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ODPERMIT / STATE FIELD GUIDE KS

KansasOversize & overweight permits.

For a Kansas move, record loaded size, axle details and the proposed roads. Check K-TRIPS requirements, travel conditions and the applicable single-trip fee.

Calculate KS permit feesRequest permit help

General information only, not legal advice or a permit. Confirm with the issuing agency before you move. Read the disclaimer

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Kansas · General width8′6″
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  1. 01Legal size

    What is legal without a permit?

    Axle limits Legal With a permit
    • Single, non-drive22k lb
    • Single, drive24k lb
    • Tandem34k / 45k lb
    • Triple60k lb
    • Quad or more65k lb
    • Legal limits are from K.S.A. 8-1908(b) (20,000 lb per axle) and (e) (34,000 lb tandem); permit limits apply to standard and annual permits under K.A.R. 36-1-37.
    • Extra-wide axle groups get more weight; at 10′ wide and greater: 24,000 single non-drive, 26,000 single drive, 49,000 tandem, 66,000 tridem, 73,000 quad.
    • Permit gross weight is also capped by an external axle-spacing table, reaching 150,000 lb at 91′ or more.
    • Special mobile equipment may carry 49,000 lb on a tandem.
    • Any axle group over these limits makes the load a superload.
    6Kansas Administrative Regulations, 2022 Volume 3 (Secretary of State) — Agency 36, Kansas Department of Transportation · checked Oct 13, 2026
    The rule in full8 official sources

    General width: 8′6″

    Ordinary vehicle-and-load limit; safety-device, vehicle and load exceptions may apply.

    Loaded height: 14′

    Ordinary vehicle-and-load limit; listed exceptions and actual route clearances apply.

    NN semitrailer: 57′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.

    Legal size

    Legal limits are 8′6″ wide and 14′ high. Length, overhang and exceptions depend on the vehicle setup and cargo.

    Weight limits

    Gross weight alone does not settle it in Kansas. Check wheel, axle and group weights, spacing, the bridge formula, registration, the road and posted limits.

    Width

    Legal width is 8′6″, with exceptions for some farm loads and safety devices.

    Height

    Legal height is 14′, with a narrow exception for hay bales. Route and permit conditions apply.

    Axle limits: legal and with a permit

    Legal: single 20,000 lb, tandem 34,000 lb. With a permit: single, non-drive 22,000 lb, single, drive 24,000 lb, tandem 45,000 lb, triple 60,000 lb, quad or more 65,000 lb. Legal limits are from K.S.A. 8-1908(b) (20,000 lb per axle) and (e) (34,000 lb tandem); permit limits apply to standard and annual permits under K.A.R. 36-1-37. Extra-wide axle groups get more weight; at 10′ wide and greater: 24,000 single non-drive, 26,000 single drive, 49,000 tandem, 66,000 tridem, 73,000 quad. Permit gross weight is also capped by an external axle-spacing table, reaching 150,000 lb at 91′ or more. Special mobile equipment may carry 49,000 lb on a tandem. Any axle group over these limits makes the load a superload.

  2. 02Requirements

    Where each requirement starts

    Pilot carsWidth over 14′

    Over 14′ wide: a front and a rear pilot car. The rear pilot car can be dropped if the load carries a warning light on top, a warning light at the rear 2′–8′ above the road, and a rear OVERSIZE LOAD sign.

    6Kansas Administrative Regulations, 2022 Volume 3 (Secretary of State) — Agency 36, Kansas Department of Transportation · checked Oct 13, 2026
    What official sources leave open16

    Where Kansas’s official sources disagree or say nothing, confirm with the agency before dispatch.

