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Oversize Load Permit Requirements — California
Legal size/weight limits, escort thresholds, travel restrictions, and permit office contact for California.
These figures are a reference summary of publicly published state rules, not a substitute for a state-issued permit and not legal advice. Rules change — always confirm current limits and requirements directly with the state permit office before you plan or run a move. Last verified: 2026-06-28. Oversize Ops is NOT responsible and CANNOT be held liable for decisions made from this reference. Official source ↗
Legal Maximum Dimensions (no permit required)
- Width
- 8.5ft (102in)
- Height
- 14ft (168in)
- Length
- 53ft
- Gross Weight
- 80,000 lbs
- Single Axle
- 20,000 lbs
- Tandem Axle
- 34,000 lbs
Escort / Pilot Car Thresholds (see glossary for terms, certification requirements for the driver)
- Front escort required over
- 12ft wide
- Rear escort required over
- 12ft wide
- Both escorts required over
- 12ft wide
- Height escort required over
- 17ft tall
Front escort >12ft, both escorts >14ft. California Highway Patrol (CHP) escort required for superloads >250,000 lbs or >15ft wide. Certified escorts per CA regulations.
Travel Restrictions
- Night travel
- Generally restricted
- Weekend travel
- Generally allowed
- Sunday travel
- Generally allowed
Night travel prohibited generally. Some coastal/urban routes have additional restrictions.
Holiday blackouts: Major US holidays. Some routes restricted during high-traffic periods.
Superload Thresholds
- Width over
- 15ft
- Length over
- 150ft
- Weight over
- 250,000 lbs
Estimated Permit Cost Current
$16 single-trip / $90 annual
Source: Caltrans CVO Permits Manual (Jan 2026).
Permit fee only — does not include escort/pilot-car service costs (market-rate, arranged separately) or third-party permit-service fees. This is an estimate for planning purposes, not a quote.
Get a Permit
- Online portal
- https://calroute.dot.ca.gov/
- Phone
- 1-916-657-8153
CHP escort required for superloads. COMET online system for permits. Special restrictions in some urban corridors.
Planning a move through California?
Plan a truck-legal route that checks bridges and construction, or find a vetted transporter or escort.
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