ODPERMIT / STATE FIELD GUIDE CA
CaliforniaOversize & overweight permits.
Plan a California equipment move around the Caltrans permit, the loaded combination and each local road on the approach to the jobsite.
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- Single (general)20k lb
- Single (absolute max)30k lb
- Tandem (4′6″ spacing, 8′ width, 4 tires per axle)46.7k lb
- Tandem (5′9″+ spacing, 10′ width, 8 tires per axle)60k lb
- These are the FAQ's general maximum permit weights; see the Caltrans extralegal weight charts for the full tables.
The rule in full9 official sources
General width: 8′6″
Ordinary vehicle-and-load limit; safety-device, vehicle and load exceptions may apply.
- 20Vehicle Widths Checked
Loaded height: 14′
Above 13′6″, use only highways deemed safe by the road owner or operator. Verify actual clearances.
- 20Vehicle Widths Checked
- 5Caltrans height and low clearances Checked
- 21Weight Limitation Checked
- 1Caltrans vehicle lengths Checked
- 18Overhang Checked
NN semitrailer: 48′
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.
Kingpin to rear axle
California limits trailer length, combination length and the distance from kingpin to rear axle separately. STAA access and local limits also matter. Knowing the trailer is 53′ is not enough: record the rear-axle position and the planned route when you pick equipment.
- 1Caltrans vehicle lengths Checked
Cargo size vs. loaded size
The Caltrans application asks for the cargo dimensions, the hauling equipment, and the loaded height, width, length and overhang. Overweight applications also ask for axle spacing and weights. Never enter cargo height where the form asks for loaded height from the pavement.
Axle limits: legal and with a permit
Legal: single 20,000 lb. With a permit: single (general) 20,000 lb, single (absolute max) 30,000 lb, tandem (4′6″ spacing, 8′ width, 4 tires per axle) 46,725 lb, tandem (5′9″+ spacing, 10′ width, 8 tires per axle) 60,000 lb. These are the FAQ's general maximum permit weights; see the Caltrans extralegal weight charts for the full tables.
- 02Requirements
Where each requirement starts
Pilot carsWidth over 10′Over 10′ wide: 1 pilot car on Brown routes; none on Yellow, Green or Blue.
13Caltrans — Single Trip Permit Pilot Car Maps Legend (June 2021) · checked Oct 13, 2026What official sources leave open12
Where California’s official sources disagree or say nothing, confirm with the agency before dispatch.
- Pilot car counts follow the June 2021 single-trip pilot car map legend referenced in TPM Chapter 5 (2024). TPM Appendix 19 (1990), still linked from the manual page, shows an older table with different width bands (for example 13′1″–14′6″).
- Holiday rule conflict: the holiday accompaniment and TPM Chapter 5 allow travel from midnight or sunrise to noon on restricted days, while TPM Chapter 1 (Jan. 2026) says that when a listed holiday falls on a Monday or Friday, no permit movement is allowed on the holiday or the adjoining weekend unless the permit allows it.
- Independence Day 2027 (Sunday) and Christmas 2027 (Saturday): Caltrans applies 24/7 conditions when a holiday is observed on a weekend and neither Friday nor Monday is a designated non-working day. Its sources do not say which day is designated, so those dates are not listed.
- Electronic permits: TPM Chapter 1 §106.2.4 (Jan. 2026) requires the original hard copy of annual and repetitive permits, while the Permit Conditions (Dec. 2025, item 2) say the permit may be carried in paper or electronic format. This file follows the newer TPM text.
- Night travel default: TPM Chapter 5 and the 24/7 accompaniment allow 24/7 travel unless the permit says No Night Travel, while TPM Chapter 10 (Jan. 2026) says night moving is permitted only when specifically stated on the face of the permit.
- Rear projection pilot car: TPM Chapter 10 measures the 25′ rear load projection from the rear extremity of the hauling equipment; TPM Chapter 5 measures it from the last means of support to the end of the load.
- Rear projection flag size: the Caltrans Overhang page (CVC 24604) calls for an 18″ flag, two if the load is wider than 2′; the Transportation Permits FAQ still quotes an older 24604 text with a 12″ flag.
- Manufactured home overall length: the FAQ allows 105′ with a two-axle power unit and unlimited length with three or more axles, while TPM Chapter 10 states a combined trailer and hauling vehicle length of 105′ without that exception.
- The CHP escort height trigger on Blue and Brown routes is "≥17′ 0″" (17′ or more) on the rendered legend; the PDF text layer renders the sign as "_ >", which is how the quotes read.
