Kentucky Oversize Load Regulations: A Complete Guide
Important: We are not a permit service and we do not arrange permits for carriers. All information provided below is for informational purposes only. Always read permits and provisions carefully as we cannot guarantee the accuracy of information provided below.
Kentucky DOT Ph#: 502-564-1257
Traveling on account of Kentucky’s highways with Heavy Haul Oversized Transport requires planning while following the rules and regulations of the state. Be it Oversize Equipment Transport, Heavy Equipment Oversize Shipping, knowing Kentucky’s Oversize Permits and Escort Requirements is essential for effective performance.
Permit Details & Operating Hours
- Kentucky Oversize Permits: Valid for 10 calendar days and must be obtained before entering the state.
- Continuous Operation: Allowed 24/7, including weekends (except for super loads and restricted areas).
- Single-Trip Permits: Required for all oversized movements.
Restricted Travel Areas & Times
- No travel permitted during peak hours in:
- Greater Cincinnati area (Boone, Kenton, Campbell Counties)
- Louisville (Jefferson County)
- Lexington (Fayette County)
- Owensboro KY 2155 Bridge (KY-IN border)
Legal & Routine Permit Dimensions
Standard Legal Dimensions (No Permit Required)
- Length:
- 53′ trailer/load: on Interstates
- 65′ truck-trailer combo: on other highways
- Overhang: 5′ rear on 48′ trailer
- Width: 8′-6″ (Interstates), 8′ (non-designated roads)
- Height: 13′-6″
- Weight Limits:
- Gross: 80,000 lbs
- Single: 20,000 lbs
- Tandem: 34,000 lbs
- Tridem: 48,000 lbs
Routine Permit Limits
- Length: 110′ (4-lane), 75′ (2-lane)
- Width: 16′
- Height: 15′-6″ (special approval needed for taller loads)
- Weight Limits:
- 5 axles: 96,000 lbs
- 6 axles: 120,000 lbs
- 7 axles: 134,000-140,000 lbs
- Axle weights:
- Single: 24,000 lbs
- Tandem: 45,000-48,000 lbs
- Tridem: 60,000 lbs
- Quad: 80,000 lbs
Escort Requirements for Oversize Loads
On 4-Lane Divided Highways
- Length: Over 120′ requires 3 escorts
- Width:
- Over 12′: 1 escort
- Over 14′: May require 2 escorts
- Over 16′: 3 escorts
- Height: Over 14′-11″ requires 1 front escort with height pole
On 2-Lane Highways
- Length:
- 75′-85′: 1 escort
- Over 85′: 1 front + 2 rear escorts
- Width:
- 10′-6″ to 12′: 1 escort
- 12′ to 14′: 2 escorts
- Height: Over 14′-11″ requires 1 front escort with height pole
Special Provisions & Safety Requirements
Equipment Transport
- Blades/buckets over 14′ wide must be removed but can be hauled with the load.
Signage & Marking
- “Oversize Load” signs required for loads over 10′-6″ wide.
- Red Flags: Required on all four corners of wide loads.
- Over-length loads: Require flags but no signs.
- Oversize Load Safety Regulations: Require proper lighting for night moves.
Key Considerations for Heavy Haulers
- Route Planning: Critical in Kentucky’s mountainous terrain.
- Heavy Load Compliance: Requires careful attention to axle spacing and weight distribution.
- Specialized Transport Services: May be needed for super loads.
- Logistics for Heavy Haul: Should account for urban area restrictions.