Safety First: Equipment Requirements for Oversize Loads
Signage Requirements
- Signs must be 7 feet by 18 inches, on a yellow background with 10-inch high black letters
- Must comply with Federal Highway Administration Standard Alphabet Series C
- Letters must have a 1-5/8 inch stroke, displaying “OVERSIZE LOAD”
- Front signs: Fixed to the front bumper or on top of the vehicle’s cab
- Rear signs: Set on the rearmost part of the vehicle or load
- If rear placement isn’t possible, place as far back on the rear of the vehicle cab as possible
- Sign’s bottom edge should be no more than 5 feet above the road, if possible
Flag Protocol
Red or orange flags must be affixed on extremities when:
- A vehicle or load exceeds ten feet in width
- Loads on a vehicle exceeding three feet to the front or four feet to the rear of the bed or body while in operation
- Flags must be clean, untorn, unfaded, and fastened to wave freely
Note: Over-dimensional flagging is not required on LCVs.
Lighting Guidelines
- Warning lights required when headlights are necessary
- Front overhang over three feet: Marked with a steady, amber marker light and red flag
- Rear overhang over four feet: Marked with red clearance lights for night travel
- Overhangs exceeding 20 feet: Rotating or flashing beacon visible from 500 feet, minimum height of four feet above ground
- Tow vehicle headlights: Operated on low beam, day or night, as additional warning
- Nighttime travel: Marker lights indicating extreme width using amber lights front and center, red to the rear
- Loads over 92 feet: Proper lighting every 25 feet, amber lights to front and sides, red to the rear
Securing Your Utah Oversize Permit
Permit Types and Requirements
- Available as single-trip, semi-annual, or annual permits
- Must be obtained prior to operating within Utah
- Exception: When entering on I-15 (St. George Port of Entry) and West bound I-80 (Echo Port of Entry) and East bound I-80 at (Wendover Port of Entry)
Special Processing for Large Loads
Loads exceeding 17′ 6″ H, 17′ W, or over 300,000 lbs:
- Processed only Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Mountain Standard Time
- May take up to 14 days for approval
How to Obtain a Permit
Permits can be obtained online with a major credit card at the Utah Department of Transportation website.
Mastering Oversize Transport in the Beehive State
Successfully managing oversize and overweight loads in Utah requires a thorough understanding of the state’s unique regulations. By adhering to specified operating hours, equipping your vehicle with proper safety gear, and securing the necessary permits, you can ensure smooth and compliant transport across Utah’s diverse landscape. Remember to plan for rush hour restrictions in urban areas and be aware of holiday travel prohibitions, including the state-specific Pioneer Day, to maintain efficient operations in the Beehive State.