Oversize and overweight trucking in Louisiana requires precise adherence to specific state regulations to ensure safety, efficiency, and legal compliance. Louisiana oversize permits are essential for hauling loads that exceed standard legal dimensions and weights, and they are governed by detailed provisions to facilitate seamless transport across the state.
In this blog post, we’ll explore the key aspects of Louisiana oversize permits, Louisiana oversize provisions, and Louisiana oversize regulations, along with tips to streamline the permit application process.
Louisiana DOT Official Information
Louisiana DOT Phone Number
(225) 343-2345
Louisiana DOT Opening Time
07:00 am
Louisiana DOT Closing Time
03:30 pm
Louisiana Over Dimensional Fee
$10.00
Louisiana Permit Approval
Auto Issue
Types of Louisiana Oversize Permits
Louisiana offers several types of oversize and overweight permits, tailored to accommodate various hauling needs:
1. Single-Trip Oversize/Overweight Permit
- Issued for specific journeys and valid for the required number of days.
- Applicable for oversize, overweight, mobile homes, and mobile offices.
2. Monthly Permits:
- Designed for consistent transport needs, covering specific cargo types like oilfield equipment, pleasure crafts (up to 10’ wide), and house movers.
3. Semi-Annual Permits:
- Ideal for heavier loads, allowing a gross vehicle weight (GVW) of up to 95,000 lbs.
4. Annual Permits:
- Include standard oversize and combined oversize/overweight options.
- Dimension limits: 14’4” height, 12’ width, 90’ length, and up to 25’ overhang.
- Weight allowances: Up to 120,000 lbs. on six axles for combined permits.
Operating Times and Restrictions for Louisiana Oversize Permits
Louisiana oversize regulations specify operational windows and restricted zones to ensure safety:
- Operating Times: Travel is allowed from sunrise to sunset, seven days a week. Loads exceeding 14’ in width may only travel until noon on Saturdays.
- Restricted Areas: Permit loads are prohibited on certain Mississippi River bridges during peak hours and restricted in cities like Baton Rouge and New Orleans during rush hours. Special restrictions apply during holidays and Mardi Gras.
Do you Need Louisiana Oversize Permit?
Legal Dimensions and Weight Limits
Louisiana’s oversize provisions define the standard limits for loads:
Height
13’6″ on non-designated roads.
14’ on designated highways.
width
8’6″ on Interstates and designated roads, 8′ on non-designated.
Length
59’6″ trailer or load on Interstate and designated highways, 30’ for double trailers.
65’ truck and trailer on other highways.
Overhang
4’ front, 8’ rear. Over 59’6″ length of load on trailer needs permit on all roads.
Weight Limits
Interstate highway system
Tridem – 42,000 lbs.
Quad – 50,000 lbs.
Non-Interstate highways
Single – 22,000 lbs.
Tandem – 37,000 lbs.
Tridem – 45,000 lbs.
Quad – 53,000 lbs.
Maximum Permits Limits
Maximum dimensional limits allowed to be permitted at Louisiana. Exceeding these dimensions the load can be classify as super load.
Height
16’5″
width
18′
Length
125′
Maximum Weight Limits
Gross Weights
5 axles – 108,000 lbs.
6 axles – 120,000 lbs.
7 axles – 132,000 lbs.
Axle Weighs
Single – 24,000 if GVW is 120,000 lbs. or less; 20,000 if GVW exceeds 120,000 lbs.
Tandem – 48,000 lbs. if GVW does not exceed 120,000 lbs.; 40,000 lbs. if it exceeds 120,000 lbs.
Tridem – 60,000 lbs..
Escort/Pilot Cars Requirements for Louisiana Oversize Permits
Height
15’10”-16’6″ – 1 escort with high pole off Interstate.
Over 16’6″ – may require escort (depends on route)
17’11” – Bucket Truck
width
12′-16′ – 1 escort
16′-18′ – State Police escort on all highways
Over 18′ – 2 State Police Escorts
Length
90′-125′ – 1 escort
Over 125′ – 1 State Police escort and the load must be equipped with a steerable dolly
Overhang
Over 10′ – 1 escort (some highways may need 2 escorts)
Insurance Requirements
To obtain a Louisiana oversize permit, a certificate of insurance covering at least $100,000 in property damage is mandatory. Escort vehicles must carry general liability, motor vehicle liability, and workers’ compensation insurance with a minimum of $500,000 coverage.
Simplify Your Permitting Process with Permits King
Navigating Louisiana oversize overweight permits doesn’t have to be complicated. At Permits King, we handle the complexities of permit applications, ensuring compliance with Louisiana oversize provisions and regulations. Whether you’re managing a single trip or recurring hauls, our experts are here to streamline the process and keep your operations running smoothly.
Contact Permits King today to get started on your Louisiana oversize permit application!