- No California pilot car driver certification or reciprocity requirement was found in Caltrans permit sources.
- Legal tandem-axle and gross weight limits (CVC 35551) are not stated on the Caltrans pages used here.
- Caltrans publishes no separate 'superload' class; loads over 15′ wide, 17′ high or 135′ long use variance permits.
The rule in full7 official sources
Width 8′6″: Legal width
Up to 102 inches (8′6″) wide moves without a permit; wider needs one.
Width 10′: Brown routes: 1 pilot car
Over 10′ wide: 1 pilot car on Brown routes; none on Yellow, Green or Blue.
Width 11′: Blue/Brown: 1 pilot car
Over 11′ wide: 1 pilot car on Blue and Brown routes; none on Yellow or Green.
Width 12′: Yellow/Green/Blue: 1 · Brown: 2
Over 12′ wide: 1 pilot car on Yellow, Green and Blue routes; 2 on Brown.
Width 13′: Blue/Brown: 2 pilot cars
Over 13′ wide: 1 pilot car on Yellow and Green routes; 2 on Blue and Brown.
Width 14′: 2 pilot cars off Yellow
Over 14′ wide: 1 pilot car on Yellow routes; 2 on Green, Blue and Brown.
Width 14′: Single-trip general max
Single-trip permits generally top out at 14′ wide; 15′ without CHP on Green, Blue and Brown routes, and 16′ on Yellow routes.
- 6Caltrans — Single Trip Permit Checked
Width 15′: Variance permit
Over 15′ wide: the move needs a variance permit.
Width 16′: CHP escort on Yellow routes
Over 16′ wide on Yellow routes: the CHP escorts the load and, with Caltrans district traffic staff, sets the travel hours.
Height 14′: Legal height
Up to 14′ high is legal. Over 13′6″, run only on highways the vehicle's owner (or bus operator) deems safe for the height.
Height 17′: CHP escort on Blue/Brown
17′ high or more on Blue and Brown routes: CHP escort. The CHP table lists no height trigger for Yellow or Green routes.
Height 17′: Variance · route survey
Over 17′ high: the move needs special (variance) processing, and the applicant must supply a written route survey.
Length 65′: California Legal combination length
California Legal combinations may be 65′ long; a tractor with two trailers may be 75′ if neither trailer is over 28′6″.
Length 80′: Warning signs
Over 80′ long (or over 8′6″ wide, or over 10′ of overhang): warning signs front and rear.
Length 85′: Brown routes: pilot car
Over 85′ long: a pilot car on Brown routes. Yellow and Green routes need one over 120′, Blue over 100′.
Length 100′: Blue routes: pilot car
Over 100′ long: a pilot car on Blue routes (Brown routes already need one over 85′).
Length 120′: Pilot car on Yellow/Green too
Over 120′ long: a pilot car on Yellow and Green routes as well.
Length 135′: Single-trip max length
Single-trip permits allow up to 135′ long.
- 6Caltrans — Single Trip Permit Checked
Length 185′: CHP on Yellow/Green
Over 185′ long: CHP escort on Yellow and Green routes (Blue and Brown routes need one over 135′).
Overhang 3′ front: Legal front overhang
A load may extend 3′ past the front tires or bumper without a permit.
Overhang 4′ rear: Rear flag · red lights in darkness
A load sticking out 4′ or more past the rear (measured from the taillamps) needs an 18″ red or fluorescent orange flag (two if wider than 2′), plus two red lights in darkness.
Overhang 25′: Pilot car for overhang
Front overhang over 25′ or rear load projection over 25′ needs a pilot car.
Overhang 30′ front: Front overhang max
Front overhang may not exceed 30′ from the front bumper or front tire.
Overhang 35′ rear: Rear overhang max
Rear overhang may not exceed 35′ from the last point of support.
Weight 80,000 lb: Permit over 80,000 lb
Single-trip permits cover loads over 80,000 lb, as well as loads over 8′6″ wide or 14′ high.
- 03The permit
Which permit do you need?
- Caltrans issues state-highway permits through CTPS.
- Its tools include CalRoute, route-color maps, weight charts and current restrictions.
- Check city and county roads separately.
Variance permitOver 15′ W · 17′ H · 135′ L
Loads beyond single-trip limits need special processing as a variance permit:
- Over 15′ wide, over 17′ high or over 135′ long
- Special hauling equipment beyond Caltrans' standard method of weight classification
- Submit at least 30 days before the move
- Include inspection reports, the manufacturer's engineering justification and drawings
Route surveyWritten survey over 17′ high
Applicants must provide written route surveys for loads over 17′ high.
