South Carolina Oversize Permits South Carolina Oversize and Overweight Permits phone number:(630)800 4551
South Carolina Oversize and Overweight Permits
South Carolina Oversize Permits are essential for transporting oversize loads safely and legally. To ensure compliance, it’s crucial to understand the various South Carolina Oversize Permits requirements. For those looking for information on South Carolina oversize overweight permits requirements, whether it’s the South Carolina oversize overweight permits PDF or the South Carolina oversize overweight permits online application, we’ve got you covered.
Our comprehensive guide includes details about the South Carolina oversize overweight permits form, the South Carolina oversize overweight permits application form, and how to complete the South Carolina oversize overweight permits application process. We also provide insights on the SCDOT permit login procedure and the South Carolina overweight permits requirements.
South Carolina Oversize/Overweight Regulations
In accordance with South Carolina law, any load surpassing the following weight and size limitations is classified as oversize/overweight:
Legal Size Limits:
Width: 8′ 6″ (measured from the outermost points of the widest extremities, not including safety devices)
Height: 13′ 6″ (measured from the roadbed to the highest point of the load or vehicle, whichever is taller)
Overall Length: 75′ (measured from the front most point of the vehicle or load to the rearmost point, whichever extends further)
Legal Weight Limits:
Maximum Gross Weight: 80,000 lb. (total weight including the load)
Single Axle: 20,000 lb.
Tandem Axle: 34,000 lbs
South Carolina Single Trip Oversize/Overweight Permits
A general single-trip permit is issued for non-divisible oversize and overweight loads that exceed the legal limits. This permit covers a single movement from point A to point B within the specified running times. Each general single-trip permit is valid for a duration of 7 days.
South Carolina Annual Oversize/Overweight Permits
To obtain an annual non-route-specific, vehicle-specific permit for a non-divisible load, the following requirements must be met:
Non-Route-Specific Permits:
The maximum allowable width is 14 feet, while containerized cargo is restricted to 8 feet 6 inches in width.
Maximum Height: 13′ 6″
Maximum GVW: 100,000 lb. (with 5 or more axles)
Note: Loads weighing between 90,000 lbs and 100,000 lbs, not exceeding 48,000 lbs per 2 axles or 55,000 lbs per 3 axles on a trailer that is at least 40 feet long and has five or more axles, are only permitted to travel on specific routes indicated in the Oversize Truck Route Map.
Route-Specific Permits:
Maximum Height: 15′
Maximum GVW: 130,000 lb. (100,000 lb. for containerized load and open-top containers)
South Carolina Annual Oversize/Overweight Permits
To obtain an annual non-route-specific, vehicle-specific permit for a non-divisible load, the following requirements must be met:
Oversize Load Flag Requirements:
Oversized loads that have widths of 12 feet or more need to have their extremities marked with 18-inch square flags in either red or fluorescent orange.
Oversize Load Banner Requirements:
Trailers and vehicles that are at least 12′ wide must have “oversize load” or “wide load” banners on both the front and rear.
Oversize Load Sign Requirements:
Signs must be 12″ high and 7′ wide, featuring black letters 10″ high and 1.5″ wide on a yellow background.
Oversize Load Lighting Requirements:
All tow vehicles must drive with low beams on at all times (24/7).
Warning Lights:
For loads between 12′ and 14′ wide, a flashing or strobe amber light must be placed at the back, visible from 500 feet in all directions.
For loads between 14′ and 16′ wide, flashing or strobe amber lights must be placed on both the front and rear, visible from 500 feet in all directions.
Oversize Pilot Cars or Escort Vehicles Requirements:
Width 12′-14′: One front escort vehicle (sometimes two for 2-lane highways).
For widths from 14′ to 16′: An escort vehicle is required at both the front and rear
Width over 16′: One front and one rear escort vehicle, plus one front and one rear police escort vehicle.
Height 16′ and greater: One front escort with a height measuring device.
Length 125′-150′: One front escort vehicle.
For lengths exceeding 150′: An escort vehicle is required at both the front and rear.
Rear overhang 15′ up to 25′: One rear escort vehicle.
South Carolina Wide Load Restrictions
Loads that exceed 8′ 6″ in width must respect to the following regulations:
Holiday Restrictions:
Oversize/overweight loads are prohibited from moving on New Year’s Day, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving Day, and Christmas Day unless specified otherwise in the permit. The Permit Director may restrict travel for OSOW vehicles from noon the day before a holiday until noon the day after a holiday.
Legal Travel Times:
Loads up to 12′ wide can be transported from sunrise to sunset, seven days a week.
Loads up to 15′ wide, including 14′ box width (plus a 12″ top overhang for mobile homes), are restricted from moving in or near large urban areas between 7-9 am every day and 3-6 pm on school days, and 4:30-6 pm on non-school days.
Loads wider than 15′ and mobile homes 14′-16′ wide should be transported from 9 am-3 pm on school days and 9 am-4 pm on other days.
Note: No movement is allowed if visibility is less than 500′.
Road and Bridge Restrictions:
Bridge restrictions in South Carolina are based on the Federal Bridge Formula, with road restrictions including:
- Driving through work zones under construction.
- Ignoring warning signals in work zones.
- Disregarding the right of way for police and emergency units.
Important: An oversize vehicle, measuring more than 14′ but up to 16′ wide, must traverse bridges alone if the bridge is 18′ wide or less.
Seasonal Weight Restrictions:
While South Carolina does not have specific seasonal restrictions like the Frost Law in many states and Canadian provinces, such restrictions may be specified in permits based on the load’s nature and type.
