Kentucky Transport

Kentucky Oversize Permits & Escort Information

WE ARE NOT A PERMIT SERVICE NOR DO WE ARRANGE PERMITS FOR CARRIERS.  THIS IS STRICTLY JUST FOR INFORMATIONAL PURPOSES.  WE DO NOT ENSURE THE ACCURACY OF THE BELOW INFORMATION SO BE SURE TO READ YOUR PERMIT SHEETS CAREFULLY!

Kentucky Department of Transportation
Phone Number: (502) 564-1257

PERMITS: Kansas oversize permits are valid for seven days. Permit is normally obtained prior to entering state. Permits can also be obtained at Ports of Entry. (You need proof of insurance in vehicle if you buy permit at a POE).

OPERATING TIME: One-half hour before sunrise to one-half hour after sunset, seven days a week and holidays.  No restrictions for overweight only.

KANSAS TURNPIKE: Width up to 12′-6″ allowed to travel without escort, 24 hours a day seven days a week (must have proper lighting traveling nights). Over 12′-6″ wide up to 14′ wide can travel daytime without escort. Maximum width is 16′, 125′ long. Maximum height is 14′ without special approval from a Turnpike Highway Patrol Officer. Maximum weights: 20,000 single, 34,000 tandems, 42,000 triples, 50,000 quads. Maximum gross weight 120,000. Turnpike phone:  (316) 682-4537.

LEGAL DIMENSIONS

Length:

• 59′-6″ trailer
• 85′ overall for tractor-trailer combination provided the trailer is not over 59’-6” long

Overhang: 59′-6″ trailer and load provided overall length does not exceed 85′

Width: 8′-6″

Height: 14′

Weight: 80,000 Gross on Interstate & Designated routes; 85,500 on other roads (must be registered for 85,500 and have legal axle weights).

• Single – 20,000
• Tandem – 34,000
• Tridem – 42,000

ROUTINE PERMIT LIMITS

Length: 126′

Width: 16′-6″

Height: 18′ (Depends on clearances. Over 17′ high requires notification of all appropriate utilities before making the move).

Weight:

• Single – 22,000
• Tandem – 45,000
• Tridem – 60,000
• Quad – 65,000

To permit for overweight, your tractor be registered for 85,500, or pay extra for a trip permit.

Note:

• When overweight on any axle group, all axles must be down
• Loads exceeding these dimensions or over 150,000 pounds GVW is considered as a Super Load
• Loads in excess of 80,000 GVW, the unit must be registered for 85,500

ESCORTS

Width:

• Over 16′-6″ or when transporting large structures on 4-lane highways – two escorts
• Over 14′ on highways less than 4 lanes – two escorts or

“Except for superloads and large structures, the rear escort may be eliminated if a warning light is attached to the top of the towing vehicle and to the rear of the load and is mounted no less than two feet or more than eight feet above the surface of the road.”

Height: Over 18′ – one escort with height pole. Over 17′ high requires notification of all appropriate utilities before making the move.

EXEMPTIONS: Poles, beams, steel pipes and construction steel loads may be up to 85′ long overall (vehicle and load) without a permit as long as trailer does not exceed 59′-6″ (daylight travel only), and if other dimensions are legal.

SIGNS, FLAGS & LIGHTS: “Oversize Load” signs are required for all loads moving under a permit. Red flags must be attached to each side of widest part of wide load, and to the rear of all overlength loads. If overhang is over legal limits, end of overhanging object must be flagged and “a lamp shall be placed at the end of the load to make the overhang more visible during periods of hazy daylight.” Overweight only loads need “Oversize Load” signs when running in daylight, but they must be taken off if running at night.