A01 and A02 Weight Limits
| Annual Permit | Maximum Width | Maximum Length | Maximum Height | Maximum Gross Weight |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| A01 – Nondivisible | 13'11" | 120' | 13'6" | 160,000 lbs |
| A02 – Nondivisible | 16' | 120' | 13'6" | 160,000 lbs |
The A01 is for nondivisible loads less than 14 feet wide, while A02 covers loads from 14 through 16 feet wide. KYTC currently lists annual fees of $250 for A01 and $500 for A02.
Maximum Weight by Axle Configuration
The 160,000-pound maximum does not mean every truck can carry 160,000 pounds. Kentucky's rules establish lower maximum gross weights for combinations with fewer axles:
- 5 axles: up to 96,000 lbs
- 6 axles: up to 120,000 lbs
- 7 axles: up to 160,000 lbs
- Steering axle: up to 20,000 lbs
- Single dual-wheel axle: up to 24,000 lbs
- Tandem group, 5-axle combination: up to 45,000 lbs
- Tandem group, 6+ axle combination: up to 48,000 lbs
- Tridem group: up to 60,000 lbs
Kentucky also applies a 700-pound-per-inch aggregate tire-width limitation, with the applicable maximum being the lower amount when the tire-width calculation and listed axle/group limit differ.
Is 160,000 Pounds Automatically Permitted?
No. The 160,000-pound figure is the maximum listed for qualifying annual permits; the actual permitted weight depends on the vehicle's axle configuration and the route.
Kentucky requires roads and bridges on the proposed route to have sufficient capacity for the permitted load. The Transportation Cabinet can also restrict a permit to specified routes or exclude particular highways.
A vehicle receiving an overweight permit must also have a declared registered weight of at least 80,000 pounds, and the towing vehicle must have adequate horsepower and braking capacity for the permitted operation.
Other Kentucky Annual Weight Permits
The 160,000-pound limit does not apply to every Kentucky annual permit. For example:
- A05 Metal Commodities: 120,000 lbs
- A06 Non-Divisible Steel-Statewide: 120,000 lbs
- A09 Annual Feed Certificate: 88,000 lbs
- A10 Annual Manufactured Home: 160,000 lbs
Important Distinction
Kentucky also has a separate annual overweight permit program for certain specified-route nondivisible loads under KRS 189.2717, with a 120,000-pound gross-weight maximum. That should not be confused with the standard A01/A02 annual overdimension permits.
Bottom Line
For Kentucky's standard A01 and A02 annual nondivisible overdimension permits, the listed maximum gross weight is 160,000 pounds. However, the actual allowable weight is controlled by the number of axles, axle-group limits, tire-width calculations, bridge and roadway capacity, and the conditions of the permit.