Gainesville, Ga., is the Chicken Capital of the World. But if you stop for a bite, steer clear of the silverware. In Gainesville, it is illegal to eat chicken with a fork. It’s also illegal to haul an oversize load through the state without the proper permit. If you need to obtain a Georgia oversize permit, you’ve come to the right place.
The Permit Company takes the hassle out of obtaining oversize and overweight truck permits, working directly with state and local agencies on your behalf. Below is everything you need to know about moving oversized loads through Georgia and how to obtain a permit.
1. How long are oversize permits valid for in Georgia?
Single trip permits are valid for ten travel days. Annual permits are also available.
2. What are the legal dimensions for loads in Georgia?
The legal limits in Georgia are as follows:
- Gross Weight: 80,000 lbs. on all roads (federal bridge formula applies)
- Width: 8’6” on designated highways and roads with lanes greater than 12’ wide. For roads with lanes less than 12’, the legal width limit is 8’.
- Height: 13’6” on all roads
- Length: 60’ for single unit and buses, 53’ for semi-trailer on designated highways and 67’6” overall on certain state routes.
- Overhang: Legal overall length is 75’ from the front of the truck/load to the end of the truck/load—including overhang.
3. What are the permit limits for loads in Georgia?
The routine-issue permit limits in Georgia are as follows:
- Weight:
- Single: 23,000 lbs.
- Tandem: 46,000 lbs.
- Tridum: 60,000 lbs.
- Quad: 92,000 lbs.
- Gross Weight (depends on outerbridge axle configuration and routes):
- 5 axles: 100,000 lbs.
- 6 axles: 125,000 lbs.
- 7 axles: 148,000 lbs.
- 8 axles: 150,000 lbs.
- Length: No maximum length set
- Width: 15’6”, but 16’ will be issued as long as front and rear escorts are present at all times, mobile homes do not exceed 95’ long and oversize load signs are used.
- Height: 16’
4. Is continuous travel allowed for oversize permits in Georgia?
For loads under 125,000 lbs. and within legal dimensions, travel is allowed 24/7.
For all other loads, travel is permitted from 30 minutes before sunrise to 30 minutes after sunset.
Travel is prohibited on New Year’s Day, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day.
5. When are escorts needed in Georgia?
On two-lane highways:
- When length exceeds 75’, one (rear) escort is needed or one 8” flashing amber light at the rear of the load can be used in conjunction with a decal. Call us for additional details.
- One (rear) escort is needed when length is over 100’
- Two (front & rear) escorts are needed when length exceeds 125’ or width exceeds 12’
- One (front) with high pole is needed when height exceeds 15’6”
On four-lane highways:
- When length exceeds 75’, one (rear) escort is needed or one 8” flashing amber light at the rear of the load can be used in conjunction with a decal. Call us for additional details.
- One (rear) escort is needed when length is over 100’
- Two (front & rear) escorts are needed when length exceeds 125’ or width exceeds 12’
- One (rear) escort is needed when width is between 12’ and 14’8”; two (front & rear) when width is between 14’8” and 16’
- One (front) with high pole is needed when height exceeds 15’6”
Additional restrictions apply for house moving, mobile homes, and modular homes & buildings.
6. What is a superload in Georgia?
In Georgia, loads that exceed routine issue dimensions and weight are considered superloads. For superload approvals, the following must be submitted: drawings, breakdown of axle weights, total diagram and weight distribution. Superloads that exceed 150,000 lbs. will be sent to a special department for approval. If a load is deemed essential for the general public it will typically be permitted. Loads over 180,000 lbs. may take 3 weeks for approval.
If you need help applying for an oversize permit in Georgia (or any other state), give us a call at (800) 359-9407 or send us an email—we’ll take care of it.