WCS Permits & Pilot Cars - Oversize Load Permits

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Hauling Oversize Loads in California

Hauling oversize loads in California involves several steps.

In California, 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 California, but in some cases loads as little as 10-feet wide will require a pilot car. The state of California has some of the strictest pilot car requirements. 

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.   

California oversize load hauls also may require local city and county permits. Obtaining a state permit in California does not relieve you of the liability of cities and counties. Most California 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 California, 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 California Oversize Permits Now
CA PILOT CAR REQUIREMENTS FOR HAULING OVERSIZE LOADS
Pilot Car Width:12’0, refer to additional info
Pilot Car Length:120’0, refer to additional info
Pilot Car Height:Greater than 17'0"
Pilot Car Overhang:Greater than 25'0"
Additional Info: View CA Pilot Car Maps
LIGHTS & SIGNAGE REQUIRED TO HAUL OVERSIZE IN CA
Light Requirements (Night Only):

 Light Specs:                                                                     Night Only:

  • Side overhang, 12″ or more off the side of the trailer and less than 120’0 long
  • Steady Amber, visible for 300’0 located at        front and rear
    120’0
  • Long or greater must have Red light visible for 300’0 located at front and rear
  • Rear overhang exceeding 3’0 must have          steady Red light, visible for 300’0 located at    end of overhang
Sign Requirements:

Signage Specs:

  • Wording:
    • “OVERSIZE LOAD”
  •  Size:
    • 12″ x 72″
  • Lettering:
    • 2″ brush stroke
  • Colors:
    • Black letters on Yellow background
  • Location:
    • Front and rear of the transport vehicle
Flag Requirements:

Flags Specs:

  • 18″ x 18″ Red or fluorescent Orange flags        required
    • If the vehicle and/or equipment is           operated other than during darkness
CA PILOT CAR EQUIPMENT REQUIREMENTS TO HAUL OVERSIZE IN CA
Light Requirements:

Light requirements for California pilot cars:

  • Must be equipped with
    flashing Amber warning lights
  • Must be visible 360 degrees
Sign Requirements:

Sign requirements for California pilot cars:

  • Sign:
    • "OVERSIZE" or "OVERSIZE LOAD"
  • Sign placement:
    • Minimum 48″ above ground
  • Sign size:
    • 440 sq. inches minimum
  • Lettering:
    • 6″ x 1″ brush stroke minimum
  • Colors:
    • Yellow background, Black lettering


Additional Signage Requirements:

  • 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 California pilot cars:

  • Red or Fluorescent Orange, 18″ square cloth
  • Displayed on Right & Left sides
Vehicle Requirements:

Vehicle requirements for California pilot cars:

  • Vehicle must be least 60″ wide

Additional Equipment:

Additional equipment for California pilot cars:

  • STOP/SLOW paddle
  • Orange vest/shirt/jacket
  • Red emergency flag (24″ square)
  • Two-Way Radio/Communication device

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WCS Permits & Pilot Cars - Oversize Load Permits

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

Phone: 888-737-6483

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