Washington

Washington Oversize Permits & Escorts Information

Do you need oversize load permits in the state of Washington? Find out the maximum width and weight allowed on Washington highways, the legal operating times, the oversize load signage rules, and when Washington 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: 14′
• Weight: 80,000 lbs gross
• Overhang: 3′ in the front; 15′ off the rear (measured from the center of the rear axle)

Permits

Washington oversize permits are valid for three days. Must have permit prior to entering the state. For more information, visit the Wasington State Department of Transportation.

Legal Operating Times

• One-half hour before sunrise to one-half hour after sunset, including Saturdays and Sundays.
• Continuous 24/7 travel allowed for loads with legal overhangs that don’t exceed 105′ in length, 12′ in width, and 14’6″ in height (must have proper lighting).
• Travel prohibited Monday through Friday in the vicinity of Seattle-Everett, Tacoma, Olympia, Vancouver, and Kelso during curfew restricted hours (listed on the Commuter Curfew Hours sheet that accompanies permits).
• No travel on major holidays (New Years Day, Memorial Day, Independence 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 105′ long requires one rear.
• Width: Over 11′ in wide requires one front and one rear.
• Height: Over 14′6″ requires one front with height pole.
• Weight: None required if load can maintain minimum road speeds.
• Overhang: Undefined.

Pilot Car and Escort Vehicle Requirements

Pilot cars and escort vehicles may be a car, truck, or SUV with at a gross vehicle maximum rating of at least 14,000 lbs and a wheelbase of at least 60″. Headlights must be on at all times while escorting shipment. A yellow “OVERSIZE LOAD” sign at least 5′ long and 12″ tall with black letters at least 10″ tall and 1/5″ wide must be mounted to the roof and be visible from both the front and rear. Two amber rotating, flashing, or strobe lights with 360-degree visibility from a minimum of 500′ must be mounted on top of the vehicle, and two red or orange safety flags at least 18″ in length and/or height may be mounted at a 40 to 70-degree angle on all 4 corners of the vehicle. Identification signs at least 8″ tall x 12″ wide that display the name and phone number of the company must be placed on both the left and right-hand sides of the vehicle. Pilot cars and escort vehicles must be equipped with a CB radio or two-way communication device, a handheld STOP/SLOW sign at last 18″ in diameter with a minimum of 6″ letters, three bi-directional road safety triangles, an orange hard hat, a non-conductive height pole, a first aid kit, and a 5-lb type A, B, and C fire extinguisher. Drivers must keep a distance of no less than one-half mile from the shipment they are escorting, are NOT allowed to carry passengers other than co-workers, and are required to have a copy of their Washington State Certification ID in the vehicle at all times. While operating the vehicle, drivers are required to wear a reflective safety vest, jacket, or shirt.

Oversize Load Sign Requirements

“OVERSIZE LOAD” or “WIDE LOAD” signs are required at the front of the tractor at a height of 5′ from ground level and at the rear of the vehicle at a height of 5′ to 7′ from ground level. Signs are not required for overweight only loads. Flags must be displayed on all four corners of over-width loads and at the extreme ends of all protrusions, projections, or overhangs. For night travel, loads projecting beyond the sides of the vehicle must have amber lights visible from the front and side at the outermost extremities, and the rearmost edge of the projecting load must be marked with a red lamp visible from the rear and side.

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