- Variance requests are due at least 30 days before the move
Vertical clearance3″ under every structure
The load must clear the lowest structure on the route, including shoulders and contiguous ramps, by at least 3″.
11Caltrans Transportation Permits Manual, Chapter 5 — Routing and Safety Requirements (6/25/2024) · checked Oct 13, 2026Single-trip permit7 days · 14′ W · 135′ L
Single-trip permits are one-way, valid for seven consecutive days and can be issued up to 3 days ahead.
- Width: 14′ in general, 15′ without CHP on Green, Blue and Brown routes, 16′ on Yellow routes
- Length: 135′ max
- Weight: Purple chart max
Permit fees and duration$16 single trip · $90 annual
Caltrans lists these permit fees and durations:
- Single trip: $16, 7 consecutive days, one origin to one destination in one direction
- Annual: $90, one year
- Repetitive: $90, up to 90 days for the same load over the same route
City and county roadsSeparate local permits
Where they apply, get local transportation permits as local laws, rules and regulations require; relinquished state route segments show up in the weekly short-term restrictions.
11Caltrans Transportation Permits Manual, Chapter 5 — Routing and Safety Requirements (6/25/2024) · checked Oct 13, 2026Official route and permit tools- CTPS permit systemApply for single-trip, annual and repetitive permits online
- CalRoute route clearing databaseGenerate a route checked for height and weight
- Red Route Summary TableRestrictions on red routes
- Weekly short-term restrictionsClosures and restrictions for annual permit holders
- Single-trip pilot car mapsRoute colors by district, with legend
- Application forms and accompanimentsPermit conditions, curfew maps, special conditions
- Low clearances on state routesStructures 14′0″ or lower
The rule in full9 official sources
The permit authority
Caltrans issues state-highway permits through CTPS. Its tools include CalRoute, route-color maps, weight charts and current restrictions. Check city and county roads separately.
Clearances on the route
The general height limit is 14′, but Caltrans lists lower clearances on some state routes. That list leaves out local roads that pass under state highways. For single trips, keep 3″ below the lowest structure on the route. Check your exact loaded height and the local roads in.
- 5Caltrans height and low clearances Checked
- 6Caltrans — Single Trip Permit Checked
Pilot cars follow route colors
Caltrans' pilot-car maps go by district and use five route colors, each with its own size limits. The same load can need different escorts on a different road. Follow each route's conditions, and arrange any CHP escort separately.
- 7Caltrans single-trip pilot-car maps Checked
- 3Caltrans — Transportation Permits FAQ Checked
The permit authority
Caltrans authority is limited to highways under its jurisdiction; authenticate every route segment and separate local authority approvals.
The applicable permit
Width and height baselines identify a permit path. Product and issued conditions control; Annual and Repetitive permits require original hard copy, while named single-trip, STARS, variance, and accompaniment documents may be printed or electronic if legible, unaltered, and displayable.
Permits, routes & larger loads
Routine, superload and variance product limits require exact configuration, route and issued authorization.
Variance permit
Loads beyond single-trip limits need special processing as a variance permit: Over 15′ wide, over 17′ high or over 135′ long. Special hauling equipment beyond Caltrans' standard method of weight classification. Submit at least 30 days before the move. Include inspection reports, the manufacturer's engineering justification and drawings.
Route survey
Applicants must provide written route surveys for loads over 17′ high. Variance requests are due at least 30 days before the move.
Vertical clearance
The load must clear the lowest structure on the route, including shoulders and contiguous ramps, by at least 3″.
Single-trip permit
Single-trip permits are one-way, valid for seven consecutive days and can be issued up to 3 days ahead. Width: 14′ in general, 15′ without CHP on Green, Blue and Brown routes, 16′ on Yellow routes. Length: 135′ max. Weight: Purple chart max.
- 6Caltrans — Single Trip Permit Checked
Permit fees and duration
Caltrans lists these permit fees and durations: Single trip: $16, 7 consecutive days, one origin to one destination in one direction. Annual: $90, one year. Repetitive: $90, up to 90 days for the same load over the same route.
City and county roads
Where they apply, get local transportation permits as local laws, rules and regulations require; relinquished state route segments show up in the weekly short-term restrictions.
- 04Permit cost
What does the permit cost?
