Pennsylvania Oversize Permits: Pennsylvania Oversize / Overweight Trucking Permits Rules and Requirement
Pennsylvania Oversize permits OR Pennsylvania Overweight Permits are required when a vehicle or its load exceeds the state feet legal size or weight limits and needs to travel on public highways. These permits ensure compliance with safety standards and protect road infrastructure.
Pennsylvania oversize permits phone number: 630-222-5770
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- Length: A 53 feet semitrailer is allowed, provided the distance from the kingpin to the center of the rear axle group does not exceed 41 feet. If the truck and trailer combination is legally sized without the load, no permit is needed if the total length is 70 feet or less. For non-divisible loads, permits are not required if the overall length is 85 feet or less. There are no restrictions on overhang for non-divisible items such as beams, pipes, utility poles, or construction materials.
- Overhang: Divisible loads may have up to 6 feet of rear overhang. Any overhang is only legal if the load is classified as non-divisible, following the conditions mentioned above.
- Width:
8 feet 6 inches on designated highways
8 feet on non-designated roads - Height: The maximum legal height is 13 feet 6 inches
The maximum allowable gross vehicle weight is up to 80,000 pounds, subject to axle configurations:
- Weight Limits:
Steer Axle: 20,000 pounds
Single Axle: 20,000 pounds
Tandem Axle: 34,000 pounds
Tridem Axle: 42,500 pounds
Pennsylvania Routine Limit: Pennsylvania Oversize and Overweight Limits
- Length:
o Up to 120 feet
o Up to 160 feet permitted on four-lane highways - Width: Up to 16 feet
- Height: Up to 14 feet 6 inches
Maximum Axle Weights With PA Overweight Permit:
Weight (based on axle configuration and spacing)
Single Axle: 27,000 pounds
Tandem Axle: 52,000 pounds
Tridem Axle: 63,000 pounds
Quad Axle: 72,000 pounds
Superload Classification: Any load that exceeds 201,000 pounds in gross weight, is wider than 16 feet, or longer than 160 feet overall is categorized as a superload.
To operate legally in Pennsylvania, commercial carriers must secure the appropriate permits based on vehicle size, weight, and registration status. Below is a detailed guide to the validity of all key Pennsylvania trucking permits, including oversize, overweight, superload, IRP, IFTA, TRP, and temporary trip and fuel permits.
| Permit Type | Validity Period | Requirement |
|---|---|---|
| Oversize Permit | 5 business days | Valid for daylight travel Monday to Friday and Saturday until noon; restrictions on Sundays and holidays. |
| Overweight Permit | 5 business days | Must follow assigned routes; may require escorts or speed restrictions. |
| Superload Permit | 5 business days | Applies to loads over 201,000lbs, 16 ft wide, or 160 ft long; may require police escorts and route surveys. |
| IFTA Temporary Permit | Up to 30 days | For carriers without IFTA decals operating interstate; ensures fuel tax compliance. |
| Fuel Permit | 72 hours (3 days) | Required for carriers entering without IFTA; allows temporary fuel tax compliance. |
| Trip Permit | 72 hours (3 days) | For out-of-state carriers without IRP registration; permits temporary travel in Pennsylvania. |
| IRP Trip Permit | 72 hours (3 days) | Provides short-term authority for vehicles not registered under IRP to operate in Pennsylvania. |
Travel is allowed between sunrise and sunset from Monday to Friday, and from sunrise until noon on Saturdays. Overweight loads, provided they do not exceed 107,000 pounds and the overall length remains within 70 feet, may operate continuously at prevailing speeds.
Travel is limited to daylight hours only until noon on Saturdays, with no travel permitted on Sundays. Loads wider than 10 feet or longer than 85 feet are not authorized for weekend movement. Within urban areas (refer to the map included with provision sheets), movement is permitted from 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM and again from 7:00 PM until sunset, as well as from 3:00 AM to 7:30 AM, seven days a week, excluding holidays. However, during early morning hours, two pilot vehicles and special lighting are required. A city permit is mandatory for all routes within Philadelphia, except interstates. Typically, permit travel is prohibited from noon the day before major holidays until the next weekday.
If a load exceeds 10 feet in width, 85 feet in length, 13 feet 6 inches in height, 125,000 pounds gross weight, or has any axle over 22,400 pounds, prior authorization is required. Heights above 13 feet 6 inches are not permitted on the Main Line (I-76). Loads over 11 feet wide, over 90 feet long, or with a rear overhang greater than 15 feet require pilot vehicles. From Memorial Day until Labor Day, oversize or overweight loads can move from Monday through Thursday during daylight and on Friday from sunrise until noon. Between Labor Day and Memorial Day, travel is allowed Monday to Friday during daylight hours and Saturday mornings until noon. Loads weighing between 80,000 and 100,000 pounds are charged moderate permit fees, while those above 100,000 pounds have significantly higher permit costs.
Pennsylvania follows the Federal Bridge Formula, which enforces specific weight restrictions on bridges. Additional restrictions may apply to:
- Driving through construction zones
- Ignoring warning signals in work zones
- Failing to yield to law enforcement, emergency vehicles, and other priority traffic.
Under Pennsylvania’s Frost Law, the freeze-thaw period occurs between February 15 and April 15. During this time, fluctuating temperatures can weaken road surfaces, leading to added restrictions. No hauling under Letters of Local Determination (LoLDs) is permitted unless explicitly authorized by the posting authority after a specific request.
