OVERVIEW
PERMITS: Kentucky oversize permits are 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 super loads.
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 am – 9:00 am or 4:00 pm – 6:00 pm.
LEGAL DIMENSIONS
Length: 53′ trailer or load on Interstate and designated highways, 65′ truck and trailer other highways
Overhang: 5′ rear overhang on 48′ trailer (53′ semi-trailer and load)
Width: 8′-6″ Interstate and designated roads, 8′ on non-designated.
Height: 13′-6″
Weight: 80,000 Gross
- Single – 20,000
- Tandem – 34,000
- Tridem – 48,000
ROUTINE PERMIT LIMITS
Length: 110′ on 4-lane, 75′ on 2-lane
Width: 16′
Height: 15′-6″ *
*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:
- Gross Weights
- 5 axles – 96,000
- 6 axles – 120,000 (6 axles and 7 axles on 2-lane)
- 7 axles – 134,000 – 140,000* (On 4-lane with a booster axle rather than a tridem to get over about 134,000)
- Axle Weights
- 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.
Weight does not put you into superload status until around 300,000 pounds gross.
ESCORTS
On 4 or more lane divided highways:
Length: over 120′ – three escorts.
Overhang: Over 10′ – one escort (some highways may need two)
Width:
- Over 12′ – one escort
- Over 14′ – may require two escorts
- Over 16′ – three escorts
Height: Over 14′-11″ – one front escort with height pole
On 2-lane highways:
Length:
- Over 75′ to 85′ – one escort
- Over 85′ – one front and two rear escorts
Overhang: Over 10′ – one escort (some highways may need two escorts)
Width:
- Over 10′-6″ to 12′ – one escort
- Over 12′ to 14′ – two escorts.
Height: Over 14′-11″ – one front escort with height pole
Signs, Flags, and 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.