ODPERMIT / STATE FIELD GUIDE OH
OhioOversize & overweight permits.
Ohio combines a processing charge with the applicable dimensional or overweight surcharge. Check the loaded rig, escort duties and OS-1A driver paperwork together.
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- Single20k / 29k lb
- Tandem34k / 50k lb
- Tri-axle60k lb
- Quad-axle80k lb
- Legal values are the Interstate limits in ORC 5577.04(B); non-Interstate roads use spacing-based limits in 5577.04(D).
- Permit tire load: 800 lb per inch of tire width.
- Any axle or group above these permit limits makes the load a superload. Superloads use the same group maximums; greater weights may be considered on vehicles with more than 13 axles.
- Overweight permits: axle groups up to 16′ long must equalize the load (single attachment or integrated air ride).
The rule in full5 official sources
General width: 8′6″
Ordinary vehicle-and-load limit; safety-device, vehicle and load exceptions may apply.
- 1Ohio Revised Code 5577.05 Checked
Loaded height: 13′6″
Ordinary vehicle-and-load limit; listed exceptions and actual route clearances apply.
- 1Ohio Revised Code 5577.05 Checked
NN semitrailer: 53′
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.
Trailer length vs. overall length
Legal width is 8′6″ and legal height 13′6″. A tractor-semitrailer can have a 53′ trailer; other combinations follow other rules. Record the trailer length and the full loaded length; one overall number does not fit every truck.
- 1Ohio Revised Code 5577.05 Checked
How the load sits matters
Load a nondivisible item so it exceeds legal limits as little as possible. Adding other items can change whether it qualifies. Enter the quantity and how items are arranged, not just the biggest item's size.
Axle limits: legal and with a permit
Legal: single 20,000 lb, tandem 34,000 lb. With a permit: single 29,000 lb, tandem 50,000 lb, tri-axle 60,000 lb, quad-axle 80,000 lb. Legal values are the Interstate limits in ORC 5577.04(B); non-Interstate roads use spacing-based limits in 5577.04(D). Permit tire load: 800 lb per inch of tire width. Any axle or group above these permit limits makes the load a superload. Superloads use the same group maximums; greater weights may be considered on vehicles with more than 13 axles. Overweight permits: axle groups up to 16′ long must equalize the load (single attachment or integrated air ride).
- 02Requirements
Where each requirement starts
Flags & lampsWidth over 10′At 10′ wide or more, show OVERSIZE LOAD signs on the front and rear.
3ODOT — Operational Guide for Vehicles Operating with a Special Hauling Permit · checked Oct 13, 2026What official sources leave open14
Where Ohio’s official sources disagree or say nothing, confirm with the agency before dispatch.
- Night-travel conflict: OAC 5501:2-1-04(C) bars movement at night ("between the hours of sunset to sunrise") unless the permit provides otherwise, while Form OS-1A and the Operational Guide let permitted loads move "one-half hour before sunrise until one-half hour after sunset". This file's travel window follows the Operational Guide it cites (−½ hr/+½ hr).
- Holiday end conflict: the 2026 holiday page and OAC 5501:2-1-04(C) end the ban at sunrise; Form OS-1A and the Operational Guide end it a half hour before sunrise.
- The Operational Guide also lists Good Friday/Easter as a no-move holiday (sunrise Good Friday to a half hour before sunrise the Monday after Easter). The 2026 holiday page, Form OS-1A and OAC 5501:2-1-01(K) do not, and no 2027 Easter dates are published.
- OVERSIZE LOAD sign trigger conflict: OAC 5501:2-1-04(K) reads as height, length and 10′ width together, while Form OS-1A and the Guide list them as separate triggers.
- Flag placement: OAC 5501:2-1-04(I), when a permit requires flags, puts them on all four corners of overwidth loads and "at the extreme ends of all protrusions, projections, or overhangs" with no minimum; Form OS-1A and the Guide set a 4′ rear-overhang trigger.
- The Guide calls any load over 120,000 lb a superload, while the OHPS FAQ says routed permits up to 160,000 lb should self-issue. ODOT does not explain how the two fit together.
- Escort thresholds: Form OS-1A uses permitted dimensions, the Guide uses overall dimensions.
- Ohio publishes no general legal overhang limit; the 3′ front and 4′ rear allowance in ORC 5577.05(E) applies only to auto and boat transporters.
- No fixed statewide maximum permit length, width or height; ODOT sets them by route.
- No escort driver certification, training or reciprocity rule is published beyond age 18, a valid license (Guide) and the ability to act as a flag person (OAC 5501:2-1-04(L)).
- No size threshold for route surveys is published; the permit office decides.
