WCS Permits & Pilot Cars - Oversize Load Permits

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Hauling Oversize Loads in South Dakota

Hauling oversize loads in South Dakota involves several steps.

In South Dakota, 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 South Dakota.

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.   

South Dakota oversize load hauls also may require local city and county permits. Obtaining a state permit in South Dakota does not relieve you of the liability of cities and counties. Most South Dakota 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 South Dakota, 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 South Dakota Oversize Permits Now
SD PILOT CAR REQUIREMENTS FOR HAULING OVERSIZE LOADS
Pilot Car Width:
  • Greater than 12’0
    • 2 pilot cars required on secondary roads
  • Greater than 16’0
    • 1 pilot required, 4-lane highway
      • 2 pilots required , 4-lane highway
        at the discretion of the state
      • decision based on width of travel
        lanes and routes
  • Greater than 20’0
    • 1 pilot required, 2-lane highway
  • Greater than 24’0
    • 2 pilots required,  2-lane highwawy
  • Greater than 30’0
    • 3 pilots required, 2-lane highway
  • Special circumstances
    • Greater than 10’0
      • Black Hills area
      • Construction zones
      • Check permit provisions on issued permit to determine if pilot is
        required.
Pilot Car Length:
  • Greater than 130’0
    • 2 pilots required
Pilot Car Height:
  • Greater than 18’0
    • 1 pilot required, with height pole
Pilot Car Overhang:

N/A

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

Lights Specs:

  • Strobe or revolving lights
  • Amber lights must be visible from front and sides 
  • Red lights must be visible from rear and outermost extremity edges 
Sign Requirements:

Sign Specs:

  • Wording:
    • “OVERSIZE LOAD”, "WIDE LOAD", or
      “LONG LOAD”
  • Size:
    • 7′ x 18″
  • Lettering:
    • 10″ x 1 1/2″
  • Colors:
    • Black letters on Yellow background
  • Location:
    • Front of vehicle and rear of the load
    • Visible for 500 ft.
Flag Requirements:

Flag Specs:

  • 18″ x 18″  Red or Orange squares
  • Mounted on all corners of the vehicle, load
    and/or widest points

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

Light Requirements for South Dakota pilot cars:

  • Amber revolving or flashing light required
  • 4″ minimum in diameter
  • Must have visibility from front and side, 50 ft. to 500 ft.
Sign Requirements:

Sign Requirements for South Dakota pilot cars:

  • Wording:
    • "OVERSIZE LOAD" or "WIDE LOAD
      AHEAD" (placed on the front) or
    • "WIDE LOAD" or "LONG LOAD" (placed
      on the rear)
  • Size:
    • Not specified
  • Lettering:
    • Not specified
  • Colors:
    • Not specified
Flag Requirements:

Flag Requirements for South Dakota pilot cars:

  • 2 bright red or orange flags 12″ squares
  • Must be mounted on each side of the signs
Vehicle Requirements:

Vehicle Requirements for South Dakota pilot cars:

  • Licensed motor vehicles
    • No motorcycles
Additional Requirements:

Additional Equipment for South Dakota 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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