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 Virginia

Hauling oversize loads in Virginia involves several steps.

In Virginia, 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 Virginia.

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.   

Virginia oversize load hauls also may require local city and county permits. Obtaining a state permit in Virginia does not relieve you of the liability of cities and counties. Most Virginia 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 Virginia, 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 Virginia Oversize Permits Now
VA PILOT CAR REQUIREMENTS FOR HAULING OVERSIZE LOADS
Pilot Car Width:
  • Greater than 12’0
    • 2 pilots required, 2-lane highway &
      Non-Interstate highway
    • 1 pilot required, 4-lane highway &
      Interstate highway
  • Greater than 14’0
    • 3 pilots required, 2-lane highway
      • 2 front, 1 rear
    • 2 pilots required, 4-lane highway
  • Greater than 16’0
    • 4 pilots required, 2-lane highway
      • 2 front, 2 rear
    • 3 pilots required, 4-lane highway
      • 1 front, 2 rear
  • Greater than 18’0
    • Determined by state on a case by case
      basis
Pilot Car Length:
  • Greater than 85’0
    • 1 pilot required, 2-lane highway
  • Greater than 120’0
    • 1 pilot required, 4-lane highway
  • Greater than 150’0
    • 2 pilots required
Pilot Car Height:
  • Greater than 14’5
    • 1 pilot car required, with height pole
  • Height exceeding 17’0 high SHP will be
    required in additional to any required civilian escort(s)
Pilot Car Overhang:
  • Greater than 10’0
    • 1 front pilot required on all highways
  • Greater than 15’0
    • 1 rear pilot required on all highways
Important Links:
LIGHTS & SIGNAGE REQUIRED TO HAUL OVERSIZE IN VA
Light Requirements:

Lights Specs:

  • Flashing Amber light on the end of the load
  • Must be visible 500 ft., 360 degrees
  • The front towing vehicle and highest/widest
    point on the rear of the load

Overhang Requirements:

  • Greater than 4 ft. rear
    • 2 red lights must be displayed at the
      widest part overhang and one on each
      side of the load.
      • Tree-length logs exempt from this
        requirement above
Sign Requirements:

Sign Specs:

  • Wording:
    • “OVERSIZE LOAD”, “WIDE LOAD”, or
      ”LONG LOAD”
  • Size:
    • 7′ x 18″
  • Lettering:
    • 10″ x 1.4″
  • Colors:
    • Black letters on Yellow background
  • Location:
    • Front of hauling vehicle and rear of the
      load
Flag Requirements:

Flag Specs:

  • 18″ x 18″ Fluorescent Orange or Red square
  • Mounted on all four corners of the load or
    extremities
    • Required when load extends more than four inches beyond vehicle sides
    • Required when wider than 2 ft., requires two flags at the extreme rear

VA PILOT CAR EQUIPMENT REQUIREMENTS TO HAUL OVERSIZE
IN VA
Certification Requirements:

Certification Requirements for Virginia pilot cars:

  • Virginia has reciprocity agreements with:
    • Florida
    • Georgia
    • Minnesota
    • North Carolina
    • Oklahoma
    • Utah
    • Washington
Light Requirements:

Light Requirements for Virginia pilot cars:

  • Amber Rotating or strobe light required
  • Must be visible from 500 ft., 360 degrees
  • Escort vehicle headlamps are required to be
    on
Sign Requirments:

Sign Requirements for Virginia pilot cars:

  • Wording:
    • "WIDE LOAD"
    • "OVERSIZE LOAD"
    • "OVERWEIGHT LOAD"
  • Size:
    • Not specified
  • Lettering:
    • 8″ high x 1 1/4″ brushstroke
  • Colors:
    • Yellow background, black lettering
Flag Requirements:

Flag Requirements for Virginia pilot cars:

  • Any highly fluorescent color 18″ squares
Vehicle Requirements:

Vehicle Requirements for Virginia pilot cars:

  • Truck
    • 17,000 lbs. GVW maximum
  • Passenger vehicle
    • 2,000 lbs. GVW minimum
  • Operator must possess a valid driver’s license
  • Proof of certification required
Additional Equipment:

Additional Equipment for Virginia pilot cars:

  • Hard hat
  • Highly visible fluorescent colored vest or
    jacket
    • Approved ANSI II or III vest only
  • ONE 5 lb. fire extinguisher or larger, UL or FM
    approved, type BC or ABC
  • Reflective triangles or flares

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