- Restricted holiday dates after New Year's 2027 are not yet published.
- OHPS FAQ: Ohio State Patrol escort requirements are not shown in OHPS before a permit is issued.
- Municipal scope: the ODOT pages cited do not say whether an ODOT permit alone covers state and U.S. routes inside cities and villages; they only send county, township and city streets to the local authority.
The rule in full3 official sources
Width 8′6″: Legal width
Up to 8′6″ wide, load included, moves without a permit; wider needs one.
Width 10′: OVERSIZE LOAD signs
At 10′ wide or more, show OVERSIZE LOAD signs on the front and rear.
Width 12′: Rush-hour and weekend curfews
Over 12′ wide: no moves during weekday rush hours in 22 listed counties, and no moves after 3 p.m. on Saturdays and Sundays (and Fridays from April 1 to November 30) until a half hour before the next sunrise.
Width 13′: 1 pilot car
Over 13′ wide: 1 lead pilot car, or 1 rear pilot car on multi-lane highways.
Width 14′: Superload
Over 14′ wide the load is a superload, sent to the Central Permit Office for review.
Width 14′6″: 2 pilot cars
Over 14′6″ wide: 1 front and 1 rear pilot car.
Width 16′: Police escort
Over 16′ wide: a law enforcement escort is required in addition to the private pilot cars.
Height 13′6″: Legal height
Up to 13′6″ high, loaded or empty, moves without a permit; taller needs one. Ohio does not promise that structures clear that height.
Height 14′6″: Lead car with height pole
Over 14′6″ high: 1 lead pilot car with a height-sensing device, and OVERSIZE LOAD signs front and rear.
Height 14′6″: Superload
Over 14′6″ high the load is a superload.
Height 14′10″: 2 pilot cars · utilities
Over 14′10″ high: 1 front pilot car with the height pole and 1 rear pilot car, and you must coordinate the move with the owners of overhead signs, signals and utilities.
Length 53′ trailer: Legal semitrailer
A semitrailer in a tractor-semitrailer combination may be 53′ long without a permit. Other combinations have their own limits (65′ for most other combinations).
Length 90′: Rear pilot car
Over 90′ long: 1 rear pilot car.
Weight 80,000 lb: Legal gross
80,000 lb gross maximum without a permit, subject to axle and bridge-formula limits.
Weight 120,000 lb: Superload
Over 120,000 lb gross, or over any permit axle or group limit, the load is a superload.
Weight 160,000 lb: OHPS self-issue limit
With a system-generated route, OHPS permits within 14′6″ high, 14′ wide and 160,000 lb gross should self-issue; larger requests go to ODOT for review.
Weight 250,000 lb: Structural engineering review
Over 250,000 lb gross, bridge analysis goes to ODOT's Office of Structural Engineering. It normally takes up to two weeks, sometimes longer.
- 03The permit
Which permit do you need?
- Ohio's Special Hauling Permit covers the highways, endpoints and time shown on the permit.
- Permission for local roads and the Ohio Turnpike comes from the responsible authority.
Superload120,000 lb · 14′ W · 14′6″ H
ODOT treats a load as a superload when any of these is true:
- Gross weight over 120,000 lb
- Any axle or axle group over the permit axle limits
- Over 14′ wide
- Over 14′6″ high
Superload review and lead timeAbout 2 weeks over 250,000 lb
Superloads go to the Central Permit Office for review before a permit is issued.
- ODOT may ask for a route survey, vehicle/load diagram and local authority permits
- Bridge analysis up to 250,000 lb is generally done in house; heavier loads, or any load the permit office can't analyze, go to the Office of Structural Engineering, normally within two weeks (can take longer)
- After the bridge analysis, a superload permit may be issued with 1 to 2 days' processing
- Superloads by dimension may take 3 working days to process
- Superloads are considered only from the place of manufacture or port of entry to the final site, port or state line, with no intermediate destinations such as a warehouse
Route surveysPermit office decides per permit
The permit office technician decides, permit by permit, when a route survey is required.
9ODOT — Ohio Hauling Permits System Frequently Asked Questions · checked Oct 13, 2026Special engineering analysisPossible road or bridge damage
If ODOT's routine review shows possible damage to pavement or bridges, or an unusual safety hazard, it makes a special engineering analysis, so apply well before the move.
- The analysis can include visual inspection, measurements and strength analysis of pavement and bridges
- Special work such as engineering analysis, traffic control, sign or guardrail removal or bridge shoring is billed to the applicant, with a deposit paid before the work
OHPS self-issue limits14′6″ H · 14′ W · 160,000 lb
An application with a system-generated route inside these limits should self-issue; anything larger goes to ODOT for review.
