South Carolina OSOW Regulations (SCDOT)

Legal Dimensions (No Permit Required)

• Width: 8'6"
• Height: 13'6"
• Length: 53' (semitrailers)
• Gross vehicle weight: 80,000 lbs

Legal Weights (No Permit Required)

• Single axle: 20,000 lbs
• Tandem axle: 34,000 lbs

Permit Validity

• 7 days

Escort Vehicle Requirements

Communications Requirement

• Direct two-way radio communication required between escort vehicle(s) and towing vehicle at all times

When Escorts Are Required

Over Width

• 12' to 14' wide on two-lane highways: 1 front escort required
• 14' to 16' wide on all roads: 1 front escort AND 1 rear escort required
• Over 16' wide: 1 front escort, 1 rear escort, AND police escort required

Over Height

• Overheight loads: 1 escort with height pole may be required

Rear Overhang

• Over 10' rear overhang: 1 escort required

Escort Signage

• "OVERSIZE LOAD" or "WIDE LOAD" sign/banner
• Dimensions: Minimum 12 inches high x 7 feet wide
• Letters: 10 inches high, 1.5 inches wide
• Colors: Black letters on yellow background

Operating Times

Standard Hours

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

Sunday Travel

• Generally prohibited
• Exception: Overweight-only loads not exceeding 130,000 lbs that can maintain traffic flow speed

Contact Information

• Website: https://www.scdot.org/business/permits-osow.html
• State: South Carolina
• Agency: South Carolina Department of Transportation (SCDOT)

Regulatory References

• South Carolina Department of Transportation
• SCDOT Guidelines for Movement Over South Carolina Highways
• https://www.scdot.org/business/permits-osow.html
• https://jjkellercompliancenetwork.com/regsense/oversize-and-overweight-movements-south-carolina

Last Updated: 2025-11-11