WCS Permits & Pilot Cars - Oversize Load Permits

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Hauling Oversize Loads in Kentucky

Hauling oversize loads in Kentucky involves several steps.

In Kentucky, 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 Kentucky.

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.   

Kentucky oversize load hauls also may require local city and county permits. Obtaining a state permit in Kentucky does not relieve you of the liability of cities and counties. Most Kentucky 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 Kentucky, 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 Kentucky Oversize Permits Now
KY PILOT CAR REQUIREMENTS FOR HAULING OVERSIZE LOADS
Pilot Car Width:
  • Greater than 12’0
    • 2 pilots required, 2-lane highway
    • 1 rear pilot required, 4-lane highway
  • Greater than 14’0
    • 2 pilots required
  • Greater than 16’0
    • 4 pilots required
      • 2 front & 2 rear pilots
  • Refer to Escort link below
Pilot Car Length:
  • Greater than 75’0
    • 1 front pilot required, 2-lane highway
  • Greater than 85’0
    • 2 pilots required, 2-lane highway
  • Greater than 110’0
    • 1 rear pilot required, 4-lane highway
  • Greater than 120’0
    • 3 pilots required
      • 1 front & 2 rear
      • Steerable dolly required
Pilot Car Height:
  • Greater than 14’11
    • 1 front pilot required with Height pole
Pilot Car Overhang:
  • Greater than 10’0
    • 1 rear pilot required
Additional Info: Escorts Requirements
LIGHTS & SIGNAGE REQUIRED TO HAUL OVERSIZE IN KY
Light Requirements:

Lights Specs:

  • Amber flashing or strobe light
  • Must be visible for 500 ft., 360 degrees
  • Located on the top of the power unit
Sign Requirements:

Sign Specs:

  • Wording
    • “OVERSIZE LOAD”
  •  Size
    • 6′ to 8′ x 18″
  • Lettering:
    • 18″ x 1.4″
  • Colors:
    • Black letters on Yellow background
  • Location:
    • At front of power unit and the rear of
      the load
Flag Requirements:

Flag Specs:

  • 18″ x 18″ Red or Fluorescent Orange squares
  • Located at all four corners of load and at the widest points

KY PILOT CAR EQUIPMENT REQUIREMENTS TO HAUL OVERSIZE IN
KY
Light Requirements:

Light Requirements for Kentucky pilot cars:

  • Must be equipped w/ Amber strobe or
    flashing lights
Sign Requirements:

Sign Requirements for Kentucky pilot cars:

  • Wording:
    • "OVERSIZE LOAD"
  • Size:
    • 6’0 x 12″
  • Lettering:
    • 18″ x 1.4″ Brush stroke
  • Colors:
    • Yellow background, Black lettering
Additional Equipnment:

Additional Equipment for Kentucky pilot cars:

  • 2-Way Radio

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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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