Ohio OSOW Regulations (ODOT)
Legal Dimensions (No Permit Required)
- Width: 8'6"
- Height: 13'6"
- Length - Semi-trailer and load: 53'
Legal Weights (No Permit Required)
- Gross vehicle weight: 80,000 lbs maximum
- Single axle: 20,000 lbs
- Tandem axle: 34,000 lbs
- Tridem axle: 48,000 lbs
When Permit Is Required
- Over 8'6" wide
- Over 13'6" high
- Trailer over 53' long
- Overweight loads (exceeding legal weight limits)
Permit Application Requirements
Information Required:
- Load dimensions (width, height, length)
- Tire size and axle weights (if overweight)
- Dimensions of tractor/trailer
- Overhang measurements
- Exact address if start or end point is in Ohio
CRITICAL REQUIREMENT:
- OS-32 Insurance Certificate must be on file!
Escort Vehicle Requirements
When Escorts Are Required
Over Width
- Over 13' wide: 1 lead escort (rear on multiple-lane highways)
- Over 14'6" wide: 1 lead escort AND 1 rear escort
Over Height
- Over 14'6" high: 1 lead escort vehicle equipped with height sensing device
- Over 14'10" high: 1 lead escort AND 1 rear escort
Over Length
- Over 90' long: 1 rear escort vehicle
Multiple Conditions Met
- If more than one condition applies: 1 lead escort AND 1 rear escort
- Example: Load over 13' wide AND over 90' long requires both escorts
Escort Vehicle Specifications
General Requirements:
- None stipulated by state
Signs
- "OVERSIZE LOAD" warning sign required
- Background: Yellow
- Letters: Black
- Sign dimensions: 5 feet long x 12 inches high
- Letter height: 8 inches
Lighting
- Roof-mounted amber flashing or rotating light(s) required
Flags
- None stipulated
Additional Equipment Required
- 2-way radio (for communication)
- Height pole (when required for loads over 14'6" high)
Escort Vehicle Operator Requirements
- No state-mandated certification or training required
Operating Times
Standard Hours
- General permitted loads: 1/2 hour before sunrise to 1/2 hour after sunset
Overweight-Only Loads
- 24-7 travel permitted for overweight loads
- Requirement: Dimensions must be legal (not exceeding width, height, or length limits)
Width-Based Travel Times
Loads up to 12' wide:
- Daylight hours, 7 days a week
Loads over 12' wide:
- Weekdays: 1/2 hour before sunrise to 1/2 hour after sunset
- Saturday & Sunday: 1/2 hour before sunrise to 3:00 PM only
Holiday Restrictions
No movement allowed on the following holidays:
- New Year's Day
- Memorial Day
- Independence Day (July 4th)
- Labor Day
- Thanksgiving
- Christmas
Permit Office Closed (additional holidays):
- Martin Luther King Day
- Washington's Birthday
- Columbus Day
- Veteran's Day
- Day after Thanksgiving
City-Specific Curfews
Movement of all vehicles/loads exceeding 12' wide is PROHIBITED:
Within 25-mile radius of:
- Cincinnati
- Cleveland
- Columbus
Within corporate limits of:
- Akron
- Canton
- Dayton
- Lima
- Toledo
- Youngstown
Curfew Hours:
- Morning: 6:30 AM - 9:00 AM
- Evening: 4:30 PM - 6:00 PM
Road Conditions Information
Road Conditions Hotline:
- From within Ohio: (888) 2OH-ROAD
- From outside Ohio: (614) 466-7170 #5
Road Conditions/Construction Map:
- Website: http://www.buckeyetraffic.org/
Contact Information
Ohio Department of Transportation - Special Hauling Permits
Address: Ohio Department of Transportation Special Hauling Permits 1610 W Broad St Columbus, OH 43223
Phone: (614) 351-2300 Fax: (614) 728-4099 Email: hauling.permits@dot.state.oh.us Hours: 7:30 AM - 4:30 PM Eastern Time
Website: https://www.transportation.ohio.gov/
State: Ohio Agency: Ohio Department of Transportation (ODOT)
Ohio Turnpike Commission
Address: Ohio Turnpike Commission 882 Prospect St. Berea, OH
Phone: (440) 234-2081 Fax: (440) 234-6529
Note: Separate permit requirements may apply for Ohio Turnpike travel
Regulatory References
- Ohio Department of Transportation
- Ohio Form OS-32 (Insurance Certificate) - REQUIRED ON FILE
- Ohio Form DOT-2198A (Form OS-1A)
- https://www.transportation.ohio.gov/
- http://www.buckeyetraffic.org/ (Road conditions)
- https://www.ohioturnpike.org/
- hauling.permits@dot.state.oh.us
- https://jjkellercompliancenetwork.com/regsense/oversize-and-overweight-movements-ohio
Last Updated: 2025-11-11