WCS Permits & Pilot Cars - Oversize Load Permits

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Hauling Oversize Loads in Wisconsin

Hauling oversize loads in Wisconsin involves several steps.

In Wisconsin, 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 Wisconsin.

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.   

Wisconsin oversize load hauls also may require local city and county permits. Obtaining a state permit in Wisconsin does not relieve you of the liability of cities and counties. Most Wisconsin 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 Wisconsin, 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 Wisconsin Oversize Permits Now
WI PILOT CAR REQUIREMENTS FOR HAULING OVERSIZE LOADS
Pilot Car Width:
  • Greater than 15′0
    • 1 pilot required
  • Greater than 16′0
    • 2 pilots required
Pilot Car Length:
  • Greater than 125′0 long
    • 2 pilots required
Pilot Car Height:
  • 16'01
Pilot Car Overhang:

N/A

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

Lights Specs:

  • Rotating or flashing lights
    • Amber in the front
    • Red on the rear
  • Must be visible 500 ft.
  • Mounted on the front and rear outermost
    edges of the vehicle and load
Sign Requirements:

Sign Specs:

  • Wording:
    • ”OVERSIDE 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 squares
  • Mounted on all four corners of the load or
    extremities
  • Or mounted on staffs on all four corners of
    the load or extremities

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

Certification Requirements for Wisconsin pilot
cars:

  • Must be at least 18 years of age.
  • Must have an operator’s license issued to the vehicle operator and valid in Wisconsin.
    • Non-residents must have a license or certification issued in another jurisdiction
      that allows that person to operate a
      pilot car in that jurisdiction.
Light Requirements:

Light Requirements for Wisconsin pilot cars:

  • Flashing, rotating, or strobe amber light
    required
  • Must rotate between 30 & 120 times/minute
  • Must be visible from 500 ft., 360 degrees
Sign Requirments:

Sign Requirements for Wisconsin pilot cars:

  • Wording:
    • "OVERSIZE LOAD"
  • Size:
    • 5’0 x 12″
  • Lettering:
    • 10”x 1 ½”
  • Colors:
    • Yellow or amber background, black
      lettering
Flag Requirements:

Flag Requirements for Wisconsin pilot cars:

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

Vehicle Requirements for Wisconsin pilot cars:

  • Lighting and flagging standards must be
    followed
    • Refer to link below
Important Links:: Special Lighting & Flagging Diagram Requirements

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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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