WCS Permits & Pilot Cars - Oversize Load Permits

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Hauling Oversize Loads in Washington

Hauling oversize loads in Washington involves several steps.

In Washington, 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 Washington.

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.   

Washington oversize load hauls also may require local city and county permits. Obtaining a state permit in Washington does not relieve you of the liability of cities and counties. Most Washington 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 Washington, 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 Washington Oversize Permits Now
WA PILOT CAR REQUIREMENTS FOR HAULING OVERSIZE LOADS
Pilot Car Width:
  • Greater than 11’0
    • 2 pilots required, 2-lane highway
  • Greater than 14’0
    • 1 rear pilot required, 4-lane highway
  • Greater than 20’0
    • 2 pilots required, 4-lane highway
Pilot Car Length:
  • 105’0 and greater
    • 1 pilot required, 2-lane highway
  • 125’0 and greater
    • 1 pilot required, 4-lane highway
Pilot Car Height:
  • General Freight
    • Greater than 14’6
      • 1 front pilot required, with height
        pole
  • Mobile Homes
    • Greater than 15’0
      • 1 front pilot required with height
        pole
Pilot Car Overhang:
  • Rear overhang over 20’0
    • 1 pilot required, 2-lane highway

No convoying allowed unless an express
authorization is list on the permit.

Additional Info:

Over height & Over width:

  • Greater than 14’6 high & 12’0 wide
    • 1 rear pilot required
    • 1 front pilot required, with height pole

The state does not guarantee height clearances.

1 front pilot  w/ height pole suggested for routes in
question
LIGHTS & SIGNAGE REQUIRED TO HAUL OVERSIZE IN WA
Light Requirements:

Lights Specs:

  • Flashing or strobe Amber or Red light
  • Must be visible 500 ft., 360 degrees
  • Mounted on the front and highest point on
    the rear of the load
Sign Requirements:

Sign Specs:

  • Wording:
    • “OVERSIZE LOAD” or “WIDE LOAD”
  • Size:
    • 7′ x 18″
  • Lettering:
    • 10″ x 1.5″
  • Colors:
    • Black letters on Yellow background
  • Location:
    • Front bumper of the power unit and
      rear of the load
Flag Requirements:

Flag Specs:

  • 18″ x 18″ Red squares
  • Mounted on all four corners of the widest
    point of the load or extremities

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

Certification Requirements for Washington pilot
cars:

  • Washington Certification:
    • 2 Day session with open book exam
    • Score on exam of 80% or more
    • Instructors are qualified to train, can
      issue the Washington Certification Card.
  • Washington recognizes certification from:
    • Arizona
    • Colorado
    • Georgia
    • Kansas
    • Minnesota
    • North Carolina
    • Oklahoma
    • Utah
    • Virginia
Light Requirements:

Light Requirements for Washington pilot cars:

  • 2 flashing or rotating amber lights required
  • Headlights on at all times
Sign Requirments:

Sign Requirements for Washington pilot cars:

  • Wording:
    • "OVERSIZE LOAD"
  • Size:
    • 5’0 x 10″
  • Lettering:
    • 8″ x 1″
  • Colors:
    • Yellow background, black lettering
Flag Requirements:

Flag Requirements for Washington pilot cars:

  • Red flags 18″ squares
  • Displayed on all four corners and all
    extremities
Vehicle Requirements:

Vehicle Requirements for Washington pilot cars:

  • Allowable vehicles:
    • A single unit passenger car, van or a
      two-axle truck, including a non
      placarded service truck.
    • Not to exceed 16,000 pounds GVWR.
    • Body width of at least 60 inches, but no greater than 102 inches.
  • Outside rear view mirrors on each side
  • 5’0-8’6 wide maximum
  • Safe operating condition
  • May not carry passengers (Human or animal)
    • Exceptions
      • Certified individual in-training
        status
      • Necessary flag person
Additional Equipment:

Additional Equipment for Washington pilot cars:

  • Height pole in use at all times when load is
    over 14’6 high
    • Not less than 3″ above max height
    • Not more than 6“ above load height
  • Exterior rear-view mirrors on right & left sides
  • Standard 18” stop/slow paddle sign
  • 3 Bi-directional emergency reflective triangles
  • 1-5 lb. B,C fire extinguisher, or equivalent
  • High visibility safety garment
    • Fluorescent yellow-green, fluorescent orange-red or fluorescent red
  • Height pole
  • First-aid supplies
  • Flashlight w/red nose cone
    • Should carry additional batteries

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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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