    • Escort rules by road type (checked 2026-10-13 on rules.ks.gov): two regulations are both listed as effective and neither has been amended or revoked. K.A.R. 36-1-36(f) (effective Aug. 15, 1997) applies to loads or convoys over 14′ wide. On highways of fewer than four lanes it requires front and rear escorts; except for superloads and large structures, the rear escort may be dropped if warning lights are on top of the towing vehicle and on the rear of the load, 2′–8′ above the road. On highways of four or more lanes it requires only a rear escort, and only for superloads and large structures; other loads need no escort. K.A.R. 36-45-8(b) (temporary Aug. 28, 2020; permanent Dec. 18, 2020) has no road-type split. It requires at least one front and one rear escort for superloads (plus one more if the permit requires slowing at bridges), large structures, and loads over 14′ wide. For over-14′-wide loads, the rear escort can be dropped only with a warning light on top of the load, a rear light 2′–8′ high, and a rear OVERSIZE LOAD sign. It also requires one front escort for loads over 16′ high. The 2020 rule is the newer, escort-specific rule, and the Highway Patrol FAQ (citing K.A.R. 36-45) follows it. This file follows 36-45-8. The page's width-169 and width-199 bands follow the 1997 road-type split, including 'no pilot car' on multi-lane roads for loads over 14′, so markers do not reference them. The height-217 band lists no crew, while a large structure needs front and rear escorts, so it is not referenced either.
    • Pilot car spacing conflict between two effective rules. K.A.R. 36-45-8(h) (2020): front within 500′ in cities and 1,000′ outside, rear within 500′. K.A.R. 36-1-36(f)(4) (1997): within 300′ front or rear unless conditions dictate otherwise. Staying within 300′ meets both.
    • Pilot car warning light visibility conflict. K.A.R. 36-1-36(r) (1997) says visible from at least 1,000′; K.A.R. 36-45-6(h) (2020) says visible from all directions at 500′.
    • OVERSIZE LOAD sign on overweight-only loads conflict. K.A.R. 36-1-36(s)(2) (1997) says oversize and overweight loads carry an oversize warning sign on the front of the truck and the rear of the load. K.S.A. 8-1911(l)(2) says overweight loads within legal width and length shall not carry an OVERSIZE LOAD sign. The statute controls.
    • K.A.R. source: the 2022 Secretary of State volume is the newest printed compilation (the 2023 index covers rules filed before Jan. 1, 2023). The current text is publicly readable without a login through rules.ks.gov's public browse (the page renders only with JavaScript). On 2026-10-13 it listed K.A.R. 36-1-35 to 36-1-38 and 36-45-1 to 36-45-8 as effective, with the same history notes (1997; 2020) and text as the 2022 volume. No newer amendment was found.
    • No length-based escort trigger is published. Loads over 126′ need a large structure permit (K.A.R. 36-1-37(b), 36-1-38(d)), but the K.A.R. 'large structure' definition covers only width over 16′6″ or height over 18′. Whether long loads need large-structure escorts is unclear; follow the permit.
    • No overhang escort trigger and no permitted overhang maximum are published.
    • Law enforcement escorts: the only stated case is a large structure approved for an Interstate. No size threshold for police escorts is published, and the Highway Patrol does not provide escorts.
    • Superload bridge study reuse: the K-TRIPS guide says both 'nine additional times' and 'up to ten subsequent permits'. The guide is from May 2017.
    • Operating authority and USDOT number requirements are not stated in the sources found. K.S.A. 8-1911(d) lets KDOT or a local authority require an undertaking or other security to cover road damage; no fixed bond amount is published.
    • Kansas Turnpike: the K-TRIPS price list shows KTA Access permits ($10 annual, $5 six-month), but ksturnpike.com returned HTTP 403, so turnpike oversize rules could not be confirmed.
    • ksdot.gov returned HTTP 403, so KDOT's list of states whose escort training Kansas accepts could not be read.
    • No statewide contact list for city or county oversize permits was found.
    • No crane-specific permit program was found.
    • The page shows the federal 57′6″ National Network semitrailer figure; K.S.A. 8-1904(d) allows a semitrailer up to 59½′ behind a truck tractor in Kansas.
    • Off-Interstate legal gross: a March 5, 2025 KDOT presentation to the House Transportation Committee says loads over 85,000 lb on the State Highway System are overweight, while the K.S.A. 8-1909 table's highest entry is 85,500 lb. Use the table.
    The rule in full2 official sources

    Width 8′6″: Legal width

    Up to 8′6″ (102″) wide moves without a permit; wider needs one.

    Width 14′: Front + rear escort

    Over 14′ wide: a front and a rear pilot car. The rear pilot car can be dropped if the load carries a warning light on top, a warning light at the rear 2′–8′ above the road, and a rear OVERSIZE LOAD sign.

    Width 16′6″: Large structure · 2 escorts

    Over 16′6″ wide is a large structure: at least one front and one rear pilot car. Standard and annual permits stop at 16′6″, so it moves on a large structure permit.

    Height 14′: Legal height

    Up to 14′ high moves without a permit; taller needs one.

    Height 15′: Annual permit cap

    Annual permits stop at 15′ high (also 16′6″ wide, 126′ long and 120,000 lb gross). Taller loads need a standard (up to 18′) or large structure permit.

    Height 16′: Height pole

    Over 16′ high: at least one front pilot car with a nonconductive height pole set 3″ above the load height.

    Height 17′: Notify utilities

    Over 17′ high: notify all appropriate utilities before you move the load.

    Height 18′: Large structure · 2 escorts

    Over 18′ high is a large structure: front and rear pilot cars, a large structure permit, and notice to utilities and railroads before the move. 18′ is the standard permit's height cap.

    Length 59′6″: Legal semitrailer

    A semitrailer pulled by a truck tractor may be up to 59′6″ long without a permit.

    Length 65′: Legal combination

    Vehicle combinations are capped at 65′ overall unless one of the statute's listed exceptions applies.

    Length 85′: Structural loads by day

    In daytime, poles, pipe, machinery or other structural items that cannot readily be taken apart are exempt from trailer length limits up to 85′ overall. Over 85′ needs a permit.

    Length 126′: Large structure permit

    Standard and annual permits stop at 126′ long. Longer loads need a large structure permit, which covers oversize loads beyond the standard permit's limits; KDOT district staff approve the route, date and time.

