In Arkansas, any load that exceeds the legal size or weight limits requires an oversize/overweight permit before it moves. Below are the legal limits and the requirements that apply at each threshold.
1When you need a permit
A load is oversize or overweight once it passes any of these:
| Dimension | Arkansas legal limit | Permit if over |
|---|---|---|
| Width | 8 ft 6 in | Wider |
| Height | 13 ft 6 in | Taller |
| Length (combination) | 60 ft | Longer |
| Gross weight | 80,000 lbs | Heavier |
| Single axle | 20,000 lbs | Heavier |
| Tandem axle | 34,000 lbs | Heavier |
Rear overhang is limited to 15 ft and front overhang to 3 ft before it counts toward length, and any overhang must be flagged.
2Escort & pilot car requirements
| When the load reaches… | Arkansas requires |
|---|---|
| 12 ft wide | 1 escort (pilot car) |
| 14 ft wide | 2 escorts |
| 15 ft high | Escort with a height pole / pole car |
| 100 ft long | 1 escort · 115 ft → 2 escorts |
| 17 ft high or 16 ft wide | Route survey required |
3When you can travel
- Night travel permitted in defined conditions — Night movement allowed for loads not exceeding 12 ft wide, 150,000 lbs, 99 ft long, 13'6" height with amber lights/escort.
- Weekend travel allowed within dimensional limits.
- Holiday blackouts: New Year's Day, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day.
4Superloads in Arkansas
A load is a superload once it exceeds any of these:
| Superload trigger | Threshold |
|---|---|
| Width | 16 ft 6 in |
| Height | 15 ft 6 in |
| Length | 100 ft |
| Gross weight | 180,000 lbs |
Superloads require individual review and roughly 5 days of lead time for approval.
5Permit timing
- Standard single-trip: ~1 business day to issue.
- Superload: ~5 days (route survey + review).
- Validity: a single-trip permit is good for ~5 days.
Get the full cost of your load
FreightDeck estimates every cost on an oversize move — permits, escorts, police, route survey, engineering, and the truck rate — for your exact load and route, across all 48 states and Canada, up to superload size.
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?Arkansas permit FAQ
When do I need an oversize permit in Arkansas?
Once a load exceeds any legal limit: 8 ft 6 in wide, 13 ft 6 in high, 60 ft long (combination), or 80,000 lbs gross.
When do I need a pilot car in Arkansas?
Arkansas requires one escort at 12 ft wide (two at 14 ft), and a height pole at 15 ft high.
Can you drive an oversize load at night in Arkansas?
Arkansas allows night movement in defined conditions (Night movement allowed for loads not exceeding 12 ft wide, 150,000 lbs, 99 ft long, 13'6" height with amber lights/escort). Weekend travel is allowed within limits.
What counts as a superload in Arkansas?
Over 16 ft 6 in wide, 15 ft 6 in high, 100 ft long, or 180,000 lbs gross. It requires individual review and about 5 days of lead time.
How much does a Arkansas oversize permit cost?
The state permit fee depends on the load's size and weight. The full cost of a move also includes escorts, police, route surveys, engineering, and the truck rate, which vary by route. FreightDeck estimates all of it for your exact load — price your Arkansas load with FreightDeck →.