Oversize/
Overweight
Permit Manual
Kentucky
Foreword
The Specialized Carriers & Rigging Association is pleased to publish this Oversize/ Overweight Permit Manual. Each
state analysis includes information in a standardized format: contact, legal limits, special permit limits, general
restrictions, types of permits available, fees, escort needs, fines, and restricted travel areas. Telephone numbers,
locations, and hours of operation are listed for ports of entry and permit branches. However, readers are always
advised to check with the state offices on current laws and procedures. This project could not have been completed
without the advice and consultation of many state officials. We thank all of those who provided permit manuals,
maps, laws, regulations, and various other forms of documentation.
Legal Notice
This SC&RA Oversize/Overweight Permit Manual is intended only to provide concise, easily read information, useful
in planning movements of overdimensional and overweight loads. This Permit Manual is not intended to be an
accurate summary of all the applicable laws and regulations. Users of the Permit Manual should confirm the
information contained herein before dispatching vehicles and loads. The SC&RA cautions Permit Manual users that
state laws and regulations are subject to change without notice, and that some time elapses between the effective
date of such changes and the amendment of the Permit Manual to reflect those changes. The SC&RA assumes no
responsibility for accident, injury, loss or claim, penalties or any other damage resulting from reliance on the
contents of this Permit Manual.
Specialized Carriers &
Rigging Association
5870 Trinity Parkway, Suite 200
Centreville, VA 20120
PHONE: (703) 698-0291
Fax: (571) 722-1698
Website: www.scranet.org
Email: [email protected]
KY-1
04/15
Copyright 1987-2015 by the Specialized Carriers & Rigging
Association. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may
be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any
form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying,
recording, scanning, or otherwise, without the prior written
permission of the publisher, Joel M. Dandrea, Executive Vice
President, Specialized Carrier & Rigging Association. Requests to
the publisher for permission should be addressed to Joel M.
Dandrea, Specialized Carriers & Rigging Association, 5870 Trinity
Parkway, Suite 200, Centreville, VA 20120.
SC&RA Oversize/Overweight Permit Manual
KENTUCKY
Transportation Cabinet Division of Motor
Carriers Overweight/Overdimensional Permit
Section P.O. Box 2007
Frankfort, KY 40602-2007
Walk-in and overnight delivery: 200 Metro Street
Frankfort, KY 40622
Website: http://transportation.ky.gov/dmc/
Hours: 8:00 am – 4:30 pm
One Stop 8:00 am – 4:00 pm
(502) 564-1257
(502) 564-0992 fax
E-mail [email protected]
LEGAL LIMITS
Interstate
GVW
80,000
o (steer)
12,000
(700 lbs/inch
o
20,000
or 20,000 lbs.,
oo
34,000
whichever
ooo
48,000
is less)
-Federal Bridge Formula applies
WIDTH
8'
8'6"
TOLERANCE:
HEIGHT
LENGTH
13'6"
45'
53'
65'
65'
single unit
semitrailer (desig.)
overall length
autotransporter (53' trailer
length limit on interstate)
On interstate and major highway systems there
are no overall length restrictions, however, on
these highways the trailer is limited to 53 feet in
length by 8 feet 6 inches in width.
On all other state highways the legal dimensions
for truck and trailer are 65 feet in length and 8
feet in width. Overall height is limited to 13 feet 6
inches on all highways. Legal gross weight for 5
or more axles is up to 80,000 lbs.
5% on axle on state
routes only.
(nondesignated hwys)
(designated hwys.) - fifteen
miles from any interstate or
parkway exit to attain
reasonable access to a
terminal or facility for
food, fuel, repairs, or rest.
OVERHANG If overhang exceeds 5' on a single
unit or motor vehicle and trailer or
semi-trailer, an overdimensional
permit is required.
