ODPERMIT / STATE FIELD GUIDE AL
AlabamaOversize & overweight permits.
Working an Alabama machinery move? Check loaded height, the ALDOT permit product, daylight travel and pilot-car duties before the truck leaves the yard.
General information only, not legal advice or a permit. Confirm with the issuing agency before you move. Read the disclaimer
AI-generated illustration · not to scale
- 01Legal size
What is legal without a permit?
Axle limits Legal With a permit- On the Interstate system, these limits include the allowable load tolerance.
The rule in full8 official sources
Width on 12′+ lanes: 8′6″
For roads with lanes at least 12′ wide. Confirm narrower-road width and permit conditions with ALDOT.
Loaded height: 13′6″
Ordinary vehicle-and-load limit; listed exceptions and actual route clearances apply.
NN semitrailer: 53′6″
Federal National Network allowance for a tractor with one semitrailer. Longer trailers may qualify under state axle-position and route rules; local roads can differ.
Overall length: No NN cap*
*For a tractor with one compliant semitrailer on the National Network. Other combinations, trailers, projecting loads and local access have separate limits; see the state measurements below.
Interstate weight: 80,000 lb*
*Federal baseline, subject to the bridge formula, registration and postings: 20,000 lb single axle and 34,000 lb tandem. A particular configuration may have a lower limit; state grandfather allowances need verified spacing and route eligibility.
Weight limits
On Interstates, federal axle, tandem and bridge-formula limits apply, with an 80,000 lb gross cap. Other roads use Alabama's own weight tables, which can allow a 10% enforcement tolerance. That tolerance is not a permit and never applies on Interstates. Check axle spacing, registration and posted limits for every road.
Exceptions for named vehicles
Title 32 has separate allowances for farm equipment, certain trailers and commodities, alternative-fuel and APU trucks, car haulers and others. Use one only when the load meets all of its conditions. Do not mix parts of different allowances.
Loaded height
Legal height is 13′6″ under the statute and Rule 450-3-1-.02. Clearances, posted limits, vehicle class and exceptions vary by route.
Width on roads with 12′ or wider lanes
On roads with lanes at least 12′ wide, legal width is 8′6″, not counting approved mirrors and safety devices. Before using narrower roads, including the roads to pickup or delivery, confirm the width and permit conditions with ALDOT.
Axle limits: legal and with a permit
Legal: single 20,000 lb, tandem (interstate) 34,000 lb. With a permit: . On the Interstate system, these limits include the allowable load tolerance.
- 02Requirements
Where each requirement starts
Pilot carsWidth over 12′12′ to 14′ wide: 1 pilot car, in front on two-lane roads or behind on multilane roads.
18Ala. Admin. Code r. 450-3-1-.05 — Escort requirements · checked Oct 13, 2026What official sources leave open14
Where Alabama’s official sources disagree or say nothing, confirm with the agency before dispatch.
- Legal width conflict: Code § 32-9-20(a)(4) sets 102 inches on highways, while Rule 450-3-1-.02(2) still says 8′ on roads with lanes under 12′ and 8′6″ on roads with 12′ lanes.
- Exactly 125′ long is ambiguous: Rule .05(5)(a) gives one rear escort for 90′ to 125′ inclusive but front and rear escorts for 125′ to 150′. ALDOT's presentation shows over 90′–125′ rear and over 125′ front and rear.
- ALDOT's presentation shows over 12′ for the first width escort and over 90′ for the first length escort; the rule text says 12–14 feet and 90 feet to 125 feet, inclusive.
- Legal overhang: Code § 32-9-20 allows a total of 5′ front and rear combined; Rule .02(5) lists legal overhang (front and rear) as 5′.
- Single-trip insurance proof: Rule .06(2) requires it over 12′ wide and/or over 100,000 lb; ALDOT's November 2024 insurance memo lists over 14′ wide, over 16′ high, over 150′ long and over 150,000 lb.
- Single-trip validity: Rule .10(6) says five days; the permit ordering FAQ says five business days.
- Annual permit width: § 32-9-29 caps total vehicle width at 120 inches and load width at 144 inches; Rule .09 and the FAQ say 12 feet.
- Rule .04(2) allows daylight travel only and does not define it by sunrise/sunset; the superload sheet says most superloads move 9 PM–6 AM Sunday through Thursday.
- ALDOT publishes no general single-trip maximum dimensions or single-trip permit axle weights beyond the superload thresholds. Its rules presentation lists 16′ wide × 16′ high as the maximum for single-trip mobile homes; annual permits cap a single axle at 22,000 lb (§ 32-9-29).