Example agency fee$16- 8′7″ W
- 13′ H
- 70′
- 72,000 lb
- 100 miles
The rule in full1 official source
Example agency fee
$16 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 California. Enter your own load in the calculator below.
What the fee covers
California'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?
WidthHeightLengthNo pilot car on Yellow routes, Green routes and Blue routes1 pilot car on Brown routesPositions here aren’t fixed by size alone; the scene shows the load only.Minimums by size alone. Combined dimensions, night moves and the issued permit can add escorts.
Pilot cars by route colorYellow · Green · Blue · Brown
Pilot car needs depend on the route color shown on the pilot car maps:
- Yellow: multilane freeway or highway
- Green: non-standard freeway or two-lane road, 12′ lane, shoulder 4′ or more
- Blue: two-lane road, lane 11′ or wider
- Brown: two-lane road, lane under 11′
Red and dashed routesDashed: pilot car over 38′ KPRA
Two route markings on the pilot car maps carry extra limits:
- Red: two-lane roads with operational restrictions from geometry and curves; the most restrictive color
- Dashed: routes with a kingpin advisory; a pilot car is required when kingpin-to-rear-axle is over 38′
Where pilot cars runLead on 2–3 lanes · follow on 4+
One pilot car leads on two- and three-lane conventional roads and follows on highways with four or more lanes, divided highways and freeways; with two, one leads and one follows.
11Caltrans Transportation Permits Manual, Chapter 5 — Routing and Safety Requirements (6/25/2024) · checked Oct 13, 2026CHP escortsOver 15′–16′ W · 135′–185′ L
The pilot car map legend's CHP Escort Table sets when the CHP must escort the load:
- Width: over 16′ on Yellow routes, over 15′ on Green, Blue and Brown
- Length: over 185′ on Yellow and Green, over 135′ on Blue and Brown
- Height: 17′ or more on Blue and Brown
- The table also says a CHP escort is required when opposing lanes are used or when slowing while crossing structures
Height poleNot a Caltrans requirement
Caltrans does not require height poles because permits are routed on known bridge clearances.
- A pilot car may operate a vertical clearance measuring device over 14′ when escorting or surveying a route for a permitted overheight load
- Pilot cars need no permit to escort or survey a route for a permitted overheight load
Pilot car equipmentOVERSIZE sign · 16″ red flags
Pilot cars carry, per the Vehicle Code:
- OVERSIZE sign on a bright yellow background, at least 48″ above the ground
- At least one red flag, 16″ square or larger, on each side
- Flashing amber warning lights while moving the load
Pilot car do's and don'tsNever stop opposing traffic
Pilot cars may not stop, pre-empt or impede opposing traffic.
- No towing while escorting unless the permit allows it
- Escort only one load at a time unless the permit says otherwise
- No STOP/SLOW paddles from the window of a moving vehicle
ConvoysOnly if the permit says so
Convoy movement is not allowed unless it is written on the face of the permit.
15Caltrans — Transportation Permit Conditions (Revised December 2025) · checked Oct 13, 2026The rule in full5 official sources
Pilot cars by route color
Pilot car needs depend on the route color shown on the pilot car maps: Yellow: multilane freeway or highway. Green: non-standard freeway or two-lane road, 12′ lane, shoulder 4′ or more. Blue: two-lane road, lane 11′ or wider. Brown: two-lane road, lane under 11′.
Red and dashed routes
Two route markings on the pilot car maps carry extra limits: Red: two-lane roads with operational restrictions from geometry and curves; the most restrictive color. Dashed: routes with a kingpin advisory; a pilot car is required when kingpin-to-rear-axle is over 38′.
Where pilot cars run
One pilot car leads on two- and three-lane conventional roads and follows on highways with four or more lanes, divided highways and freeways; with two, one leads and one follows.
CHP escorts
The pilot car map legend's CHP Escort Table sets when the CHP must escort the load: Width: over 16′ on Yellow routes, over 15′ on Green, Blue and Brown. Length: over 185′ on Yellow and Green, over 135′ on Blue and Brown. Height: 17′ or more on Blue and Brown. The table also says a CHP escort is required when opposing lanes are used or when slowing while crossing structures.
Height pole
Caltrans does not require height poles because permits are routed on known bridge clearances. A pilot car may operate a vertical clearance measuring device over 14′ when escorting or surveying a route for a permitted overheight load. Pilot cars need no permit to escort or survey a route for a permitted overheight load.