- Height 14′6″
- Width 14′
- Gross 160,000 lb
How wide and high ODOT will permit14′ routine on multi-lane
ODOT sets the maximum by the route, not by a fixed statewide number:
- Multi-lane highways: 14′ is the widest routine permit
- Two-way highways: minimum roadway width minus 8′ for oncoming traffic; if 8′ can't be kept, more escorts, including uniformed police, may be required
- Height: 4 inches less than the lowest clearance on the route
Local roads and the TurnpikeSeparate permits
ODOT permits cover state, U.S. and Interstate highways. County, township and city streets and the Ohio Turnpike need their own permission.
- Ohio Turnpike: contact the Turnpike for guidance
- County, township or city streets: contact the entity over each street
Official route and permit tools- Ohio Hauling Permit System (OHPS)Apply, pay and track ODOT Special Hauling Permits
- Form OS-1A provisions sheetTwo-page form that must ride with every permit
- 2026 holiday restrictionsNo-move windows and permit office closures
- Operational Guide for Special Hauling PermitsEscorts, superloads, axle limits, housing rules
- OHPS FAQSelf-issue limits, routing and route surveys
- Ohio Turnpike permitsSeparate permit for the Turnpike
- OHGO traffic and road conditionsODOT closures, construction and conditions
The rule in full9 official sources
The permit authority
Ohio's Special Hauling Permit covers the highways, endpoints and time shown on the permit. Permission for local roads and the Ohio Turnpike comes from the responsible authority.
- 4Ohio Department of Transportation Checked
The permit authority
ODOT special-hauling authority covers highways in the state highway system. For an ODOT-permitted movement that stays on that system, a municipality may not demand a duplicate permit merely because the state route passes through the municipality.
The permit authority
City streets off the state system, county and township roads, the Ohio Turnpike, ports, private facilities, and other separately controlled segments require the applicable route owner's permission. The ODOT permit does not silently cover them; resolve every route edge before dispatch.
When a permit is needed
A special hauling permit is required when a vehicle or load exceeds an applicable Ohio size or weight limit or otherwise does not conform to the covered vehicle-equipment laws. Determine the issuing authority from the road, and do not treat an ODOT permit as local-road authority.
Application details
The application needs the exact vehicle and load, dimensions, axle weights, gross weight, and—except for specified product programs—origin, destination, and proposed route. Permits generally serve nondivisible loads under Ohio's intended-use/value/eight-work-hour test; named products have narrower eligibility.
- 7OAC 5501:2-1-02 — Permit Application Checked
- 6OAC 5501:2-1-01 — Definitions Checked
Permit validity
Core ODOT durations are up to five calendar days for single-trip and single-trip/return permits, ninety days for continuing and continuing/return permits, and 365 days for continuing annual permits. Emergency, regional-heavy-haul, and named product permits use their own one-, three-, five-, 45-, 90-, or 365-day terms; the issued dates control.
- 8OAC 5501:2-1-03 — Limitations on Permits Checked
- 6OAC 5501:2-1-01 — Definitions Checked
The applicable permit
Request eligible revisions before movement through the original entry office. Once movement begins, only the stated unforeseen reroute or equivalent-vehicle cases can be handled through the limited oral procedure; permittee, load, origin, destination, and an already violated permit are not ordinary revisions.
Permits, routes & larger loads
OHPS says a successfully routed application at or below 14 feet wide, 14 feet 6 inches high, and 160,000 pounds GVW should self-issue. This is a portal workflow envelope only—not a legal or routine permit maximum, not a promise of route availability, and not permission to move.
Current route restrictions
Route generation, bridge availability, route surveys, Ohio State Highway Patrol escort decisions, and special engineering or traffic-control work are agency outputs. A hidden restriction, closure, or bridge can stop a route even inside the self-issue envelope.
Superload
ODOT treats a load as a superload when any of these is true: Gross weight over 120,000 lb. Any axle or axle group over the permit axle limits. Over 14′ wide. Over 14′6″ high.
Superload review and lead time
Superloads go to the Central Permit Office for review before a permit is issued. ODOT may ask for a route survey, vehicle/load diagram and local authority permits. Bridge analysis up to 250,000 lb is generally done in house; heavier loads, or any load the permit office can't analyze, go to the Office of Structural Engineering, normally within two weeks (can take longer). After the bridge analysis, a superload permit may be issued with 1 to 2 days' processing. Superloads by dimension may take 3 working days to process. Superloads are considered only from the place of manufacture or port of entry to the final site, port or state line, with no intermediate destinations such as a warehouse.
Route surveys
The permit office technician decides, permit by permit, when a route survey is required.