Large Size Tire Regulations:
Tires must be properly inflated and maintained in good operating condition. Front tires on vehicles with a gross weight over 10,000 pounds must have a minimum tread depth of 4/32 inches.
Tires must not have any protrusions made of material other than rubber unless they are deemed safe and legally permitted. Regrooved or recut tires are only allowed if the tires were originally manufactured to undergo regrooving or recutting.
- Tire Chains:
The use of tire chains is permitted only when necessary to protect life or property during hazardous weather conditions. - Studded Tires:
Studded tires are allowed from November 1 through April 15. Studs must not extend more than 2/32 inches beyond the tread surface.
- Length:
Over 90 feet requires one escort vehicle.
Over 160 feet mandates a police escort. - Overhang:
A rear overhang exceeding 15 feet requires one escort vehicle.
Note: If the load is over 90 feet in length and more than 13 feet in width, both a front and rear pilot car are required on all two-lane roads.
- Width:
Over 13 feet on any highway requires one escort vehicle.
Over 16 feet mandates a police escort. - Height:
Loads exceeding 14 feet 6 inches require one escort vehicle equipped with a height pole.
Additionally, Pennsylvania mandates a route survey to be submitted with the application for such loads. - Weight:
Any load exceeding 201,000 pounds requires a police escort.
Other Special Escort Requirements:
- If the permit specifies reduced speed limits while crossing bridges, one escort is needed.
- If the permit requires that the load be the sole vehicle on a bridge or occupy more than one lane, two escort vehicles are necessary.
Philadelphia Specific Requirements:
A police escort is necessary in Philadelphia for loads meeting or exceeding any of the following:
- Width of 11 feet 5 inches
- Height of 14 feet
- Length of 75 feet
- Weight of 145,000 pounds
“Oversize Load” signs are required on the front of the tractor and the rear of the load or trailer (whichever extends furthest) for all oversized loads unless otherwise specified in the permit. When the vehicle or load is no longer oversized, these signs must be removed or covered. Flags must be placed at the widest points of any oversized load. Any rear overhang of 4 feet or more must be marked with a flag during daylight or a red light during nighttime hours. When traveling with pilot cars, the permitted vehicle must keep its headlights and taillights illuminated while in motion.
Dozers with blades wider than 12 feet but not exceeding 15 feet may transport the blade if it is securely fastened to a traffic protector guide rail device. However, separate buckets or blades cannot be carried on overweight loads.
Pennsylvania offers a variety of vehicle and transportation permits, each with its own fee depending on the type and usage. Below is a breakdown of key permit types and their current associated costs:
- Single Trip Oversize (OS) Permit: $36.00
- Single Trip Oversize/Overweight (OS/OW) Permit: $36.00 plus an additional charge of $0.04 per ton-mile
Frequently Asked Questions
Pennsylvania oversize permits can be obtained online through our website chicagopermit.net or by calling us at 630-222-5770
Oversize regulations in Pennsylvania govern the movement of vehicles and loads that exceed standard legal dimensions, such as width, height, length, or weight. These regulations require drivers to obtain special permits and follow specific routes, travel times, and escort vehicle requirements to ensure public safety and protect road infrastructure.
In Pennsylvania, a permit is required for vehicles or loads that exceed legal size or weight limits. This includes oversized loads that are too wide, too tall, too long, or overweight according to state law. Items like construction equipment, manufactured homes, large machinery, and other heavy or bulky goods typically require permits.
Pennsylvania oversize permits can be obtained online through our website chicagopermit.net or by calling us at 630-222-5770
In Pennsylvania, the maximum legal width for a vehicle or load without needing a permit is 8 feet 6 inches. Any load wider than this must obtain an oversize permit before traveling on public roads.
Permit rules in Pennsylvania include adhering to specific travel times, routes, and escort requirements. Permits must be obtained before moving an oversize or overweight load, and movements are typically restricted during adverse weather, holidays, and peak traffic hours. Loads must display appropriate warning signs, lights, and flags.
Yes, Pennsylvania requires trip permits for vehicles that are not registered under the International Registration Plan (IRP) but wish to operate temporarily within the state. Trip permits allow legal travel for a specific time and distance without obtaining full registration.
Applications for Pennsylvania oversize permits can be submitted online via our website chicagopermit.net or by calling us at 630-222-5770
The cost of an overweight permit in Pennsylvania depends on the vehicle’s weight and configuration. Generally, overweight permits start around $35, but additional fees apply based on the weight exceeding legal limits and the distance traveled.
The base cost for an oversize permit in Pennsylvania typically starts at $35. However, the total fee can increase depending on the size of the load, the number of miles traveled, and any additional escort or routing requirements.
The phone number for assistance is 630-222-5770.
To get your Pennsylvania oversize permits fast and at competitive prices, contact Chicago Permit at (630) 222-5770. Their experienced team will handle all permit types across the U.S. and Canada.
An overweight permit in Pennsylvania generally starts at $35 and increases depending on how much the load exceeds the legal weight limits and the distance of the trip.
Pennsylvania’s oversize law requires any vehicle or load exceeding 8 feet 6 inches in width, 13 feet 6 inches in height, 75 feet in overall length, or 80,000 pounds in gross weight to obtain a special permit. Specific travel times, routing restrictions, and safety equipment like banners and lights are also required.
