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 West Virginia

Hauling oversize loads in West Virginia involves several steps.

In West 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 West 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.   

West Virginia oversize load hauls also may require local city and county permits. Obtaining a state permit in West Virginia does not relieve you of the liability of cities and counties. Most West 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 West 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 West Virginia Oversize Permits Now
WV PILOT CAR REQUIREMENTS FOR HAULING OVERSIZE LOADS
Pilot Car Width:
  • 10’6 and greater
    • 1 front pilot required, 2-lane highway
  • Greater than 12’0
    • 2 pilots required, 2-lane highway
    • 1 pilot, 4-lane highway
  • Greater than 14’0
    • 2 pilots required
  • Greater than 15’0
    • 3 pilots required, 2-lane highway
      • 2 front, 1 rear pilots required
    • 3 pilots required, 4-lane highway
      • 1 front, 2 rear pilots required
  • Greater than 16’0
    • Determined by state and district officials
Pilot Car Length:
  • 75’0 and greater
    • 1 rear pilot required, 2-lane highway
  • Greater than 95’0
    • 2 pilots required, 2-lane highway
    • 1 pilot required, 4-lane highway
  • Greater than 100’0
    • 2 pilots required
Pilot Car Height:
  • Greater than 15'0
Pilot Car Overhang:
  • Greater than 10’0 front or rear
    • 1 front pilot required
Additional Info:

  • Height:

    • Height Pole car can not be used as a
      front pilot car, if additional front pilot car is required.

Districts and Parkways

  • May require additional escort or time
    restrictions.

West Virginia Parkway Authority

  • Greater than 16′ wide
    • Must be able to clear 2’9″ high concrete barriers.
LIGHTS & SIGNAGE REQUIRED TO HAUL OVERSIZE IN WV
Light Requirements:

Lights Specs:

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

Sign Specs:

  • Wording:
    •  "OVERSIZE LOAD”
  • Size:
    • 6′ to 8′ x 18″
  • Lettering:
    • 10″ x 1.4″
  • Colors:
    • Black letters on Yellow background
  • Location:
    • Front 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 load or
    extremities

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

Light Requirements for West Virginia pilot cars:

  • Rotating or strobe amber light required
  • Must be visible from 500 ft., 360 degrees
Sign Requirments:

Sign Requirements for West Virginia pilot cars:

  • Wording:
    • "OVERSIZE LOAD"
  • Size:
    • 5’0 x 12″
  • Lettering:
    • 10″ high x 1 1/2″
  • Colors:
    • Yellow background, black lettering

Placards:

  • Wording:
    • Name of company, owner, or driver
    • Phone number
      • Must be placed on both sides of
        vehicle
  • Size:
    • 8” x 12” minimum
Flag Requirements:

Flag Requirements for West Virginia pilot cars:

  • 2 red or safety orange 18″ squares
    • Mounted at 40-70 degrees
Additional Equipment:

Additional Equipment for West Virginia pilot cars:

  • 2-Way Radio
  • TWO 5 lb. Fire extinguishers (type A,B,C);
  • “Stop”/”Slow” Paddle
    • 18” in diameter w/ 6“ letters (minimum)
  • Safety orange vest/shirt/jacket
    • Wear when directing traffic
  • 2 “Oversize Load” banners
  • 3 Reflecting triangles or 18” traffic cones

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