Special engineering analysis
If ODOT's routine review shows possible damage to pavement or bridges, or an unusual safety hazard, it makes a special engineering analysis, so apply well before the move. The analysis can include visual inspection, measurements and strength analysis of pavement and bridges. Special work such as engineering analysis, traffic control, sign or guardrail removal or bridge shoring is billed to the applicant, with a deposit paid before the work.
OHPS self-issue limits
An application with a system-generated route inside these limits should self-issue; anything larger goes to ODOT for review. Height 14′6″. Width 14′. Gross 160,000 lb.
How wide and high ODOT will permit
ODOT sets the maximum by the route, not by a fixed statewide number: Multi-lane highways: 14′ is the widest routine permit. Two-way highways: minimum roadway width minus 8′ for oncoming traffic; if 8′ can't be kept, more escorts, including uniformed police, may be required. Height: 4 inches less than the lowest clearance on the route.
Local roads and the Turnpike
ODOT permits cover state, U.S. and Interstate highways. County, township and city streets and the Ohio Turnpike need their own permission. Ohio Turnpike: contact the Turnpike for guidance. County, township or city streets: contact the entity over each street.
- 10ODOT — Special Hauling Permits Checked
- 04Permit cost
What does the permit cost?
Example agency fee$75- 8′7″ W
- 13′ H
- 70′
- 72,000 lb
- 100 miles
The rule in full2 official sources
Example agency fee
$75 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 Ohio. Enter your own load in the calculator below.
What the fee covers
Ohio'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.
Height poleOver 14′6″ high · lead car
Over 14′6″ high, the lead pilot car carries a height-sensing device and runs far enough ahead to stop the load before a low clearance.
- The device can be a simple pole or an electro-mechanical warning device mounted on the lead car
- Over 14′10″ high, add a rear pilot car
Police and ODOT escortsOver 16′ wide · or as ODOT orders
A law enforcement escort is required, on top of private pilot cars, over 16′ wide or whenever ODOT finds the move likely to cause delay, a hazard to traffic, or damage to roads.
- Restricted bridges on the route can require Ohio State Highway Patrol escorts for traffic control
- Overweight superloads may need an ODOT escort; ODOT says so when processing is done, on the permit's Special Limitations page
- Superload ODOT and OSHP escorts need at least 48 hours' notice
- If ODOT or OSHP is standing by, start within 1 hour of the scheduled time or the move is postponed, and you pay the cost of the aborted move
Two triggers at onceLead + rear pilot cars
If a load trips more than one single-car trigger (over 90′ long, over 13′ wide, over 14′6″ high), it needs a lead and a rear pilot car.
- Example: over 13′ wide and over 90′ long = lead and rear
Pilot car equipmentSign · amber light · radio
A pilot car is a single-unit sedan, station wagon, window van, SUV or pickup rated one ton or less, with:
- Yellow OVERSIZE LOAD sign with black letters, 5′ × 12″, 8″ letters, on the roof or front and rear
- Roof-mounted rotating amber light or flashing amber light bar visible 1,000′ in daylight; headlights on
- Two-way radio in touch with the load and the other escorts
- STOP/SLOW paddle, ABC fire extinguisher, at least 4 flares, 3 reflective triangles, mirrors on both sides, full-size spare
- Safety vest or jacket and hard hat when flagging, or outside the car with traffic present
- No trailer in tow and no equipment sticking out past the car
Pilot car driver18+ · valid license · flagger
The pilot car driver must be at least 18 with a valid license from the state where the car is registered, and acts as flagger when needed.
3ODOT — Operational Guide for Vehicles Operating with a Special Hauling Permit · checked Oct 13, 2026No convoysStay 500′ apart
Permitted loads may not convoy: don't run within 500′ of another permitted vehicle ahead of you going the same direction.
2ODOT — Form OS-1A, Limitations/Provisions on the Use of a Special Hauling Permit (Rev. 01/18) · checked Oct 13, 2026The rule in full2 official sources
Escort triggers
OS-1A requires a rear escort above 90′ long and a lead escort above 13′ wide (rear on multi-lane roads). Above 14′6″ high, a lead escort with a height pole. Above 14′6″ wide or 14′10″ high: front and rear escorts. More than one trigger can also mean two escorts. Follow any extra permit conditions.
Height pole
Over 14′6″ high, the lead pilot car carries a height-sensing device and runs far enough ahead to stop the load before a low clearance. The device can be a simple pole or an electro-mechanical warning device mounted on the lead car. Over 14′10″ high, add a rear pilot car.
