Louisiana Oversize Load Regulations: Permits & Transport Guidelines

• Louisiana Oversize Permits: Can be issued for 1-3 days (must be obtained before entering the state).
• Overweight Permits: Valid for 4 days.
• Operating window: Sunrise to sunset (7 days/week).
• Continuous travel: Allowed for overweight-only loads under 65′ length.

• Mississippi River bridges in New Orleans area: No permitted loads from 6:30 AM-9:00 AM and 3:30 PM-6:00 PM (weekdays).
• Loads >12′ wide: Restricted on Interstates through major cities during rush hours.
• Loads >14′ wide: Generally prohibited on Louisiana Interstates (exceptions for pools, tanks, boats, mobile homes).
• Major holidays and Mardi Gras: No oversize travel in certain areas.

Standard Legal Dimensions (No Permit Required)

• Length:
  • 59′-6″ trailer/load: on Interstate & designated highways.
  • 65′ truck-trailer combo: on other highways.
  • Overhang: 4′ front, 8′ rear.
• Width: 8′-6″ (Interstate), 8′ (non-designated roads).
• Height: 13′-6″ (non-designated), 14′ (designated highways).
• Weight Limits:
  • Gross: 80,000 lbs (up to 88,000 lbs if properly licensed).
  • Interstate axle limits:
    • Single: 20,000 lbs.
    • Tandem: 34,000 lbs.
    • Tridem: 42,000 lbs.
    • Quad: 50,000 lbs.

Routine Permit Limits

• Length: Up to 125′.
• Width: Up to 18′.
• Height: Up to 16′-6″.
• Weight Limits:
  • 5 axles: 108,000 lbs.
  • 6 axles: 120,000 lbs.
  • 7 axles: 132,000 lbs.
  • 8 axles: 152,000 lbs.
• Axle weights:
  • Single: 24,000 lbs (20,000 if GVW >120,000 lbs).
  • Tandem: 48,000 lbs (45,000 if GVW >120,000 lbs).
  • Tridem: 60,000 lbs.
• Super Loads: Exceed routine limits or 232,000 lbs GVW.

Standard Escorts

• Length:
  • Over 90′: 1 escort.
  • Over 125′: State Police escort.
• Width:
  • Over 12′: 1 escort.
  • Over 16′: State Police escort.
• Height:
  • Over 15′-10″: May require height pole (off Interstate).
  • Over 16′-6″: May require escort (route-dependent).

New Orleans Special Requirements (Non-Interstate routes)

• Police escort required for:
  • Width >12′.
  • Height >13′-6′.
  • Length >90′.

Heavy Equipment Transport

• Blades/sidebooms may be removed and hauled with dozers.
• Small attachments (<500 lbs) can be transported with main load.

Signage & Marking

• “Oversize Load” signs required for:
  • Width >10′.
  • Length >75′.
  • Excessive overhang.
• Red Flags: Required on all corners and protrusions.
• Rear overhang >4′: Must be flagged.

• Route Planning for Overweight Vehicles: Must account for urban restrictions.
• Heavy Load Compliance: Requires proper vehicle registration (88,000 lbs minimum).
• Specialized Transport Services: May be needed for super loads.
• Oversize Load Safety Regulations: Mandate proper signage and marking.