North Carolina OSOW Regulations (NCDOT)

Legal Dimensions (No Permit Required)

• Width: 8'6"
• Height: 13'6" (from roadbed to highest point)
• Length: 60' (on non-designated roads)

Legal Weights (No Permit Required)

• Gross vehicle weight: 80,000 lbs maximum
• Single axle: 20,000 lbs
• Tandem axle: 38,000 lbs

Maximum Permitted Weights

• Single axle: 25,000 lbs
• Tandem axles: 50,000 lbs
• Tridem axles: 60,000 lbs
• Four or more axle grouping: 68,000 lbs
• Maximum vehicle/combination length: 105'

Superload Definition

• Weight over 132,000 lbs, OR
• Width over 15'

Permit Types and Costs

Single Trip Permits

• Base fee: $12 for each dimension over lawful dimensions
• Applies to: Height, length, width, and weight up to 132,000 lbs

Overweight Surcharge:

• Additional fee: $3 per 1,000 lbs over 132,000 lbs

Engineering Study Fee:

• Cost: $100 (nonrefundable)
• Required for: Applications requiring an engineering study for pavement or structures or other special conditions

Annual Permits

• Cost: $100

Important 2025 Updates

Effective August 1, 2025:

• NCDOT will no longer accept faxed permit applications
• Customers must create online accounts with PIMS (Permit Information Management System)

Effective July 1, 2025:

• State Highway Patrol can assess civil penalties up to $10,000 against the registered owner for operating without a required permit

Permit System: PIMS (Permit Information Management System)

Escort Vehicle Requirements

When Escorts Are Required

Over Width

• Annual trip permits over 12' wide: Escort required
• Over 14' wide on two-lane/two-way roads: Front AND rear escort

Over Height

• Over 14'5" high: Front escort equipped with height pole indicator

Over Length

• 150' or greater: Front AND rear escort

Over Weight

• Over 149,999 lbs: Front escort required

Escort Vehicle Certification

• North Carolina requires escort certification
• All escort vehicle operators must obtain approved escort certification prior to performing duties

Escort Vehicle Specifications

Vehicle Requirements

• Truck: Minimum 1/4 ton rated load capacity, maximum 17,000 lbs GVWR, OR
• Single passenger vehicle: Minimum 2,000 lbs gross weight

Transport Vehicle Requirements

Banners

• "OVERSIZE LOAD" banner required:
  • Displayed on front and rear bumpers
  • Required for vehicle combinations permitted for more than 10' wide

Flags

• Required: All loads wider than 8'6"
• Color: Red or orange
• Size: 18" square
• Placement: Each corner and at widest point

Communications and Lighting

• Power unit and escort vehicle must maintain radio contact
• Headlamps must burn during movement

Operating Times

Standard Hours

• Monday through Saturday: Sunrise to sunset

Sunday Travel

• Not permitted without specific authorization on permit

Penalties and Fines

Major 2025 Change - Effective July 1, 2025

State Highway Patrol Civil Penalties:

• Up to $10,000 against the registered owner for operating without issuance of required permit

Current Penalties (Until July 1, 2025)

Operating without permit issuance:

• Civil penalty: $500

Operating without proper number of certified escorts:

• Civil penalty: $1,500

Other violations:

• $500 each for:
  • Moving loads off specified route
  • Falsifying permit information
  • Failing to comply with dimension restrictions

General Violations

Fine range:

• $100 to $500 per violation

Important: All permit violations are assessed civil penalties due and payable at time of inspection

Overweight Penalties

Over 5,000 lbs overweight:

• Penalty: $0.10 per pound

Official Authority

• G.S. 20-118 and 20-119 (North Carolina General Statutes)

Contact Information

• Website: https://www.ncdot.gov/
• State: North Carolina
• Agency: North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT) - Division of Highways
• Unit: Oversize/Overweight Permit Unit

Regulatory References

• North Carolina Department of Transportation
• 19A NCAC 02D .0602 (Permits - Issuance Requirements)
• North Carolina General Statutes Chapter 20-119
• NCDOT Oversize/Overweight Permit Handbook
• https://www.ncdot.gov/
• https://jjkellercompliancenetwork.com/regsense/oversize-and-overweight-movements-north-carolina

Last Updated: 2025-11-11