3' front, 4' rear on autotransporters
TIRE WIDTH700 lbs. per inch width
PERMIT LIMITS
o
700 lbs.
per inch tire width
o
20,000
oo
48,000
ooo
60,000
oooo
80,000
5 axles - 96,000
6 axles - 120,000
No maximum weight restriction on units with
7 or more axles
Width
Length
Height
KY-2
SC&RA Oversize/Overweight Permit Manual
04/15
Width, Length, and Height subject to case by case
review. Anything over these limits subject to further
review
PERMIT RESTRICTIONS
General - Permits shall be valid 24/7 except from 7 – 9 AM and 4 – 6 PM Monday through Friday in the
following: 5 counties, Boone, Campbell, Fayette, Jefferson, and Kenton and no travel is allowed on the 431
bridge in Owensboro .
* An overweight or overdimensional load originating in Fayette County shall be exempt from
traffic rush hour restrictions on Interstate 64 and Interstate 75 in Fayette County and on
connecting routes to both interstates up to a distance of three (3) miles from the interstates.
Self-propelled equipment must follow all oversize rules and regulations. Weight is calculated based on tire
size, number of axles, and axle spacing. 700 lbs per inch of tire width or 20,000 lbs, whichever is less.
24/7 travel DOES NOT APPLY FOR MOBILE HOMES
Mobile homes are allowed daylight hours only Monday through Saturday with no travel permitted on
Sunday. Effective March 18, 2005 due to HB 309.
Insurance — No requirement for proof of insurance to be on file. Minimum insurance requirement for
$750/500/10.
Weekend/Night Travel – All overweight/Overdimensional moves, except mobile homes, can travel 24
hours a day 7 days a week unless otherwise noted on the permit. Mobile home movements are restricted to
Monday thru Saturday daylight hours only and no travel permitted Sunday.
County Restriction
All permitted loads are restricted to the following counties 7am to 9am or 4pm to 6pm Monday through
Friday:





Boone
Campbell
*Fayette
Jefferson
Kenton
* An overweight or overdimensional load originating in Fayette County shall be exempt from traffic rush hour
restrictions on Interstate 64 and Interstate 75 in Fayette County and on connecting routes to both interstates
up to a distance of three (3) miles from the interstates.
Holiday – There is no longer a "holiday" restriction in Kentucky unless it is a Superload, is a House move,
or a restriction is otherwise noted on the permit.
The State Permit Office is closed on the following holidays:
Good Friday, New Year’s Day, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Martin Luther King Day, Labor Day,
Thanksgiving Day, and Christmas Day.
Inclement Weather – A move of an overweight/overdimensional load more than 12’ wide shall not be made
on a highway if a wind advisory has been issued by the National Weather Service; or if adverse weather
conditions or road conditions would cause these moves to be dangerous.
Permit Information Required — Tractor information; type of carrier; DOT motor carrier number; KYU
number; load description; overall dimensions; gross weight; origin and destination; routes to be traveled;
effective dates.
Licenses -
KENTUCKY HIGHWAY USE LICENSE (KYU): This license is required for vehicles with a registered
gross weight of 60,000 lbs. and above to report mileage tax. A surety bond is only required for
carriers whose license has been cancelled for any reason.
KY-3
04/15
SC&RA Oversize/Overweight Permit Manual
INTERNATIONAL FUEL TAX AGREEMENT LICENSE (IFTA): This license is required for interstate
carriers with a gross registered weight exceeding 26,000 lbs. or vehicles with 3 or more axles
regardless of weight to report fuel use tax. Kentucky currently exempts farm plated vehicles,
buses and government vehicles. Exemptions are different for each state. If you are required to file
taxes you will need to obtain an IFTA license through Kentucky. More information is available.
KENTUCKY INTRASTATE TAX LICENSE (KIT): This license is required for intrastate carriers with a
gross registered weight exceeding 26,000 lbs. or vehicles with 3 or more axles regardless of
weight to report fuel use tax.
Authorities – Carrier must have all authorities before applying for an OW/OD permit.
INTRASTATE AUTHORITY: Required for all intrastate for-hire carriers.
KENTUCKY REGULATED AUTHORITY: Required for intrastate for-hire carriers transporting
passengers and/or household goods. To obtain an application for this authority, please call 502564-7650.
ICC EXEMPT AUTHORITY: Required if you are operating as an interstate for-hire carrier
transporting goods exempt from ICC Regulations.
