Kentucky
Kentucky Oversize Permits & Escorts Information
Do you need oversize load permits in the state of Kentucky? Find out the maximum width and weight allowed on Kentucky highways, the legal operating times, the oversize load signage rules, and when Kentucky 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: 56′
- Width: 8’6″
- Height: 13’6″
- Weight: 80,000 lbs gross
- Overhang: Less than 5′
Permits
Kentucky oversize permits are valid for ten days. Permits are required prior to entering the state. For more information, visit the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet.
Legal Operating Times
- Continuous 24/7 travel allowed, including Saturday and Sunday,
- Travel is restricted from 7:00 a.m to 9:00 a.m. and from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m., Monday through Friday, in Boone, Campbell, Fayette, Jefferson, and Kenton Counties.
- Travel on major holidays allowed.
Pilot Cars & Escort Vehicles
Escort vehicle or pilot car required for heavy-haul or oversize loads if:
- The length is between 75′ and 85′. (On two-lane highways, one rear required.)
- The length is over 85′. (On two-lane highways, one front and one rear required.)
- The length is over 110′. (On four-lane highways, one rear required.)
- The width is between 10’6″ and 12′. (On two-lane highways, one front required.)
- The width is over 12′. (On two-lane highways, one front and one rear required. On four-lane highways, one rear required.)
Pilot Car and Escort Vehicle Requirements
A required escort vehicle shall accompany the overweight or over-dimensional vehicle at a distance of 300 feet (91.44 meters) on open highways unless it is necessary to travel at a distance closer or farther away from the vehicle accompanied for safety or due to road conditions. A warning sign shall be displayed on a lead escort vehicle to be visible to oncoming traffic. The warning sign shall be 6′ to 8′ in Width, stating “OVERSIZE LOAD” in black letters on a yellow background. The black letters shall be at least 18″ high (457.2 millimeters) with a brush stroke of at least 1.4″ (35.56 millimeters). The escort vehicle must maintain radio contact with the load, have amber strobe of flashing lights, keep its headlamps lit during transit, and use a height pole if the escorted load is 15′ or greater.
Oversize Load Sign Requirements
A vehicle operating over-width shall display four warning flags, one at each of the four corners. If any portion of the load extends beyond the four corners, additional flags shall be displayed at the widest points of the load. A vehicle operating over-length or with a rear-end overhang shall display two warning flags to indicate maximum width at the extreme rear of the vehicle or load. A vehicle exceeding 10’6″ in width or having a front overhang shall display two warning signs. The warning sign shall be 6′ to 8′ feet in width, stating “OVERSIZE LOAD” in black letters on a yellow background. The black letters shall be at least 18″ high with a brush stroke of at least one 1.4″. A warning sign shall be displayed at the front of the power unit and rear of the towed unit, or rear of the load. If a front overhang exceeds 10″, an amber strobe or flashing light shall be placed on the power unit of the towing vehicle and shall be in use while the power unit is in operation. A front overhang on a combination vehicle shall be prohibited. The lighting devices and reflectors established in Kentucky 49 C.F.R. 393.11 for pole trailers and projecting loads shall be required.
The data on this page is for informational purposes only, and we do not guarantee its accuracy.