Kentucky Annual Permits-Costs, Requirements, and Restrictions

Nov. 16, 2025, 10:37 a.m.
Kentucky offers several types of Annual Oversize/Overweight (OS/OW) Permits that allow carriers to operate certain loads repeatedly throughout the year without applying for a new single-trip permit each time. These permits are ideal for carriers running predictable routes, operating consistent equipment, or hauling specific commodities within the state. Below is a complete guide covering costs, eligibility, rules, and restrictions for Kentucky annual permits.
Kentucky Annual Permits

1. What Is a Kentucky Annual Permit?

A Kentucky Annual Permit authorizes a motor carrier to operate a vehicle or combination of vehicles that exceed standard legal limits for multiple trips over a 12-month period. These permits apply only to loads and configurations that fall within the state’s defined annual permit thresholds.

Annual permits save carriers time and reduce administrative burdens compared to single-trip permits.

2. Types of Kentucky Annual Permits

Kentucky offers multiple annual permits depending on the load, vehicle type, and dimension:

  • Annual Oversize Permit

  • Annual Overweight Permit

  • Annual Overweight Coal Permit

  • Annual Farm/Ag Commodity Permits

  • Annual Overlength Permits

  • Annual Mobile Home Toter Permits

  • Special Hauling Permits for Construction and Materials

Each permit type has specific rules on weight, configuration, and route eligibility.

3. When You Can Use an Annual Permit vs. When You Cannot

You can use an annual permit if:

  • Your load stays within Kentucky’s annual permit dimension & weight limits

  • The load is non-divisible

  • You operate similar routes regularly

  • Your vehicle configuration is consistent

You cannot use a Kentucky annual permit if:

  • The load exceeds state maximums for annual allowances

  • The load is unusual or exceptionally heavy (superload)

  • You need to cross into other states

  • You cannot meet the vehicle configuration specified on the permit

In these cases, a single-trip permit is required.

4. Requirements for Kentucky Annual Permits

To qualify for an annual permit, carriers must meet several criteria:

Vehicle Requirements

  • Accurate axle spacing measurements

  • Tire sizes documented

  • Current registration and USDOT number

  • Current insurance on file

  • Must match the exact configuration listed on the permit

Load Requirements

  • Must be non-divisible

  • Must fall within Kentucky’s annual limits:

Typical thresholds (varies by permit type):

  • Width: Up to 12’ 0” (some permits allow 14’)

  • Height: Up to 14’ 6”

  • Length: Typically up to 75’ overall (overlength permits allow more)

  • Weight: Often limited to 96,000 lbs or lower depending on axle groups

5. Kentucky Annual Permit Costs

Permit fees vary by permit type:

Typical Fee Ranges

  • Annual oversize permit: ~$650

  • Annual overweight permit: ~$1150 (varies by weight and commodity)

  • Annual overlength permit: ~$600–$800

  • Coal haul annual permit: varies by haul zone and configuration

These fees provide unlimited movements for 12 months under the listed constraints.

6. Route Restrictions & Operating Rules

Annual permits come with strict rules, including:

Routing

  • Travel allowed only on approved highways unless otherwise noted

  • Certain bridges and county roads may be restricted

  • Some annual permits require pre-approved routes

Travel Time Restrictions

  • Oversize loads generally must travel during daylight hours only

  • No travel on major holidays

  • No travel during periods of low visibility (fog, snow, ice)

  • Night travel allowed only if load is within specific limits (usually width ≤ 10’)

Weather / Road Restrictions

Travel is prohibited when:

  • Roadways are icy or snow-covered

  • High winds make travel unsafe

  • KYTC issues temporary travel advisories

Urban Area Restrictions

Some metro areas (e.g., Louisville, Lexington) have:

  • Peak-hour restrictions

  • Special routing for OS/OW loads

7. Escort / Pilot Car Requirements for Annual Permits

Escort requirements depend on the load size. Common triggers:

  • Width over 12’

  • Length over 85’–100’

  • Overheight triggers depending on route

Kentucky may require:

  • One front escort

  • One rear escort

  • Two escorts for certain highway segments

All escort requirements will appear on the permit.

8. Compliance & Enforcement

Kentucky Commercial Vehicle Enforcement (CVE) actively checks:

  • Permit validity

  • Axle weights and spacing

  • Dimension compliance

  • Route adherence

  • Lighting, signage, and escort presence

Non-compliance may result in:

  • Permit revocation

  • Civil penalties

  • Out-of-service orders

  • Required load reduction

  • Liability for damage to road or bridge infrastructure

9. Tips for Carriers Using Annual Permits

  • Keep a printed or digital copy of the permit in the truck at all times

  • Train drivers on Kentucky-specific OS/OW rules

  • Double-check height due to Kentucky’s older bridges

  • Maintain consistent axle spacing records

  • Pre-plan routes in rural coal and agricultural regions

  • Monitor KYTC travel alerts during severe weather