In Washington, 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 | Washington legal limit | Permit if over |
|---|---|---|
| Width | 8 ft 6 in | Wider |
| Height | 14 ft | Taller |
| Length (combination) | 75 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 (measured from the center of the last axle) without an over-length permit.
2Escort & pilot car requirements
| Once the load is over… | Washington requires |
|---|---|
| 11 ft wide | 1 escort (pilot car) |
| 11 ft wide | 2 escorts |
| 14 ft 6 in high | Escort with a height pole / pole car |
| 105 ft long | 1 escort · 125 ft → 2 escorts |
| 16 ft high or 16 ft wide | Route survey required |
3When you can travel
- Daylight only — 30 min before sunrise to 30 min after sunset.
- Weekends: Weekend travel is allowed.
- Vehicles/loads within defined envelope (≤12 ft W, ≤14'6" H, ≤105 ft L inc. overhang) may move at night. Over-envelope night moves require prior CVS approval and 'Nighttime Movement Approved' noted on permit. Night = 30 min after sunset to 30 min before sunrise..
- Holiday blackouts: New Year's Day, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving Day, Day after Thanksgiving, Christmas Day.
4Superloads in Washington
A load is a superload once it exceeds any of these:
| Superload trigger | Threshold |
|---|---|
| Width | 16 ft |
| Height | 16 ft |
| Length | 125 ft |
| Gross weight | 200,000 lbs |
Superloads require individual review and roughly 30 days of lead time for approval.
5Permit timing
- Standard single-trip: ~3 business days to issue.
- Superload review: ~30 days.
- Validity: a single-trip permit is good for ~3 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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?Washington permit FAQ
When do I need an oversize permit in Washington?
Once a load exceeds any legal limit: 8 ft 6 in wide, 14 ft high, 75 ft long (combination), or 80,000 lbs gross.
When do I need a pilot car in Washington?
Washington requires one escort over 11 ft wide (two over 11 ft), and a height pole over 14 ft 6 in high.
Can you drive an oversize load at night in Washington?
Daylight only, 30 min before sunrise to 30 min after sunset. Vehicles/loads within defined envelope (≤12 ft W, ≤14'6″ H, ≤105 ft L inc. overhang) may move at night. Over-envelope night moves require prior CVS approval and 'Nighttime Movement Approved' noted on permit. Night = 30 min after sunset to 30 min before sunrise. Weekend travel is allowed within limits.
What counts as a superload in Washington?
Over 16 ft wide, 16 ft high, 125 ft long, or 200,000 lbs gross. It requires individual review and about 30 days of lead time.
How much does a Washington 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 Washington load with FreightDeck →.
How long does it take to get an oversize permit in Washington?
Routine single-trip permits usually issue in about 3 business days; superload review takes about 30 days. A permit is valid for 3 days, so line up every state on the route before applying.
Can oversize loads move on weekends and holidays in Washington?
Weekend travel is allowed. Movement stops on New Year's Day, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving Day, Day after Thanksgiving, and Christmas Day (Commencing at noon of the day preceding each holiday ("may be restricted")); check the permit conditions for exact times.
How much overhang is allowed in Washington?
Rear overhang is limited to 15 ft (measured from the center of the last axle) without an over-length permit.
Does Washington require a route survey?
Yes, once a load is over 16 ft high or 16 ft 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 →
Are any loads exempt from oversize permits in Washington?
Washington publishes exemptions or relaxed rules for farm equipment, and logging trucks (for example exempt moves must be patrolled, flagged, lighted, signed and timed per wsdot rules. above 14 ft wide (or 45,000 lb / 70 ft) the exemption does not apply; wsdot special farm-implement permit rules cover implements up to <20 ft wide, 16 ft high (14 ft in whatcom, skagit, island, snohomish, king), <65,000 lb. rcw 46.44.130 has no non-interstate condition). Exemptions are narrow and usually limited to specific roads and daylight hours; anything else over the legal limits needs a permit.
Does a Washington permit cover Idaho?
No. Every state issues its own permit, and a move crossing into Idaho, Oregon, or British Columbia needs a separate permit there with that state's escort and travel rules. FreightDeck prices every state on the route in one quote.