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Louisiana Oversize Permit, Wide and Heavy Haul Information

Louisiana | LA

Legal Maximums: Legal Dimensional Limits. Permits will be required if these dimensions are exceeded.

Permit Maximums: Upper limits for permissible dimensions. Loads exceeding these measurements may be categorized as ‘super loads’ in some states, potentially requiring extended processing times and additional regulatory review.

Pilot Car Needed: Loads surpassing these measurements require an escort vehicle or pilot car.

Legal Maximums
Length 59′ 6″
Overhang  
– Total 12′ 0″
– Front 4′ 0″
– Back 8′ 0″
Width 8′ 6″
Height 14′ 0″
Weight 80,000 lbs.
Permit Maximums
Length 125′ 0″
Width 18′ 0″
Height 16′ 5″
Weight 120,000 lbs.
Pilot Car Needed
Length 90′ 0″
Overhang  
– Total N/A
– Front N/A
– Back N/A
Width 12′ 0″
Height 15′ 10″
Weight N/A

Louisiana Oversize and Overweight Trucking Regulations - Safety, Signage, and Visibility Requirements

Key Points for Oversize Transport in Louisiana

  • Bridge crossing restrictions in the New Orleans area during rush hours
  • Width-based travel restrictions in certain urban areas
  • No travel permitted on major holidays or Mardi Gras in specific regions

Operating Hours and Travel Restrictions in Louisiana

Bridge Crossing Restrictions

  • Vehicles requiring a permit are prohibited from crossing Mississippi River bridges in the New Orleans area during these hours:
    • 6:30 a.m. to 9:00 a.m.
    • 3:30 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.
  • This applies Monday through Friday
  • Vehicles are also prohibited from being within two miles of a bridge during these hours

Urban Area Travel Restrictions

Loads exceeding 12 feet in width face additional restrictions in the following areas:
  • Shreveport
  • Monroe
  • Lake Charles
  • Baton Rouge
  • New Orleans
In these areas, movement is prohibited on the interstate system during these times:
  • 7:00 a.m. to 9:00 a.m.
  • 3:30 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.
  • Monday through Friday

Interstate Highway Restrictions

  • Vehicles over 14 feet wide are generally prohibited from traveling on Louisiana’s Interstate highways
  • Exceptions exist for fiberglass swimming pools, boats, tanks, and mobile homes (special restrictions may apply)

General Operating Hours

  • Vehicles requiring a permit can operate from sunrise to sunset, seven days a week
  • Loads exceeding 14 feet in width can only travel until noon on Saturdays
  • Overweight vehicles not exceeding 65 feet in overall length can have continuous travel

Holiday and Special Event Restrictions

Travel is not permitted on major holidays or during Mardi Gras in certain areas

Safety First: Equipment Requirements for Oversize Loads

Signage Requirements

  • No specific requirements for over-length loads
  • “Oversize Load” signs must be present on all loads exceeding 10 feet 6 inches in width

Flag Protocol

  • Flags required on all four corners of wide loads
  • Any extremities of the load must also have a flag in place

Lighting Guidelines

Louisiana does not have specific light requirements for oversized loads or superloads

Securing Your Louisiana Oversize Permit

Permit Types and Validity

  • Single trip permits available for the number of days needed
  • Vehicle-specific monthly and annual permits also available

How to Obtain a Permit

Two primary methods for acquiring permits:
  1. Phone: Call (800) 654-1433
  2. Online: Visit the Louisiana state website

Mastering Oversize Transport in the Pelican State

Successfully managing oversize and overweight loads in Louisiana requires a keen understanding of the state’s unique regulations. By adhering to specified operating hours, respecting urban and bridge crossing restrictions, and securing the necessary permits, you can ensure smooth and compliant transport across Louisiana’s diverse landscape. Remember, staying informed about holiday restrictions and special events like Mardi Gras is crucial for safe and efficient oversize load transportation in the Pelican State.

Select your desired state below for detailed permit guidelines.

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