Police and ODOT escorts
A law enforcement escort is required, on top of private pilot cars, over 16′ wide or whenever ODOT finds the move likely to cause delay, a hazard to traffic, or damage to roads. Restricted bridges on the route can require Ohio State Highway Patrol escorts for traffic control. Overweight superloads may need an ODOT escort; ODOT says so when processing is done, on the permit's Special Limitations page. Superload ODOT and OSHP escorts need at least 48 hours' notice. If ODOT or OSHP is standing by, start within 1 hour of the scheduled time or the move is postponed, and you pay the cost of the aborted move.
Two triggers at once
If a load trips more than one single-car trigger (over 90′ long, over 13′ wide, over 14′6″ high), it needs a lead and a rear pilot car. Example: over 13′ wide and over 90′ long = lead and rear.
Pilot car equipment
A pilot car is a single-unit sedan, station wagon, window van, SUV or pickup rated one ton or less, with: Yellow OVERSIZE LOAD sign with black letters, 5′ × 12″, 8″ letters, on the roof or front and rear. Roof-mounted rotating amber light or flashing amber light bar visible 1,000′ in daylight; headlights on. Two-way radio in touch with the load and the other escorts. STOP/SLOW paddle, ABC fire extinguisher, at least 4 flares, 3 reflective triangles, mirrors on both sides, full-size spare. Safety vest or jacket and hard hat when flagging, or outside the car with traffic present. No trailer in tow and no equipment sticking out past the car.
Pilot car driver
The pilot car driver must be at least 18 with a valid license from the state where the car is registered, and acts as flagger when needed.
No convoys
Permitted loads may not convoy: don't run within 500′ of another permitted vehicle ahead of you going the same direction.
Over 13′ wide
Two-lane roads: 1 front pilot car. Multi-lane undivided roads: 1 rear pilot car. Divided highways: 1 rear pilot car.
Over 14′6″ wide
All road types: 1 front and 1 rear pilot cars.
Over 14′6″ high
All road types: 1 front (height pole required) pilot car.
Over 14′10″ high
Coordinate the move with owners of overhead signs, signals and utilities that may obstruct the load. All road types: 1 front (height pole required) and 1 rear pilot cars.
Over 90′ long
All road types: 1 rear pilot car.
- 06Travel hours
When can you move?
30 minutes before sunrise to 30 minutes after sunset, seven days a week.- Over 12′ wide: not after 3 p.m. on weekends (and Fridays, April–November), and no rush hours in 22 counties.
- Overweight-only loads of legal size: any hour.
Oversize holiday banOver-dimension loads (with or without overweight) may not move from 12:00 noon on the first date of each window ODOT lists until sunrise on the last date. Overweight-only loads with a valid permit may move.
- Jan ’261New Year's Day
- Jan ’262New Year's Day — no moves until sunrise
- May ’2622Memorial Day weekend — no moves from noon
- May ’2623Memorial Day weekend — no moves
- May ’2624Memorial Day weekend — no moves
- May ’2625Memorial Day weekend — no moves
- May ’2626Memorial Day weekend — no moves until sunrise
- Jul ’263Independence Day weekend — no moves from noon
- Jul ’264Independence Day
- Jul ’265Independence Day weekend — no moves
- Jul ’266Independence Day weekend — no moves until sunrise
- Sep ’264Labor Day weekend — no moves from noon
- Sep ’265Labor Day weekend — no moves
- Sep ’266Labor Day weekend — no moves
- Sep ’267Labor Day weekend — no moves
- Sep ’268Labor Day weekend — no moves until sunrise
- Nov ’2625Thanksgiving — no moves from noon
- Nov ’2626Thanksgiving — no moves
- Nov ’2627Thanksgiving — no moves until sunrise
- Dec ’2624Christmas weekend — no moves from noon
- Dec ’2625Christmas Day
- Dec ’2626Christmas weekend — no moves
- Dec ’2627Christmas weekend — no moves
- Dec ’2628Christmas weekend — no moves until sunrise
- Dec ’2631New Year's weekend — no moves from noon
- Jan ’271New Year's Day
- Jan ’272New Year's weekend — no moves
- Jan ’273New Year's weekend — no moves
- Jan ’274New Year's weekend — no moves until sunrise
The rule in full4 official sources
Daylight, seven days, with wide-load limits
Permitted loads move in daylight, seven days a week: 30 minutes before sunrise to 30 minutes after sunset. Overweight-only loads of legal size have no hour limits. Loads over 12′ wide may not move after 3 p.m. on Saturdays and Sundays (and Fridays, April–November) until 30 minutes before the next sunrise, or during weekday rush hours (6:30–9 a.m., 4:30–6 p.m.) in 22 listed counties. No movement from noon before New Year's Day, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving or Christmas until 30 minutes before sunrise after.