    Overhang 3′ front: Legal front overhang

    A load may stick out no more than 3′ past the front wheels or front bumper without a permit.

    Overhang 4′ rear: Rear flags and lamps

    A load more than 4′ past the rear needs red flags at least 12″ square by day. At night, a load 4′ or more past the bed needs two red lamps and two red reflectors at the end, and a red lamp on each side.

    Weight 80,000 lb: Legal gross on Interstates

    Except for natural-gas trucks (up to 82,000 lb), 80,000 lb gross is the most the K.S.A. 8-1909 table allows on the Interstate system without a permit. Off the Interstate, the table sets the limit by axle count and spacing.

    Weight 120,000 lb: Annual permit cap

    Annual permits stop at 120,000 lb gross. Heavier loads need a standard permit (up to 150,000 lb) or a superload permit.

    Weight 150,000 lb: Superload

    Over 150,000 lb gross, or any axle group over the permit axle limits, is a superload: a single-trip superload permit with a KDOT bridge analysis done before travel, plus front and rear pilot cars.

  3. 03The permit

    Which permit do you need?

    1. A KDOT permit covers its designated route only.
    2. Local, turnpike, federal, tribal, private and facility roads need their own approval.
    Kansas Department of Transportation, Central Permitting Office
    Superload permitOver 150,000 lb

    A superload is a nondivisible load over 150,000 lb gross, or one with any axle group over the K.A.R. 36-1-37 permit axle limits. It moves only on a superload permit:

    • KDOT completes a bridge analysis before the load travels on any Kansas highway
    • Single trip only
    • The mover pays for all damage the move causes
    • At least one front and one rear pilot car; one more if the permit requires slowing at bridges
    6Kansas Administrative Regulations, 2022 Volume 3 (Secretary of State) — Agency 36, Kansas Department of Transportation · checked Oct 13, 2026
    Review and lead timesSuperload: apply 3+ days ahead

    KDOT staff review superload and large structure permits before approval; they are not self-issued.

    • Superload without an existing bridge study: order at least three days before the start date
    • An approved bridge study is good for 30 days
    • Large structure permits can take up to two days to process
    • Guide is dated May 2017; confirm current timing with KDOT Central Permits
    9KDOT — K-TRIPS Company User Guide (version 2.0, May 2017) · checked Oct 13, 2026
    Large structure permitOver 16′6″ W or 18′ H

    Loads beyond the standard permit's size limits move on a large structure permit, valid 30 days, with these conditions:

    • Contact the KDOT district staff before moving; the district approves the route, date and time of day
    • Notify all appropriate utilities and railroads before the move
    • Keep state highway use to a minimum when alternate routes exist
    • Do not park on the traveled lanes; park at least 30′ off the traveled way
    • A pilot car holds traffic at side-road intersections, and traffic is stopped on both sides of bridges and critical spots before crossing
    • Overheight permits allow a height limited only by the constraints on the route
    6Kansas Administrative Regulations, 2022 Volume 3 (Secretary of State) — Agency 36, Kansas Department of Transportation · checked Oct 13, 2026
    Standard permit limits16′6″ W · 126′ L · 18′ H · 150,000 lb

    A standard permit is good for seven days, from origin to destination on the route KDOT designates, up to:

    • 16′6″ wide, 126′ long, 18′ high
    • 150,000 lb gross
    • Multiple trips allowed in the seven days on the same route with similar loads
    6Kansas Administrative Regulations, 2022 Volume 3 (Secretary of State) — Agency 36, Kansas Department of Transportation · checked Oct 13, 2026
    Large structures on InterstatesOnly in extreme circumstances

    Large structure permits are not granted for Interstates except in extreme circumstances, with prior approval from the Secretary.

    6Kansas Administrative Regulations, 2022 Volume 3 (Secretary of State) — Agency 36, Kansas Department of Transportation · checked Oct 13, 2026
    City and county roadsLocal roads: local permit

    KDOT permits cover state highways, connecting-link city streets and Interstates. Cities and counties may issue their own permits for their roads; if a local authority chooses not to issue permits, none is needed there.

    7K.S.A. 8-1911 — Permits for oversize or overweight vehicles; fees · checked Oct 13, 2026
    Permit fees$40 single trip · $200 others

    KDOT permit fees set by statute:

    • $40 single-trip permit
    • $200 large structure single-trip permit
    • $200 superload single-trip permit
    • $200 annual permit
    7K.S.A. 8-1911 — Permits for oversize or overweight vehicles; fees · checked Oct 13, 2026
    Official route and permit tools
    The rule in full4 official sources

    Roads & authorities

    A KDOT permit covers its designated route only. Local, turnpike, federal, tribal, private and facility roads need their own approval.

    When a permit is needed

    Oversize or overweight loads need a Kansas special permit. The route, dates and conditions from K-Trips control.

    Permit types

    Kansas has separate rules for single-trip, annual, large-structure, superload, farm, manufactured-home, combine and special-combination permits. One dimension alone does not tell you which applies.

