Kansas OS/OD Overview
Permit Required
Yes – oversize and overweight loads must obtain a permit from the Kansas Department of Transportation (KDOT).
Legal Limits (Without Permit)
- Width: 8'6"
- Height: 14'
- Length: 65' (combo); 53' trailer max
- Weight: 80,000 lbs GVW (with standard axle limits)
Permitted Load Maximums (Typical Upper Limits)
- Width: Up to 16' with escorts
- Height: Over 16' requires utility clearance and route approval
- Length: Over 125' requires escort and review
- Weight: Over 150,000 lbs with engineering analysis and axle spacings
Superloads require pre-approval, detailed routing, and potential local coordination.
Travel Hours
- Standard: Sunrise to Sunset for most oversize loads
- Weekend: No restrictions unless over 14' wide
- Holidays: No travel on major holidays
- Night travel: Allowed for loads under 12' wide with lights and if approved on permit
Escort Requirements (General Guidelines)
| Dimension | Escort Requirement |
|---|---|
| Width > 14' | 1 Escort (typically front on 2-lane roads) |
| Width > 16' | 2 Escorts (front and rear) |
| Height > 16' | High pole escort + route survey |
| Length > 125' | 1 or 2 Escorts depending on route |
Additional Notes
- Oversize Load signs, red flags, and amber beacon lights are required
- Permit applications are submitted through the Kansas K-TRIPS online system
- Local routes may have their own permit rules; coordinate with counties/cities as needed
Detailed Information
PERMITS: Permits 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 tandem, 42,000 triple, 50,000 quad. Maximum gross weight 120,000. Turnpike phone: (316) 682-4537.
LEGAL DIMENSIONS: Width: 8'6" Height: 14' 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’. 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: Width: 16'6" Height: 18' (Depends on clearances. Over 17' high requires notification of all appropriate utilities before making the move). Length: 126' Weight: Single – 22,000 Tandem – 45,000 Tridem – 60,000 Quad – 65,000 To permit for overweight, you 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 – 2 escorts; Over 14' on highways less than 4 lanes – 2 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' – 1 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.