Papers for the move
Carry the valid permit or an allowed copy, the full two-page OS-1A and a gross-weight statement. A bill of lading or similar is also required, except for listed vehicles and loads. An electronic copy must be readable, and you must be able to prove it was issued.
Night, holidays and weather
Night and holiday moves depend on the permit and its provisions. Bad weather or road conditions can stop a permitted move. Check current route restrictions and ODOT instructions before you leave. The calculator's route is for pricing, not permission to travel.
Daylight travel, 7 days
Oversize loads move in daylight, Sunday through Saturday, outside the holiday and wide-load limits. Overweight-only loads of legal size: no hour or day limits, as long as they don't obstruct traffic. Night travel needs special authorization on the permit.
Rush-hour ban, over 12′ wide
Loads over 12′ wide may not move during weekday rush hours in these 22 counties: Butler, Clermont, Cuyahoga, Delaware, Fairfield, Franklin, Geauga, Hamilton, Lake, Licking, Lorain. Lucas, Madison, Mahoning, Medina, Montgomery, Pickaway, Stark, Summit, Union, Warren, Wood.
Weekend cutoff, over 12′ wide
Loads over 12′ wide stop at 3 p.m. and may not restart until a half hour before the next sunrise: Every Saturday and Sunday. Fridays too, from April 1 through November 30.
Weather and wind
A permit is void when road, weather or traffic make travel unsafe, as the Highway Patrol or local police decide. Mobile homes, manufactured structures, office trailers and park-model RVs stop when wind tops 25 mph on the road or 15 mph on bridges.
Oversize holiday ban
Over-dimension loads (with or without overweight) may not move from 12:00 noon on the first date of each window ODOT lists until sunrise on the last date. Overweight-only loads with a valid permit may move. New Year's Day (Jan 1, 2026), New Year's Day — no moves until sunrise (Jan 2, 2026), Memorial Day weekend — no moves from noon (May 22, 2026), Memorial Day weekend — no moves (May 23, 2026), Memorial Day weekend — no moves (May 24, 2026), Memorial Day weekend — no moves (May 25, 2026), Memorial Day weekend — no moves until sunrise (May 26, 2026), Independence Day weekend — no moves from noon (Jul 3, 2026), Independence Day (Jul 4, 2026), Independence Day weekend — no moves (Jul 5, 2026), Independence Day weekend — no moves until sunrise (Jul 6, 2026), Labor Day weekend — no moves from noon (Sep 4, 2026), Labor Day weekend — no moves (Sep 5, 2026), Labor Day weekend — no moves (Sep 6, 2026), Labor Day weekend — no moves (Sep 7, 2026), Labor Day weekend — no moves until sunrise (Sep 8, 2026), Thanksgiving — no moves from noon (Nov 25, 2026), Thanksgiving — no moves (Nov 26, 2026), Thanksgiving — no moves until sunrise (Nov 27, 2026), Christmas weekend — no moves from noon (Dec 24, 2026), Christmas Day (Dec 25, 2026), Christmas weekend — no moves (Dec 26, 2026), Christmas weekend — no moves (Dec 27, 2026), Christmas weekend — no moves until sunrise (Dec 28, 2026), New Year's weekend — no moves from noon (Dec 31, 2026), New Year's Day (Jan 1, 2027), New Year's weekend — no moves (Jan 2, 2027), New Year's weekend — no moves (Jan 3, 2027), New Year's weekend — no moves until sunrise (Jan 4, 2027).
- 07Flags & lamps
Signs, flags and lights
Overhead utility coordinationOver 14′10″ high
Loads over 14′10″ high must coordinate the move with the owners of all overhead signs, signals and utilities that could block it.
2ODOT — Form OS-1A, Limitations/Provisions on the Use of a Special Hauling Permit (Rev. 01/18) · checked Oct 13, 2026Flags and OVERSIZE LOAD signs18″ flags · 7′ × 18″ sign
Every over-dimension load flies 18-inch red or orange flags; signs go front and rear when the load is:
- Over legal length
- 10′ wide or more
- Over 14′6″ high
- Sign: yellow with black OVERSIZE LOAD, at least 7′ × 18″, 10″ letters
- Wide loads: flags at the widest points and each corner (not on the tractor)
LightsHeadlights on
Headlights stay on during every over-dimension move. Extra clearance and side marker lights are needed only for approved night moves or visibility under 1,000′.
2ODOT — Form OS-1A, Limitations/Provisions on the Use of a Special Hauling Permit (Rev. 01/18) · checked Oct 13, 2026The rule in full4 official sources
Flags and lights
Put clean 18-inch red or orange flags at the corners, ends, projections and overhangs OS-1A lists. Drive with headlights on. Add clearance, marker or special lights for approved night moves, visibility under 1,000 feet, or when the permit says so.
