OSOW
(262) 666-2266Go To App

OSOW Marketing

Tennessee OSOW Regulations

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

Request a Quote Call 24/7: (262) 666-2266

Tennessee OSOW Regulations (TDOT)

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

Maximum Permitted Dimensions

  • Width: 16' maximum
  • Height: 15' maximum
  • Length: 120' maximum

Movements Beyond Maximum Limits

  • Over 16' wide or 15' high: Generally will not be permitted unless proven to be in interests of public welfare, safety, or national defense

Maximum Permitted Weights

Standard Axle Weights

  • Single axle: 20,000 lbs maximum
  • Tandem axle: 40,000 lbs maximum

Heavier Loads (Special Permit)

  • Single axle: Maximum 23,000 lbs
  • Tandem axle group: Maximum 46,000 lbs
  • Tridem: Maximum 60,000 lbs

Special Classifications

  • "Super heavy": Total gross weight exceeds 165,000 lbs
  • "Extra-overdimensional": Width exceeds 16' OR height exceeds 15'6"

Escort Vehicle Requirements

When Escorts Are Required

Over Width

  • Two-lane highways (certain widths): 1 escort vehicle to precede movement
  • Over 14' wide: 1 front escort AND 1 rear escort
  • 14' to 16' wide: 1 rear escort

Overweight Only

  • No escorts or flagpersons required for overweight-only moves

Transport Vehicle Requirements

Signs

"OVERSIZE LOAD" signs required for:

  • Movements exceeding 10' width, AND/OR
  • Movements exceeding 75' length
  • Placement: Front and rear

Flags

  • Color: Red
  • Required for overwidth loads:
    • Front and rear
    • Top and bottom on each side where load is widest
  • Required for overlength loads:
    • At extreme rear end

Lights

Loads over 75' overall length but not exceeding 85':

  • Rotating or strobe type amber light required on end of load

Operating Times

Standard Hours

  • Daylight travel only for most overdimensional loads

High-Density Area Restrictions

  • Weekdays 7:00 AM - 9:00 AM: Travel may be restricted
  • Weekdays 4:00 PM - 6:00 PM: Travel may be restricted

Holiday Restrictions

No travel permitted on:

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

Contact Information

  • Website: https://www.tn.gov/tdot/
  • State: Tennessee
  • Agency: Tennessee Department of Transportation (TDOT)

Regulatory References

  • Tennessee Department of Transportation
  • Tennessee Code § 55-7-205
  • TDOT Rules 1680-07-01 (Overweight Over-dimensional Movements)
  • https://www.tn.gov/tdot/
  • https://jjkellercompliancenetwork.com/regsense/oversize-and-overweight-movements-tennessee

Last Updated: 2025-11-11