In West Virginia, 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 | West Virginia legal limit | Permit if over |
|---|---|---|
| Width | 8 ft 6 in | Wider |
| Height | 13 ft 6 in | Taller |
| Length (combination) | 70 ft | Longer |
| Gross weight | 80,000 lbs | Heavier |
| Single axle | 20,000 lbs | Heavier |
| Tandem axle | 34,000 lbs | Heavier |
Freight may extend up to 3 ft beyond the front of the truck without an over-length permit.
2Escort & pilot car requirements
| Once the load is over… | West Virginia requires |
|---|---|
| 10 ft 6 in wide | 1 escort (pilot car) |
| 12 ft 1 in wide | 2 escorts |
| 15 ft high | Escort with a height pole / pole car |
| 75 ft long | 1 escort · 95 ft 1 in → 2 escorts |
3When you can travel
- Daylight only — sunrise to sunset.
- Weekends: Weekend travel is restricted for loads over 14 ft wide.
- OW-only (not oversize) up to 110,000 lbs on WV Turnpike / 135,000 lbs other routes may travel 24/7 upon request. OS vehicles beyond 14'0"W travel sunrise-sunset Mon-Fri (excl. Turnpike). Turnpike 18'1"-24'6" wide: Sunday before noon only..
- Holiday blackouts: New Year's Day, Martin Luther King Jr. Day, Presidents' Day, Memorial Day, West Virginia Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Columbus Day, Veterans Day, Thanksgiving Day, Day after Thanksgiving, Christmas Day, Election days, Governor-proclaimed days.
4Superloads in West Virginia
A load is a superload once it exceeds any of these:
| Superload trigger | Threshold |
|---|---|
| Width | 16 ft |
| Gross weight | 120,000 lbs |
Superloads require individual review and roughly 2 days of lead time for approval.
5Permit timing
- Standard single-trip: ~1 business day to issue.
- Superload review: ~2 days.
- Validity: a single-trip permit is good for ~5 days.
Get the full cost of your load
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?West Virginia permit FAQ
When do I need an oversize permit in West Virginia?
Once a load exceeds any legal limit: 8 ft 6 in wide, 13 ft 6 in high, 70 ft long (combination), or 80,000 lbs gross.
When do I need a pilot car in West Virginia?
West Virginia requires one escort over 10 ft 6 in wide (two over 12 ft 1 in), and a height pole over 15 ft high.
Can you drive an oversize load at night in West Virginia?
Daylight only, sunrise to sunset. OW-only (not oversize) up to 110,000 lbs on WV Turnpike / 135,000 lbs other routes may travel 24/7 upon request. OS vehicles beyond 14'0″W travel sunrise-sunset Mon-Fri (excl. Turnpike). Turnpike 18'1″-24'6″ wide: Sunday before noon only. Weekend travel is allowed within limits.
What counts as a superload in West Virginia?
Over 16 ft wide, or 120,000 lbs gross. It requires individual review and about 2 days of lead time.
How much does a West Virginia 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 West Virginia load with FreightDeck →.
How long does it take to get an oversize permit in West Virginia?
Routine single-trip permits usually issue in about 1 business day; superload review takes about 2 days. A permit is valid for 5 days, so line up every state on the route before applying.
Can oversize loads move on weekends and holidays in West Virginia?
Weekend travel is restricted for loads over 14 ft wide. Movement stops on New Year's Day, Martin Luther King Jr. Day, Presidents' Day, Memorial Day, West Virginia Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Columbus Day, Veterans Day, Thanksgiving Day, Day after Thanksgiving, Christmas Day, Election days, and Governor-proclaimed days (<=14 ft: no movement on legal holidays or holiday weekends; >14 ft: no legal holidays (or weekends); no clock times); check the permit conditions for exact times.
How much overhang is allowed in West Virginia?
Freight may extend up to 3 ft beyond the front of the truck without an over-length permit.
Are any loads exempt from oversize permits in West Virginia?
West Virginia publishes exemptions or relaxed rules for farm equipment (for example must be temporarily moved on a highway. the statute sets no road-type or farm-operations condition). Exemptions are narrow and usually limited to specific roads and daylight hours; anything else over the legal limits needs a permit.
Does a West Virginia permit cover Pennsylvania?
No. Every state issues its own permit, and a move crossing into Pennsylvania, Maryland, or Virginia needs a separate permit there with that state's escort and travel rules. FreightDeck prices every state on the route in one quote.