Electronic Oversize Permits Now Accepted by More States

More states are now allowing drivers to carry and display oversize load permits electronically on screens seven-inches or larger, instead of having to carry hard, paper copies.

Carrying and displaying oversize/overweight load permits electronically will provide convenience for those drivers who use a smart phone, tablet or laptop to conduct business. Some smart phones and most tablets meet the seven-inch screen requirement.

Drivers are taking caution as those who rely on smart phones only to show electronic permits in states allowed must be within their data carriers service area. If out of the coverage area, the driver will be considered as having no permit.

Below is the breakdown of where each state sits on electronic versus paper permits:

AL — Must have a paper permit

AK — Must be able to show permit regardless of service area or will be considered to have no permit

AZ — Signed paper copy only, no plans to change

AR — Electronic permits allowed on seven-inch screen or larger

CA — Paper copy only at this time

CO — Electronic permit allowed, no minimum screen size

CT — Electronic verification of permit is acceptable.  The driver must be able to produce the permit on an electronic devise to show enforcement if pulled over. 

DE — Must have paper permit, state does not allow electronic hand held devices at all per state law

FL — Electronic permits are allowed with no minimum screen size, although blanket permits must be a paper copy

GA — Must have paper permit

HI – Must have paper permit

ID – Must have paper permit

IL — Electronic permits are acceptable on smart phone, tablet or computer

IN — Electronic permits are acceptable, no screen minimum requirements

IA — Electronic permits are acceptable, no screen minimum requirements

KS — State law says paper permits only, however some highway patrol will accept electronic permits with permit number

KY — Law reads must have a copy but if pulled over they will accept an electronic copy.

LA — Electronic permits are acceptable, no screen minimum requirements

ME — Must have paper permit

MD — Electroic permits acceptable on smart phone or tablet.

MA — Must have paper permit

MI — Must have paper permit

MN – Electronic permits are acceptable, must be readable, no screen requirement noted

MS — Electronic permits are acceptable, no screen size or device requirement

MO — Electronic permits are acceptable, no screen size or device requirement

MT —  Electronic permits are acceptable, no screen size or device requirement

NE —  Electronic permits are acceptable, no screen size or device requirement

NV — Must have paper permit

NH — Electronic permits are acceptable if permit can be signed electronically only

NJ — Paper copy recommended

NM — Electronic permits are acceptable

NY — Must have paper permit

NY THRU — Must have paper permit

NC — Electronic permits are acceptable, no screen size or device requirement

ND — Electronic permits are acceptable, no screen size or device requirement

OH — Must have paper permit

OK — Must have paper permit

OR — Scales accept electronic permits, but the state police still have the right to require paper permit

PA — Must have paper permit

RI — Up to officer’s discretion, it is advised to carry paper even with electronic permit

SC — Must have paper permit

SD — Must have paper permit, but looking to change to electronic in near future

TN — Electronic permits are acceptable

TX — Up to law enforcement’s discretion, paper copy is still recommended

UT – Electronic permits are acceptable, no screen size or device requirement

VT — Electronic permits are acceptable, no screen size or device requirement

VA — Electronic permits are acceptable

WA — May have it upload to phone or tablet but it must be signed.

WV — Electroic permits acceptable on smart phone or tablet.

WI — Must have paper permit, farmers can show their no cost permits electronically

WY — Must have paper permit