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Alabama OSOW Regulations

Permit, escort, and operating-hour requirements for oversize and overweight moves in Alabama.

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Alabama OSOW Regulations (ALDOT)

  • Width: 8' (roadways <12 ft wide) or 8'6" (roadways 12'+ wide)
  • Height: 13'6"
  • Length: Single vehicle 40', Truck-semitrailer 57'
  • Legal overhang: 5' front and rear
  • Single axle: 20,000 lbs (maximum on any one axle)
  • Tandem axle: 34,000 lbs (maximum per tandem)
  • Two consecutive tandem axles: 34,000 lbs each if overall distance between first and last axles ≥36 ft
  • Gross weight: 80,000 lbs maximum (Interstate Highway System)
  • Bridge Formula: W = 500 (LN/(N-1) + 12N + 36)
    • W = overall gross weight on group of 2+ consecutive axles (to nearest 500 lbs)
    • L = distance in feet between extreme of any group of 2+ consecutive axles
    • N = number of axles in group
  • Enforcement Tolerance: 10% additional weight allowed (does not constitute violation)
  • Axle Weight Distribution: If any axle in group exceeds 20,000 lbs, it cannot exceed any other axle in group by more than 50%

Weight Exemptions and Special Provisions

  • APU/Idle Reduction Technology: Additional 400 lbs allowed (must provide written proof/certification of APU weight)
  • Dump trucks, concrete mixers, fuel/gasoline trucks, special work trucks: 20,000 lbs per axle limit (no axle spacing requirements), max gross per axle count
  • Concrete mixing trucks: Within 50 miles of home base, no axle spacing requirements if within max gross weight
  • Asphalt plant mix delivery: Within 50 miles of home base, no special requirements if within max gross weight
  • Agricultural vehicles (2-3 axle): No axle spacing or gross weight requirements when used exclusively for farm commodities/products
  • Farm trailers (2-8 wheel, 1-4 axle): Max 36,000 lbs or 10,000 lbs per axle (whichever is less) when used exclusively for agricultural purposes
  • Refrigerated milk transport: Exempt from weight provisions when reasonably necessary for public health
  • Mining equipment (bauxite): Annual permit allows up to 27,000 lbs single axle (max 16' wide, 18' high, no bridges/overpasses/interstates)

Permit Requirements - Escort Vehicles

  • Height: Front escort with height indicator required for >15'6"
  • Width 12-14 ft: 1 front escort (two-lane roads) OR 1 rear escort (multilane roads)
  • Width >14 ft: 1 front AND 1 rear escort (all roads)
  • Length 90-125 ft: 1 rear escort required
  • Length 125-150 ft: 1 front AND 1 rear escort required
  • Length >150 ft: Front AND rear LAW ENFORCEMENT escorts required
  • Load extending >5 ft beyond rear: rear escort required
  • Load extending ≥10 ft beyond front: front escort required

Transport Vehicle Requirements

  • Banner: "OVERSIZE LOAD" black on yellow, 7 ft wide x 18 in high, 10" letters, 1.4-1.5" brush stroke, front and rear (don't block license plate/headlights)
  • Flags: 18" square fluorescent orange or red at four corners (extremities of load)
  • Lights: Flashing/strobe amber light, 360° visible at 500 ft

Escort Vehicle Requirements

  • Sign: "OVERSIZE LOAD" black on yellow, 10" letters, 1.4-1.5" brush stroke, front and rear mounted
  • No trailers allowed
  • Amber lights: 360° visible at 500 ft
  • Headlights: on low beam
  • Communication: required between all vehicles
  • Driver: Minimum 18 years old, valid license, pilot/escort flagging course within 12 months

Running Hours

  • Allowed: 1/2 hour before sunrise to 1/2 hour after sunset
  • No running on Sundays
  • No running on holidays: New Year's Day, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day

Annual Permit (Vehicle-specific, VIN must match)

  • Cost: $100
  • Valid: 1 year
  • Max dimensions: 12' wide x 14' high x 75' long
  • Max weight: 150,000 lbs (weights >100,000 lbs require advance routing)
  • Max single axle: 22,000 lbs

Single Trip Permit

  • Valid: 5 days
  • Valid for: one round trip

Mobile Homes

  • Single trip permit max: 16' wide x 16' high
  • Annual permit max: 14' wide x 14' high
  • Mobile homes ≥12' wide up to 14' wide: require "Routing Authorization" permit from Permit Office (must accompany annual permit)
  • Special lighting system option: 2 flashing lights, 360° visible at 500 ft, 6 ft above ground on rear corners (can replace rear escort in some conditions)

Overweight Fines (Standard)

  • 2,000-3,000 lbs over: $10
  • 3,001-4,000 lbs over: $30
  • 4,001-5,000 lbs over: $60
  • 5,001+ lbs over: $100

Oversize/Overweight Violation Penalties

  • General oversize violations: $100-$500 per violation (set by individual counties)
  • Section 32-9A-2(a)(1) violation: $25-$2,000 fine + possible imprisonment up to 30 days (misdemeanor)
  • Section 32-9A-2(a)(2)a. violation or motor carrier violation of 32-9A-2(a)(2)b.: $1,000-$2,500 fine (misdemeanor)
  • Metal coil cargo violations (dropped, fallen, spilled, shifted, or escaped from vehicle): $2,500-$5,000 fine (misdemeanor)

⚠️ Important: Violations can result in criminal misdemeanor charges with both fines and potential jail time. Proper permitting, weight compliance, and cargo securement are critical.

Contact Information

  • Phone: 334-834-1092
  • Fax: 334-832-9084
  • Hours: 7:00 AM - 4:45 PM Central
  • Website: http://www.dot.state.al.us/

Regulatory Sources

  • Alabama Department of Transportation (ALDOT) Operations Division
  • Administrative Code, Chapter 450-3-1 (3-31-2016)
  • https://www.dot.state.al.us/maweb/pdf/Rule%20and%Regulations(Post%20June3017)%20Presentation[1].pdf
  • https://www.dot.state.al.us/maweb/Oversize&OverweightPermitInformation.html

Last Updated: 2025-11-11