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 Ohio

Hauling oversize loads in Ohio involves several steps.

In Ohio, 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 Ohio.

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.   

Ohio oversize load hauls also may require local city and county permits. Obtaining a state permit in Ohio does not relieve you of the liability of cities and counties. Most Ohio 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 Ohio, 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 Ohio Oversize Permits Now
OH PILOT CAR REQUIREMENTS FOR HAULING OVERSIZE LOADS
Pilot Car Width:
  • Greater than 13’0
    • 1 pilot required
  • Greater than 14’6
    • 2 pilots required
Pilot Car Length:
  • Greater than 90’0
    • 1 pilot required
Pilot Car Height:
  • Greater than 14’6
    • 1 pilot required, with height sensing
      device
  • Greater than 14’10
    • 2 pilots required, 1 with height sensing
      device
Pilot Car Overhang:

N/A

Additional Info:

Width/Height/Length Combinations:

  • If load exceeds escort requirements for more than one dimension
    • 2 pilots required
  • Example:
    • Load exceeding 13’0 wide and 90’0 long, 2 escorts (1 front and 1 rear) are
      required.
LIGHTS & SIGNAGE REQUIRED TO HAUL OVERSIZE IN OH
Light Requirements:

Lights Specs:

  • Flashing or strobe Amber or Red light
  • Must be visible 500 ft., 360 degrees
  • Front & highest/widest point on the rear of
    the load
Sign Requirements:

Sign Specs:

  • Wording:
    • “OVERSIZE LOAD”
  • Size:
    • 7′ x 18″
  • Lettering:
    • 10″ x 1.4 (2″ if Series E)
  • Colors:
    • Black letters on Yellow background
  • Location:
    • Front of transport vehicle and rear of
      vehicle/load
Flag Requirements:

Flag Specs:

  • 18″ x 18″ Orange or Red squares
  • Mounted on all four corners of the load or
    widest extremities
  • Or mounted on staffs on all four corners of
    the load or widest extremities

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

Light Requirements for Ohio pilot cars:

  • Amber flashing or rotating light (minimum of 1)
  • Must have 1000′ ft. visibility in normal
    conditions
  • Must be roof mounted
  • Headlights must be on
Sign Requirments:

Sign Requirements for Ohio pilot cars:

  • Wording:
    • "OVERSIZE LOAD"
  • Size:
    • 5’0 x 1’0
  • Lettering:
    • 8″ high
  • Colors:
    • Yellow background, black lettering
Vehicle Requirements:

Vehicle Requirements for Ohio pilot cars:

  • 1 ton maximum GVW
  • Allowed
    • Passenger car
    • Station wagon
    • Sport utility vehicle
    • Pickup truck
  • Not allowed
    • Sports cars
    • Convertibles
    • Novelty vehicles
Additional Equipment:

Additional Equipment for Ohio pilot cars:

  • 2-Way Radio
  • Mirrors on each side of vehicle
  • Spare tire
  • Safety orange or high visible fluorescent
    jacket or vest
  • Hard hat
  • Stop / Slow paddle
  • 1 ABC fire extinguisher (checked annually)
  • 4 road flares
  • 3 portable warning 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