    Superload permit

    A superload is a nondivisible load over 150,000 lb gross, or one with any axle group over the K.A.R. 36-1-37 permit axle limits. It moves only on a superload permit: KDOT completes a bridge analysis before the load travels on any Kansas highway. Single trip only. The mover pays for all damage the move causes. At least one front and one rear pilot car; one more if the permit requires slowing at bridges.

    Review and lead times

    KDOT staff review superload and large structure permits before approval; they are not self-issued. Superload without an existing bridge study: order at least three days before the start date. An approved bridge study is good for 30 days. Large structure permits can take up to two days to process. Guide is dated May 2017; confirm current timing with KDOT Central Permits.

    Large structure permit

    Loads beyond the standard permit's size limits move on a large structure permit, valid 30 days, with these conditions: Contact the KDOT district staff before moving; the district approves the route, date and time of day. Notify all appropriate utilities and railroads before the move. Keep state highway use to a minimum when alternate routes exist. Do not park on the traveled lanes; park at least 30′ off the traveled way. A pilot car holds traffic at side-road intersections, and traffic is stopped on both sides of bridges and critical spots before crossing. Overheight permits allow a height limited only by the constraints on the route.

    Standard permit limits

    A standard permit is good for seven days, from origin to destination on the route KDOT designates, up to: 16′6″ wide, 126′ long, 18′ high. 150,000 lb gross. Multiple trips allowed in the seven days on the same route with similar loads.

    Large structures on Interstates

    Large structure permits are not granted for Interstates except in extreme circumstances, with prior approval from the Secretary.

    City and county roads

    KDOT permits cover state highways, connecting-link city streets and Interstates. Cities and counties may issue their own permits for their roads; if a local authority chooses not to issue permits, none is needed there.

    Permit fees

    KDOT permit fees set by statute: $40 single-trip permit. $200 large structure single-trip permit. $200 superload single-trip permit. $200 annual permit.

  4. 04Permit cost

    What does the permit cost?

    Example agency fee$40
    • 8′7″ W
    • 13′ H
    • 70′
    • 72,000 lb
    • 100 miles
    The rule in full2 official sources

    Example agency fee

    $40 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 Kansas. Enter your own load in the calculator below.

    What the fee covers

    Kansas'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.

  5. 05Pilot cars

    When do you need pilot cars?

    Width
    Height
    1 front
    • Two-lane roads also need 1 rear escort or compliant warning lights; superloads cannot substitute lights

    Minimums by size alone. Combined dimensions, night moves and the issued permit can add escorts.

    Law enforcement escortsLarge structure on an Interstate

    When a large structure is approved for an Interstate, local law enforcement accompanies the move for traffic control and the load must be the only vehicle on that section.

    • A traffic stop by pilot cars expected to last over 15 minutes: notify law enforcement or the local KDOT office
    6Kansas Administrative Regulations, 2022 Volume 3 (Secretary of State) — Agency 36, Kansas Department of Transportation · checked Oct 13, 2026
    Registered pilot cars onlyKDOT-registered escorts

    Superloads, large structures and loads over 14′ wide need pilot cars, and every escort company and driver must be registered with KDOT. The Highway Patrol does not provide escorts.

    10Kansas Highway Patrol — FAQ: Oversize load permits and restrictions · checked Oct 13, 2026
    Pilot car driver requirementsTraining from an accepted state

    Before driving a pilot car in Kansas, each operator must:

    • Complete an escort vehicle training course from a state KDOT accepts (listed on KDOT's website)
    • Be at least 18 years old
    • Hold a current driver's license from their home state
    • Have no impaired or reckless driving conviction in the past 36 months
    • The escort company registers with KDOT every year
    6Kansas Administrative Regulations, 2022 Volume 3 (Secretary of State) — Agency 36, Kansas Department of Transportation · checked Oct 13, 2026
    Pilot car equipmentAmber light · sign · radio · flags

    A vehicle with at least two axles, 16,000 lb GVWR or less, 60″–102″ wide, carrying at least:

    • One rotating/oscillating or two flashing amber lights, at least 6″ across, visible 500′ from all sides
    • OVERSIZE LOAD sign, black on yellow, at least 5′ × 12″ with 8″ letters, visible from 500′
    • Two-way radio reaching at least ½ mile
    • Two red or orange vehicle flags (18″ square) and two handheld flags (24″ square)
    • STOP/SLOW paddles, hard hat, high-visibility vest, 8 reflective triangles, 8 red light-emitting flares, 3 orange 18″ cones, fire extinguisher, spare tire
    • Company name sign on both sides
    6Kansas Administrative Regulations, 2022 Volume 3 (Secretary of State) — Agency 36, Kansas Department of Transportation · checked Oct 13, 2026
    Height poleOver 16′ high · set load + 3″

    Over 16′ high, at least one pilot car ahead of the load carries a nonconductive height pole set 3″ above the permitted load height.