- The approved escort-certification state list that Rule .05(11) points to was not found on the current ALDOT permit site.
- No ALDOT source says whether a permit may be shown electronically (phone or tablet); Rule 450-3-1-.03(2) speaks of a copy carried in the vehicle.
- ALDOT's 2027 holiday notice was not yet posted; Memorial Day, Labor Day and Thanksgiving 2027 dates are not listed.
- Escort sign placement: Rule 450-3-1-.05(6) says signs go on the front and rear of the escort vehicle above the roofline; ALDOT's rules presentation says front and rear of the escort vehicle or above the roofline.
- 2027 weekend holidays: in 2026, with July 4 on a Saturday, ALDOT closed Friday, July 3 and barred travel from sunset Thursday, July 2 to sunrise Monday, July 6. It has not posted which weekday it will use for July 4, 2027 (a Sunday) or December 25, 2027 (a Saturday).
The rule in full4 official sources
Width 8′6″: Legal width
Up to 8′6″ wide, not counting approved mirrors and safety devices, moves without a permit; wider needs an ALDOT permit.
Width 12′: 1 pilot car
12′ to 14′ wide: 1 pilot car, in front on two-lane roads or behind on multilane roads.
Width 14′: Front and rear pilot cars
Over 14′ wide: 1 front and 1 rear pilot car on all roads.
Height 13′6″: Legal height
Up to 13′6″ high, including the load, moves without a permit; taller needs one.
Height 15′6″: Height pole
Over 15′6″ high: a front pilot car with a height indicator (height pole).
Height 16′: Superload
Over 16′ high is a superload. Every superload needs a route survey; height superloads must show all conflict points by route and milepost.
- 10ALDOT — Alabama Superload Requirements Checked
Height 16′5″: Bucket truck
Over 16′5″ high: a bucket truck is required.
- 10ALDOT — Alabama Superload Requirements Checked
Height 16′6″: Utility notification
Over 16′6″ high: ALDOT may require proof of utility notification. The hauler contacts the district offices, utilities and traffic-signal owners along the route.
- 10ALDOT — Alabama Superload Requirements Checked
Length 57′: Legal semitrailer length
A single vehicle may be 40′ long. In a tractor-semitrailer, the semitrailer with its load may be 57′, but one over 53½′ may run only on designated highways.
Length 90′: Rear pilot car
90′ to 125′ long: 1 rear pilot car. Mobile homes may use the approved rear lighting system instead.
Length 125′: Front and rear pilot cars
Over 125′ up to 150′ long: 1 front and 1 rear pilot car. ALDOT may require more escorts for loads under 150′ when it deems them necessary.
Length 150′: Front and rear police escorts
Over 150′ long: front and rear law enforcement escorts.
Overhang 5′ total: Legal overhang
Without a permit, front and rear overhang together may total 5′.
Overhang 4′ rear: Red or orange flag
A load more than 4′ past the rear of the bed or body needs a red or orange flag, at least 12″ by 12″, at the end of the load.
Overhang 5′ rear: Rear pilot car
A permitted load more than 5′ past the rear needs a rear pilot car.
Overhang 10′ front: Front pilot car
A permitted load 10′ or more past the front needs a front pilot car.
Weight 80,000 lb: Legal gross on Interstates
On the Interstate system, gross weight may not exceed 80,000 lb, allowable load tolerance included; axles are capped at 20,000 lb single and 34,000 lb tandem.
Weight 100,000 lb: Advance routing (annual permit)
On an annual permit, gross weight over 100,000 lb needs advance routing from ALDOT.
Weight 150,000 lb: Annual permit max
An annual permit cannot cover more than 150,000 lb gross, tolerances included.
Weight 300,000 lb: Superload
Over 300,000 lb gross is a superload. Superloads with weight need a Special Work Authorization so ALDOT's Bridge Rating Office can analyze every structure on the route.
- 10ALDOT — Alabama Superload Requirements Checked
- 03The permit
Which permit do you need?
- ALDOT issues oversize and overweight permits for nondivisible loads on the State Highway System, under § 32-9-29 and Chapter 450-3-1.
- A permit covers a combination of up to two vehicles.
- It is valid only on the ALDOT route printed on or attached to it.
SuperloadOver 16′ W or H · 150′ L · 300,000 lb
A load is a superload when it exceeds any of these:
- 16′ wide
- 16′ high
- 150′ long
- 300,000 lb gross
Superload route surveyRoute survey for every superload
Every superload needs a detailed route survey, plus:
- Justification letter from the manufacturer or shipper
- Load drawings with all dimensions in U.S. units
- Axle configuration drawing with spacings and axle weights
- City or county engineer approval for any city street or county road
Bridge analysis for heavy superloadsSpecial Work Authorization
Superloads with weight must set up a Special Work Authorization (SWA) with the permit office so ALDOT's Bridge Rating Office can analyze every structure on the route.
