Unlocking the Road: Your Ultimate Guide to California Oversize Permits with A Permits

Why California Oversize Permits Matter 

California strict transportation laws mean that any vehicle or load exceeding legal dimensions such as 8’6” wide, 14’ high, 65’ long, or 80,000 pounds gross must have a valid California Oversize Permit before hitting the road. These permits are your ticket to compliance, helping you avoid costly fines and delays. 

Types of California Oversize Permits 

At A Permits, we issue a full range of permit types to suit every moving need: 

California Oversize Permits: For loads exceeding standard width, height, or length. 

California Overweight Permits: Required when your load surpasses the legal weight limit. 

California Overhang Permits: For loads with front or rear overhangs beyond legal limits. 

California Single Trip Permits: Ideal for one-time movements of oversize/overweight loads. 

California Annual Permits: Perfect for frequent haulers, covering multiple trips within a year. 

California Oversize Permits Requirements 

Understanding California oversize permits requirements is crucial. Legal limits are: 

Length: 65’ (non-designated highways), 48’ semitrailer (53’ allowed if kingpin to rear axle ≤40’) 

Width: 8’6” 

Height: 14’ 

Weight: 80,000 lbs gross (with axle-specific limits) 

Overhang: 10’, as long as overall length doesn’t exceed 75’12 

Routine permit limits can reach up to 135’ long, 15’ wide, and variable heights and weights depending on the route and axle configuration. 

How to Get a Wide Load Permit in California 

The process for obtaining a California oversize permit online is straightforward with A Permits. Simply provide your load details through our secure portal, and our expert team will handle your California oversize permits application from start to finish. If you need assistance, our support team is just a call away. 

For those with recurring needs, our California oversize permit login feature allows you to track, renew, and manage your permits with ease. 

California Permit Validity and Operating Times 

A California oversize permit is valid for seven days, giving you ample time to complete your haul. Continuous travel is generally allowed if your load doesn’t require escorts, detours from state routes, or exceed a two-vehicle configuration. Night travel is permitted, provided the load is properly lighted. 

Restricted Travel and Escort Requirements in California 

Certain areas and times have travel restrictions for oversize loads, especially those over 10’ wide: 

Sacramento, San Francisco, San Diego: No travel 7–9 am & 4–6 pm (Mon–Fri) 

Los Angeles: No travel 6–9 am & 3–6 pm (Mon–Fri) 

San Francisco/Oakland Bay Bridge: No travel 6:30–9 am & 3:30–6:30 pm 

Loads over 11’ wide or overheight require a highway patrol escort; over 12’ wide restricted to 11 am–1 pm (Mon–Fri).  

Superloads (over 15’ wide, 17’ high, or 135’ long) require special handling and may need additional California DOT permits and escorts. 

Signs, Flags & Lights for oversize load in California