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Pennsylvania oversize permits phone number: 630-222-5770
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.
Compare Transport LLC makes it simple to get your Pennsylvania Oversize Permits and Pennsylvania Overweight Permits. We offer help with Pennsylvania oversize overweight permits requirements, Pennsylvania oversize overweight permits online, Pennsylvania Single Trip Permits, Pennsylvania Annual Permits, and Pennsylvania Overhang Permits. Need assistance with the Pennsylvania oversize overweight permits form, costs, or login? We’re here for you. We also handle fuel and trip permits for Pennsylvania quickly and affordably. Start your permit process today with Compare Transport LLC!
The maximum allowable gross vehicle weight is up to 80,000 pounds, subject to axle configurations:
Pennsylvania Routine Limit: Pennsylvania Oversize and Overweight Limits
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 (3days) | Required for carriers entering without IFTA; allows temporary fuel tax compliance. |
| Trip Permit | 72 hours (3days) | For out-of-state carriers without IRP registration; permits temporary travel in Pennsylvania. |
| IRP Trip Permit | 72 hours (3days) | Provides short-term authority for vehicles not registered under IRP to operate in Pennsylvania. |
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:
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.
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.
Other Special Escort Requirements:
Philadelphia Specific Requirements:
A police escort is necessary in Philadelphia for loads meeting or exceeding any of the following:
“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:
The permit is required for vehicles that exceed the standard-length limit. It enables the transportation of longer goods, such as huge beams or pipes, while maintaining their safety and legality.
Pennsylvania Single trip permits are normally valid for one trip and is often necessary for trucks that do not have a regular IFTA (International fuel tax agreement) in place and IRP (International Registration Plan) registered. It enables the truck to drive through particular countries while remaining compliant with fuel tax requirements.
The permit is required when a load exceeds the rear or front of the vehicle. It guarantees that the overhanging weight is delivered securely, without endangering other road users.
A permit is necessary for vehicles that exceed the normal width limitations. It enables the transportation of larger loads, such as massive equipment or prefabricated constructions, while maintaining their safety and legality.
Pennsylvania oversize permits information including legal dimensions, routine permit limits, and escort requirements, operating times and restricted travel.
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 comparetransportll.com 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 comparetransportll.com 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.