10ALDOT — Alabama Superload Requirements · checked Oct 13, 202614′-wide loads on Interstates14′ wide may be permitted
State law lets ALDOT permit 14′-wide vehicles and loads on Interstate highways.
16Code of Alabama § 32-9-29 — Permits for oversized vehicles or loads · checked Oct 13, 2026City and county roadsALDOT permit not valid
An ALDOT permit is not valid on city streets or county roads.
9ALDOT — Permit Ordering FAQ · checked Oct 13, 2026Single-trip permit5 business days · 1 round trip
A single-trip permit is good for five business days and one round trip, loaded one way and empty the other.
- Single-trip permits have a two-hour turnaround
Official route and permit tools- ALPASS permit systemOrder single-trip and annual permits online
- ALDOT OS/OW permit officeContacts, forms, notices and maps
- 2026 holiday restrictionsNo-travel windows and office closures
- County engineer contactsCounty road approvals
- District map for superload movesDistrict contacts for superloads
- Posted bridge mapWeight-posted bridges
- Annual permit applicationAnnual permit form
- Insurance requirementsCertificate of insurance rules
The rule in full11 official sources
The permit authority
ALDOT issues oversize and overweight permits for nondivisible loads on the State Highway System, under § 32-9-29 and Chapter 450-3-1. A permit covers a combination of up to two vehicles. It is valid only on the ALDOT route printed on or attached to it.
City and county roads
ALDOT permits do not cover city streets or county roads. Get a separate approval from each local road owner. Superloads need the city or county engineer's approval on those roads.
- 9ALDOT — Permit Ordering FAQ Checked
- 10ALDOT — Alabama Superload Requirements Checked
Permit types
ALDOT issues single-trip permits and 12-month annual permits tied to one VIN. Annual permits are separate for equipment, mobile homes, modular houses, portable buildings, boats, sealed containers, construction projects and emergency towing. Each has its own size limits; do not apply one type's limits to another.
Superloads
A load is a superload when it is over 16′ wide, over 16′ high, over 150′ long or over 300,000 lb gross. A load at exactly those values is not a superload. Other reviews or permit limits can still apply below them.
- 10ALDOT — Alabama Superload Requirements Checked
What a superload needs
ALDOT decides whether a superload can move. Expect to supply a justification, dimension and axle drawings, a route survey and any bridge analysis for the weight. Over 16′5″ high, a bucket truck is required; over 16′6″, utilities may also need notice. Plan for at least two police or trooper escorts, local approvals, lighting, insurance and district scheduling.
- 10ALDOT — Alabama Superload Requirements Checked
- 14ALDOT District Map for Superload Moves Checked
- 15Route Bridge Design Load Map Checked
Superload
A load is a superload when it exceeds any of these: 16′ wide. 16′ high. 150′ long. 300,000 lb gross.
- 10ALDOT — Alabama Superload Requirements Checked
Superload route survey
Every superload needs a detailed route survey, plus: Justification letter from the manufacturer or shipper. Load drawings with all dimensions in U.S. units. Axle configuration drawing with spacings and axle weights. City or county engineer approval for any city street or county road.
- 10ALDOT — Alabama Superload Requirements Checked
Bridge analysis for heavy superloads
Superloads with weight must set up a Special Work Authorization (SWA) with the permit office so ALDOT's Bridge Rating Office can analyze every structure on the route.
- 10ALDOT — Alabama Superload Requirements Checked
14′-wide loads on Interstates
State law lets ALDOT permit 14′-wide vehicles and loads on Interstate highways.
City and county roads
An ALDOT permit is not valid on city streets or county roads.
- 9ALDOT — Permit Ordering FAQ Checked
Single-trip permit
A single-trip permit is good for five business days and one round trip, loaded one way and empty the other. Single-trip permits have a two-hour turnaround.
- 9ALDOT — Permit Ordering FAQ Checked
- 04Permit cost
What does the permit cost?
Example agency fee$20- 8′7″ W
- 13′ H
- 70′
- 72,000 lb
- 100 miles
The rule in full2 official sources
Example agency fee
$20 for a nondivisible load 8′7″ wide, 13′ high and 70′ long at 72,000 lb gross, on a five-axle truck with a 48′ trailer, for 100 miles in Alabama. Enter your own load in the calculator below.
