Kentucky OS/OD Overview
Permit Required
Yes – all oversize or overweight loads require a permit from the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet (KYTC), Division of Motor Carriers.
Legal Limits (Without Permit)
- Width: 8'6"
- Height: 13'6"
- Length: 65' (combo); 53' trailer allowed
- Weight: 80,000 lbs GVW
Permitted Load Maximums (Typical Upper Limits)
- Width: Up to 16' with proper escorting
- Height: Over 14'6" requires route survey and utility clearance
- Length: 120'+ possible with review
- Weight: 250,000+ lbs with bridge/engineering analysis
Superloads require additional time and review, including bridge clearance verification.
Travel Hours
- Standard: 30 minutes before sunrise to 30 minutes after sunset
- Weekend: Travel allowed on Saturdays; no travel Sundays for most OS loads
- Holidays: No movement on major holidays or holiday weekends
- Night travel: May be approved for loads under 10' wide, depending on route and lighting
Escort Requirements (General Guidelines)
| Dimension | Escort Requirement |
|---|---|
| Width > 12' | 1 Escort (rear or front, depending on road type) |
| Width > 14' | 2 Escorts (front and rear) |
| Height > 14'6" | Route survey and high pole escort required |
| Length > 120' | 1 or 2 Escorts based on route conditions |
Additional Notes
- “Oversize Load” signs, red flags on corners, and amber lights are required when specified
- KYTC uses the Online Permit System (OPeS) for permit processing
- Local roads may require separate permits or approval from municipalities or counties
Detailed Information
PERMITS: Permits valid for ten calendar days. Must have permit prior to entering the state.
OPERATING TIME: Kentucky now allows continuous running, 24/7 including Saturday and Sunday, except for restrictions below and superloads.
RESTRICTED TRAVEL: No permitted loads allowed to travel in Boone, Kenton or Campbell Counties (greater Cincinnati area, Jefferson County (greater Louisville), Fayette County (greater Lexington) or at Owensboro KY 2155 Bridge (between KY and IN) from 7:00 a.m. - 9:00 a.m. or 4:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.
LEGAL DIMENSIONS: Width: 8'6" Interstate and designated roads, 8' on non-designated. Height: 13'6" Length: 53' trailer or load on Interstate and designated highways; 65' truck and trailer other Overhang: highways 5' rear overhang on 48' trailer (53' semi-trailer and load) Weight: 80,000 Gross Single – 20,000 Tandem – 34,000 Tridem – 48,000
ROUTINE PERMIT LIMITS:
Width: 16' Height: 15'6" *See note below Length: 110' on 4 lane 75’ on 2 lane Weight: 5 Axles – 96,000 6 Axles – 120,000 (6 axles, 7 axles on 2-lane) 7 Axles – 134,000 - 140,000* (*On 4-lane, with a booster axle rather than a rear Tridem to get over about 134,000) Single – 24,000 Tandem – 45,000/5 axles; 48,000/6 or more Tridem – 60,000 Quad – 80,000 (These dimensions and weights may vary depending on routes).
*Note: Loads over 15'6" high are not permitted to travel through Kentucky. Delivery of such a load into Kentucky may be allowed on a one-time basis if the carrier can find safe routes for it. However, they usually will not allow it. Weight does not put you into superload status until around 300,000 pounds gross.
ESCORTS: On 4 or more lane divided highways: Width: Over 12' – 1 escort; over 14' – may require 2 escorts; over 16' – 3 escorts.. Length: Over 120' – 3 escorts. Overhang: Over 10' – 1 escort (some highways may need 2) Height: Over 14’11” 1 front w/height pole On 2-lane highways: Width: Over 10'6" to 12' – 1 escort; over 12' to 14’ – 2 escorts. Length: Over 75' to 85' – 1 escort; over 85' – 1 front and 2 rear. Overhang: Over 10' – 1 escort (some highways may need 2) Height: Over 14’11” 1 front w/height pole.
MISCELLANEOUS: Blades, buckets, etc. over 14' wide must be removed but can be hauled with the load. Smaller ones may be detached and hauled with the load, even if the load is overweight.
SIGNS, FLAGS & LIGHTS: "Oversize Load" signs are required for all loads exceeding 10'6" wide. Flags are required on all four corners of any wide load and extremities. Over-length must be flagged, no sign requirements.