Cargo and driving rules
Load, secure and cover cargo so nothing drops, leaks or escapes; apply any cargo exception exactly. Follow the permit route, stay right and leave room to pass, and keep to the posted or permit speed. Do not park on the highway or shoulder unless directed or in an emergency.
Wind, spacing and loading
Mobile homes, manufactured buildings, office trailers and park-model RVs stop when wind tops 25 mph on the road or 15 mph on bridges. Stay more than 500 feet behind another permitted load going the same way. Do not load or unload within the highway.
Utility coordination
Above 14′10″ high, coordinate with the owner of every overhead sign, signal, utility line and obstruction on the route. Before dispatch, know the owners, clearances, work windows, approvals and costs.
Overhead utility coordination
Loads over 14′10″ high must coordinate the move with the owners of all overhead signs, signals and utilities that could block it.
Flags and OVERSIZE LOAD signs
Every over-dimension load flies 18-inch red or orange flags; signs go front and rear when the load is: Over legal length. 10′ wide or more. Over 14′6″ high. Sign: yellow with black OVERSIZE LOAD, at least 7′ × 18″, 10″ letters. Wide loads: flags at the widest points and each corner (not on the tractor).
Lights
Headlights stay on during every over-dimension move. Extra clearance and side marker lights are needed only for approved night moves or visibility under 1,000′.
- 08Driver paperwork
What the driver carries
- Driver's papersThe driver carries the ODOT permit (original, a clear fax or an electronic copy), the full two-page OS-1A, a bill of lading or similar unless an exception applies, and a gross-weight statement.
- Papers in the cabThe driver carries and shows on request: The permit, or a fax or electronic copy (if asked, the driver must get verification that the original was issued).
- Insurance or bondEach applicant needs at least $500,000 in liability insurance or a surety bond; ODOT can require more when it finds a higher risk.
Papers in the cabPermit · OS-1A · bill of lading
The driver carries and shows on request:
- The permit, or a fax or electronic copy (if asked, the driver must get verification that the original was issued)
- The full two-page OS-1A
- A bill of lading or similar document (not needed for farm equipment, government vehicles, construction equipment or boats)
- A statement of gross vehicle weight
Insurance or bond$500,000 minimum
Each applicant needs at least $500,000 in liability insurance or a surety bond; ODOT can require more when it finds a higher risk.
11Ohio Administrative Code 5501:2-1-05 — Schedule of fees and payment procedure · checked Oct 13, 2026The rule in full4 official sources
Driver's papers
The driver carries the ODOT permit (original, a clear fax or an electronic copy), the full two-page OS-1A, a bill of lading or similar unless an exception applies, and a gross-weight statement. Show the permit on request and be able to prove it was issued.
Papers in the cab
The driver carries and shows on request: The permit, or a fax or electronic copy (if asked, the driver must get verification that the original was issued). The full two-page OS-1A. A bill of lading or similar document (not needed for farm equipment, government vehicles, construction equipment or boats). A statement of gross vehicle weight.
Insurance or bond
Each applicant needs at least $500,000 in liability insurance or a surety bond; ODOT can require more when it finds a higher risk.
- 09Special permits
Special loads and permit programs
- Emergency
- Continuing
- Annual
- Regional heavy-haul moves
Annual and special permits5-day · 90-day · 365-day
Besides single trips (one move within 5 days), ODOT issues:
- Continuing permits: unlimited trips between the same two points for up to 90 days, or 365 days for continuing annual
- Construction equipment: up to 12′ wide, otherwise legal, 365 days
- Farm equipment: up to 14′ wide, otherwise legal, 365 days
- Manufactured building and boat permits: up to 12′ wide, 365 days
- Michigan legal (Williams, Fulton, Lucas counties to Michigan): up to 154,000 lb
- Steel or aluminum coils (three or fewer): up to 120,000 lb
- Regional heavy haul: up to five destinations nearby
Mobile and manufactured homesOver 14′6″: amber lights
Homes over 14′6″ wide need a tow truck of at least 3 tons with dual rear wheels and two high-intensity amber flashing lights at the back corners.
- Lights at least 6′ above the road; running lights on while moving
- No moves when wind tops 25 mph on the road or 15 mph on bridges
Marina permitRear pilot car always
Boat moves under a marina permit stay within 10 miles on state and U.S. highways, never limited-access, and always run with at least one rear pilot car.
