Virginia Oversize & Heavy Haul Permit Guidelines

Permit Details

Virginia oversize load permits are valid for 13 consecutive days and must be obtained before entering the state.
Permit processing time: 24–72 hours.
Plan ahead for Newport News, Portsmouth, and Norfolk due to strict enforcement and high fines.

Operating Hours & Travel Restrictions

• Allowed travel: Sunrise to sunset, Monday through Saturday
• Continuous travel allowed for:
  • Over-length loads (if under 85’ and rear overhang ≤10’)
  • Overweight-only shipments
• Restricted during:
  • City/town limits 7–9 AM and 4–6 PM (unless on Interstates)
  • Major holidays and holiday weekends
• Curfew zones:
  • Capital Beltway (I-495, I-395, I-95)
  • Richmond area (I-64, I-95, I-295)
  • Tidewater Area (Norfolk, Virginia Beach, Chesapeake)

Legal Dimensions for Oversize Load Management

• Length: 48’–53’ semi-trailers (65’ on non-designated roads)
• Overhang: 3’ front, 4’ rear
• Width: 8’6”
• Height: 13’6”
• Weight: 80,000 lbs gross (varies by axle)

Routine Permit Limits

• Length: Up to 150’
• Overhang: Rear ≤1/3 of load length
• Width: Up to 15’
• Height: Up to 15’
• Weight:
  • Higher axle limits (e.g., 44,000 lbs tandem)
  • 60,000 lbs tridem on Interstates
• Superloads require 5–10 days for processing

Escort Requirements for Oversize Load Safety

Interstate Highways:

• Length: 1 escort (>120’), 2 escorts (>150’)
• Width: 1 escort (>12’), 2 escorts (>14’), case-by-case for >18’
• Height: 1 pole escort (>14’5”)

2-Lane Highways:

• Additional escorts required for width >12’ and length >85’

Miscellaneous Compliance

• Attachments (blades, buckets ≤12’ wide) may remain if facing rearward
• Signs, Flags & Lights:
  • “Oversize Load” signs front and rear
  • Flags on all corners and overhangs >4’
  • Red/amber lights required for:
    • Night travel
    • Loads >12’ wide or >75’ long