    • Securely attached and built to warn the pilot car driver that the load cannot safely pass under an overhead obstruction
    • Retract or remove it when not escorting
    6Kansas Administrative Regulations, 2022 Volume 3 (Secretary of State) — Agency 36, Kansas Department of Transportation · checked Oct 13, 2026
    Pilot car spacing500′ in town · 1,000′ outside

    Keep the load in sight at all times, except where curves, grades, bridges or traffic stops briefly need more room:

    • Front pilot car: within 500′ in city limits, within 1,000′ outside
    • Rear pilot car: within 500′
    • Radio contact between every pilot car and the truck driver
    6Kansas Administrative Regulations, 2022 Volume 3 (Secretary of State) — Agency 36, Kansas Department of Transportation · checked Oct 13, 2026
    Stopping traffic15 min max · bridges 5 min

    Pilot car drivers may stop traffic for up to 15 minutes, from outside the vehicle and under MUTCD procedures, when:

    • A bridge or road is closed so the load can cross
    • A tight intersection is closed so the load can turn
    • The load or a pilot car breaks down, or conditions make the move unsafe
    • Expected over 15 minutes: notify law enforcement or the local KDOT office
    • An oversize load may not block bridge traffic for more than 5 minutes
    6Kansas Administrative Regulations, 2022 Volume 3 (Secretary of State) — Agency 36, Kansas Department of Transportation · checked Oct 13, 2026
    Route survey and trip reportSurvey within 14 days of the move

    A pilot car driver who will run with the load surveys the permitted route no more than 14 days before the move.

    • Planning meeting with everyone on the move no more than 7 days before
    • Pre-trip equipment and vehicle checks; post-trip report of incidents
    • The escort company keeps the trip report for at least 3 years
    6Kansas Administrative Regulations, 2022 Volume 3 (Secretary of State) — Agency 36, Kansas Department of Transportation · checked Oct 13, 2026
    ConvoysMax 2 loads · 1,000′ apart

    No more than two permitted loads may travel in a convoy, with no more than 1,000′ between transporting vehicles.

    6Kansas Administrative Regulations, 2022 Volume 3 (Secretary of State) — Agency 36, Kansas Department of Transportation · checked Oct 13, 2026
    The rule in full5 official sources

    Law enforcement escorts

    When a large structure is approved for an Interstate, local law enforcement accompanies the move for traffic control and the load must be the only vehicle on that section. A traffic stop by pilot cars expected to last over 15 minutes: notify law enforcement or the local KDOT office.

    Registered pilot cars only

    Superloads, large structures and loads over 14′ wide need pilot cars, and every escort company and driver must be registered with KDOT. The Highway Patrol does not provide escorts.

    Pilot car driver requirements

    Before driving a pilot car in Kansas, each operator must: Complete an escort vehicle training course from a state KDOT accepts (listed on KDOT's website). Be at least 18 years old. Hold a current driver's license from their home state. Have no impaired or reckless driving conviction in the past 36 months. The escort company registers with KDOT every year.

    Pilot car equipment

    A vehicle with at least two axles, 16,000 lb GVWR or less, 60″–102″ wide, carrying at least: One rotating/oscillating or two flashing amber lights, at least 6″ across, visible 500′ from all sides. OVERSIZE LOAD sign, black on yellow, at least 5′ × 12″ with 8″ letters, visible from 500′. Two-way radio reaching at least ½ mile. Two red or orange vehicle flags (18″ square) and two handheld flags (24″ square). STOP/SLOW paddles, hard hat, high-visibility vest, 8 reflective triangles, 8 red light-emitting flares, 3 orange 18″ cones, fire extinguisher, spare tire. Company name sign on both sides.

    Height pole

    Over 16′ high, at least one pilot car ahead of the load carries a nonconductive height pole set 3″ above the permitted load height. Securely attached and built to warn the pilot car driver that the load cannot safely pass under an overhead obstruction. Retract or remove it when not escorting.

    Pilot car spacing

    Keep the load in sight at all times, except where curves, grades, bridges or traffic stops briefly need more room: Front pilot car: within 500′ in city limits, within 1,000′ outside. Rear pilot car: within 500′. Radio contact between every pilot car and the truck driver.

    Stopping traffic

    Pilot car drivers may stop traffic for up to 15 minutes, from outside the vehicle and under MUTCD procedures, when: A bridge or road is closed so the load can cross. A tight intersection is closed so the load can turn. The load or a pilot car breaks down, or conditions make the move unsafe. Expected over 15 minutes: notify law enforcement or the local KDOT office. An oversize load may not block bridge traffic for more than 5 minutes.

    Route survey and trip report

    A pilot car driver who will run with the load surveys the permitted route no more than 14 days before the move. Planning meeting with everyone on the move no more than 7 days before. Pre-trip equipment and vehicle checks; post-trip report of incidents. The escort company keeps the trip report for at least 3 years.

    Convoys

    No more than two permitted loads may travel in a convoy, with no more than 1,000′ between transporting vehicles.

    Over 14′ wide

    All road types: 1 front pilot car. A rear escort is also required unless a warning light is mounted on top of the load, a second warning light is on the rear of the load 2–8 ft above the road, and a compliant OVERSIZE LOAD sign is on the rear. Superloads and large structures cannot use this substitute.