ICC AUTHORITY: Required if you are operating as an interstate for-hire carrier transporting goods
subject to ICC Regulations. To obtain an application for this authority, please call 202-358-7106 or
202-358-7108.
US D.O.T. NUMBER: Required if you are operating vehicles with a gross vehicle weight rating or
actual gross weight of 10,001 lbs. or above. In Kentucky, all vehicles plated at 10,000 lbs. and
above are considered commercial. Some private farm plated vehicles also need a US D.O.T.
number. Farm plated vehicles with the gross vehicle weight rating or actual gross weight of
10,001 lbs. or above operating interstate will need a US D.O.T. number. Intrastate farm plated
vehicles with the gross vehicle weight rating or actual gross weight exceeding 26,000 lbs. will also
need a US D.O.T. number. To obtain an application, please go to our Forms and Applications page,
Section 2 Item H, or call the applicable number:
KY based carriers: (502) 564-4127
Out-of-state carriers: (800) 832-5660 or visit the FMCSA at http://safer.fmcsa.dot.gov
INTERNATIONAL REGISTRATION PLAN (IRP): Required for interstate carriers who operate
through two or more of the member jurisdictions with a gross weight exceeding 26,000 lbs. or
vehicles with 3 or more axles regardless of weight. Vehicles operating intrastate in any member
jurisdiction would either have to IRP Apportion Register or purchase a Trip Permit. For questions
regarding this authority, please call 502-564-4120 or e-mail [email protected]. More information is
available.
UNIFIED CARRIER REGISTRATION (UCR): A Federal Mandated Program enforced by participating
states. UCR (Unified Carrier Registration) - any motor carrier that operates in interstate or
international commerce is subject to the UCRA (Unified Carrier Registration Agreement) fees. This
includes: Motor Carriers, Motor Private Carriers, Leasing Companies, Brokers, and Freight
Forwarders.
ATTENTION Overweight/Overdimensional carriers. - Route survey required with all loads over 15'
6".
PERMIT TYPES
Single Trip – valid for 10 calendar days.
Annual — 7 types of annuals. An Annual permit is a truck specific permit that allows that truck to move
continuously throughout the state without having to contact the Permit Office for approval.
Industrial Haul Permit – Authorized by KRS 189.271.
KY-4
04/15
SC&RA Oversize/Overweight Permit Manual
FEES
Single Trip — $60
Annual — $20 to $500 See OW/OD Permits and Specifications at:
http://dmc.kytc.ky.gov/owod/owod_permits_and_specs.htm
ESCORTS AND SIGNS
Labeling — Fluorescent red or orange flags at least 18 inch square must be displayed on all four corners
and extremities. Two “OVERSIZE LOAD” signs are required on loads over 10'6" wide or with a front
overhang. The signs must be 7’ long and 18” high with 1.41” brush strokes. Signs must be to the front and
rear of the load.
Escort Vehicles and Personnel — Escort vehicles must have flashing amber lights.
Follow load at 300 feet (closer in congested area) Must maintain radio contact with load.
A single front escort is required for vehicles over 10'6" in width or 75' in length on two-lane roads. A single
rear escort must accompany vehicles over 12' in width on four-lane roads. One front and one rear escort
must travel with vehicles over 12' in width on two-lane roads. All loads 15’ high and up require a front
escort equipped with a vertical clearance measuring pole. One front and two rear escorts for length over
120’ on two and four lane roads.
Law Enforcement Escort Requirements – Information not readily available.
Certification – Pilot Car Escort Certification is not currently required.
FINES
Overdimension Only: May range between $100 and $500, plus court costs.
Overweight Fines:
Fines shall be two cents ($0.02) per pound for each pound of excess load when the excess is 5,000 lbs or
less. When the excess exceeds 5,000 lbs the fine shall be two cents per pound for each pound of excess
load, but the fine shall not be less than $100 or more than $500.
Fines are calculated based on the permit weight. Drivers may be fined for over axle and over gross violations.
Operators may be allowed to shift load to avoid an over axle citation.
RESTRICTED TRAVEL
Specific Roadway Restrictions
Jefferson County (Louisville), Boone, Campbell, Kenton, and Fayette County. For all
overweight/overdimensional loads Monday – Friday restricts travel during the hours of 7:00–9:00 am and
4:00–6:00 pm. Also, vehicles traveling I-75 must enter Ohio by I-275.
