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Indiana OSOW Regulations

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

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Indiana OSOW Regulations (INDOT/DOR)

  • Width: 8'6" (Federal legal width limit)
  • Height: Varies
  • Length: Varies by vehicle type
  • Gross vehicle weight: 80,000 lbs maximum

Escort Vehicle Requirements

When Escorts Are Required

Over Width

  • Over 14'4" to 17' on dual-lane divided highways: 1 escort required
  • Over 14'4" to 17' on all other roads: 2 escorts required
  • Over 17' on all roads: Front AND rear Police escorts required

Over Length

  • Over 85' long on two-lane highways: 1 front escort required
  • Over 85' long on four-lane highways: 1 rear escort required

Over Weight

  • Over 200,000 lbs GVW: 2 escort pilot cars required
  • Over 200,000 lbs GVW: Indiana State Police escort required unless:
    • Route entirely on Interstates
    • No slowdowns required
    • Vehicle weight under 250,000 lbs GVW

Escort Vehicle Specifications

Vehicle Requirements

  • Minimum four wheels
  • Maximum gross vehicle registration weight: 11,000 lbs

Communications

  • Radio communication required with permitted vehicle and/or load

Distance Requirements

  • Must not be more than 500 feet away from oversize vehicle and/or load

Lighting

  • Flashing amber light mounted on top

Signs

  • "OVERSIZE LOAD" sign visible to approaching traffic

Transport Vehicle Requirements

Signs

  • "OVERSIZE LOAD" signs required on all permitted vehicles/loads

Flags

  • Quantity: 2 flags required (18" square)
  • Placement: At widest point of oversize movements

Operating Times

Loads 110+ feet long, 10' to 14'4" wide, up to 15' tall

  • 1/2 hour before sunrise to 1/2 hour after sunset
  • 7 days a week

Loads 14'4" to 16' wide

  • Monday through Friday only
  • 1/2 hour before sunrise to 1/2 hour after sunset

Loads over 16' wide, over 15' high, or over 200,000 lbs

  • Monday through Friday only
  • Usually: 8:30 AM - 3:30 PM
  • 24/7 continuous travel

Holiday Restrictions

No travel from noon of day preceding through 1/2 hour before sunrise on day following:

  • New Year's Day
  • Memorial Day
  • Independence Day
  • Labor Day
  • Thanksgiving Day
  • Christmas Day

Administering Agencies

  • Permits issued by: Indiana Department of Revenue (DOR) Motor Carrier Services (MCS)
  • Rules set by: Indiana Department of Transportation (INDOT)

Contact Information

  • Website: https://www.in.gov/dor/motor-carrier-services/oversizeoverweight-osw/
  • State: Indiana
  • Agency: Indiana Department of Revenue - Motor Carrier Services
  • Guidance: Indiana Department of Transportation (INDOT)

Regulatory References

  • Indiana Department of Revenue - Motor Carrier Services
  • https://www.in.gov/dor/motor-carrier-services/oversizeoverweight-osw/
  • https://jjkellercompliancenetwork.com/regsense/oversize-and-overweight-movements-indiana

Last Updated: 2025-11-11