    Over 16′6″ wide

    Large-structure moves require advance notice to affected utilities and railroads. All road types: 1 front and 1 rear pilot cars. Provide escorts at side-road intersections and stop traffic on both sides of bridges and critical locations before crossing. The route and district approval determine any additional vehicles. Large structures normally cannot use Interstates. Any exceptional Interstate approval requires local enforcement to accompany the movement and exclude other traffic from that section.

    Over 16′ high

    Above 16 ft high, at least one front escort is required and an escort preceding the load must carry a height pole, set 3 in above the permitted load. All road types: 1 front (height pole required) pilot car.

    Over 17′ high

    Above 16 ft high, at least one front escort is required and an escort preceding the load must carry a height pole, set 3 in above the permitted load. Above 17 ft high, notify all appropriate utilities before moving. All road types: 1 front (height pole required) pilot car.

    Over 18′ high

    Above 16 ft high, at least one front escort is required and an escort preceding the load must carry a height pole, set 3 in above the permitted load. Large-structure moves require advance notice to affected utilities and railroads. All road types: 1 front (height pole required) and 1 rear pilot cars. Provide escorts at side-road intersections and stop traffic on both sides of bridges and critical locations before crossing. The route and district approval determine any additional vehicles. Large structures normally cannot use Interstates. Any exceptional Interstate approval requires local enforcement to accompany the movement and exclude other traffic from that section.

  6. 06Travel hours

    When can you move?

    Oversize loads: 30 minutes before sunrise to 30 minutes after sunset.
    • Not in under half a mile of visibility or on ice or packed snow.
    The rule in full5 official sources

    Daylight travel

    Oversize and overlength loads generally move from 30 minutes before sunrise to 30 minutes after sunset. They cannot move with less than half a mile of visibility or on ice or packed snow. Overweight-only loads follow other rules.

    Overweight-only hours

    Overweight-only loads can have different hours from oversize loads. Visibility, snow and ice, the season and the permit control.

    Current route restrictions

    Before moving, check KDOT and local weather restrictions, posted signs, K-Trips route notices and the forecast.

    Daylight travel

    Over-width and over-length loads move only from 30 minutes before sunrise to 30 minutes after sunset, unless another statute or regulation allows otherwise. Not when visibility is under ½ mile. Not on ice, snow pack or drifting snow. Overweight-only loads (within legal size) may run 24 hours, except on ice, snow pack or drifting snow.

    Weather stops

    Permitted loads may not move when: Visibility is under ½ mile. There is moderate to heavy rain, sleet, snow, fog or smoke. The road is slippery from ice, packed snow or rain. Manufactured homes and modular sections stop when sustained ground wind exceeds 30 mph.

    Holidays and weekends

    Kansas has no holiday or weekend ban: permitted loads may move every day of the year, including holidays, within the daylight and weather rules.

    U.S. 83 location sharing

    On the 131-mile stretch of U.S. 83 from the southern Finney County line to the east Thomas County line, permits require loads 14′ or wider, or 126′ or longer, to share their location through the KanDrive app.

  7. 07Flags & lamps

    Signs, flags and lights

    OVERSIZE LOAD sign and flags7′ × 18″ sign · 4 red flags

    Over-width or over-length permitted loads carry an OVERSIZE LOAD sign and corner flags:

    • Sign at least 7′ long and 18″ high, letters at least 10″ high, readable from 500′
    • Remove the sign when the load is back within legal width and length
    • Red flags on all four corners of the oversize load
    • Overweight-only loads within legal size must not show an OVERSIZE LOAD sign
    7K.S.A. 8-1911 — Permits for oversize or overweight vehicles; fees · checked Oct 13, 2026
    No WIDE LOAD bannersOVERSIZE LOAD only

    A WIDE LOAD banner is not accepted in Kansas; the sign must read OVERSIZE LOAD.

    10Kansas Highway Patrol — FAQ: Oversize load permits and restrictions · checked Oct 13, 2026
    Projecting loadsRear 4′+ · flags by day, lamps at night

    A load past the sides or more than 4′ past the rear is marked at its extremities:

    • By day: red flags at least 12″ square
    • At night: two red lamps visible from 500′ and two red reflectors at the rear end, and one red lamp on each side marking the overhang
    17K.S.A. 8-1715 — Lamps or flags required on projecting loads · checked Oct 13, 2026
    The rule in full5 official sources

    Signs, flags and lights

    Follow the current K.A.R. rules for signs, flags, lights, securement, visibility and weather. Sealed-load guidance does not waive permit or weight rules.

    OVERSIZE LOAD sign and flags

    Over-width or over-length permitted loads carry an OVERSIZE LOAD sign and corner flags: Sign at least 7′ long and 18″ high, letters at least 10″ high, readable from 500′. Remove the sign when the load is back within legal width and length. Red flags on all four corners of the oversize load. Overweight-only loads within legal size must not show an OVERSIZE LOAD sign.