Summer Restrictions:
From Memorial Day through Labor Day, movement is prohibited on Saturdays and Sundays east of I-95 over routes including, but not limited to, US-378, SC-327, US-76, SC-576, US-501, SC-22, SC-31, SC-9 In and around Myrtle Beach, including US-17 from the North Carolina line to areas south of Myrtle Beach (Georgetown) and other nearby routes.
Weight limits:
Maximum GVW for 5, 6, or 7 axles: 90,000 pounds (not allowed on designated highways or bridges).
Maximum Load Limits without a Permit:
Width: 8′ 6″
Axle Weight Limits:
Legal Axle Weight Limits:
- Gross weight: 80,000 lbs
- Single axle: 20,000 lbs
- Tandem axle: 34,000 lbs
Permitted Axle Weight Limits:
- Single axle: 20,000 lbs
- Tandem axle: 40,000 lbs
- Triple axle: 60,000 lbs
- Quad axles: 65,000 lbs
Vehicles with 3 axles combined: 55,000 lbs
Vehicles with 4 axles combined: 70,000 lbs
Vehicles with 5 axles combined: 90,000 lbs
Vehicles with 6 axles combined: 110,000 lbs
Vehicles with 7 axles combined: 130,000 lbs
Note: For quad axle trucks weighing more than 60,000 lbs, an engineering review is required for the proposed travel route.
Oversize Tire Regulations:
Tires must be in proper working condition, adequately inflated, and meet the minimum legal tread depth. Chains or protrusions on tires must be made of rubber, unless they are permitted for safety purposes. Any such studs should not project more than 1/16 inch beyond the tread. Permits will not be granted for vehicles or combinations of vehicles without pneumatic tires. South Carolina Trip Permits The state of South Carolina offers a 72-hour International Registration Plan (IRP) permit for $15, with an additional fee for handling and processing.
South Carolina Fuel Permits
Interstate motor carriers operating in or traveling through South Carolina must obtain an International Fuel Tax Agreement (IFTA) permit.
South Carolina Specialty Permits
Permits may be essential due to the load's type, size, and heft.
Superloads:
Loads heavier than 130,000 lbs or with any axle over 20,000 lbs need a route check. Loads over 180,000 lbs must have a Certificate of Insurance on file. For loads above 300,000 lbs, manufacturers must provide the load and vehicle weight details. Loads over 500,000 lbs will have an extra fee based on their total weight and distance traveled. Carriers moving loads heavier than 300,000 lbs might have extra requirements.
Trucking Permit Service
Overweight Permit offers a wide variety of trucking permit services, professionally aiding motor carriers in obtaining the necessary oversize and overweight permits. They manage interactions with authorities and assure respect to state requirements, saving you time and effort while avoiding any penalties. Their services are reliable and complete, regardless of the kind, specifications, or destination of your load.
FAQs
South Carolina has the following legal size restrictions for oversize loads:
Dimensions: 8′ 6″ width, 13′ 6″ height, 75′ length.
Any load that exceeds these dimensions requires an oversize permit.
Legal weight limitations are:
Maximum Gross Weight: 80,000 pounds.
The single axle weighs 20,000 pounds, while the tandem axle weighs 34,000 pounds.
Any load that exceeds these weight restrictions requires an oversize/overweight permit.
You can apply for a permit online at the South Carolina Department of Transportation (SCDOT) website, or call the Oversize Permits office at (630) 222-5770 for help with the application process.
A single-trip permit is provided for a single movement of a load, but an annual permit permits continuous transportation for a year with some restrictions, such as maximum width and weight for particular routes.
The yearly non-route-specific permit allows for a maximum width of 14 feet and a GVW of 100,000 lbs. Containerized load is limited to 8′ 6″ in width.
Yes, if your load is more than 12 feet wide, an escort vehicle is necessary. Depending on the breadth and length of the cargo, numerous escort vehicles may be required.
Travel is forbidden on New Year’s Day, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving Day, and Christmas Day, unless specifically stated in your permission.
Loads up to 12 feet wide can be hauled from sunrise to dusk. Loads larger than 12 feet wide have extra limitations and must be moved during daylight hours, with particular travel periods dependent on the breadth of the load.
Ensure that your load meets all state rules, including acquiring the proper permits, having the required signs, flags, and escorts, and following to travel limitations. Using a professional transportation permit agency can help you remain compliant.
Yes! Our staff specializes in assisting trucking firms with obtaining the appropriate oversize and overweight permits in a timely and effective manner. We handle all dealings with the authorities and guarantee that you are completely compliant, saving you time and avoiding penalties.
The cost of an oversize permit is determined by the size and weight of the cargo, as well as the kind of permit (single trip or yearly). For more thorough pricing, please contact us for a price tailored to your exact requirements.
A superload is defined as a load that exceeds 130,000 pounds or has an axle weighing more than 20,000 pounds. Obtaining a permit for a superload necessitates a route inspection and may require additional documents such as a Certificate of Insurance or additional payments, depending on the weight of the load.
Processing times vary depending on the kind of permit and load criteria. Single-trip permits are normally processed quickly, however yearly permits and Superloads may take longer to assess and approve.
Our transportation permit service provides a hassle-free, professional way to get oversize and overweight permits. With our thorough understanding of South Carolina rules, we ensure that your shipment satisfies all standards and arrives at its destination without delay or penalty. We manage every step of the permit application procedure, making it easy and stress-free for you.
