Kansas Oversize Load Regulations: Permits, Escorts & Travel Rules
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.
Kansas DOT Ph#: 785-368-6501
Navigating Heavy Equipment Transport through Kansas requires understanding the state’s Oversize Permits and Safety Regulations for Transporting Oversized Loads. Whether you’re managing Machinery Hauling Services or Specialized Transport Services, these guidelines will help ensure compliant Oversized Load Transportation.
Permit Details & Operating Hours
- Kansas Oversize Permits: Valid for 7 days and should be obtained before entering the state.
- Permits: Can also be acquired at Ports of Entry (proof of insurance required for POE purchases).
- Operating Window: 30 minutes before sunrise to 30 minutes after sunset, including weekends and holidays.
- No Restrictions: For overweight-only loads.
Kansas Turnpike Regulations
- Up to 12′-6″ wide: No escort needed, 24/7 operation (proper night lighting required).
- 12′-6″ to 14′ wide: Daytime travel without escort.
- Maximum Dimensions: 16′ width, 125′ length, 14′ height (special approval needed over 14′).
- Weight Limits:
- Single: 20,000 lbs
- Tandem: 34,000 lbs
- Triple: 42,000 lbs
- Quad: 50,000 lbs
- Gross: 120,000 lbs
Legal & Routine Permit Dimensions
Standard Legal Dimensions (No Permit)
- Length:
- Trailer: 59′-6″
- Overall: 85′ (tractor-trailer combo)
- Width: 8′-6″
- Height: 14′
- Weight:
- Interstate/designated routes: 80,000 lbs gross
- Other roads: 85,500 lbs gross (must be properly registered)
- Axle Limits:
- Single: 20,000 lbs
- Tandem: 34,000 lbs
- Tridem: 42,000 lbs
Routine Permit Limits (Single-Trip Permits)
- Length: Up to 126′
- Width: Up to 16′-6″
- Height: Up to 18′ (utility notification required over 17′)
- Weight:
- Single: 22,000 lbs
- Tandem: 45,000 lbs
- Tridem: 60,000 lbs
- Quad: 65,000 lbs
Important Notes:
- Super Loads: Exceed routine limits or 150,000 lbs GVW.
- Over 80,000 GVW: Requires 85,500 registration.
- All axle groups: Must be down when overweight.
Escort Requirements for Oversize Loads
Width Requirements
- Over 16′-6″ or large structures on 4-lane highways: 2 escorts.
- Over 14′ on smaller highways: 2 escorts (or warning lights as alternative).
Height Requirements
- Over 18′: 1 escort with height pole.
- Over 17′: Utility notification mandatory.
Special Exemptions & Safety Requirements
Exempt Loads
- Poles, beams, and construction steel up to 85′ overall length (daylight only).
- Trailer cannot exceed 59′-6″.
- Other dimensions must remain legal.
Signage & Lighting
- “Oversize Load” signs required for all permitted moves.
- Red Flags: Required at widest points of wide loads and on rear of overlength loads.
- Overhang Lighting: Required when exceeding legal limits.
- Overweight-only loads: Need signs only during daylight.