Louisiana OSOW Regulations (DOTD)
Legal Dimensions (No Permit Required)
- Width: 8'6"
- Height: 13'6" to 14'
- Length: 59' (single vehicle)
- Gross vehicle weight: 80,000 lbs
Legal Weights (No Permit Required)
- Single axle: 20,000 lbs
- Tandem axle: 34,000 lbs
Maximum Permitted Sizes
Monthly permits - vehicles and loads may not exceed:
- Width: 12 feet
- Height: 14 feet 4 inches
- Length: 90 feet
Single trip permits:
- Maximum width: 14 feet
- Maximum length: No set limit
Permit Types and Costs
Single Trip Oversize Permits
- Cost: $8 for a single trip (if trip lasts less than one day)
- OR $8 for a single day (if trip lasts more than one day)
Monthly Oversize Permits
- Cost: $8 for each day that the permit is valid
- Maximum dimensions: 12' wide, 14'4" high, 90' long
Overweight Permits
- Valid for: Single trip only
- Fee: Based on weight and distance to be traveled
- Important: If a vehicle and load is both oversize and overweight, only the overweight fee is charged
Weight-based fees:
| Weight Range | 50 miles | 51-100 miles | 101-150 miles | 151-200 miles | Over 200 miles |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 80,001-100,000 lbs | $30 | $45 | $65 | $80 | $100 |
| Over 254,000 lbs | $10 + $0.50 per ton-mile for weight over 80,000 lbs |
Insurance Requirements
CRITICAL REQUIREMENT:
- OSOW truck loads seeking to operate in Louisiana must present a certificate of insurance for a minimum of $100,000
Important 2025 Update
Effective Tuesday evening, September 2, 2025:
- All New Annual Oversize/Overweight Heavy Equipment Permits will require a Registered Route to be approved prior to each move
Escort Vehicle Requirements
Certification Requirement
- Louisiana requires P/EVO certification
- Must obtain certification to escort oversize/overweight loads
When Escorts Are Required
Over Width
- Over 12' wide: 1 escort pilot car
- Over 16' wide on 2-lane or multi-lane highways: 1 State Police escort
- Over 18' wide: 2 State Police escorts
Over Length
- Over 90' long: 1 escort pilot car
- Over 125' long: 1 State Police escort (steerable dolly required)
Over Height
- Over 15'10" (traveling off Interstate): 1 escort pilot car with height pole
- Over 16'8": May require escort with utility lift (depends on routes)
Special City Requirements - New Orleans (Non-Interstate)
Police escort required if:
- Width over 12', OR
- Height over 13'6", OR
- Length over 90'
Operating Times
Travel Restrictions
In general, permitted oversize load vehicles are prohibited from traveling:
- Night travel: Sunset to sunrise
- Certain designated holidays
Electronic Permits
- Louisiana accepts electronic permits
- Valid on smartphones or tablets
- No minimum screen size requirement
Contact Information
- Website: https://dotd.la.gov/about/office-of-operations/oversized-and-overweight-truck-permits/
- Main website: https://wwwsp.dotd.la.gov/
- State: Louisiana
- Agency: Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development (DOTD)
- Office: Office of Operations - Oversized and Overweight Truck Permits
Regulatory References
- Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development
- Louisiana Administrative Code Title 73 - Part I - Chapter 3 - Oversize and Overweight Permit
- Louisiana Regulations for Trucks, Vehicles, and Loads (Updated 2025)
- https://dotd.la.gov/about/office-of-operations/oversized-and-overweight-truck-permits/
- https://dotd.la.gov/media/2u4lj431/rules-and-regulations-1.pdf
- https://regulations.justia.com/states/louisiana/title-73/part-i/chapter-3/
- https://jjkellercompliancenetwork.com/regsense/oversize-and-overweight-movements-louisiana
Last Updated: 2025-11-12