WCS Permits & Pilot Cars - Oversize Load Permits

WCS PERMITS & PILOT CARS

888.PERMIT.3

WCS PERMITS & PILOT CARS

888.PERMIT.3
Order Permits
Permit Portal Login

Pages

Categories

Hauling Oversize Loads in Arkansas

Hauling oversize loads in Arkansas involves several steps.

In Arkansas, you need an oversize load permit if your vehicle exceeds 8’6″ wide, 14’0″ high, 65′ long or 80,000 pounds. 

But the preparation does not end with obtaining oversize load permits. Oversize loads often need pilot cars and specialized equipment is required for travel, including oversize load signs and specialized oversize load LED lights for trucks. 

There are standard pilot car requirements when hauling an oversize load in Arkansas

Permit regulations such as night and weekend travel restrictions and specific curfews should be known prior to travel. 

Routing is another major step in the heavy haul process. Most state agencies will not be aware of temporary construction, bridge heights or travel restrictions on some city/county townships or on Indian reservations. If you have a complicated load, it’s best to check your route or conduct a route survey in advance.   

Arkansas oversize load hauls also may require local city and county permits. Obtaining a state permit in Arkansas does not relieve you of the liability of cities and counties. Most Arkansas cities and counties require additional permits. Choosing not to obtain city or county permits raises liability concerns, specifically two. 

  1.  Ticket/fine: Fines for illegally traveling on city or county roads without a permit range from a few hundred dollars to $30,000 or more.
  2. Accident/Insurance: If you get into an accident while traveling on a city or county road without a permit, your insurance may deny you coverage costing you more than just money.

If you want to speak to a WCS Transportation Consultant about planning your oversize load haul in Arkansas, call (888) 737-6483 now or contact us. An oversize load transport is much more than just permits, a heavy haul transport also includes routing, permit regulations, liability and more.

Order Arkansas Oversize Permits Now
AR PILOT CAR REQUIREMENTS FOR HAULING OVERSIZE LOADS
Pilot Car Width:
  • 12’1 or greater
    • 1 front pilot required, two-lane highway
  • 14’1 or greater
    • 1 front pilot & 1 rear pilot required,
      two-lane highway
    • 1 rear pilot required, four-lane highway
  • Greater than 18’0
    • 2 front pilot & 2 rear pilots required, on all highways.
    • Movement from 9:00 AM – 3:00 PM only
Pilot Car Length:
  • 100’0 or greater
    • 1 front pilot required, two-lane highway
    • 1 rear pilot required, four-lane highway
  • Greater than 115’0
    • 1 front pilot & 1 rear pilot required,
      two-lane highway
  • Greater than 130’0
    • 1 front pilot & 1 rear pilot required
Pilot Car Height:
  • Greater than 15’0
    • 1 front pilot required with height sensor
      • sensor must be extended 6″ inches over the permitted height
  • Greater than 17’0
    • Public Utility escort required on all roadways
Pilot Car Overhang:
Additional Info: State Highway Patrol
LIGHTS & SIGNAGE REQUIRED TO HAUL OVERSIZE IN AR
Light Requirements:

 Light Specs:                                 

  • Amber flashing or strobe light
  • Must be visible for 500 ft., 360 degrees
Sign Requirements:

Signage Specs:

  • Wording
    • “OVERSIZE LOAD”
  •  Size
    • 7′ x 18″
  • Lettering:
    • 10″ x 2″
  • Colors:
    • Black letters on Yellow background
  • Location:
    • Front and rear of the transport vehicle
Flag Requirements:

Flags Specs:

  • 18″ x 18″ Fluorescent Orange or Red squares
  • Located at all four corners of the load
AR PILOT CAR EQUIPMENT REQUIREMENTS TO HAUL OVERSIZE IN AR
Light Requirements:

Light requirements for Arkansas pilot cars:

  • Must be equipped with a flashing or revolving Amber light
  • Must be visible 360 degrees
Sign Requirements:

Sign requirements for Arkansas pilot cars:

    • Wording:
      • "OVERSIZE LOAD"
    • Size:
      • 5’0 x 12″
    • Lettering:
      • 10″ x 2″ brush stroke
    • Colors:
      • Yellow background, Black lettering

Additional Signage Requirement:

  • Must display on each side of vehicle:
    • Name
    • City of the company/owner
    • Telephone number
    • Visible to the motoring public
Flag Requirements:

Flag requirements for Arkansas pilot cars:

  • Two Red 18″ square flags
  • Mounted vertical and/or horizontal atop the escort vehicle at 40 degree to 70 degree angle
  • Flags must not extend more than 6″ pass        sides of the vehicle
  • Maximum width of 8 ft. between flags
  • Flags must be mounted in line with the            warning lights

Vehicle Requirements:

Vehicle requirements for Arkansas pilot cars:

  •  Truck:
    • Minimum load capacity ¼ ton
  • Auto:
    • Minimum gross weight 2,000 lbs.
  • Must be licensed in AR or by a state with         reciprocal agreement
Additional Equipment

Additional equipment for Arkansas pilot cars:

  • Two-Way Radio
  • 10 lbs. Class B & C fire extinguisher
  • Four 15 minute flares, light sticks or triangles

Hauling an Oversize Load?

Over 75 Agents Ready to Help
Contact Us Now
State Oversize Load Haul
Name
Name
First
Last
City, State, Zip
What Services Do You Need Help With?

**Any information entered on this page will not be used to initiate SMS.

WCS Permits & Pilot Cars - Oversize Load Permits

WCS Permits & Pilot Cars is North America’s oversize load permit authority. 

Phone: 888-737-6483

Services
About WCS
Stay Connected

Follow us on social media for the latest industry news, company updates & more.

Facebook X-twitter Youtube Instagram Linkedin

Copyright 2026 © WCS Permits & Pilot Cars. All Rights Reserved. | Site by Creative Touch Comm