WCS Permits & Pilot Cars - Oversize Load Permits

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Hauling Oversize Loads in Michigan

Hauling oversize loads in Michigan involves several steps.

In Michigan, 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 Michigan.

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.   

Michigan oversize load hauls also may require local city and county permits. Obtaining a state permit in Michigan does not relieve you of the liability of cities and counties. Most Michigan 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 Michigan, 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 Michigan Oversize Permits Now
MI PILOT CAR REQUIREMENTS FOR HAULING OVERSIZE LOADS
Pilot Car Width:
  • Greater than 12’0
    • 1 front pilot required, 2-lane highway
    • 1 rear pilot required, 4-lane highway
  • Greater than 14’0
    • 2 pilots required
Pilot Car Length:
  • Greater than 90’0
    • 1 rear pilot required
  • Greater than 100’0
    • 2 pilots required
Pilot Car Height:
  • Greater than 14’6
    • 1 pilot required, with Measuring device
  • Greater than 15’0
    • 1 pilot required, with Measuring device
    • 1 rear pilot required
Pilot Car Overhang:

Greater than 15'0

Additional Info:
LIGHTS & SIGNAGE REQUIRED TO HAUL OVERSIZE IN MI
Light Requirements:

Lights Specs:

  • 2 Flashing or strobe Amber or red lights
  • Must be visible 500 ft.
  • Located on front corners & extreme rear of
    the load
Sign Requirements:

Sign Specs:

  • Wording:
    • “OVERSIZE LOAD”
  • Size:
    • 7′ x 18″
  • Lettering:
    • 12″ x 1″
  • Colors:
    • Black letter on Yellow background
  • Location:
    • Front bumper of vehicle
Flag Requirements:

Flag Specs:

  • 18″ x 18″ Orange or red squares
  • Mounted on four corners of the load or
    widest points
  • Or mounted on staffs on four corners of the
    load or widest points

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

Light Requirements for Michigan pilot cars:

  • Flashing or revolving amber light required on top of vehicle
  • Must be visible 500 ft., 360 degrees
  • 2 Flashing or revolving amber lights required when length exceeds 80’0
Sign Requirments:

Sign Requirements for Michigan pilot cars:

  • Wording:
    • "OVERSIZE LOAD"
  • Size:
    • 5’0 x 12″
  • Lettering:
    • 8″ high
  • Coloring:
    • Yellow background, Black lettering
Flag Requirments:

Flag Requirements for Michigan pilot cars:

  • Red or Orange 18″ flags
  • Displayed at all four corners and extremities
Vehicle Requirements:

Vehicle Requirements for Michigan pilot cars:

  • Passenger car or pickup truck
Additional Equipment:

Additional Equipment for Michigan pilot cars:

  • Radio communication between the pilot and
    load required
  • Height pole required when height is greater
    than 14’6

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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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