Pilot car equipment
Pilot cars carry, per the Vehicle Code: OVERSIZE sign on a bright yellow background, at least 48″ above the ground. At least one red flag, 16″ square or larger, on each side. Flashing amber warning lights while moving the load.
Pilot car do's and don'ts
Pilot cars may not stop, pre-empt or impede opposing traffic. No towing while escorting unless the permit allows it. Escort only one load at a time unless the permit says otherwise. No STOP/SLOW paddles from the window of a moving vehicle.
Convoys
Convoy movement is not allowed unless it is written on the face of the permit.
On any oversize move
Yellow: 0 civilian cars. Green: 0 civilian cars. Blue: 0 civilian cars. Brown: 0 civilian cars. Red routes require their individual restriction table. Use the current Caltrans map for every segment. One car normally leads on two/three-lane roads and follows on wider roads. Two cars run front and rear. Front projection is measured from the front bumper, or front tires if there is no bumper. Front projection over 25 ft requires a pilot. Rear load projection over 25 ft requires a rear pilot on every route, measured from the last means of support, which may differ from the trailer end. A dashed-route KPRA over 38 ft also triggers a pilot. CHP assistance is required when occupying opposing lanes or slowing across structures. The route-color limits above may also trigger CHP.
Over 10′ wide
Yellow: 0 civilian cars. Green: 0 civilian cars. Blue: 0 civilian cars. Brown: 1 civilian car. Red routes require their individual restriction table. Use the current Caltrans map for every segment.
Over 11′ wide
Yellow: 0 civilian cars. Green: 0 civilian cars. Blue: 1 civilian car. Brown: 1 civilian car. Red routes require their individual restriction table. Use the current Caltrans map for every segment.
Over 12′ wide
Yellow: 1 civilian car. Green: 1 civilian car. Blue: 1 civilian car. Brown: 2 civilian cars. Red routes require their individual restriction table. Use the current Caltrans map for every segment.
Over 13′ wide
Yellow: 1 civilian car. Green: 1 civilian car. Blue: 2 civilian cars. Brown: 2 civilian cars. Red routes require their individual restriction table. Use the current Caltrans map for every segment.
Over 14′ wide
Yellow: 1 civilian car. Green: 2 civilian cars. Blue: 2 civilian cars. Brown: 2 civilian cars. Red routes require their individual restriction table. Use the current Caltrans map for every segment.
Over 15′ wide
Yellow: 2 civilian cars. Green: CHP-assigned movement; civilian positions follow the permit. Blue: CHP-assigned movement; civilian positions follow the permit. Brown: CHP-assigned movement; civilian positions follow the permit. Red routes require their individual restriction table. Use the current Caltrans map for every segment.
Over 16′ wide
Yellow: CHP-assigned movement; civilian positions follow the permit. Green: CHP-assigned movement; civilian positions follow the permit. Blue: CHP-assigned movement; civilian positions follow the permit. Brown: CHP-assigned movement; civilian positions follow the permit. Red routes require their individual restriction table. Use the current Caltrans map for every segment.
17′ high or more
Yellow: 0 civilian cars. Green: 0 civilian cars. Blue: 0 civilian cars, plus CHP assistance. Brown: 0 civilian cars, plus CHP assistance. Red routes require their individual restriction table. Use the current Caltrans map for every segment.
Over 85′ long
Yellow: 0 civilian cars. Green: 0 civilian cars. Blue: 0 civilian cars. Brown: 1 civilian car. Red routes require their individual restriction table. Use the current Caltrans map for every segment.
Over 100′ long
Yellow: 0 civilian cars. Green: 0 civilian cars. Blue: 1 civilian car. Brown: 1 civilian car. Red routes require their individual restriction table. Use the current Caltrans map for every segment.
Over 120′ long
Yellow: 1 civilian car. Green: 1 civilian car. Blue: 1 civilian car. Brown: 1 civilian car. Red routes require their individual restriction table. Use the current Caltrans map for every segment.
Over 135′ long
Yellow: 1 civilian car. Green: 1 civilian car. Blue: 1 civilian car, plus CHP assistance. Brown: 1 civilian car, plus CHP assistance. Red routes require their individual restriction table. Use the current Caltrans map for every segment.
Over 185′ long
Yellow: 1 civilian car, plus CHP assistance. Green: 1 civilian car, plus CHP assistance. Blue: 1 civilian car, plus CHP assistance. Brown: 1 civilian car, plus CHP assistance. Red routes require their individual restriction table. Use the current Caltrans map for every segment.
- 06Travel hours
When can you move?
