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Oversize Permit Unit
Complying with Georgia Law

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  1. Legal Maximum Weight Limitations
  2. Legal Maximum Size Limitations
  3. Permits (Overweight and Oversize)
  4. Restricted Travel

Georgia Laws that govern the movement of goods and materials are contained in the Official Code of Georgia, Volume 23, Title 32 entitled Highways, Bridges and Ferries, Article Two of Chapter Six. The manual explains these laws as they apply to the trucking industry.

Legal Maximum Weight Limitations

Interstate Highway Systems

The federal Bridge Formula is applicable on all weight limitations. Both inner and outer limitations are enforced.

The Federal Bridge Formula is:

W = 500(LN/N-1 + 12N + 36)

W = Overall gross weight on any group of two or more consecutive axles to the nearest 500 pounds.
L = Distance in feet between the extreme of any group of two or more axles in group under consideration.
N = Number of axles in group under consideration.

Lift axles may not be used in computing the maximum total gross weight authorized for any vehicle or load. Lift axles are any axles manufactured after July 1, 1978, which may be raised or lowered with respect to the horizontal plane of the vehicle.

  • Legal axle weight is 20,340 pounds.
  • Tandem axle is any two or more axles within 96 inches.
  • If gross weight is less than 73,280 pounds and length is less than 55 feet, the tandem weight is 40,680 pounds.
  • If gross weight is greater than 73,280 pounds or length is greater than 55 feet, the tandem weight limit is 34,000 pounds.

 

State Routes

State Route Gross Weight

  • The maximum gross weight allowed on 5 axles is 80,000 pounds.
  • The maximum gross weight on 2 or 3 axles is the number of axles times 20,340 pounds.
  • The maximum gross weight on 4 axles is 70,000 pounds.

Vehicles with an actual total gross weight between 73,280 pounds and 80,000 pounds, the maximum total gross weight authorized for the vehicle and load shall be determined by the State Bridge Formula.

The State Bridge Formula is:

W = 500(LN/N-1 + 12N + 36)

W = The maximum allowable gross weight of the vehicle or combination of vehicle to the nearest 500 pounds.
L = The distance in feet between the first and last axles of the vehicle or combination.
N = Number of axles on the vehicle or combination of vehicles.

  • Legal axle weight limit is 20,340 pounds.
  • Legal tandem weight limit on all trucks is 37,340 pounds, i.e., any two or more axles within 216 inches on the unit, not including steering axle.
  • Legal tandem weight on tractor semi-trailer combinations on state highways is 40,680 pounds as provided in O.C.G.A. 32-6-26 (j).

 

Non-Interstate Route Exemptions

On non-interstate routes, the weight limitations may be exceeded except on posted bridges without a permit when the load on a single axle does not exceed 23,000 pounds and the maximum total gross weight does not exceed 80,000 pounds when

  1. Hauling forest products from the forest where cut to the owner's place of business, plant, plantation, or residence;
  2. Hauling live poultry or cotton from a farm to a processing plant;
  3. Hauling feed from a feed mill to a farm;
  4. Hauling granite, either block or sawed for further processing, from the quarry to a processing plant located in the same or an adjoining county; or
  5. Hauling solid waste or recovered materials from points of generation to a solid waste handling facility or other processing facility;
  6. Hauling unhardened concrete from plant to customer.

 

County Road System

County Road Gross Weight

The maximum gross weight allowed is 56,000 pounds unless making a pickup or delivery. If a delivery or pickup is being made evidence such as a bill of lading, shipping orders, etc. must be provided on demand.

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Legal Maximum Size Limitations

Surface Transportation Assistance Act (STAA) National Network

Interstates and other national network routes and access from national network.

Height (of truck and load): 13' 6"
Width (of truck and load): 8' 6"
Length The standard trailer unit in Georgia is 53 feet.

On the Interstate and STAA routes single piece loads may be transported on extendable semi-trailers exceeding 53 feet provided they do not exceed 75 feet and are not loaded end-to-end. Overall length shall not exceed 100 feet. If the load is so situated that it extends beyond the rear of the vehicle, semi-trailer, or trailer on which it is carried, then a rear underride guard shall be provided.

  • Twin trailer combinations are allowed on interstate and STAA Network routes with 28 feet trailer units, the overall length is unlimited.
  • Two 28 and one-half foot trailers are allowed with an overall length of 65 feet.

