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Home > Motor Carrier Services > Motor Carrier Manual > Part V OS/OW Permit Summary

Part V
OS/OW Permit Summary

Secretary of State
Bureau of Motor Vehicles
Phone: (207) 624-9000 Ext. 52134
Fax: (207) 622-5332

The following is a summary of the rules for the movement of over dimension vehicles. These are meant to be quick reference guidelines and do not replace the rules written in Chapters 155 and 157.

Overview

Overdimension Safety Rules

  1. O/L moves are generally not permitted-sunset to sunrise and weekends during July and August, except in specific Northern Counties.
  2. Subject to ALL road and bridge posting.
  3. State issued permit does not override municipal laws and ordinances. Movers must contact local jurisdictions for permits and special conditions for local streets and roads, if required. Single trip permits do not provide coverage for IRP/IFTA/OA. Please contact those specific departments for more information.
  4. Permit must be in vehicle.
  5. The over dimension vehicle must pull over to the right as far as it can, as soon as safely possible, to allow following traffic exceeding seven (7) vehicles to pass safely.
  6. No movement allowed in adverse weather conditions.
  7. Signage
    • "Oversize Load" in ten inch (10") high black letters on yellow background;
    • Seven feet (7') wide by eighteen inches (18") high: Front and rear; when not oversize remove or cover sign.
  8. Flags
    • Four (4) eighteen inch (18") by eighteen inch (18") red or florescent orange
    • Positions at extreme corners
  9. Radio
    • Two way mobile radio
    • One-half mile radius range
    • Responsible for police escort communication between load and police vehicle(s) when permit required police escorts.
  10. Lights
    • Headlights on low beams
    • Flashing, rotary, light bar, amber lights on top of cab

 

Pilot Vehicles

  1. Needed if:
    • More than eighty feet (80') long or;
    • More than twelve feet (12') wide
  2. Vehicle
    • Light truck or automobile
    • Mirrors: interior, right outside, left outside
    • Special lighting: amber, flashing, rotary or light bar; extreme top left or right to left
    • Signage
      • "Oversize Load" in black eight inch (8") high letters on yellow background
      • Five feet (5') wide by twelve inches (12") high
      • Rear bumper when following load
      • Front bumper when proceeding load
      • Roof mounted is an option with sign facing appropriate direction
      • Remove or cover when not in escort service
    • Knowledge of pilot vehicle rules
    • Radio: 2 way mobile, one half mile radius
    • Driver: minimum of 18 years old with 2 years driving experience
    • Position of single pilot vehicle
      • Divided highway to the rear of load
      • Undivided highway to the front of the load
    • Safety Chains: attached so as to prevent breaking away from towing vehicle.

 

Additional Requirements for Mobile Homes and Modular Homes

  1. Loads eleven feet six inches (11' 6") or wider
    • Power unit
      • Truck tractor
      • Dual wheels on drive axle
      • 26001 GVWR or greater
  2. Loads thirteen feet six inches (13' 6") or wider in addition to 1-A of this section
    • Lighting on mobile home or modular unit
      • Amber, flashing or rotary
      • Extreme left rear above oversize sign
      • Extreme right rear above oversize sign

       

Certain permits are available online.

 

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