What the fee covers
Alabama's fee depends on the permit product and the loaded vehicle. The calculator itemizes the published charges it can price. Local permits, escorts, tolls, payment charges and ODPermit services are separate.
- 05Pilot cars
When do you need pilot cars?
WidthHeightLength1 front on two-lane roads1 rear on multi-lane undivided roads and divided highwaysMinimums by size alone. Combined dimensions, night moves and the issued permit can add escorts.
Police and trooper escorts2+ for every superload
Every superload needs at least two State Trooper or police escorts. ALEA schedules them; contact ALEA only after the permit office has pre-approved the move.
- More trooper escorts may be required in some conditions
Who counts as a police escortMarked car with blue lights
State troopers, county sheriffs or deputies, or city police in an official marked vehicle with blue lights; constables may not escort oversize loads.
5Ala. Admin. Code r. 450-3-1-.02 — Definitions · checked Oct 13, 2026Height poleOver 15′6″ high · front escort
Over 15′6″ high, the front pilot car must carry a height indicator.
18Ala. Admin. Code r. 450-3-1-.05 — Escort requirements · checked Oct 13, 2026Pilot car vehicle and lightsSingle unit · amber 360° lights
A properly licensed single-unit vehicle with an unobstructed view, equipped as follows:
- Car, pickup or SUV
- No vehicle towing a trailer
- Flashing or strobe amber lights visible 360° at 500′
Pilot car signOVERSIZE LOAD · 10″ letters
Front and rear OVERSIZE LOAD signs above the roofline, black letters on yellow:
- Letters 10″ high with a 1.4″–1.5″ brush stroke
- No other signage allowed
Pilot car driver18+ · license · flagging course
Pilot car drivers must be at least 18, hold a valid driver's license and have completed a pilot/escort flagging course that equals or exceeds Alabama's course.
18Ala. Admin. Code r. 450-3-1-.05 — Escort requirements · checked Oct 13, 2026The rule in full3 official sources
Police and trooper escorts
Every superload needs at least two State Trooper or police escorts. ALEA schedules them; contact ALEA only after the permit office has pre-approved the move. More trooper escorts may be required in some conditions.
- 10ALDOT — Alabama Superload Requirements Checked
Who counts as a police escort
State troopers, county sheriffs or deputies, or city police in an official marked vehicle with blue lights; constables may not escort oversize loads.
Height pole
Over 15′6″ high, the front pilot car must carry a height indicator.
Pilot car vehicle and lights
A properly licensed single-unit vehicle with an unobstructed view, equipped as follows: Car, pickup or SUV. No vehicle towing a trailer. Flashing or strobe amber lights visible 360° at 500′.
Pilot car sign
Front and rear OVERSIZE LOAD signs above the roofline, black letters on yellow: Letters 10″ high with a 1.4″–1.5″ brush stroke. No other signage allowed.
Pilot car driver
Pilot car drivers must be at least 18, hold a valid driver's license and have completed a pilot/escort flagging course that equals or exceeds Alabama's course.
12′ wide or more
Two-lane roads: 1 front pilot car. Multi-lane undivided roads: 1 rear pilot car. Divided highways: 1 rear pilot car.
Over 14′ wide
All road types: 1 front and 1 rear pilot cars.
Over 15′6″ high
All road types: 1 front (height pole required) pilot car.
90′ long or more
All road types: 1 rear pilot car.
125′ long or more
All road types: 1 rear pilot car. The published length bands overlap at exactly 125 ft. Budget front and rear escorts and confirm the assignment with ALDOT.
Over 125′ long
All road types: 1 front and 1 rear pilot cars.
Over 150′ long
Overall length exceeds 150 ft. Arrange front and rear law-enforcement escorts with the permitting authority.
- 06Travel hours
When can you move?
Daylight only, with no half hour before sunrise or after sunset.- No travel on Sundays or the six named holidays.
No permitted travel from sunset Wednesday, November 25 until sunrise Monday, November 30, 2026 (subject to change).
- Nov26Thanksgiving Day
- Nov27Day after Thanksgiving
- Nov28Thanksgiving weekend
- Nov29Thanksgiving weekend
The rule in full9 official sources
Daylight travel
Rule 450-3-1-.04 allows ordinary permitted moves in daylight only. There is no extra half hour before sunrise or after sunset. No moves on Sunday or the six named holidays.
Holiday restrictions
ALDOT's 2026 bulletin lists seven sunset-to-sunrise no-travel periods: around New Year, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year 2027. On other office-closure days, loads with a valid permit can move.
