Kentucky Legal Size Limits
Before applying for an oversize permit, carriers should compare the complete truck and load against Kentucky's legal dimensions. Current Kentucky guidance lists:
- Width: 8 ft on non-designated highways
- Width: 8 ft 6 in on Interstates, Parkways, and designated highways
- Height: 13 ft 6 in
- Car haulers: 14 ft maximum height
- Overall length: 65 ft on other state-maintained highways
- Semitrailer: 53 ft on Interstates, Parkways, and designated highways
- Gross weight: generally up to 80,000 lbs on AAA highways
If the truck or load exceeds an applicable limit, the carrier should determine whether an OW/OD permit is required.
Kentucky Single-Trip Oversize Permit
A single-trip permit is specific to the vehicle, load, route, origin, and destination. Kentucky states that the permit is valid for 10 days. The current listed cost is $60, plus applicable payment processing fees.
Applications are submitted through the Kentucky Overweight/Over-Dimensional Portal rather than by telephone.
Annual Oversize Permits
Kentucky also offers annual OW/OD permits for qualifying movements. Annual permits are vehicle-specific, and the original permit must be carried in the power unit. Kentucky's current guidance lists annual permit categories such as:
- A01: Non-divisible, less than 14 ft wide
- A02: Non-divisible, 14–16 ft wide
- A03: Farm, less than 14 ft wide
- A04: Farm, 14–16 ft wide
- A10: Annual manufactured home permit
Maximum dimensions and weights vary by permit type.
Escort and Pilot Car Requirements
Oversize loads may require escort vehicles depending on their dimensions and whether the movement uses a two-lane or multi-lane highway.
For example, on multi-lane highways, Kentucky requires:
- Rear escort when length exceeds 110 ft
- Front and two rear escorts when length exceeds 120 ft
- Rear escort when width exceeds 12 ft
- Front and rear escorts when width exceeds 14 ft
- Two front and two rear escorts when width exceeds 16 ft
- Front escort with a height pole when height exceeds 14 ft 11 in
Additional requirements apply on two-lane highways.
Route Planning Is the Carrier's Responsibility
Obtaining a permit does not mean the route is automatically safe for the load. Kentucky places responsibility on the permit holder to verify vertical and lateral clearances along the permitted route before travel. The carrier is also responsible for damage caused by the permitted movement.
Carriers should check:
- Bridge clearances
- Utility lines
- Road restrictions
- Construction zones
- Width restrictions
- Weight restrictions
- Escort requirements
- Approved routes
Warning Signs, Flags and Lighting
Kentucky has specific warning-sign, flag, and lighting requirements for oversize movements. For example, qualifying overwidth vehicles must display warning flags, while certain vehicles must display “OVERSIZE LOAD” warning signs. Escort vehicles also have sign, lighting, and communication requirements.
What Happens If You Violate the Permit?
Kentucky states that if a single-trip or annual OW/OD permit is violated, law enforcement may confiscate the permit and return it to the Division of Motor Carriers. The permit can then become null and void, and the carrier may have to obtain a new permit and could face enforcement penalties.
Final Takeaway
For commercial truck operators, the key steps are to measure the truck and load accurately, determine whether the dimensions or weight exceed Kentucky's legal limits, obtain the correct OW/OD permit, verify the authorized route and clearances, arrange required escorts, and follow every condition printed on the permit.