Virginia Oversize Load Permit Requirements
Legal truck dimensions, oversize load travel hours, pilot car and escort requirements, and how to order an oversize/overweight permit from Virginia DMV Hauling Permits Section.
VA, reviewed October 2026
Check your load for Virginia
Oversize permit required in Virginia
- Width 10 ft 0 in exceeds the 8 ft 6 in legal limit.
No width-based pilot car at 10 ft 0 in wide.
Virginia Truck Legal Width, Height & Length
A truck and load at or under these dimensions can travel Virginia highways without an oversize permit. Exceed any one of them and you need a permit before you move.
| Legal width | 8 ft 6 in |
|---|---|
| Legal height | 13 ft 6 in |
| Legal length | Trailer 48 ft (53 ft trailers allowed on the interstate system); single motorized vehicle 40 ft; vehicle/trailer combination 65 ft; overhang 4 ft rear / 3 ft front. |
| Gross weight | 80,000 lbs |
Virginia Oversize Load Travel Hours
- Daily movement window
- Normal travel is sunrise to sunset (some superloads may be required to move in darkness). No permitted travel within city/town limits 7-9 a.m. and 4-6 p.m., except overweight-only or overlength-only (up to 85 ft incl. rear overhang) configurations.
- Weekend movement
- No general weekend ban in 24VAC20-82-110 other than holiday periods; DMV may add day/time restrictions on an individual permit.
- Holiday restrictions
- Permits are not valid from noon on the preceding weekday through the holiday (New Year's Day, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day). If the observed holiday falls on a Monday, the permit is not valid from noon the preceding Friday through Monday. See this year's holiday dates for all states.
Virginia Pilot Car Requirements
Over 12 ft wide: one rear escort on interstates, one front and one rear on non-interstates; over 14 ft: front and rear on interstates; over 14 ft 5 in high: front height-pole escort; over 120 ft long (90 ft non-interstate): rear escort.
| First pilot car (width) | 12 ft 0 in wide and over |
|---|---|
| Two pilot cars (width) | 14 ft 0 in wide and over |
| Height-pole escort | 14 ft 5 in tall and over |
| Length escort | 120 ft 0 in long and over |
Virginia pilot car requirements by load width and height. Crossing a border? Compare with Maryland, North Carolina.
How to order a Virginia oversize permit
Virginia DMV Hauling Permits Section
Overweight as well? Check axle limits with the bridge formula calculator, or browse motor carriers in Virginia.
Virginia Oversize Load FAQs
- What are the oversize load travel hours in Virginia?
- Normal travel is sunrise to sunset (some superloads may be required to move in darkness). No permitted travel within city/town limits 7-9 a.m. and 4-6 p.m., except overweight-only or overlength-only (up to 85 ft incl. rear overhang) configurations. Weekends: No general weekend ban in 24VAC20-82-110 other than holiday periods; DMV may add day/time restrictions on an individual permit.
- When is a pilot car required in Virginia?
- Over 12 ft wide: one rear escort on interstates, one front and one rear on non-interstates; over 14 ft: front and rear on interstates; over 14 ft 5 in high: front height-pole escort; over 120 ft long (90 ft non-interstate): rear escort. Height: 14 ft 5 in and taller (height-pole escort).
- What is the legal truck width in Virginia?
- The standard legal width in Virginia is 8 ft 6 in (102 inches), the federal minimum width allowed on the National Network of highways. A load wider than that needs an oversize permit.
- How tall can a truck be in Virginia without a permit?
- The legal height limit in Virginia is 13 ft 6 in, measured from the road surface to the highest point of the vehicle or load. Taller loads need an oversize permit and a surveyed route for bridge and wire clearances.
- Can oversize loads move on holidays in Virginia?
- Permits are not valid from noon on the preceding weekday through the holiday (New Year's Day, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day). If the observed holiday falls on a Monday, the permit is not valid from noon the preceding Friday through Monday.
- How do I get an oversize or overweight permit in Virginia?
- Apply through Virginia DMV Hauling Permits Section ((804) 786-2787) or its online permit portal. Have your USDOT number, vehicle and load dimensions, axle weights and route ready. Permit expediting agents can file on your behalf if you need the permit the same day.
Regulations change. This page summarises published Virginia rules as reviewed October 2026 and is not legal advice; the conditions printed on your permit control. Note: Escort thresholds are 'exceeds' values from 24VAC20-82-130. Interstate vs non-interstate differ (non-interstate needs front+rear at >12 ft; 2 front+1 rear at >14; 2 front+2 rear at >16; interstate 1 front+2 rear at >16). Off-center load >3 ft 6 in on passenger side needs front escort. Loads >18 ft wide or >200 ft long are case-by-case. DMV may change escort requirements per route. Blanket permit $100/yr, superload $30 + damage fee.