- 20ALDOT — 2026 Holiday Restrictions Checked
- 21ALDOT Oversize/Overweight Permits hub Checked
Sunrise and sunset times
Use the actual sunrise and sunset times for the route and date. Then apply the permit's conditions and any local limits.
Weather & visibility
Stop when visibility drops under 500 feet or weather makes travel unsafe. Move only to the first safe place off the road. Check weather, closures, detours, bridge postings and work zones before and during the move.
- 2Ala. Admin. Code r. 450-3-1-.04 — Conditions attached to issuance of permits Checked
- 22ALPASS — Frequently Asked Questions Checked
- 23ALDOT Oversize/Overweight Detour Letter Checked
- 24Posted Bridge Map Checked
- 25Bridge Posting Report — March 2025 Checked
Superload travel hours
Most superloads travel at night, 9:00 PM to 6:00 AM, Sunday through Thursday, unless the permit office approves otherwise.
- 10ALDOT — Alabama Superload Requirements Checked
Spacing between loads
Keep half a mile between permitted loads. When normal traffic flow is impeded or congested, move off the traveled lanes until the congestion clears.
Daylight only, no Sundays
Permitted loads move in daylight only, and never on Sundays or on six named holidays: New Year's Day. Memorial Day. Independence Day. Labor Day. Thanksgiving Day. Christmas Day.
Weather stop
Do not travel when visibility is under 500′ or weather makes travel hazardous; pull off at the first safe place and wait.
Rush-hour and area limits
ALPASS route analysis can add limits such as no movement through an area at rush hour; they appear in the Restrictions report and on the permit.
- 22ALPASS — Frequently Asked Questions Checked
Thanksgiving 2026
No permitted travel from sunset Wednesday, November 25 until sunrise Monday, November 30, 2026 (subject to change). Thanksgiving Day (Nov 26, 2026), Day after Thanksgiving (Nov 27, 2026), Thanksgiving weekend (Nov 28, 2026), Thanksgiving weekend (Nov 29, 2026).
- 20ALDOT — 2026 Holiday Restrictions Checked
Christmas 2026
No permitted travel from sunset Thursday, December 24 until sunrise Monday, December 28, 2026 (subject to change). Christmas Day (Dec 25, 2026), Christmas weekend (Dec 26, 2026), Christmas weekend (Dec 27, 2026).
- 20ALDOT — 2026 Holiday Restrictions Checked
New Year's Day 2027
No permitted travel from sunset Thursday, December 31, 2026 until sunrise Saturday, January 2, 2027 (subject to change). New Year's Day (Jan 1, 2027).
- 20ALDOT — 2026 Holiday Restrictions Checked
Fixed-date holidays in 2027
Rule 450-3-1-.04(2) bars permitted travel on these holidays and on every Sunday. ALDOT had not posted a 2027 notice with exact no-travel windows when checked; July 4, 2027 is a Sunday and December 25, 2027 a Saturday. Independence Day (Jul 4, 2027), Christmas Day (Dec 25, 2027).
- 07Flags & lamps
Signs, flags and lights
Superload lighting planAmber lights on all extremities
Every superload needs a lighting plan that makes the whole load visible from any direction, with flashing amber or strobe lights on all extremities.
10ALDOT — Alabama Superload Requirements · checked Oct 13, 2026Sign and beacon on the hauling truck7′×18″ OVERSIZE LOAD sign · amber light
The hauling truck needs:
- A flashing or strobe amber light visible 360° at 500′
- OVERSIZE LOAD sign, black letters on yellow, 7′ wide by 18″ high
Flags on the load18″ orange or red flags
Show an 18″ square fluorescent orange or red flag at the four corners or the length extremities of the load.
2Ala. Admin. Code r. 450-3-1-.04 — Conditions attached to issuance of permits · checked Oct 13, 2026The rule in full9 official sources
Signs, flags and lights
Run an amber light on the truck that is visible all around (360 degrees) from 500 feet. Mount yellow OVERSIZE LOAD signs front and rear, 7 feet by 18 inches, with 10-inch black letters. Put 18-inch fluorescent orange or red flags at all four corners or at the ends of the load.
On the road
Keep half a mile between permitted loads. Pull over to let backed-up traffic pass. Obey posted and permit limits on bridges and highways. Remove parts that can come off the load. If the route is blocked, stop safely until ALDOT approves another route.
Route maps
ALDOT's posted-bridge, design-load, tow and superload maps are for reference only. They are not permission to use a route. Follow the issued route, ALPASS and engineering results, and the signs on site.
