California Oversize Heavy Haul Regulations & Permit Requirements

Continuous travel is generally permitted if the load does not require escorts, detours off state routes, or exceed a two-vehicle configuration. For Oversize Load Delivery at night, proper lighting is mandatory.

• Sacramento, San Francisco, San Diego: Monday–Friday, 7:00 a.m.–9:00 a.m. & 4:00 p.m.–6:00 p.m.
• Los Angeles: 6:00 a.m.–9:00 a.m. & 3:00 p.m.–6:00 p.m.
• San Francisco/Oakland Bay Bridge: 6:30 a.m.–9:00 a.m. & 3:30 p.m.–6:30 p.m.

Note: Loads over 11 feet wide or over-height require a California Highway Patrol (CHP) escort. Loads over 12 feet wide have restricted travel between 11:00 a.m.–1:00 p.m., Monday–Friday. Holiday travel restrictions typically apply only to larger loads.

• Length: 75 feet (65 feet on non-designated highways). 48-foot semi-trailers are standard; 53-foot trailers are legal only if the kingpin-to-rear-axle distance does not exceed 40 feet.
• Overhang: Up to 10 feet, provided total length (including overhang) does not exceed 75 feet.
• Width: 8 feet 6 inches (standard legal width).
• Height: 14 feet (over-height loads not permitted on flatbeds).

• Gross weight: 80,000 lbs max.
• Steer axle: 12,500 lbs
• Single axle: 20,000 lbs
• Tandem axle: 34,000 lbs
• Spread axle tandem (10’–10’2” spacing): 40,000 lbs (20,000 lbs per axle).

• Length: Up to 135 feet (longer requires justification).
• Width: Up to 15 feet.
• Height: Route-dependent (over-legal height not permitted on flatbeds unless justified).
• Weight:
  • Tandem axles: Up to 46,000 lbs
  • Tridem axles: Up to 60,000 lbs (varies by axle spacing).

Loads exceeding 15 feet wide, 17 feet high, or 135 feet long require specialized transport services and additional permitting.

• By Length:
  • Over 100 feet (within Los Angeles): Two escorts required.
  • 120–135 feet: One or more escorts needed.
  • Over 30 feet of overhang: One escort required.
• By Width:
  • Over 12 feet: One or two escorts (varies by route).
  • Over 13 feet on two-lane roads: Two escorts may be required.
  • Over 14’11” on interstates: Two escorts mandatory.
  • Over 16 feet: CHP escort required.
• By Height:
  • Over 18 feet: One escort with height pole & utility clearance (route survey may be needed).

• Signs & Flags: Required for loads over 8’6” wide, 80 feet long, or with over 10 feet of overhang.
• Night Running Requirements: Amber marker lights at front corners. Red lights at rear corners.
• Los Angeles County: Additional amber/red lights at 5-foot intervals.

• Shipping Containers: No rear overhang allowed when loaded (5 feet permitted if empty).
• Tow-Away Units: Require Caltrans inspection or prior approval.
• Temporary Registration: Needed for unregistered tow-away units.

• Single-Trip Permits: Required for non-standard dimensions.
• Annual Permits: Available for frequent oversize freight solutions.
• Route Planning for Overweight Vehicles: Critical for compliance.

• Verify escort requirements based on load dimensions.
• Ensure proper marking & lighting for safety compliance.
• Apply for permits early to avoid delays.
• Plan routes carefully to avoid restricted zones.

Our team specializes in logistics management for complex oversize shipments. From permit acquisition to escort coordination, we handle all aspects of your heavy haul transport needs.