Wisconsin

Wisconsin Oversize Permits & Escorts Information

Do you need oversize load permits in the state of Wisconsin? Find out the maximum width and weight allowed on Wisconsin highways, the legal operating times, the oversize load signage rules, and when Wisconsin 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: 13’6″
• Weight: 80,000 lbs gross
• Overhang: 3′ in the front; 4′ off the rear

Permits

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

Legal Operating Times

• Continuous 24/7 travel for loads under 100′ long, 12′ wide, or 13’6″ high, except from 4:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m. on Sunday and between the fourth Sunday in May and Labor Day.
• Sunrise to sunset, but not from Noon on Saturday until sunrise on Monday and from 4:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m. between the fourth Sunday in May and Labor Day, for loads over 100′ long, 12′ wide, or 13’6″ high.
• No travel on major holidays (New Year’s Day, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving Day, and Christmas Day). If the holiday lands on a Sunday, Monday travel prohibited. If the holiday lands on a Saturday, no Friday travel allowed.
• Continuous 24/7 travel allowed for overweight only loads unless otherwise state on permit.

Pilot Cars & Escort Vehicles

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

• Length: 95′ to 110′ requires one rear.
• Width: Over 12’6” wide requires one on some roads. 15’ to 16’ wide requires one front on non-divided highways or or one rear on divided highways. 16’ to 22’ wide requires one police escort on some routes and one front and rear police escort on divided highways.
• Height: Contingent upon route.
• Weight: Undefined.
• Overhang: Undefined.

Pilot Car and Escort Vehicle Requirements

Pilot cars and escort vehicles must have an “OVERSIZE LOAD” sign mounted on the roof of the vehicle that is clearly visible from the front and rear. The sign must be 60″ long and 12″ tall with a yellow background and black letters at least 10″ tall and 1.5″ thick. Two red or orange flags, at least 18″ square, must be mounted on each side of the vehicle. Two amber rotating, flashing or strobe lights at least 4″ in diameter must be horizontally-mounted and have 360-degree visibility from at least 500′. Amber lights and headlights with hazards must be turned on while traveling. Drivers must be at least 18 years old and possess a state-issued escort vehicles operator’s license.

Oversize Load Sign Requirements

“OVERSIZE LOAD” signs are required when the load exceeds 10′ in width or is over-length. It must be lit when traveling at night. Flags (18″ square) are required at front and rear corners of over-width loads and at the widest point of any load that is more than 4″ wider than the vehicle or the front/rear corners of the load. Over-length loads must display a single flag at the extreme rear of the load if the projecting portion is less than 2′ wide or two flags if over 2′ wide.

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