- Up to 14′ wide, 65′ load length, 75′ overall
- Height at most 14′6″ and 4″ under the lowest clearance
- Slow-moving-vehicle sign and a three-digit unit number
The rule in full8 official sources
Special permits
Ohio has separate permits for construction, farm, manufactured buildings, marinas, Michigan-legal loads, international sealed containers, steel and aluminum coils and boats. Others cover emergency, continuing, annual and regional heavy-haul moves. Each has its own load, vehicle, route, size, weight, duration and paperwork rules, and its limits do not carry over to ordinary freight.
- 6OAC 5501:2-1-01 — Definitions Checked
- 8OAC 5501:2-1-03 — Limitations on Permits Checked
Marina permits
For boat pickup and delivery within 10 miles, on state and U.S. highways only, never on limited-access highways. Legal weight; up to 14′ wide, 65′ load length and 75′ overall. Height: 14′6″ or 4 inches below the route's clearance, whichever is lower. Show the three-digit unit number and a slow-moving-vehicle sign. Always use at least one rear escort, even under 13′ wide.
- 6OAC 5501:2-1-01 — Definitions Checked
What every special permit still needs
Every special permit still depends on current eligibility and the issued route. Local roads and the Turnpike, route surveys, bridge analysis, utilities, police escorts and special work are decided move by move.
Annual and special permits
Besides single trips (one move within 5 days), ODOT issues: Continuing permits: unlimited trips between the same two points for up to 90 days, or 365 days for continuing annual. Construction equipment: up to 12′ wide, otherwise legal, 365 days. Farm equipment: up to 14′ wide, otherwise legal, 365 days. Manufactured building and boat permits: up to 12′ wide, 365 days. Michigan legal (Williams, Fulton, Lucas counties to Michigan): up to 154,000 lb. Steel or aluminum coils (three or fewer): up to 120,000 lb. Regional heavy haul: up to five destinations nearby.
Mobile and manufactured homes
Homes over 14′6″ wide need a tow truck of at least 3 tons with dual rear wheels and two high-intensity amber flashing lights at the back corners. Lights at least 6′ above the road; running lights on while moving. No moves when wind tops 25 mph on the road or 15 mph on bridges.
Marina permit
Boat moves under a marina permit stay within 10 miles on state and U.S. highways, never limited-access, and always run with at least one rear pilot car. Up to 14′ wide, 65′ load length, 75′ overall. Height at most 14′6″ and 4″ under the lowest clearance. Slow-moving-vehicle sign and a three-digit unit number.
Price your Ohio loadAgency fees and pilot-car needs for your loaded rig. Free, no contact details.Open worksheet
OH / Permit worksheet
Price your Ohio 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 Ohio 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.
- 01
- 02ODOT — Form OS-1A, Limitations/Provisions on the Use of a Special Hauling Permit (Rev. 01/18)
General Limitations; Operating Limitations; Days/Hours of Operation; Warning Flags and Signs; Lighting; Private Escort Vehicles
Source record: - 03ODOT — Operational Guide for Vehicles Operating with a Special Hauling Permit
2. Definitions (Superload); 6. Permit Types; 9. Permit Limitations and Conditions; 10. Fee Schedule (Performance of Special Work); 12. Operational Requirements; 14. Superloads
Source record: - 04
- 05
- 06
- 07
- 08
All 19 references
- 09ODOT — Ohio Hauling Permits System Frequently Asked Questions
Permit Order Process (self-issue limits, route surveys, OSP escorts)
Source record: - 10ODOT — Special Hauling Permits
Page introduction (road jurisdiction, electronic permits)
Source record: - 11Ohio Administrative Code 5501:2-1-05 — Schedule of fees and payment procedure
Paragraphs (E), (F)
Source record: - 12Ohio Administrative Code 5501:2-1-04 — Conditions on permitted movements
Paragraphs (A), (C), (K)
Source record: - 13ODOT — 2026 Holiday Restrictions for Oversized Loads
Holiday restriction list (New Year's 2025/2026 through New Year's 2026/2027); page text read from the served page payload and checked in a browser
Source record: - 14
- 15
- 16OAC 5501:2-1-05 — Schedule of Fees and Payment Procedure
OAC 5501:2-1-05(A)-(H) · Page 1
Source record: - 17Ohio Administrative Code 5501:2-1-01 — Definitions
Paragraphs (C)-(E), (J), (L)-(N), (W)-(Y), (BB), (CC)
Source record: - 1823 CFR 658 Appendix B — National Network semitrailer lengths
Appendix B; 23 CFR 658.13(a)
Source record: - 1923 CFR 658.17 — Interstate gross, axle and bridge weights
23 CFR 658.17(a)–(e); grandfather exceptions are configuration-specific
Source record: