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California Oversize Permit, Wide and Heavy Haul Information

California | CA

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 53′ 0″
Overhang  
– Total N/A
– Front N/A
– Back N/A
Width 8′ 6″
Height 14′ 0″
Weight 80,000 lbs.
Permit Maximums
Length 135′ 0″
Width 15′ 0″
Height 17′ 0″
Weight N/A
Pilot Car Needed
Length 100′ 0″
Overhang  
– Total 30′ 0″
– Front N/A
– Back N/A
Width 12′ 0″
Height 17′ 0″
Weight N/A

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

Key Points for Oversize Transport in California

  • Loads exceeding 10 feet wide are restricted to weekday travel
  • Special signage and flag requirements apply to vehicles over 8 feet 6 inches wide
  • San Francisco/Oakland Bay Bridge has specific travel time restrictions

Operating Hours and Travel Restrictions in California

California’s diverse geography and bustling urban centers necessitate careful regulation of oversize loads:

Standard Operating Hours

  • 24/7 travel is permitted for most loads, but must be specified when ordering the permit
  • Loads exceeding 10 feet wide are limited to Monday through Friday travel
  • When weight exceeds green loading limits or detours are in effect, travel is restricted to 30 minutes before sunrise until 30 minutes after sunset

Regional Restrictions

Major urban areas have specific travel restrictions:

  • Sacramento, San Francisco, and San Diego: No transit 7-9 a.m. and 4-6 p.m.
  • Los Angeles: Oversize load transit prohibited 6-9 a.m. and 3-6 p.m.
  • San Francisco/Oakland Bay Bridge: No travel 6:30-9 a.m. and 3:30-6:30 p.m.
  • Loads over 12 feet wide: Restricted to 11 a.m. – 1 p.m. Monday through Friday

Escort Requirements

Overheight or over 11-foot-wide loads require a highway patrol escort.

Holiday Restrictions

Larger oversize loads are prohibited from traveling on major holidays:

  • New Year’s Day
  • Memorial Day
  • Independence Day
  • Labor Day
  • Thanksgiving Day
  • Christmas Day

Safety First: Equipment Requirements for Oversize Loads

Signage and Flag Requirements

  • Mandatory for vehicles over 8 feet 6 inches wide, 80 feet long, or with 10-foot overhangs
  • Signs and flags also required for overweight-only loads

Lighting Guidelines

For night travel, proper lighting is crucial:

  • Amber marker lights required on front corners of the load
  • Additional amber light needed on the leftmost portion of the load, visible from front and sides
  • Red lights required at rear corners, visible from rear and sides

Los Angeles County Special Requirements

  • Amber lights required at all protrusions and at five-foot intervals around the load
  • Rear of load must have red lights no higher than five feet from the ground
  • If rear overhang exceeds four feet, at least two lights or a rear light bar is required
  • Rear light bar necessary if load obscures vehicle’s signals and brake lights

Securing Your California Oversize Permit

California offers various permit options to accommodate different transport needs:

  • Single-trip permits: Valid for seven days, usable on loads within maximum dimensions of 15 feet wide, 17 feet high, and 135 feet in length
  • Annual permits: Available for specific vehicles on specific highways or for specific envelope loads
  • Repetitive permits: Valid for up to 90 days for single-trip permits on the same load and route

Variance Permits

Special considerations for exceptionally large loads:

  • Available for loads wider than 15 feet, 17 feet tall, or 135 feet long
  • Also applicable for special hauling equipment exceeding standard weight classifications
  • Written route surveys required for loads greater than 17 feet in height

To obtain permits, visit the California website or contact the DMV Motor Carrier Service Branch at (916) 657-8153.

Streamlining Your California Oversize Transport

Given California’s complex regulations and diverse terrain, partnering with a modular logistics company can significantly ease the permitting process and ensure compliance. Expert assistance can be invaluable in navigating the state’s unique requirements and restrictions.

Mastering Oversize Transport in the Golden State

Successfully managing oversize and overweight loads in California requires a thorough understanding of the state’s intricate regulations. By adhering to specified operating hours, equipping your vehicle with proper safety gear, and securing the appropriate permits, you can ensure smooth and compliant transport across California’s varied landscape. Remember, staying informed and prepared is key to navigating California’s roads safely and efficiently with oversize loads.

Further Reading

  • Over-Dimensional and Heavy Haul Permitting 101
  • What You Need to Know About State Oversize Permits for Over-Dimensional, Wide, and Heavy Haul Trucking
  • State Oversize Permit & Wide Load Regulations: Simplified

Select your desired state below for detailed permit guidelines.

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