Washington Oversize Permits, Pilot Cars & Curfews

The numbers

Washington legal limits (no permit)

Dimension	Legal limit
Width	8 ft 6 in
Height	14 ft
Length	53 ft trailer (tractor/trailer); 40 ft single unit; 75 ft overall truck + trailer
Overhang	3 ft front, 15 ft rear
Weight	Set by tire size, axle weight and the weight table, whichever is least (WSDOT legal weight chart)

Source: WSDOT: Commercial vehicle permits. Checked Oct 15, 2026.

Permits

WSDOT special motor vehicle permits

Permits are issued only for non-divisible loads. Most routine permits can be self-issued online 24/7. You can also get them through authorized permit agents or a WSDOT office. They are not available at Ports of Entry.

Self-issued but needs approval: night travel over 12 ft wide, 14 ft 6 in high or 105 ft overall.
Superloads (WSDOT office only): over 16 ft wide, 16 ft high, 125 ft load length, or 200,000 lb.
Also WSDOT office only: 8-tire axle weight permits over 43,000 lb on a tandem or 22,000 lb on a single axle.
The carrier is responsible for the route and for checking overhead clearances (WSDOT bridge list and Vertical Clearance Trip Planner).

Source: WSDOT: Commercial vehicle permits. Checked Oct 15, 2026.

Pilot cars

Escort requirements (WAC 468-38-100)

Trigger	Pilot/escort required
Over 11 ft wide	Front + rear on two-lane highways
Over 14 ft wide	1 rear on multilane highways
Over 20 ft wide	Front + rear on multilane undivided highways
Over 14 ft 6 in high	1 front with height pole, all highways
Trailer + load over 105 ft	1 rear on two-lane highways
Trailer + load over 125 ft	1 rear on multilane highways
Over 12 ft wide on multilane when height needs a front escort	Add 1 rear

Pilot/escort operators must be certified.

Sources: WAC 468-38-100; WSDOT Form 560-002 Permit Conditions (PDF). Checked Oct 15, 2026.

When you can roll

Night moves, curfews and holidays

Night moves: loads within 12 ft wide, 14 ft 6 in high and 105 ft long can move at night. Bigger loads need "Nighttime movement approved" on the permit.
Commuter curfews (Mon–Fri): oversize loads are restricted on parts of I-5, I-405, I-90, SR-167, SR-18, SR-512 and others around Seattle-Everett, Tacoma, Olympia, Vancouver, Kelso and Spokane. Typical windows are 6–9 a.m. and 3–7 p.m. Width-only loads under the listed width (usually 10 ft) are exempt. Examples: I-405, the entire route, 6–9 AM and 3–7 PM. I-5 NB, Oregon line to I-205 (Vancouver), 3–6 PM. I-90 Spokane, Medical Lake to Liberty Lake, 6–9 AM and 3–7 PM (under 11 ft 2 in exempt).
Winter: no permit movement where "Traction Advisory Oversize Vehicles Prohibited" or chains-required signs are posted.
Holidays: restricted from noon the day before, through the holiday. Thanksgiving 2026: from noon Wed, Nov 25 through Fri, Nov 27 (the day after Thanksgiving is included).

Source: WSDOT: Curfew hours & holiday restrictions. Checked Oct 15, 2026.

Permit office

WSDOT Commercial Vehicle Services

CVSpermits@wsdot.wa.gov · 360-704-6340 · wsdot.wa.gov commercial vehicle permits

Or skip the paperwork: check your load and call us at (310) 989-6530.