Washington Oversize Permits, Pilot Cars & Curfews

The numbers

Washington legal limits (no permit)

Dimension	Legal limit
Width	8 ft 6 in
Height	14 ft
Length	53 ft trailer (tractor/trailer); 40 ft single unit; 75 ft overall truck + trailer
Overhang	3 ft front, 15 ft rear
Weight	Set by tire size, axle weight and the weight table, whichever is least (WSDOT legal weight chart)

Source: WSDOT: Commercial vehicle permits. Checked Oct 15, 2026.

Permits

WSDOT special motor vehicle permits

Permits are issued only for non-divisible loads. Most routine permits can be self-issued online 24/7. You can also get them through authorized permit agents or a WSDOT office. They are not available at Ports of Entry.

Self-issued but needs approval: night travel over 12 ft wide, 14 ft 6 in high or 105 ft overall.
Superloads (WSDOT office only): over 16 ft wide, 16 ft high, 125 ft load length, or 200,000 lb.
Also WSDOT office only: 8-tire axle weight permits over 43,000 lb on a tandem or 22,000 lb on a single axle.
The carrier is responsible for the route and for checking overhead clearances (WSDOT bridge list and Vertical Clearance Trip Planner).

Source: WSDOT: Commercial vehicle permits. Checked Oct 15, 2026.

Pilot cars

Escort requirements (WAC 468-38-100)

Trigger	Pilot/escort required
Over 11 ft wide	Front + rear on two-lane highways
Over 14 ft wide	1 rear on multilane highways
Over 20 ft wide	Front + rear on multilane undivided highways
Over 14 ft 6 in high	1 front with height pole, all highways
Trailer + load over 105 ft	1 rear on two-lane highways
Trailer + load over 125 ft	1 rear on multilane highways
Over 12 ft wide on multilane when height needs a front escort	Add 1 rear

Pilot/escort operators must be certified.

Sources: WAC 468-38-100; WSDOT Form 560-002 Permit Conditions (PDF). Checked Oct 15, 2026.

When you can roll

Night moves, curfews and holidays

Night moves: loads within 12 ft wide, 14 ft 6 in high and 105 ft long can move at night. Bigger loads need "Nighttime movement approved" on the permit.
Commuter curfews (Mon–Fri): oversize loads are restricted on parts of I-5, I-405, I-90, SR-167, SR-18, SR-512 and others around Seattle-Everett, Tacoma, Olympia, Vancouver, Kelso and Spokane. Typical windows are 6–9 a.m. and 3–7 p.m. Width-only loads under the listed width (usually 10 ft) are exempt. Examples: I-405, the entire route, 6–9 AM and 3–7 PM. I-5 NB, Oregon line to I-205 (Vancouver), 3–6 PM. I-90 Spokane, Medical Lake to Liberty Lake, 6–9 AM and 3–7 PM (under 11 ft 2 in exempt).
Winter: no permit movement where "Traction Advisory Oversize Vehicles Prohibited" or chains-required signs are posted.
Holidays: restricted from noon the day before, through the holiday. Thanksgiving 2026: from noon Wed, Nov 25 through Fri, Nov 27 (the day after Thanksgiving is included).

Source: WSDOT: Curfew hours & holiday restrictions. Checked Oct 15, 2026.

Permit office

WSDOT Commercial Vehicle Services

CVSpermits@wsdot.wa.gov · 360-704-6340 · wsdot.wa.gov commercial vehicle permits

Or skip the paperwork: check your load and call us at (310) 989-6530.

Quick answers

Washington oversize permit FAQ

What is the legal width in Washington?

The legal width in Washington is 8 ft 6 in without a permit.

What is the legal height in Washington?

The legal height in Washington is 14 ft without a permit.

When do I need a pilot car in Washington?

Loads over 11 ft wide need front and rear pilots on two-lane highways, and loads over 14 ft wide need one rear pilot on multilane highways.

When is a Washington load a superload?

Loads over 16 ft wide, 16 ft high, 125 ft load length or 200,000 lb are superloads handled by a WSDOT office.

How do I contact WSDOT Commercial Vehicle Services?

Call 360-704-6340 or email CVSpermits@wsdot.wa.gov.

Answers summarize the sourced sections above. Last verified Oct 15, 2026.

Keep reading

Shipping in Washington?

For lanes, industries and how we plan Washington moves, see Heavy Haul Trucking in Washington. For cross-state answers on pilot cars, legal width and height, superloads and holiday rules, see the Heavy Haul FAQ.