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Wisconsin Oversize Permit, Wide and Heavy Haul Information

Wisconsin | WI

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 3′ 0″
– Front 3′ 0″
– Back N/A
Width 8′ 6″
Height 13′ 6″
Weight 80,000 lbs.
Permit Maximums
Length 160′ 0″
Width 16′ 0″
Height 13′ 6″
Weight 150,000 lbs.
Pilot Car Needed
Length N/A
Overhang  
– Total N/A
– Front N/A
– Back N/A
Width 15′ 0″
Height N/A
Weight 150,000 lbs.

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

Key Points for Oversize Transport in Wisconsin

  • Regulations vary based on vehicle dimensions, route, time of year, and day of the week
  • Continuous 24/7 operation possible for certain overweight loads, including weekends and holidays
  • Strict adherence to flagging, lighting, and signage requirements is mandatory for all oversize transports

Navigating Wisconsin: Operating Hours and Travel Restrictions

Wisconsin’s oversize transport regulations are designed to balance efficiency with safety. Here’s what you need to know:

Standard Oversize Load Operations

Vehicles not exceeding 12 feet in width, 13 feet 6 inches in height, and 150 feet in length can operate in 67 counties, including Columbia, Dane, Milwaukee, Rock, and Waukesha, with the following time restrictions:

  • Sundays: 4 p.m. to 8 p.m.
  • Fridays between 4th Friday in May and Labor Day: 4 p.m. to 8 p.m.
  • Restricted travel holidays: 4 p.m. to 8 p.m.
  • Day before restricted travel holidays: 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. (except July 3rd if it falls on a Saturday)

Larger Oversize Load Restrictions

Vehicles exceeding 13 feet in width, 13 feet 6 inches in height, and 150 feet in length face additional restrictions:

  • No travel during hours of darkness
  • Sundays: 4 p.m. to 8 p.m.
  • Fridays between 4th Friday in May and Labor Day: 4 p.m. to 8 p.m.
  • Saturdays from noon until sunrise Sunday
  • Restricted travel holidays: No travel from noon the day preceding until sunrise the day following

Special Route Considerations

Certain routes have specific regulations:

  • Milwaukee County Expressway: Oversized loads restricted on US 45 between West Florist Avenue and West Hampton Avenue and on I-94 between Waukesha line and 35th Street
  • Madison Beltline: Vehicles exceeding legal width, height, or length with a Single Trip permit restricted on US-12 and US-18 between Verona Road and Stoughton Road from 6 a.m. to 9 a.m. and 3 p.m. to 6 p.m., Monday through Friday

24/7 Operations

Certain overweight loads, unless specified otherwise in the permit, may operate continuously, including weekends and holidays.

Ensuring Road Safety: Essential Equipment for Oversize Loads

Signage Requirements

Proper signage is crucial for alerting other motorists:

  • Display “OVERSIZE LOAD” signs on front and rear of the vehicle
  • Minimum dimensions: 7 feet wide and 18 inches high
  • Lettering: At least 10 inches high with a 1.4-inch brushstroke

Flag Protocol

Flags play a vital role in marking oversize loads:

  • Use solid red or orange flags, at least 18 inches square
  • Securely fasten flags at each corner and extremity of the load
  • For loads overhanging by 4 feet or less, place a single flag at the extreme rear
  • For overhangs exceeding 4 feet, use flags to mark maximum width at the rear

Lighting Guidelines

Proper illumination is essential for nighttime safety:

  • Amber lights required at the outermost extremities of the load’s front edge
  • Red lights needed at the outermost extremities of the load’s rear edge
  • Additional amber lamps for any part of the load extending beyond the vehicle’s width
  • Special lighting rules apply for loads with specific width or overhang characteristics

Warning Lamp Specifications

When required by permit, warning lamps must meet these criteria:

  • Amber flashing or revolving lamps with at least 8 inches diameter
  • Visible and attention-grabbing at 500 feet under normal conditions
  • Flash rate between 30 to 90 times per minute
  • Strobe lamps may be used in place of flashing or revolving lamps
  • Operation restricted to when the vehicle is operating under a permit

Securing Your Wisconsin Oversize Permit

To obtain a permit for oversize or overweight loads in Wisconsin:

  • Apply online through the Wisconsin DOT website
  • For assistance, call (608) 266-7320
  • Permits available for single trips or multiple trips
  • Ensure all vehicle and load specifications are accurate when applying

For more information, contact:

Oversize/Overweight Permits
Wisconsin Department of Transportation
Bureau of Highway Maintenance
P.O. Box 7980
Madison, WI 53707-7980

Enhancing Your Oversize Transport Experience

Navigating Wisconsin’s oversize and overweight regulations requires attention to detail and careful planning. Partnering with an experienced logistics company can streamline the permit process and ensure compliance with all state requirements. These partnerships can be particularly valuable for complex or frequent oversize transports through Wisconsin.

Mastering Wisconsin’s Oversize Transport Landscape

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

Select your desired state below for detailed permit guidelines.

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