Owensboro Bridge No travel is allowed on the 431 bridge in Owensboro.
The following parkway routes are controlled by the state permit office:
Audubon Parkway
William H. Natcher Parkway
Blue Grass Parkway
Pennyrile Parkway
Hal Rogers Parkway
Western Kentucky Parkway
Combs Mountain Parkway
JP Parkway (Jackson Purchase
Parkway) Cumberland Parkway
Moving heavy equipment at railroad grade crossings:
No railroad rule
**Must contact railroad company if moving house and/or superload**
On interstate and major highway systems there are no overall length restrictions, however, on these highways the trailer is limited to 53
feet in length by 8 feet 6 inches in width.
On all other state highways the legal dimensions for truck and trailer are 65 feet in length and 8 feet in width. Overall height is limited to
13 feet 6 inches on all highways. Legal gross weight for 5 or more axles is up to 80,000 lbs.
KY-5
04/15
SC&RA Oversize/Overweight Permit Manual
Carriers with nondivisible loads exceeding these dimensions are required to purchase an overweight/overdimensional permit. If you have
questions regarding these dimensions or want to purchase this permit, please call 502-564-7150. You may also inquire about an Industrial
Haul Permit at this number or contact the district in which you anticipate hauling.
PORTS OF ENTRY
Port Of Entry-Louisville
Port Information
Port Code:
Location Address:
Mailing Address:
General Phone:
General Fax:
Operational Hours:
4115
Louisville International Airport
650 Administration Drive
Louisville, KY 40209
Same As Above
(502) 366-3398
(502) 368-5319
8:00 AM-4:30 PM(Eastern)
Weekdays (Monday-Friday)
User Fee Airport-Lexington
Port Information
Port Code:
Location Address:
Mailing Address:
General Phone:
General Fax:
Operational Hours:
4184
Bluegrass Airport
4000 Terminal Drive
Lexington, KY 40510
Same As Above
(859) 425-3111
(859) 233-0508
9:00 AM-5:00 PM(Eastern)
Weekdays (Monday-Friday)
PERMIT ORDERING
A single trip permit can be applied for by Fax – 502-564-0992. Work sheet available online at:
http://transportation.ky.gov/Motor-Carriers/Pages/Forms-and-Applications.aspx
Look for section 4: Overweight Overdimensional C: Trip Permit Application (Form TC 95-10)
A single trip permit is available using our online services. On-line applicants must have an agreement on
file with the Division of Motor Carriers authorizing ACH debit or your bank account, or voucher payments,
for transactions issued by use or your company. No credit cards will be accepted for payment of on-line
based services. On-line services can be accessed at http://transportation.ky.gov/MotorCarriers/Pages/Online- Services.aspx Look for Overweight Overdimensional web applications for permits.
Then complete the Authorization Agreement for Preauthorized Payments (OWOD).
An Annual permit can be applied for by:
Fax: 502-564-0992 Include a credit card number and expiration
date. Walk-in: 200 Metro St. 2nd Floor
Frankfort, KY 40622
Mail: Kentucky Transportation Cabinet
Division of Motor Carriers
OW/OD Section
P.O Box 2007
Frankfort, KY 40602
To get an application go to: http://transportation.ky.gov/Motor-Carriers/Pages/Forms-andApplications.aspx- Section 4. Once an application has been received it will take 7 to 14 business days
to process.
KY-6
04/15
SC&RA Oversize/Overweight Permit Manual
To renew an Annual permit:
1) Download an application (TC95-25) from our web site:
http://transportation.ky.gov/Motor- Carriers/Pages/Forms-and-Applications.aspx - Section
4
2) Make a copy of previous permit, making any necessary changes on copy.
*Note Kentucky request that Annual renewals be applied for 30 days prior to the expiration date in order
to effectively return the annual in ample time.
RECENT & PENDING CHANGES
This section contains all recent and pending changes shared by this state with SC&RA in the past 12
months.
KY-7
04/15
SC&RA Oversize/Overweight Permit Manual