In British Columbia, 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 | British Columbia legal limit | Permit if over |
|---|---|---|
| Width | 8 ft 6 in | Wider |
| Height | 13 ft 7 in | Taller |
| Length (combination) | 75 ft | Longer |
| Gross weight | 139,991 lbs | Heavier |
| Single axle | 20,062 lbs | Heavier |
| Tandem axle | 37,480 lbs | Heavier |
British Columbia sets no general front-overhang allowance — freight ahead of the trailer counts toward its length limits.
2Escort & pilot car requirements
| Once the load is over… | British Columbia requires |
|---|---|
| 10 ft 6 in wide | 1 escort (pilot car) |
| 12 ft 6 in wide | 2 escorts |
| 101 ft 8 in long | 1 escort |
| 16 ft high or 19 ft 8 in wide | Route survey required |
3When you can travel
- Night travel permitted in defined conditions.
- Weekend travel allowed within dimensional limits.
- Holiday blackouts: New Year's Day, Family Day, Good Friday, Victoria Day, Canada Day, BC Day, Labour Day, Thanksgiving, Remembrance Day, Christmas, Boxing Day.
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?British Columbia permit FAQ
When do I need an oversize permit in British Columbia?
Once a load exceeds any legal limit: 8 ft 6 in wide, 13 ft 7 in high, 75 ft long (combination), or 139,991 lbs gross.
When do I need a pilot car in British Columbia?
British Columbia requires one escort over 10 ft 6 in wide (two over 12 ft 6 in).
Can you drive an oversize load at night in British Columbia?
British Columbia allows night movement in defined conditions. Weekend travel is allowed within limits.
How much does a British Columbia 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 British Columbia load with FreightDeck →.
Can oversize loads move on weekends and holidays in British Columbia?
Weekend travel is allowed within the same dimensional limits. Movement stops on New Year's Day, Family Day, Good Friday, Victoria Day, Canada Day, BC Day, Labour Day, Thanksgiving, Remembrance Day, Christmas, and Boxing Day; check the permit conditions for exact times.
How much overhang is allowed in British Columbia?
British Columbia sets no general front-overhang allowance — freight ahead of the trailer counts toward its length limits.
Does British Columbia require a route survey?
Yes, once a load is over 16 ft high or 19 ft 8 in wide. The survey checks every bridge, sign, signal and wire on the route and is filed with the permit; it usually takes longer than the permit itself, so start it first. What a route survey involves →
Does British Columbia have spring thaw weight restrictions?
Yes. Seasonal axle weight limits apply roughly March through May, cutting posted limits by about 15%. Overweight permits on posted roads are limited or unavailable during the window, so schedule heavy deliveries around it. Spring thaw rules by state →
Does a British Columbia permit cover Alberta?
No. Every state issues its own permit, and a move crossing into Alberta, Washington, or Idaho needs a separate permit there with that state's escort and travel rules. FreightDeck prices every state on the route in one quote.