    No WIDE LOAD banners

    A WIDE LOAD banner is not accepted in Kansas; the sign must read OVERSIZE LOAD.

    Projecting loads

    A load past the sides or more than 4′ past the rear is marked at its extremities: By day: red flags at least 12″ square. At night: two red lamps visible from 500′ and two red reflectors at the rear end, and one red lamp on each side marking the overhang.

  8. 08Driver paperwork

    What the driver carries

    • Carry the permitCarry the issued Kansas permit in the vehicle and make it available for inspection; do not rely on an unissued application.
    • Paperwork must matchThe driver's papers must match the vehicle, load, route, date and conditions on the permit, with the required safety and securement records.
    • Carry the permitPaper is not required: a legible electronic copy is enough, as long as it can be shown to any officer on request.
    • InsuranceBefore any permit is issued, the applicant needs $500,000 general liability and $500,000 auto liability insurance from a company authorized in Kansas.
    • Registered weightA permit is valid only when the power unit is registered for at least the vehicle's total gross weight.
    Carry the permitElectronic copy OK

    Paper is not required: a legible electronic copy is enough, as long as it can be shown to any officer on request.

    10Kansas Highway Patrol — FAQ: Oversize load permits and restrictions · checked Oct 13, 2026
    Insurance$500,000 general + $500,000 auto

    Before any permit is issued, the applicant needs $500,000 general liability and $500,000 auto liability insurance from a company authorized in Kansas.

    • Keep proof of insurance in the permitted vehicle (vehicles registered by the Kansas Corporation Commission excepted)
    • Proof shows purchase date, amount, expiration date, insurer and authorized signature
    6Kansas Administrative Regulations, 2022 Volume 3 (Secretary of State) — Agency 36, Kansas Department of Transportation · checked Oct 13, 2026
    Registered weightRegistration ≥ gross weight

    A permit is valid only when the power unit is registered for at least the vehicle's total gross weight. If gross weight is above the top registration class, buy the maximum.

    7K.S.A. 8-1911 — Permits for oversize or overweight vehicles; fees · checked Oct 13, 2026
    The rule in full4 official sources

    Carry the permit

    Carry the issued Kansas permit in the vehicle and make it available for inspection; do not rely on an unissued application.

    Paperwork must match

    The driver's papers must match the vehicle, load, route, date and conditions on the permit, with the required safety and securement records.

    Carry the permit

    Paper is not required: a legible electronic copy is enough, as long as it can be shown to any officer on request.

    Insurance

    Before any permit is issued, the applicant needs $500,000 general liability and $500,000 auto liability insurance from a company authorized in Kansas. Keep proof of insurance in the permitted vehicle (vehicles registered by the Kansas Corporation Commission excepted). Proof shows purchase date, amount, expiration date, insurer and authorized signature.

    Registered weight

    A permit is valid only when the power unit is registered for at least the vehicle's total gross weight. If gross weight is above the top registration class, buy the maximum.

  9. 09Special permits

    Special loads and permit programs

    Annual permits15′ H · 16′6″ W · 126′ L · 120,000 lb

    An annual permit allows continuous daylight moves for one year on approved routes, tied to one power unit and not transferable.

    • Up to 16′6″ wide, 126′ long, 15′ high and 120,000 lb gross
    • Leave the approved routes only at origin and destination, by the safest, shortest, most direct roads
    6Kansas Administrative Regulations, 2022 Volume 3 (Secretary of State) — Agency 36, Kansas Department of Transportation · checked Oct 13, 2026
    Manufactured homesUp to 16′6″ wide by permit

    A house trailer, manufactured home or mobile home wider than 8′6″ may move by permit if:

    • It is no more than 16′6″ wide
    • The driver has a valid driver's license
    • The driver carries proof of liability insurance of at least $100,000 per person, $300,000 per accident and $25,000 property damage
    7K.S.A. 8-1911 — Permits for oversize or overweight vehicles; fees · checked Oct 13, 2026
    Custom combines and hayCombine headers: May 1–Nov 15

    Farm moves have their own permits:

    • Custom combine permit, May 1–November 15, $10 per power unit: two combine headers on designated Interstates, up to 14′ wide, daylight only, not overweight
    • Hay bales up to 12′ wide on the national network by permit, daylight only, not overweight, with OVERSIZE LOAD sign and corner flags
    7K.S.A. 8-1911 — Permits for oversize or overweight vehicles; fees · checked Oct 13, 2026
    The rule in full2 official sources

    Special permits

    Hay, manufactured housing, custom combines, farm machinery, emergency towing and special combinations each have their own conditions and limits.

    Annual permits

    An annual permit allows continuous daylight moves for one year on approved routes, tied to one power unit and not transferable. Up to 16′6″ wide, 126′ long, 15′ high and 120,000 lb gross. Leave the approved routes only at origin and destination, by the safest, shortest, most direct roads.

    Manufactured homes

    A house trailer, manufactured home or mobile home wider than 8′6″ may move by permit if: It is no more than 16′6″ wide. The driver has a valid driver's license. The driver carries proof of liability insurance of at least $100,000 per person, $300,000 per accident and $25,000 property damage.

