Tennessee Oversize Permits & Escorts Information

Do you need oversize load permits in the state of Tennessee? Find out the maximum width and weight allowed on Tennessee highways, the legal operating times, the oversize load signage rules, and when Tennessee 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: 4′ in the front; 4′ off the rear

Permits

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

Legal Operating Times

• One-half hour before sunrise to one-half hour after sunset, Monday through Saturday. No Sunday travel.
• No travel on major holidays (New Year’s Day, Good Friday, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day).
• Overweight only may be allowed continuous travel.
• Loads over 12’6″ wide or over 85′ long are not allowed within any statewide city limits and heavily traveled adjoining commercial or residential areas from 7:00 a.m. to 9:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m., from 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′ to 85′. (An amber strobe light may be permitted.)
• The length is between 85′ to 100′. (One pilot car required.)
• The length is over 120′. (Two pilot cars required.)
• The width is between 10′ and 14′. (On two-lane roads, one pilot car required, unless the pavement is 24′ wide.)
• The width is over 14′. (On two-lane roads, one pilot car and one escort vehicle required.)
• The width is between 12’6″ and 14′. (On four-lane roads, one escort vehicle required.)
• The width is over 14′. (On four-lane roads, one pilot car and one escort vehicle required.)
• The height is 15′ or more. (One pilot car equipped with a height pole required.)

Pilot Car and Escort Vehicle Requirements

Pilot car and escort vehicles must display an “OVERSIZE LOAD” or “WIDE LOAD” sign (whichever is applicable) on either both bumpers or a roof-mount visible from both the front and rear of the vehicle. The sign must be between 5′ and 7′ long and between 12″ and 18″ tall with a yellow background and black letters between 8″ and 10″ tall and at least 1.4″ wide. Two amber colored rotating (8″ base required), flashing or strobe lights must be horizontally mounted and have 360-degrees of visibility from a minimum of 500′. All pilot cars and escort vehicles must be equipped with a CB radio or 2-way communication device and be in constant communication with all parties assigned to the load.

Oversize Load Sign Requirements

“OVERSIZE LOAD” signs at the front and rear are required on all loads over 10′ wide and/or 75′ long. Loads over 75′ in overall length but not exceeding 85′ require an amber rotating or strobe light on the end of the load. On over-width load, front and rear red flags are required at both the top and bottom. On overlength loads (or when a 4′ rear overhang is present, red flags must be placed at the extreme rear end. There are no sign or flag requirements for over-height only loads.

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