- 24Posted Bridge Map Checked
- 15Route Bridge Design Load Map Checked
- 26Emergency Tow Annual Permit Maps Checked
- 14ALDOT District Map for Superload Moves Checked
- 22ALPASS — Frequently Asked Questions Checked
Superload lighting plan
Every superload needs a lighting plan that makes the whole load visible from any direction, with flashing amber or strobe lights on all extremities.
- 10ALDOT — Alabama Superload Requirements Checked
Sign and beacon on the hauling truck
The hauling truck needs: A flashing or strobe amber light visible 360° at 500′. OVERSIZE LOAD sign, black letters on yellow, 7′ wide by 18″ high.
Flags on the load
Show an 18″ square fluorescent orange or red flag at the four corners or the length extremities of the load.
- 08Driver paperwork
What the driver carries
- Paperwork in the truckWhen an annual permit needs advance routing, carry the routing authorization; it becomes part of the permit for that trip.
- Special-load paperworkSome permits need extra papers.
- InsurancePermits for over-height, overweight or overlength moves need proof of at least $300,000 split-limit or $1,000,000 combined single-limit coverage.
- Which permits need a certificate of insuranceALDOT's November 2024 insurance memo requires a certificate of insurance for: All annual permits.
- Carry the permitCarry a copy of the permit in the vehicle, available for inspection by any law enforcement officer or ALDOT agent.
Insurance$300,000 split or $1M CSL
Permits for over-height, overweight or overlength moves need proof of at least $300,000 split-limit or $1,000,000 combined single-limit coverage.
- ALDOT may require more insurance when it deems it necessary
Which permits need a certificate of insuranceAnnual · house moves · big single trips
ALDOT's November 2024 insurance memo requires a certificate of insurance for:
- All annual permits
- House moving permits
- Single-trip permits over 14′ wide, 16′ high, 150′ long or 150,000 lb gross
- Superloads may need higher amounts
Carry the permitCopy in the vehicle
Carry a copy of the permit in the vehicle, available for inspection by any law enforcement officer or ALDOT agent.
- For a single-trip permit, the copy received by email, mail, fax or in person may count as the original
The rule in full13 official sources
Paperwork in the truck
When an annual permit needs advance routing, carry the routing authorization; it becomes part of the permit for that trip. Keep single-trip routes, ALPASS printouts, attachments, bridge and utility approvals, and local approvals with the load.
Special-load paperwork
Some permits need extra papers. Sealed containers: the bill of lading and the equipment interchange or inspection report. Construction projects: the permit at the pre-construction conference and a copy in each machine. Emergency towing: the matching Tow + Straight Truck or Tow + 18 Wheeler route map in the cab. Superload, house, utility and emergency-declaration moves have their own records.
- 27Ala. Admin. Code r. 450-3-1-.07 — Movement of houses Checked
- 28Ala. Admin. Code r. 450-3-1-.08 — Sealed Ocean-Going Containers Checked
- 29Ala. Admin. Code r. 450-3-1-.20 — Construction equipment in project work zones Checked
- 30Emergency Tow Annual Permit Memorandum Checked
- 26Emergency Tow Annual Permit Maps Checked
- 10ALDOT — Alabama Superload Requirements Checked
- 31Movement of Utility Vehicles Responding to Emergency Declarations Checked
Insurance
Permits for over-height, overweight or overlength moves need proof of at least $300,000 split-limit or $1,000,000 combined single-limit coverage. ALDOT may require more insurance when it deems it necessary.
Which permits need a certificate of insurance
ALDOT's November 2024 insurance memo requires a certificate of insurance for: All annual permits. House moving permits. Single-trip permits over 14′ wide, 16′ high, 150′ long or 150,000 lb gross. Superloads may need higher amounts.
Carry the permit
Carry a copy of the permit in the vehicle, available for inspection by any law enforcement officer or ALDOT agent. For a single-trip permit, the copy received by email, mail, fax or in person may count as the original.
- 09Special permits
Special loads and permit programs
- ALDOT construction equipment
- Emergency towing
- Derailment response
- Utility emergencies
- Refractory-grade bauxite equipment
- Qualifying farm moves
Bucket truckOver 16′5″ high
Any load over 16′5″ high requires a bucket truck.
- Over 16′6″ high, ALDOT may also require proof of utility notification; the hauler contacts the district offices, utilities and traffic-signal owners along the route
Annual permits$100 · 150,000 lb · 12′ W · 14′ H
Annual permits are valid for one year, cost $100 and are tied to one truck's VIN. Equipment limits:
- 150,000 lb gross
- 12′ wide, 75′ long, 14′ high
- 22,000 lb single axle
Mobile home escortsFront on 2-lane · rear on multilane
A mobile home pilot car runs in front on two-lane roads and moves behind on multilane roads, even with the approved lighting system.