Daylight, unless the permit allows night travel.- At night: up to 16′ wide on Yellow routes and 14′ on Green; none on Blue or Brown routes when a pilot car is needed.
- Urban curfews for loads over 10′ wide around Los Angeles, Sacramento, San Diego and San Francisco.
Applies only to permit loads that must have a pilot car: no travel from 4:00 PM Wednesday to midnight, then from noon to midnight Thursday through Sunday.
- Nov ’2625From 4:00 PM
- Nov ’2626Thanksgiving Day (noon–midnight)
- Nov ’2627Holiday weekend (noon–midnight)
- Nov ’2628Holiday weekend (noon–midnight)
- Nov ’2629Holiday weekend (noon–midnight)
- Nov ’2724From 4:00 PM
- Nov ’2725Thanksgiving Day (noon–midnight)
- Nov ’2726Holiday weekend (noon–midnight)
- Nov ’2727Holiday weekend (noon–midnight)
- Nov ’2728Holiday weekend (noon–midnight)
The rule in full6 official sources
Night travel depends on the route color
Oversize loads move at night only when the permit says so. On Caltrans Yellow routes, permit loads may travel in darkness up to 16′ wide; on Green routes, up to 14′ wide. On Blue and Brown routes, loads that need a pilot car may not travel in darkness. Darkness runs from 30 minutes after sunset to 30 minutes before sunrise, and busy highways can add holiday, Friday-afternoon and Sunday limits.
Urban curfews
Loads over 10′ wide have curfews around Los Angeles, Sacramento, San Diego and San Francisco. Holiday, 24/7 travel, pilot-car and bridge conditions come as separate attachments. Follow the forms listed on the permit and check current route limits before you leave.
Night and 24/7 travel
Without a pilot car, travel is authorized 24/7. With a pilot car: Yellow: 24/7 until width exceeds 16′. Green: darkness travel until width exceeds 14′. Blue and Brown: no darkness travel; weekends only from half an hour before sunrise to noon.
Metro curfews: San Diego, Sacramento, SF
Loads over 10′ wide may not move in these metro areas, Monday through Friday: San Diego, Sacramento and San Francisco: 7–9 a.m. and 4–6 p.m.
Metro curfew: Los Angeles
Loads over 10′ wide may not move within the Los Angeles restricted area 6–9 a.m. and 3–6 p.m., Monday through Friday.
San Francisco–Oakland Bay Bridge
Permits that cross the San Francisco–Oakland Bay Bridge (SFOBB) carry these conditions: No travel 6:30–9:00 a.m. and 3:30–6:30 p.m., every day, unless the permit says otherwise. No travel in rain or fog. Over 12′ wide: travel is authorized 11 a.m.–1 p.m., Monday through Friday. Over 14′ high: CHP escort westbound through the Yerba Buena Island Tunnel.
Weather stop
Do not move in snow, fog, rain or wind that cuts visibility under 1,000′, on hazardous road surfaces, or when chains are required.
Thanksgiving
Applies only to permit loads that must have a pilot car: no travel from 4:00 PM Wednesday to midnight, then from noon to midnight Thursday through Sunday. From 4:00 PM (Nov 25, 2026), Thanksgiving Day (noon–midnight) (Nov 26, 2026), Holiday weekend (noon–midnight) (Nov 27, 2026), Holiday weekend (noon–midnight) (Nov 28, 2026), Holiday weekend (noon–midnight) (Nov 29, 2026), From 4:00 PM (Nov 24, 2027), Thanksgiving Day (noon–midnight) (Nov 25, 2027), Holiday weekend (noon–midnight) (Nov 26, 2027), Holiday weekend (noon–midnight) (Nov 27, 2027), Holiday weekend (noon–midnight) (Nov 28, 2027).
Friday holidays: Christmas 2026 and New Year's 2027
Applies only to permit loads that must have a pilot car. When the holiday falls on Friday: no travel from 4:00 PM Thursday to midnight, then noon to midnight Friday, Saturday and Sunday. From 4:00 PM (Dec 24, 2026), Christmas Day (noon–midnight) (Dec 25, 2026), Holiday weekend (noon–midnight) (Dec 26, 2026), Holiday weekend (noon–midnight) (Dec 27, 2026), From 4:00 PM (Dec 31, 2026), New Year's Day (noon–midnight) (Jan 1, 2027), Holiday weekend (noon–midnight) (Jan 2, 2027), Holiday weekend (noon–midnight) (Jan 3, 2027).
