Permits
Arkansas oversize permits are valid for three days. It is mandatory to have the permit prior to entering the state.
Operating Time
Operating time is from sunrise to sunset, seven days a week. If the oversize load is not exceeding 108,000 pounds, continuous travel may be allowed. For loads not exceeding 90' long with other dimensions being legal, continuous travel is permissible.
Restricted Travel
Oversize movement is not allowed through the metropolitan Little Rock area between the hours of 7:00 am – 9:00 am and 4:00 pm – 6:00 pm. Travel restrictions apply on I-30 (M.M. 138-143), I-40 (M.M. 151-155), and all of I-630. Travel is not allowed on major holidays (New Years, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving, and Christmas). If a holiday falls on Monday or Friday, weekend movement is not allowed.
Legal Dimensions
Length: 53'-6" for trailer & load.
Overhang:
60' for poles, pipes, machinery, steel beams or other objects of a structural nature. Permit not required for daylight travel up to 90' overall length. Night travel requires a permit.
Otherwise, up to 53'-6" trailer/load is allowed without permit. (If long beams are on a stretch trailer and do not extend beyond the rear of the trailer, then a permit is required.)
Width: 8'-6".
Height: 13'-6".
Weight:
Gross Weight: 80,000.
Single Axle: 20,000.
Tandem Axle: 34,000.
Tridem Axle: 54,000.
Steer Axle: Up to manufacturer's front axle weight rating (maximum of 20,000 pounds).
Routine Permit Limits
Length: No set limit.
Width: 16' (20' on some non-interstate routes).
Height: 17' (Over 16' must obtain special approval, and not allowed on Interstates. Over 17' requires Utilities personnel accompany the load).
Weight:
Single Axle: 20,000.
Tandem Axle: 46,000.
Tridem Axle: 60,000.
Quad Axle: 68,000.
Loads exceeding these dimensions are classed as Super Loads.
Escorts
Length:
Over 100' – one escort.
Over 130' – two escorts.
Width:
On 2-lane Highways: Over 12' – one escort, Over 14' – two escorts.
On Interstate and Controlled Access Highways: Over 14' – one escort, Over 16' – two escorts.
Police escorts for larger loads are looked at on a case-by-case basis.
Height: Over 15' – one escort with height pole.
Signs, Flags & Lights
"Oversize Load" signs are required on all loads exceeding legal width, height, or length. Red flags (18" square) are required on rear corners on all loads exceeding legal width, height, or length. There are no sign or flag requirements for overweight-only loads.
Shipping Containers
According to Federal regulation, loaded shipping containers may not overhang the transporting trailer. Empty containers are allowed 5' overhang in California. Rules for other states may vary.
