize permits are valid for ten days. For more information, visit the Georgia Department of Transportation.

Legal Operating Times

• One-half hour after sunrise to one-half hour before sunset, including Saturday. No travel allowed on Sunday.
• No travel on major holidays (New Year’s Day, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving Day, and Christmas Day).
• Continuous 24/7 travel allowed for overweight only loads not exceeding 125,000 lbs but must be requested when ordering permit.
• In Atlanta area bounded by and including I-285, no travel allowed from 7:00 a.m. to 9:00 a.m. and from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m., Monday through Friday.

Pilot Cars & Escort Vehicles

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

• The length is between 75′ and 100′. (One pilot car or an 8-inch amber light at each rear required.)
• The length is between 100′ and 125′. (One pilot car required.)
• The length is over 100′. (One pilot car and one escort vehicle required.)
• The width is between 12′ and 14’8″. (One front and one rear required. On some routes, amber lights may be used in lieu of rear escort.)
• The width is between 14’8″ and 16′. (One front and one rear required on two-lane roads. Only one required on Interstate highways.)
• The width is over 16′. (Determined on a case by case basis.)
• The height is 15’6″ or more. (Front equipped with height pole required.)

Pilot Car and Escort Vehicle Requirements

Pilot cars and escort vehicles must either be a truck, between a quarter-ton and 17,000 lbs, or a passenger vehicle at least 2,000 lbs. Operators must be certified to operate a pilot car or escort vehicle in Georgia and must obtain an amber light permit. A yellow “OVERSIZE LOAD” sign at least 6′ wide and 1′ tall with 8-inch black letters must be mounted on the front of all lead pilot cars and the rear of all chase escort vehicles. Both sides of pilot cars must have a sign, visible from at least 50′, detailing the company’s name and contact information. A minimum of two 18″x18″ red or orange safety flags must be mounted on the front or rear of the vehicle. Amber strobe lights, with a minimum base size of 8″ in diameter and a candle power rating is 35,000 with visibility of at a quarter-mile, must be placed atop the vehicle. All pilot cars and escort vehicles must be equipped with 2-way communications and be in constant contact with all parties involved with the shipment, one “STOP/SLOW paddle at least 18″ in diameter, one safety helmet, one safety vest/jacket to be worn when exiting the vehicle, nine 17″ tall safety road triangles, eight road flares, three 18” tall safety cones, five fire extinguishers, one spare tire, one traffic wand flashlight with spare batteries, and a first-aid kit. Low-beam headlights and warning lights must be turned when operating.

Oversize Load Sign Requirements

“OVERSIZE LOAD” signs, at least 6′ wide and 12″ tall with a yellow background and black letters at least 8″ tall, must be mounted on the front of the cab and the rear of the load. Red or orange flags, 18″x18″, are required on all four corners and extremities of oversized loads. The cab must be equipped with an amber light, which requires a separate permit to operate in Georgia.

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