- The approved lighting system (two flashing or strobe lights on the mobile home) can replace the rear escort
House movesPre-approval over 28′ W or 16.5′ H
A house over 28′ wide or 16.5′ high needs ALDOT permit office pre-approval.
- The move may never exceed 50 miles
- Over 17′ high: route survey and utility notification
Construction project equipmentAnnual permit · 24/7 in project
Construction equipment moved within a state-let construction project's work zone can get an annual permit valid only inside the approved project travel limits.
- One permit per piece of equipment
- 24-hour movement Monday through Sunday in normal travel conditions
Farm equipmentNo permit on state highways
Farm and agricultural commodities and equipment are exempt from ALDOT permits on the state highway system.
16Code of Alabama § 32-9-29 — Permits for oversized vehicles or loads · checked Oct 13, 2026The rule in full11 official sources
Special permits
Alabama has separate permits for houses and site-built buildings, mobile and modular buildings, boats and sealed containers. Others cover ALDOT construction equipment, emergency towing, derailment response, utility emergencies, refractory-grade bauxite equipment and qualifying farm moves. Each covers only its own loads.
- 1Code of Alabama 1975, Title 32, Chapter 9 — Trucks, Trailers, and Semitrailers Checked
- 13Annual Oversize/Overweight Permit Application Checked
- 27Ala. Admin. Code r. 450-3-1-.07 — Movement of houses Checked
- 28Ala. Admin. Code r. 450-3-1-.08 — Sealed Ocean-Going Containers Checked
- 29Ala. Admin. Code r. 450-3-1-.20 — Construction equipment in project work zones Checked
House & structure moves
A house over 28′ wide or 16′6″ high needs approval before you apply. The route can be at most 50 miles. Over 17′ high, you also need a route survey and notice to utilities. District approval or notice applies, and city moves may need local and police coordination. Site-built buildings follow a separate statute with a railroad-crossing notice.
Sealed-container permits
Single-trip and annual sealed-container permits differ. Single trip (Rule .08(1)(a)–(f)): port to port, up to 100,000 lb on five load-bearing axles, 20,000 lb per axle, legal size, the required papers, and 24/7 travel in normal conditions. Annual permits use only Rule .08(1)(a)–(c), are not tied to one route, and follow Rule .09, including 8′6″ width and 13′6″ height.
Construction-project equipment
This annual permit covers one machine, by VIN, inside the project limits ALDOT approves. It ends after 12 months or when the project ends, whichever comes first. Inside the limits the machine can move at any time in normal weather; outside them it needs an ordinary permit. Get the permit before the pre-construction conference and show it there. Each contractor keeps a copy in each permitted machine.
Bucket truck
Any load over 16′5″ high requires a bucket truck. Over 16′6″ high, ALDOT may also require proof of utility notification; the hauler contacts the district offices, utilities and traffic-signal owners along the route.
- 10ALDOT — Alabama Superload Requirements Checked
Annual permits
Annual permits are valid for one year, cost $100 and are tied to one truck's VIN. Equipment limits: 150,000 lb gross. 12′ wide, 75′ long, 14′ high. 22,000 lb single axle.
- 9ALDOT — Permit Ordering FAQ Checked
Mobile home escorts
A mobile home pilot car runs in front on two-lane roads and moves behind on multilane roads, even with the approved lighting system. The approved lighting system (two flashing or strobe lights on the mobile home) can replace the rear escort.
House moves
A house over 28′ wide or 16.5′ high needs ALDOT permit office pre-approval. The move may never exceed 50 miles. Over 17′ high: route survey and utility notification.
Construction project equipment
Construction equipment moved within a state-let construction project's work zone can get an annual permit valid only inside the approved project travel limits. One permit per piece of equipment. 24-hour movement Monday through Sunday in normal travel conditions.
Farm equipment
Farm and agricultural commodities and equipment are exempt from ALDOT permits on the state highway system.
Price your Alabama loadAgency fees and pilot-car needs for your loaded rig. Free, no contact details.Open worksheet
AL / Permit worksheet
Price your Alabama movement.
Enter the complete loaded vehicle. Get estimated agency fees and escort requirements before sharing your contact details.
The numbers behind your next move.
Your result will show the agency fee breakdown, potential pilot-car requirements, and the rules used to calculate them.
- 01 State agency fee subtotal
- 02 Escort & survey considerations
- 03 Sources & pricing assumptions
Single-state pricing uses the mileage you enter. For a proposed route and intermediate states, use the route calculator.
