Washington 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 WSDOT Commercial Vehicle Services (Permits).
WA, reviewed October 2026
Check your load for Washington
Oversize permit required in Washington
- Width 10 ft 0 in exceeds the 8 ft 6 in legal limit.
No width-based pilot car at 10 ft 0 in wide.
Washington Truck Legal Width, Height & Length
A truck and load at or under these dimensions can travel Washington 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 | 14 ft 0 in |
| Legal length | Single vehicle 40 ft; tractor-semitrailer with semitrailer up to 53 ft; tractor with two trailers combined trailer length up to 61 ft; truck-and-trailer combination up to 75 ft overall. |
| Gross weight | 80,000 lbs |
Washington Oversize Load Travel Hours
- Daily movement window
- Daylight is the norm; night movement is allowed only if 'Night movement approved' is stated on the permit (dimension envelope up to 12 ft wide, 14 ft 6 in high, 105 ft long is exempt from the night restriction). No movement when visibility is under 500 ft or in hazardous conditions. Commuter-hour curfews on specified highway sections are published with the permit.
- Weekend movement
- No weekend restriction stated in WAC 468-38-175; only holidays and published commuter-hour restrictions apply.
- Holiday restrictions
- Overweight/overdimensional special-permit vehicles may be restricted from state highways on New Year's Day, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving Day and the day after Thanksgiving, and Christmas Day, commencing at noon of the day preceding each holiday (WAC 468-38-175(1)). Certain overlength-only and overweight-only vehicles are exempt (WAC 468-38-075). See this year's holiday dates for all states.
Washington Pilot Car Requirements
Over 11 ft wide on two-lane highways: front and rear escorts; on multilane highways one rear escort over 14 ft and two escorts over 20 ft (undivided); front height-pole escort over 14 ft 6 in; rear escort over 105 ft long on two-lane, over 125 ft on multilane.
| First pilot car (width) | 14 ft 0 in wide and over |
|---|---|
| Two pilot cars (width) | 20 ft 0 in wide and over |
| Height-pole escort | 14 ft 6 in tall and over |
| Length escort | 125 ft 0 in long and over |
Washington pilot car requirements by load width and height. Crossing a border? Compare with Idaho.
How to order a Washington oversize permit
WSDOT Commercial Vehicle Services (Permits)
Overweight as well? Check axle limits with the bridge formula calculator.
Crossing Washington without Washington apportioned plates? Estimate the temporary trip permit cost with the trip permit cost estimator.
Washington Oversize Load FAQs
- What are the oversize load travel hours in Washington?
- Daylight is the norm; night movement is allowed only if 'Night movement approved' is stated on the permit (dimension envelope up to 12 ft wide, 14 ft 6 in high, 105 ft long is exempt from the night restriction). No movement when visibility is under 500 ft or in hazardous conditions. Commuter-hour curfews on specified highway sections are published with the permit. Weekends: No weekend restriction stated in WAC 468-38-175; only holidays and published commuter-hour restrictions apply.
- When is a pilot car required in Washington?
- Over 11 ft wide on two-lane highways: front and rear escorts; on multilane highways one rear escort over 14 ft and two escorts over 20 ft (undivided); front height-pole escort over 14 ft 6 in; rear escort over 105 ft long on two-lane, over 125 ft on multilane. Height: 14 ft 6 in and taller (height-pole escort).
- What is the legal truck width in Washington?
- The standard legal width in Washington 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 Washington without a permit?
- The legal height limit in Washington is 14 ft 0 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 Washington?
- Overweight/overdimensional special-permit vehicles may be restricted from state highways on New Year's Day, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving Day and the day after Thanksgiving, and Christmas Day, commencing at noon of the day preceding each holiday (WAC 468-38-175(1)). Certain overlength-only and overweight-only vehicles are exempt (WAC 468-38-075).
- How do I get an oversize or overweight permit in Washington?
- Apply through WSDOT Commercial Vehicle Services (Permits) (360-704-6340) 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 Washington rules as reviewed October 2026 and is not legal advice; the conditions printed on your permit control. Note: Escort rules (WAC 468-38-100): >11 ft wide = 2 escorts (front+rear) on two-lane highways; >14 ft = 1 rear escort on multilane; >20 ft = 2 escorts (front+rear) on multilane undivided; >12 ft wide on multilane with height needing a front escort = 1 rear escort. escortOneWidthFt (14) reflects the multilane case, escortTwoWidthFt (20) is multilane undivided only. Length: rear escort >105 ft on two-lane, >125 ft on multilane. Front overhang >20 ft needs front escort on two-lane. Max permitted widths: 14 ft two-lane, 20 ft divided multilane, 32 ft undivided multilane. Weight shown as 80,000 is general gross limit; axle/bridge formula in RCW 46.44.041. Superload request needed for >16 ft wide, >16 ft high, >125 ft long, or >200,000 lbs (30 days notice). Weekend rule inferred from absence in WAC; not explicitly stated.