    Custom combines and hay

    Farm moves have their own permits: Custom combine permit, May 1–November 15, $10 per power unit: two combine headers on designated Interstates, up to 14′ wide, daylight only, not overweight. Hay bales up to 12′ wide on the national network by permit, daylight only, not overweight, with OVERSIZE LOAD sign and corner flags.

Price your Kansas loadAgency fees and pilot-car needs for your loaded rig. Free, no contact details.Open worksheet

KS / Permit worksheet

Price your Kansas movement.

Enter the complete loaded vehicle. Get estimated agency fees and escort requirements before sharing your contact details.

Crossing state lines? Estimate the whole trip
Single-trip · nondivisible loadOther permits & charges
Start with an example

Example loaded measurements are filled in. Adjust the equipment, mileage and registration to match your movement.

01

Loaded dimensions

Measure ground to highest point, widest point, and the full tractor–trailer–load length. These are not cargo-only dimensions.

Width
Height
Overall length
02

Equipment & registration

Trailer length
Trailer + load length
Axle weights, overhangs & movement details Optional
Front overhang
Enter 0 when there is no overhang.
Rear overhang
Enter 0 when there is no overhang.

Actual axle groups

Some weight fees depend on axle loads and spacing. Enter measured groups in travel order; do not divide gross weight evenly.

No ODPermit fee or markup. No contact details required.

Your estimate

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.

  1. 01 State agency fee subtotal
  2. 02 Escort & survey considerations
  3. 03 Sources & pricing assumptions

Single-state pricing uses the mileage you enter. For a proposed route and intermediate states, use the route calculator.

Agency fees only. Annual permits, specialized products and conditional services have separate terms.See the fee reference
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 Kansas 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.

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.

Request permit help

THE SOURCE RECORD

Official references.

Read the rule behind each requirement. These are dated references; current restrictions and the issued permit control your move.

  1. 01
    K.S.A. 8-1902 — Width of vehicles and loads thereon

    K.S.A. 8-1902(a)-(d)

    Source record:
  2. 02
    K.S.A. 8-1904 — Height and length of vehicles and loads

    K.S.A. 8-1904(a)-(j)

    Source record:
  3. 03
    K.S.A. 8-1905 — Projecting loads to the front and rear

    K.S.A. 8-1905

    Source record:
  4. 04
  5. 05
    K.S.A. 8-1909 — Gross weight limits for vehicles

    K.S.A. 8-1909

    Source record:
  6. 06
    Kansas Administrative Regulations, 2022 Volume 3 (Secretary of State) — Agency 36, Kansas Department of Transportation

    K.A.R. 36-1-35 to 36-1-38 (Special Permits, Loads and Vehicles); K.A.R. 36-45-1 to 36-45-8 (Escort Vehicles, Service Providers, and Operators). Text matches the current authenticated versions on rules.ks.gov (checked 2026-10-13).

    Source record:
  7. 07
    K.S.A. 8-1911 — Permits for oversize or overweight vehicles; fees

    K.S.A. 8-1911(a), (c), (e), (f)(2), (g), (h), (i), (j), (l), (m)

    Source record:
  8. 08
    Kansas Truck Routing and Intelligent Permitting System

    Kansas Truck Routing and Intelligent Permitting System

    Source record:
All 19 references
  1. 09
    KDOT — K-TRIPS Company User Guide (version 2.0, May 2017)

    Ordering a Permit (self-issue note; Large Structure note); Chapter 5 Superloads

    Source record:
  2. 10
    Kansas Highway Patrol — FAQ: Oversize load permits and restrictions

    Do I have to carry a paper copy of the permit?; Does the Kansas Highway Patrol offer escort vehicles for oversize loads?; Can I display a “Wide Load” banner in Kansas?

    Source record:
  3. 11
    Kansas K.A.R. 36-1-36 — current common requirements

    Kansas K.A.R. 36-1-36 — current common requirements

    Source record:
  4. 12
    Kansas K.A.R. 36-45-1 — height pole, large structure and superload definitions

    Kansas K.A.R. 36-45-1 — height pole, large structure and superload definitions

    Source record:
  5. 13
    Kansas K.A.R. 36-1-38 — large-structure movement

    Kansas K.A.R. 36-1-38 — large-structure movement

    Source record:
  6. 14
    K.S.A. 8-1912 — Temporary highway size and weight restrictions

    K.S.A. 8-1912(a)-(d)

    Source record:
  7. 15
  8. 16
    Kansas Commercial Driver's License Handbook

    3.3.5

    Source record:
  9. 17
  10. 18
    23 CFR 658 Appendix B — National Network semitrailer lengths

    Appendix B; 23 CFR 658.13(a)

    Source record:
  11. 19
    23 CFR 658.17 — Interstate gross, axle and bridge weights

    23 CFR 658.17(a)–(e); grandfather exceptions are configuration-specific

    Source record:
How ODPermit uses official sources

ACROSS THE STATE LINE

Keep the whole trip in view.

All state guides