Length for car and boat carriers:

(STAA network and access routes)

The overall length of the unit is allowed to be 65 feet and zero inches on conventional trailer units with a trailer length of over 58 feet.

If a trailer length is 48 feet and zero inches on a conventional trailer unit, there is no overall length limitation.

Stinger-steered type units are allowed to 75 feet and zero inches on overall length (no trailer length limit).

 

State Routes

Length for car and boat carriers

Allow a load length of 65 feet, and a tractor/trailer unit of 60 feet.

 

Stinger Steered Units

Length is limited to 75 feet, overhang limited to three feet to the front and four feet to the rear.

 

Car and boat carriers

An overhang of three feet to the front and four feet to the rear is allowed.

 

State Designated System

Height (of truck and load) 13'6"
Width (of truck and load) 8'6" (or 102") on roads with 12 foot travel lanes
Length The standard trailer unit in Georgia is 53 feet.

On STAA routes (see map) single piece loads may be transported on extendable semi-trailers exceeding 53 feet provided they do not exceed 75 feet and are not loaded end-to-end. Overall length shall not exceed 100 feet. If the load is so situated that it extends beyond the rear of the vehicle, semi-trailer, or trailer on which it is carried, then a rear underride guard shall be provided.

Twin trailer combinations are allowed 28 feet trailer units, overall length is unlimited.

Two 28 and one half foot units are allowed to have an overall length of 67 and one half feet on the state designated highway system.

 

Access to designated routes

Unless signed/posted, the normal access distance is limited to one mile or less.

 

Other State Routes

Height (of truck and load) 13'6"
Width (of truck and load) 8'6" (or 102")
Length The standard trailer unit in Georgia is 53 feet unless signs are posted indicating length restriction.

 

Overhang

(for other state routes)

No overhang is allowed beyond the 65 foot limit.

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Permits

The Commissioner or his designee upon receiving an application may issue a permit for non-divisible loads that exceed the legal limits established for all roads in the state of Georgia.

 

Special Permit Limits

Height - 18'0"
Length - No Set Limits
Width - 16'0" Weight-(Noted below)

 

Number of Axles Typical Weight Allowed
1 23,000 pounds
2 46,000 pounds
3 60,000 pounds
4 92,000 pounds
5 100,000 pounds
6 125,000 pounds
7 148,000 pounds
8 150,000 pounds

 

Types of Permits and Fees

Single Trip

May only be used once for movement during the times specified on permit; must include a description of the load; name of transporter; origin and destination, routes of travel and insurance provider information.

STANDARD SINGLE - $30.00
    Width & Height Limit of 16'
    Weight Limit of 150,000 lbs.

SUPERLOAD SINGLE - $125.00
    Width & Height greater than 16'
    Weight Limit 150,001 to 180,000 lbs.

SUPERLOAD PLUS - $500.00
    Weight over 180,000 lbs.
    Requires Bridge Analysis
    Note: May take up to three (3) weeks for approval.

Continuous travel allowed for loads with a gross weight of 125,000 lbs. and no dimensions except during weather conditions and holidays listed in 672-2.03(b).

 

Annual Permits

Are good for one (1) year from date of purchase; are interchangeable within the same company, as long as the original is in the transport vehicle at the time of movement; may be used for any load type that is not divisible, and does not exceed any dimension. Required to maintain $300,000 liability insurance with the Georgia Department of Transportation as the certificate holder and must be on file with said Department for the duration of the permit.

STANDARD ANNUAL- $150.00
    Width-12'0"
    Height Limit-14'6"
    Weight Limit-100,000 lbs.
    Length Limit-100'0
    Note: Containerized freight allowed 100,000 pounds on 5 axles.

STAA ANNUAL - $500.00
    Width-14'0 " (allowed up to 14'8" from the base to a point 10'0" above the ground for upper portion of the load)
    Height Limit-14'6"
    Weight Limit-100,000 lbs.
    Length Limit-100'0
    Note: Travel on STAA routes only-see map.

 

How to Obtain Permits

Applications may be submitted to the Atlanta office by mail or in person, submit application in duplicate, facsimile or with a commercial permit service.

Address:

Department of Transportation
Oversize Permit Unit
935 E Confederate Avenue, Building 24
Atlanta, GA 30316

Permit Office Hours: Monday through Friday 7:00 a.m. to 4:45 p.m.
Annual Permits - 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM

Fax Telephone Numbers: (404)635-8501, (404)635-8509

Permit Service: Application may be made by calling to any commercial permit service.

  • Divisible loads are not allowed under a permit. Dozer blades may be hauled with the dozer if disassembled and loaded for minimum width and up to 100,000 pounds gross weight only.
  • Insurance - Customers must provide state, policy number and company name when ordering a trip permit. Certificate of coverage must be on file with Department. Proof of insurance is required showing a minimum coverage of $100,000/$300,000/$50,000.
  • Permit information that customers are required to have contains tractor and trailer information (including length, width, height and gross and axle weights), origin and destination, routes to be traveled, effective dates and where permit is to be faxed and insurance provide information.

 

Georgia Escort Requirements

Length:     For any permitted load whose length exceeds 75' but is less than or equal to 100' a rear escort/amber light is required.
Length: For any permitted load whose length exceeds 100' but is less than or equal to 125' a vehicle rear escort is required.
Length: For any permitted load whose length is greater than 125' a vehicle front and vehicle rear escort is required.
Height: For any permitted load whose height is 15' 6" or greater a vehicle front escort with a height sensor is required.
Width: For any permitted load whose width exceeds 12' but is less than or equal to 14'8" a vehicle front escort and a rear escort/amber light is required for travel on a 2 lane roadway. A vehicle rear escort is required for the same permitted load to travel on a 4-lane highway. For travel on a Limited Access Highway/Interstate System a rear escort/amber light is required.
Width: For any permitted load whose width exceeds 14' 8" up to and including 16' shall require a vehicle front escort and a vehicle rear escort for movement upon a 2-lane roadway. A vehicle rear escort is required for movement of the same permitted load on a Limited Access Highway/Interstate System.
Width: For permitted loads whose width exceeds 16' or for loads not defined above, the department shall determine escort requirements on a case by case basis.
Houses: Houses will require a police front escort and a police rear escort.

 

Sign Requirements

Signs are required on all escorts and vehicle transporting loads requiring a permit. Sign must have black letters on a yellow or orange background. Letters must be at least eight inches high and four inches wide.

The sign must be at least six feet wide by one foot tall, and read "OVERSIZE LOAD". One sign must be displayed on the front of the towing vehicle and one sign on the rear of the trailer as well as, the front escort and the rear escort vehicles when required. Additionally, all mobile homes must have a sign which contains the name and telephone number of the mover and must be legible from a distance of 50 feet. "Oversize load" signs must be removed when load/vehicle is legal.

 

Flag Requirements

Red flags, 18 inches square must be displayed on all four corners of the load and all extremities.

 

Violations and Fines

Misdemeanor Violations, uniform traffic citations, vary from county to county.

 

Overweight Fines (Governed by the Dept. of Motor Vehicle Safety)

Zero to 1,000 pounds overweight is 0.8 cents per pound:

  1. Plus 1.5 cents per pound next 2,000 pounds overweight
  2. Plus three cents per pound next 2,000 pounds overweight
  3. Plus four cents per pound next 3,000 pounds overweight
  4. Plus five cents per pound for all excess weight over 8,000 pounds

Overweight fines are assessed based on allowable weights. Overweight vehicles may be fined for either gross, tandem or axle weight violations, whichever produces the larger fine. If overweight on a permitted load, the fine is assessed at 125 percent of the rate imposed for operating without a permit. Operator may shift a load by hand to avoid an overweight axle violation. All excess weight over 6,000 pounds must be off loaded. Sliding axles change configuration of vehicle and are not considered shifting of load.

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Restricted Travel

No permitted load will be allowed to travel into or through the area bounded by I-285 (Atlanta bypass), unless the vehicle is making a pickup or delivery within the area. The driver must be prepared to show proof of such pickup of delivery. In addition, a permit issued for the movement of a vehicle or load is not valid between the hours of 6 a.m. through 9 a.m. and 4 p.m. through 6 p.m. Monday through Friday. Parking on the interstate and limited access highway rights-of-way will not be allowed for permitted vehicles waiting for authorization.

Movement of a permitted vehicle or load will take place only on Monday through Saturday, 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.

No permitted vehicle or load will be moved during foggy weather, snow or icy conditions or during the following legal holidays: New Year's Day, Memorial Day, July 4th, Labor Day, Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day.

Travel not allowed on routes with bridges of less than 28 feet lateral clearance.

Travel Days

Monday through Saturday

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