02 / MEASUREMENTS
Start with the vehicle configuration.
A trailer-length limit is not overall length.
Ohio's general width baseline for ordinary vehicles and their loads is 8′6″; the height limit is 13′6″. The statute treats a commercial tractor-semitrailer's 53′ semitrailer separately from other combinations. Record trailer length and the full loaded combination instead of applying one overall-length number to every truck.
Load preparation affects the application.
Ohio's general provisions address nondivisible loads and loading to the least excess dimension or weight. Adding another piece can change that assessment. Enter the number of pieces and their arrangement, not just the dimensions of the largest item.
03 / FEES
Match the fee to the permitted movement.
The basic charge is only one part.
Ohio combines a basic processing charge with the applicable surcharge. One-way dimensional, overweight, return and continuing movements have different schedules. For a move that is both overweight and overwidth or overheight, the rule uses the applicable overweight surcharge with one basic fee rather than stacking both categories.
Special work is a separate cost.
Department traffic control or engineering analysis may create additional reimbursable costs. A general agency-fee example does not include those charges, local permissions, pilot-car prices or ODPermit assistance. Use the actual load and itinerary to calculate the state breakdown.
Calculator fee reference: Ohio Administrative Code 5501:2-1-05(A),(B)
04 / ESCORTS
Read every triggered escort condition.
Width, height and length work together.
OS-1A calls for a rear escort above 90′ length, a lead escort above 13′ width (rear on multiple-lane roads), and a lead height-sensing escort above 14′6″ height. Above 14′6″ width or 14′10″ height, front and rear escorts apply. Multiple triggers can also require two escorts. Follow any additional permit stipulations.
05 / TRAVEL
Build the driver packet before departure.
Carry the documents for this particular move.
The administrative rule requires the valid permit or permitted copy, the complete two-page OS-1A and a gross-weight statement. A bill of lading or equivalent is also required, subject to the listed vehicle/load exceptions. An electronic copy must be legible and its original issuance verifiable on request.
Check the issued time window and road conditions.
Night and holiday movement depend on the permit and applicable provisions. Adverse weather or road conditions can stop a move even when a permit exists. Confirm the current route restrictions and agency instructions before departure; the calculator's itinerary is for pricing, not permission to travel.
BEFORE DISPATCH
Match the paperwork to the move.
- Measure the load and full rig; record trailer length and load arrangement separately.
- Identify the outbound/return movement and each road authority.
- Keep the permit, both OS-1A pages and the applicable shipment/weight documents with the driver.
The issued permit controls the authorized vehicle, load, route and travel conditions. Check current closures and the pickup and delivery approaches. A planning estimate does not approve clearance or replace the permit.
SOURCE RECORD
Go straight to the authority.
ODPermit prepared this guide with AI-assisted review of the official sources below on . This is a dated planning reference, not agency approval or an independently certified legal review. Source dates and the roads, product and load covered by each rule matter.
- Ohio Revised Code 5577.05
Width, vehicle-configuration length and height provisions
Effective July 1, 2013; official current page checked September 7, 2026 - Ohio Administrative Code 5501:2-1-04
Driver documents, movement hours and adverse conditions
Effective November 3, 2023; official current page checked September 7, 2026 - Ohio Administrative Code 5501:2-1-05
Processing charge, dimensional/overweight surcharges and special work
Effective November 3, 2023; official current page checked September 7, 2026 - Ohio Form OS-1A permit provisions
Pages 1–2: route scope, driver copy and private escorts
Form revision January 2018; official published PDF checked September 7, 2026