Monday holidays 2027
Washington's Birthday (3rd Monday in February), Memorial Day (last Monday in May) and Labor Day (1st Monday in September). Applies only to permit loads that must have a pilot car: no travel from 4:00 PM Friday to midnight, then noon to midnight Saturday, Sunday and Monday. From 4:00 PM (Feb 12, 2027), Holiday weekend (noon–midnight) (Feb 13, 2027), Holiday weekend (noon–midnight) (Feb 14, 2027), Washington's Birthday (noon–midnight) (Feb 15, 2027), From 4:00 PM (May 28, 2027), Holiday weekend (noon–midnight) (May 29, 2027), Holiday weekend (noon–midnight) (May 30, 2027), Memorial Day (noon–midnight) (May 31, 2027), From 4:00 PM (Sep 3, 2027), Holiday weekend (noon–midnight) (Sep 4, 2027), Holiday weekend (noon–midnight) (Sep 5, 2027), Labor Day (noon–midnight) (Sep 6, 2027).
- 07Flags & lamps
Signs, flags and lights
Warning signsLONG LOAD over 100′
Use a LONG LOAD sign whenever overall length exceeds 100′.
- Black letters on yellow, at least 10″ high with a 1-5/8″ stroke and 1″ margin
- Mounted front and rear, at least 18″ above the road
The rule in full2 official sources
Flags and lights
Rear projection of 4′ or more requires warning flags and adds two red lights during darkness. Loads projecting to the side have separate flag-placement requirements.
- 18Overhang Checked
Warning signs
Use a LONG LOAD sign whenever overall length exceeds 100′. Black letters on yellow, at least 10″ high with a 1-5/8″ stroke and 1″ margin. Mounted front and rear, at least 18″ above the road.
- 08Driver paperwork
What the driver carries
- Paper or electronic permitsAnnual and Repetitive permits must be the original paper copy.
- Carry the permitSingle-trip and variance permits and all accompaniments may be carried printed or electronic, but annual and repetitive permits must be the original hard copy.
- Bond and insuranceNo bond or proof of insurance is filed to get a permit, but the hauler must meet the Vehicle Code's financial responsibility law and is liable for damage.
- Vehicle inspection reportsCaltrans must inspect these permit vehicles; inspection reports are required for all companies: Four-axle power units for extralegal weight.
Carry the permitHard copy for annual & repetitive
Single-trip and variance permits and all accompaniments may be carried printed or electronic, but annual and repetitive permits must be the original hard copy.
- Printed or electronic copies must be legible and unaltered
Bond and insuranceNo filing needed
No bond or proof of insurance is filed to get a permit, but the hauler must meet the Vehicle Code's financial responsibility law and is liable for damage.
12Caltrans Transportation Permits Manual, Chapter 1 — General Provisions (1/14/2026) · checked Oct 13, 2026Vehicle inspection reportsCaltrans inspection reports
Caltrans must inspect these permit vehicles; inspection reports are required for all companies:
- Four-axle power units for extralegal weight
- Power units over 20,000 lb on the steering axle
- Cranes and other fixed-load vehicles
- Heavy haul combinations routed as 9 axles or more
The rule in full5 official sources
Paper or electronic permits
Annual and Repetitive permits must be the original paper copy. Single-trip, STARS, variance and attachment documents can be printed or electronic, if readable, unaltered and easy to show. If the device fails, you are out of compliance.
Carry the permit
Single-trip and variance permits and all accompaniments may be carried printed or electronic, but annual and repetitive permits must be the original hard copy. Printed or electronic copies must be legible and unaltered.
Bond and insurance
No bond or proof of insurance is filed to get a permit, but the hauler must meet the Vehicle Code's financial responsibility law and is liable for damage.
Vehicle inspection reports
Caltrans must inspect these permit vehicles; inspection reports are required for all companies: Four-axle power units for extralegal weight. Power units over 20,000 lb on the steering axle. Cranes and other fixed-load vehicles. Heavy haul combinations routed as 9 axles or more.
- 09Special permits
Special loads and permit programs
- Loads up to 12′ wide
- 14′ high and 40′ kingpin-to-rear-axle; repetitive permits up to 12′ wide
- 14′6″ high
- 90′ long
Manufactured housing16′ max width · 80′ unit
Manufactured homes may be up to 16′ wide including eaves (no hardship program).
- Unit length 80′ including tongue
- Overall combination: 105′ with a two-axle power unit, unlimited with three or more axles
Manufactured housing: height and axle weight6,000 lb per axle · 14′ on annuals
The Transportation Permits Manual sets these limits for manufactured home permits:
- Annual permits: 14′ maximum height
- Homes over 14′ high move on single-trip permits
- 6,000 lb maximum per axle
Annual and repetitive permitsUp to 12′ wide
Annual permits cover loads up to 12′ wide, 14′ high and 40′ kingpin-to-rear-axle; repetitive permits up to 12′ wide, 14′6″ high and 90′ long.
- Annual permits are not valid on red routes
House movesVariance permit · no freeways
House moves are variance permits limited to crossing a state highway or reaching the nearest intersecting road or street; they are not permitted on freeways or expressways.
14Caltrans Transportation Permits Manual, Chapter 2 — Type of Permits (6/1/2022) · checked Oct 13, 2026The rule in full5 official sources
Special permits
Special permits and legal exceptions need the exact load facts and current Caltrans approval.
Manufactured housing
Manufactured homes may be up to 16′ wide including eaves (no hardship program). Unit length 80′ including tongue. Overall combination: 105′ with a two-axle power unit, unlimited with three or more axles.
Manufactured housing: height and axle weight
The Transportation Permits Manual sets these limits for manufactured home permits: Annual permits: 14′ maximum height. Homes over 14′ high move on single-trip permits. 6,000 lb maximum per axle.
Annual and repetitive permits
Annual permits cover loads up to 12′ wide, 14′ high and 40′ kingpin-to-rear-axle; repetitive permits up to 12′ wide, 14′6″ high and 90′ long. Annual permits are not valid on red routes.
House moves
House moves are variance permits limited to crossing a state highway or reaching the nearest intersecting road or street; they are not permitted on freeways or expressways.
Price your California loadAgency fees and pilot-car needs for your loaded rig. Free, no contact details.Open worksheet
CA / Permit worksheet
Price your California 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 California 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.
- 01Caltrans vehicle lengths
Semitrailer length, kingpin-to-rear-axle distance and STAA access
Source record: - 02Caltrans single-trip application instructions
Items 8–21, 29 and 35–37: cargo/vehicle measurements, fee, roads and accompaniments
Source record: - 03
- 04Caltrans — Transportation Permits (Oversize/Overweight Vehicles)
Transportation Permit Types
Source record: - 05Caltrans height and low clearances
14-foot height rule; state-route clearance table and local-road limits
Source record: - 06
- 07Caltrans single-trip pilot-car maps
District maps, five route colors and pilot-car legend
Source record: - 08California Vehicle Code Division 15, Chapter 5, Article 6 — Permits and Agreements
California Vehicle Code §§ 35780–35796
Source record:
All 23 references
- 09Transportation Permit Application Forms and Accompaniments
Application Forms and Accompaniments
Source record: - 10Transportation Permits Policy Memorandum 2018-01: Electronic Carry and Display
TPPM 2018-01 · Page 1
Source record: - 11Caltrans Transportation Permits Manual, Chapter 5 — Routing and Safety Requirements (6/25/2024)
501.1 Route Color; 502.1–502.9; 502.11
Source record: - 12Caltrans Transportation Permits Manual, Chapter 1 — General Provisions (1/14/2026)
106.2.4 Electronic Carry and Display; 107 Bonding or Insurance
Source record: - 13Caltrans — Single Trip Permit Pilot Car Maps Legend (June 2021)
Pilot Car Requirements table; CHP Escort Table
Source record: - 14Caltrans Transportation Permits Manual, Chapter 2 — Type of Permits (6/1/2022)
201.25 House Moves; 201.33 Manufactured Home; 201.39 Pilot Car/Height Pole
Source record: - 15Caltrans — Transportation Permit Conditions (Revised December 2025)
Items 11, 14, 19, 20
Source record: - 16Caltrans Transportation Permits Manual, Chapter 10 — Miscellaneous Information (1/13/2026)
1001 Manufactured Homes; 1003 Overhang
Source record: - 17Caltrans — Special Conditions for Holiday Travel (permit accompaniment)
Holiday Travel Restriction Rule; examples a)–e)
Source record: - 18
- 19
- 20
- 21
- 2223 CFR 658 Appendix B — National Network semitrailer lengths
Appendix B; 23 CFR 658.13(a)
Source record: - 2323 CFR 658.17 — Interstate gross, axle and bridge weights
23 CFR 658.17(a)–(e); grandfather exceptions are configuration-specific
Source record: