How Kentucky’s Permit Fees Are Calculated

Dec. 10, 2025, 12:28 p.m.
Understanding how Kentucky determines its oversize and overweight permit fees is essential for carriers planning loads through the state. Kentucky uses a structured, formula-driven approach that varies based on weight, dimensions, and the type of movement. Below is a breakdown of how the state calculates these costs.
Kentucky Permit Fees

1. Fee Structure Depends on Permit Type

Kentucky offers several categories of permits, including:

  • Oversize (OS) permits

  • Overweight (OW) permits

  • Combination OS/OW permits

  • Special hauling permits (coal, forestry, farm, emergency, etc.)

Each type has its own pricing rules, so fees differ depending on which category applies to your load.

2. Oversize Permit Fees Are Based Mainly on Dimensions

For oversize loads that exceed legal limits in Kentucky, fees typically take into account:

  • Width

  • Height

  • Length

  • Overhang

Oversize permits tend to follow a flat-rate structure because the primary concern is safe routing rather than roadway impact.

3. Overweight Fees Use a Weight-Based Formula

Overweight fees are calculated more precisely because heavier loads cause more stress to roadways and bridges.

Kentucky’s calculations commonly consider:

  • Gross vehicle weight (GVW)

  • Axle weights

  • Number of axles

  • Axle spacing

Heavier loads and shorter axle spacing increase the fee, since they place more concentrated weight on infrastructure.

4. Axle Grouping Matters

Kentucky may classify axles into:

  • Single

  • Tandem

  • Tridem

  • Quad groups

Each group has different allowable weight thresholds and corresponding cost structures.
More axles generally reduce the per-pound cost because they distribute weight more evenly.

5. Mileage May Influence Fees for Some Overweight Permits

While many Kentucky permits are trip-based, certain types use a mileage component.

Examples include:

  • Repetitive route permits

  • Specialized hauling

  • Coal haul routes (depending on county and designation)

Longer travel distances naturally increase the final fee.

6. The Higher the Overweight Amount, the Higher the Fee Bracket

Kentucky uses weight brackets to determine overweight charges.

Example logic (generalized):

  • Permits for +10,000 lbs over legal weight fall in a lower fee bracket

  • Permits for +50,000 lbs fall in a higher bracket

  • Excessively overweight loads enter premium or engineering-review cost levels

This bracket system encourages carriers to distribute weight efficiently when possible.

7. Engineering Reviews Add Additional Costs

If your load requires:

  • A structural engineering review

  • Bridge analysis

  • Special routing

…then additional fees may apply.
These fees depend on the complexity of the review and route.

8. Annual & Blanket Permits Use Their Own Pricing

Fixed-price permits exist for:

  • Overdimensional annual permits

  • Certain commodity-specific permits

  • Specialized industries (timber, manufactured housing, etc.)

These permits bypass normal weight/dimension formulas and offer predictable yearly pricing.

9. Escort Requirements Do Not Affect Permit Fee—But Affect Total Cost

While escort vehicles don’t alter the permit fee, they do increase your overall project cost.
Kentucky's escort requirements depend on:

  • Width

  • Height

  • Length

  • Route restrictions

10. Failure to Report Correct Weight Can Increase Charges

Submitting inaccurate axle weights or GVW can result in:

  • Recalculated permit fees

  • Administrative penalties

  • Possible enforcement fines at inspection stations

Accuracy directly affects cost.