Texas

Texas Oversize Permits & Escorts Information

Do you need oversize load permits in the state of Texas? Find out the maximum width and weight allowed on Texas highways, the legal operating times, the oversize load signage rules, and when Texas 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: 65′
• Width: 8’6″
• Height: 13′
• Weight: 80,000 lbs gross
• Overhang: 2′ in the front; 4′ off the rear

Permits

Texas oversize permits are valid for three to five days. Permits are required prior to entering the state. For more information, visit the Texas Department of Motor Vehicles.

Legal Operating Times

• One-half hour before sunrise to one-half hour after sunset, including Saturday and Sunday
• Travel allowed on major holidays, depending on dimensions of load.
• Loads with legal front and rear overhang that do not exceed 10′ wide, 14′ tall, or 100′ long may travel at night on Interstate highway system only.
• Overweight only allowed continuous travel.

Pilot Cars & Escort Vehicles

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

• The length is between 110′ and 125′. (One rear required.)
• The length is over 125′. (One front and one rear required.)
• The width is between 14′ and 16′. (On two-lane roads, one front required. On four-lane road, one rear required.)
• The width is over 16′. (One front and one rear required.)
• The height exceeds 17′. (One front high pole required.)
• The height exceeds 18′. (One front high pole and one rear required.)
• The front overhang is between 2′ and 20′. (Some two-lane roads, one front may be required.)
• The front overhang is between 2′ and 25′. (On four-lane roads, one rear required.)
• The rear overhang is between 20′ and 30′. (One rear required.)
• The rear overhang exceeds 30′. (Two escorts and special approval required.)

Pilot Car and Escort Vehicle Requirements

All pilot cars and escort vehicles must display one roof-mounted (or one on each bumper) “OVERSIZE LOAD” or “WIDE LOAD” sign, depending on which is applicable, visible from both the front and rear of the vehicle. The sign must be between 5′ and 7′ long and 12″ to 18″ tall with a yellow background and black letters between 8″ and 10″ tall and at least 1.4″ wide. Two amber rotating (8″ base required), flashing, or strobe lights must be horizontally mounted and have 360-degree visibility from at least 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

All trucks must mount on the roof of the cab either one amber strobe light with a base of at least 8″ or two simultaneously flashing amber lights. Loads over 8″6″ wide require a strobe light. Any load that extends from either side of the trailer requires red or orange fluorescent warning flags at least 16″x16″. If the rear overhang exceeds 4″, two red lamps, visible from at least 500′, must be placed at each rear extreme corner.

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