Rhode Island

Rhode Island Oversize Permits & Escorts Information

Do you need oversize load permits in the state of Rhode Island? Find out the maximum width and weight allowed onRhode Island highways, the legal operating times, the oversize load signage rules, and when Rhode Island 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: 53′
• Width: 8’6″
• Height: 13’6″
• Weight: 80,000 lbs gross
• Overhang: 3′ in the front; 6′ off the rear

Permits

Rhode Island oversize permits are valid for five days. For more information, visit the Rhode Island Department of Transportation.

Legal Operating Times

• One-half hour before sunrise to one-half hour after sunset, Monday through Friday.
• No travel on major holidays (New Year’s Day, Memorial Day, Independence Day, VJ Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving Day, and Christmas Day).

Pilot Cars & Escort Vehicles

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

• Length: Over 80′ long requires one. Over 90′ requires two.
• Width: Over 12′ wide requires one. Over 14’6″ requires two.
• Height: Over 14′ high requires one with height pole.
• Weight: Undefined.
• Overhang: Over 15′ requires one.

Pilot Car and Escort Vehicle Requirements

Pilot cars and escort vehicles must display a yellow bumper or roof-mounted “OVERSIZE LOAD” sign at least 5′ long and 12″ high with black letters at least 10″ tall and 1.5″ wide that is visible from both the front and the rear of the vehicle. An amber rotating, flashing, or strobe light must be horizontally mounted and have 360-degree visibility from at least 500′. Two red or orange safety flags at least 18″ in length and/or height must be mounted at a 40 to 70-degree angle on all four corners of the vehicle. Company identification signs at least 8″ tall and 12″ wide displaying the company’s name and phone number must be placed on both sides of the vehicle. All pilot cars and escort vehicles must be equipped with a CB radio or 2-way communication device, a “STOP”/“SLOW” sign at least 18″ in diameter with letters at least 6″ tall, a red safety flag at least 18″ by 18″ with a handle, three reflective emergency road triangles or 18″ traffic cones, two “OVERSIZE LOAD” signs, a safety colored (red, orange, yellow, or lime green) vest, jacket or shirt, and two 5-lb fire extinguishers type A, B, and C.

Oversize Load Sign Requirements

“OVERSIZE LOAD” signs are required on the front and the rear of all loads exceeding legal width, legal length, or with rear overhang. Wide loads require at least two flags and up to six flags mounted at the widest extremities. An overhang of less than 2′ requires one flag, and an overhang exceeding 2′ requires two flags (one on each corner).

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