What Georgia Considers an Oversized Load

In Georgia, a load is considered oversized when it exceeds 8 feet 6 inches (102 inches) in width, 13 feet 6 inches in height, or the state’s legal length limits for the vehicle type and route; anything beyond those dimensions requires a Georgia DOT oversize permit. In practice, “oversized” refers to dimensions, while loads above 80,000 pounds gross or above axle/bridge limits are “overweight,” which require a separate or combined permit.

The legal size limits that define “oversized” in Georgia

Georgia’s baseline (legal) vehicle and load dimensions align closely with federal standards. When any of the following limits are exceeded, a load is treated as oversized and must be permitted before movement on public roads.

• Width: 8 feet 6 inches (102 inches) maximum.
• Height: 13 feet 6 inches maximum.
• Length (common benchmarks):
  

  • Single (straight) vehicle: generally up to 40 feet.
  • Truck-tractor with semitrailer: 53-foot semitrailers are allowed on the National Network and most state routes; off-network or local streets may have additional limits or turning-radius constraints.
  • Double trailers (twin pups): typically 28 feet 6 inches per trailer on designated routes.
  • Overall length: may be regulated on non-designated routes; local restrictions, geometry, or posted limits can further constrain overall length even when a 53-foot semitrailer is legal.

If any of these dimension limits are exceeded—whether by the vehicle, the load, or both—the movement is considered oversized in Georgia and must be permitted. Posted local restrictions (such as shorter maximum lengths or low-clearance structures) can be more restrictive and will govern.

Oversized versus overweight: what’s the difference?

Although both are permitted by the Georgia Department of Transportation (GDOT), “oversized” and “overweight” are distinct. Oversized refers to dimensions beyond legal size, while overweight refers to loads exceeding 80,000 pounds gross (subject to the federal bridge formula) or exceeding axle-group limits (e.g., 20,000 pounds on a single axle and 34,000 pounds on a tandem axle, unless otherwise permitted).

• Oversized: wider than 8’6″, taller than 13’6″, or longer than the applicable legal limit for your vehicle/route.
• Overweight: gross weight over 80,000 pounds, or axle/group weights above legal limits, requiring overweight permitting even if dimensions are legal.

Many moves are both oversize and overweight; Georgia issues permits that can cover either or both conditions, but approval depends on route, configuration, and safety requirements.

When a permit is required and practical triggers

Any movement that exceeds Georgia’s legal size limits needs an oversize permit from GDOT before travel. In addition to the basic thresholds, certain practical triggers often indicate that a permit—and sometimes added safety measures—will be necessary.

• Width greater than 8’6″: permit required; wider loads may face travel-time limits or escort requirements on certain roads.
• Height greater than 13’6″: permit required; at higher clearances (often above roughly 15’6″), carriers are commonly required to conduct a route survey and may need a lead escort with a height pole to check overhead clearances.
• Length beyond legal limits for your configuration or route: permit required; overall length and turning geometry are evaluated, especially off the National Network.
• Local postings or infrastructure constraints: even within legal state maxima, bridges, tunnels, and city or county ordinances can impose tighter limits that trigger permits or rerouting.

Permit conditions can include designated routes, time-of-day restrictions, escort vehicles, signage, lighting, and flagging. Exact thresholds and conditions vary by route class (Interstate, state route, local road) and current GDOT policy.

Examples: what is—and isn’t—oversized in Georgia

The following real-world scenarios illustrate when Georgia treats a load as oversized and when it doesn’t.

• A 10-foot-wide excavator on a lowboy: oversized (exceeds 8’6″ width) and needs a permit.
• A modular building 14 feet tall on a trailer: oversized (exceeds 13’6″ height) and needs a permit and careful route planning for overhead clearances.
• A tractor pulling a 53-foot semitrailer at 13’6″ tall and under 8’6″ wide on an Interstate: generally not oversized on the National Network if weight and axle limits are legal.
• A straight truck that is 42 feet long: oversized by length and needs a permit unless operating under a specific statutory exception.
• A 102-inch-wide load at 12 feet 6 inches tall but 90,000 pounds gross: not oversized, but overweight—requires overweight permitting.

Because geometry, local ordinances, and route-specific infrastructure can change what’s allowed, carriers should verify routes in advance even when equipment appears to meet standard state maxima.

How to verify and obtain a Georgia oversize permit

Carriers should confirm current rules and request permits through GDOT’s oversize/overweight permitting resources. Policies can change, and route-specific constraints (construction, bridge work, utility lines) are updated frequently.

• Check Georgia DOT’s Oversize/Overweight (OS/OW) guidance and the Georgia Trucking Portal for current limits, travel-time rules, and escort requirements.
• Prepare vehicle dimensions, axle spacings, and weights; be ready to propose routes or request routing assistance.
• Account for local restrictions and posted structures (clearances, weight postings) along the planned path.

Applying with complete, accurate data speeds approval and reduces the risk of route changes or denials. Keep permit documents and required signage/markings in the vehicle during movement.

Bottom line

In Georgia, any vehicle or load wider than 8’6″, taller than 13’6″, or longer than the legal limit for its configuration and route is an oversized load and must be permitted by GDOT before travel. Overweight status is separate and depends on gross and axle-group weights. Always verify current rules and route conditions with GDOT before moving.

Summary

Georgia defines an oversized load as one that exceeds 102 inches in width, 13 feet 6 inches in height, or applicable legal length limits for the vehicle type and route; such movements require a GDOT oversize permit. Overweight loads—above 80,000 pounds gross or axle/group limits—require overweight permitting, which is distinct from oversize status. Because route, infrastructure, and local ordinances can change what’s allowed, carriers should confirm current requirements and obtain permits through GDOT before traveling.

What is the widest load without a permit?

In California, a load is considered an oversized vehicle or load and requires a permit if its width exceeds 8 feet 6 inches. Therefore, the widest load without a permit is exactly 8 feet 6 inches (or less) wide. 
Here’s a breakdown of California’s legal width limit: 

• Legal Limit: 8′ 6″
• Oversize Permit: Required for any load exceeding 8′ 6″

It’s crucial to remember that this is the limit for a permit-free load; exceeding it requires a permit and adherence to the specific regulations outlined by agencies like Caltrans. Always confirm the latest rules with the Department of Transportation (DOT) before transporting any load.

What is considered an oversized load in Georgia?

Loads are considered oversized when any of the following apply: Exceeds the height of 13 feet, 6 inches. Width in excess of 8 feet, 6 inches. Length of over 65 feet.

Can you haul oversized loads on Sunday in Georgia?

Movement of a permitted vehicle or load will take place only on Monday through Sunday, thirty (30) minutes after sunrise to thirty (30) minutes before sunset, unless otherwise shown on the permit. Houses may only be moved Monday through Saturday from 9:00am to 3:00pm unless otherwise noted on the permit.

What makes something an oversize load?

In the United States, an oversize load is a vehicle and/or load that is wider than 8 ft 6 in (2.59 m). Each individual state has different requirements regarding height and length (most states are 13 ft 6 in or 4.11 m tall), and a driver must purchase a permit for each state he/she will be traveling through.