A load is considered oversized if it exceeds the standard legal size or weight limits for a road or highway.
There are also “load per axle” limits for the weight of a load. For example, hauling large things such as pre-fabricated homes, construction machinery, industrial equipment, and wind turbine propellers are considered wide or oversized loads.
Using oversize load banner signs, safety flags and wide load banners is a Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) requirement for any commercial motor vehicle handling an oversized or wide load.
Because of this, you need to know that size and weight parameters vary between states, so it is important to research what the rules are for states through which you will be wide loads.
Vehicles transporting these loads often require special permits, which usually mean extra fees to travel legally on certain roads and highways.
These permits often specify dates and times that travel with oversized or wide loads is allowed, along with certain routes that the vehicles are allowed to take.
Click a state in the list below for more information about load banner requirements, safety guidelines, and permit information:
Wide and Oversize Load Banner Requirements By State
Alabama
Alaska
Arizona
Arkansas
California
Colorado
Connecticut
Delaware
Florida
Georgia
Hawaii
Idaho
Illinois
Indiana
Iowa
Kansas
Kentucky
Louisiana
Maine
Maryland
Massachusetts
Michigan
Minnesota
Mississippi
Missouri
Montana
Nebraska
Nevada
New Hampshire
New Jersey
New Mexico
New York
North Carolina
North Dakota
Ohio
Oklahoma
Oregon
Pennsylvania
Rhode Island
South Carolina
South Dakota
Tennessee
Texas
Utah
Vermont
Virginia
Washington
West Virginia
Wisconsin
Wyoming