About the example equipment
The samples use ODPermit’s editable 48 ft flatbed · 5 axles planning profile. Loaded dimensions, gross weight, 100 state miles and Alabama registration are example inputs, not a capacity rating or a route approval. Replace them with your actual setup.
Great Dane Freedom flatbed brochure — Drop-deck option: 20–26 in drop from the upper deck with a 40–34 in rear deck height, which gives the 60 in upper-deck planning height. Platform length, combined tare and tractor geometry are editable ODPermit assumptions.
Disclaimer
General information only. It is not legal advice and not a permit. ODPermit is operated by Frontline Express LLC, a private company, not a government agency.
We summarize official sources as of the dates shown, but rules change often and a summary can be incomplete or out of date. Only a permit issued by the state or local agency authorizes an oversize or overweight move, and that permit and the agency’s current rules control. Confirm limits, escorts, routes and travel times with the issuing agency before you move a load.
This information is provided “as is,” without warranties of any kind. To the extent the law allows, Frontline Express LLC is not liable for losses, fines or delays that result from relying on it.
Terms of service apply.
BEFORE THE TRUCK ROLLS
Turn the estimate
into a permitted move.
Confirm the loaded measurements, carrier details, travel dates and exact pickup and delivery. We can help coordinate permits, escorts and route surveys around those facts.
THE SOURCE RECORD
Official references.
Read the rule behind each requirement. These are dated references; current restrictions and the issued permit control your move.
- 01Code of Alabama 1975, Title 32, Chapter 9 — Trucks, Trailers, and Semitrailers
§ 32-9-20
Source record: - 02Ala. Admin. Code r. 450-3-1-.04 — Conditions attached to issuance of permits
r. 450-3-1-.04(2), (3), (8), (9)
Source record: - 03
- 04Alabama Legislature — Act 2025-272, SB110 Enrolled
Section 32-9-20(a)(4); printed pages 10–11; effective October 1, 2025
Source record: - 05
- 06Code of Alabama § 32-9-20 — Size and weight limits
§ 32-9-20(a)(1) height, (2) length, (3) weight, (4) width
Source record: - 07
- 08
All 36 references
- 09ALDOT — Permit Ordering FAQ
Single Trip Permits Q1/Q3; Free Form Entry; Annual Permits Q1/Q4
Source record: - 10
- 11Ala. Admin. Code r. 450-3-1-.09 — Annual Permit Procedure and Fees
Ala. Admin. Code r. 450-3-1-.09(1)-(5) · Page 1
Source record: - 12Ala. Admin. Code r. 450-3-1-.10 — Single Trip Permit Procedure and Fees
Ala. Admin. Code r. 450-3-1-.10(1)-(7) · Page 1
Source record: - 13
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- 16Code of Alabama § 32-9-29 — Permits for oversized vehicles or loads
§ 32-9-29(b)(1)a annual permit limits; (d) Interstates; (g) farm exemption
Source record: - 17ALDOT Permit Fee Schedule, revised March 11, 2025
ALDOT Permit Fee Schedule, revised March 11, 2025
Source record: - 18
- 19ALDOT — Oversize/Overweight Rules and Regulations Presentation
Mobile Home Escort Requirements after June 1, 2017 (lighting system; escort placement)
Source record: - 20
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- 28Ala. Admin. Code r. 450-3-1-.08 — Sealed Ocean-Going Containers
Ala. Admin. Code r. 450-3-1-.08(1)(a)-(f), (2) · Page 1
Source record: - 29Ala. Admin. Code r. 450-3-1-.20 — Construction equipment in project work zones
r. 450-3-1-.20(1)(a)-(e)
Source record: - 30Emergency Tow Annual Permit Memorandum
Emergency Tow Annual Permit Memorandum · Page 1
Source record: - 31Movement of Utility Vehicles Responding to Emergency Declarations
Emergency Declaration Utility Movement · Page 1
Source record: - 32Ala. Admin. Code r. 450-3-1-.06 — Liability insurance
r. 450-3-1-.06 opening paragraph
Source record: - 33ALDOT — Certificate of Insurance / ACORD 25 requirements (Nov. 16, 2024)
What types of permits need a Certificate of Insurance?; Annual Coverage Amounts
Source record: - 34Construction Project Equipment Annual Permit Memorandum
Construction Annual Permit Memorandum · Page 1
Source record: - 3523 CFR 658 Appendix B — National Network semitrailer lengths
Appendix B; 23 CFR 658.13(a)
Source record: - 3623 CFR 658.17 — Interstate gross, axle and bridge weights
23 CFR 658.17(a)–(e); grandfather exceptions are configuration-specific
Source record: