In Kentucky, any load that exceeds the legal size or weight limits requires an oversize/overweight permit before it moves. Below are the legal limits and the requirements that apply at each threshold.
1When you need a permit
A load is oversize or overweight once it passes any of these:
| Dimension | Kentucky legal limit | Permit if over |
|---|---|---|
| Width | 8 ft 6 in | Wider |
| Height | 13 ft 6 in | Taller |
| Length (combination) | 65 ft | Longer |
| Gross weight | 80,000 lbs | Heavier |
| Single axle | 20,000 lbs | Heavier |
| Tandem axle | 34,000 lbs | Heavier |
Rear overhang is limited to 5 ft before it counts toward length, and any overhang must be flagged.
2Escort & pilot car requirements
| When the load reaches… | Kentucky requires |
|---|---|
| 12 ft wide | 1 escort (pilot car) |
| 14 ft wide | 2 escorts |
| 14.92 ft high | Escort with a height pole / pole car |
| 75 ft long | 1 escort · 85 ft → 2 escorts |
| 15 ft 6 in high or 16 ft wide | Route survey required |
3When you can travel
- Night travel permitted within limits.
- Weekend travel allowed within dimensional limits.
- Travel allowed 24-7 unless permit specifies otherwise; mobile homes prohibited Sunday.
4Superloads in Kentucky
A load is a superload once it exceeds any of these:
| Superload trigger | Threshold |
|---|---|
| Width | 16 ft |
| Height | 13 ft 6 in |
| Length | 120 ft |
| Gross weight | 160,000 lbs |
Superloads require a route survey and roughly 5 days of lead time for approval.
5Permit timing
- Standard single-trip: ~1 business day to issue.
- Superload: ~5 days (route survey + review).
- Validity: a single-trip permit is good for ~10 days.
Get the full cost of your load
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?Kentucky permit FAQ
When do I need an oversize permit in Kentucky?
Once a load exceeds any legal limit: 8 ft 6 in wide, 13 ft 6 in high, 65 ft long (combination), or 80,000 lbs gross.
When do I need a pilot car in Kentucky?
Kentucky requires one escort at 12 ft wide (two at 14 ft), a height pole at 14.92 ft high.
Can you drive an oversize load at night in Kentucky?
Travel windows are set on the permit in Kentucky.
What counts as a superload in Kentucky?
Over 16 ft wide, 13 ft 6 in high, 120 ft long, or 160,000 lbs gross. It requires a route survey and about 5 days of lead time.
How much does a Kentucky oversize permit cost?
The state permit fee depends on the load's size and weight. The full cost of a move also includes escorts, police, route surveys, engineering, and the truck rate, which vary by route. FreightDeck estimates all of it for your exact load — price your Kentucky load with FreightDeck →.