PERMITS
Kansas oversize permits are valid for seven days and are typically obtained before entering the state. However, they can also be purchased at Ports of Entry, provided proof of insurance is available in the vehicle.
OPERATING HOURS
Travel is permitted from 30 minutes before sunrise to 30 minutes after sunset, seven days a week, including holidays. Loads that are overweight only are not subject to travel time restrictions.
KANSAS TURNPIKE
- Loads up to 12 feet 6 inches wide may operate 24/7 without an escort (must use proper lighting at night)
- Loads between 12 feet 6 inches and 14 feet wide may travel during daylight hours without an escort
- Maximum dimensions: 16 feet wide, 125 feet long, 14 feet high (over 14 feet requires special approval)
- Maximum axle weights:
- Single: 20,000 pounds
- Tandem: 34,000 pounds
- Tridem: 42,000 pounds
- Quad: 50,000 pounds
- Maximum gross weight: 120,000 pounds
- Turnpike information: (316) 682-4537
LEGAL DIMENSIONS
Length:
- Trailer: 59 feet 6 inches
- Combination vehicle: 85 feet overall, as long as trailer does not exceed 59 feet 6 inches
- Overhang: Allowed up to 59 feet 6 inches for trailer and load, provided total length does not exceed 85 feet
Width: 8 feet 6 inches
Height: 14 feet
Gross Weight:
- 80,000 pounds on Interstates and designated routes
- 85,500 pounds on other roads (must be registered for 85,500 and meet axle weight requirements)
- Single: 20,000 pounds
- Tandem: 34,000 pounds
- Tridem: 42,000 pounds
ROUTINE PERMIT LIMITS
Length: Up to 126 feet
Width: Up to 16 feet 6 inches
Height: Up to 18 feet (loads over 17 feet require utility notifications)
Weight Limits:
- Single axle: 22,000 pounds
- Tandem: 45,000 pounds
- Tridem: 60,000 pounds
- Quad: 65,000 pounds
Note:
- Tractor must be registered for 85,500 pounds or obtain a trip permit
- All axles must be lowered when overweight
- Loads exceeding these dimensions or 150,000 pounds gross are classified as Super Loads
- Units exceeding 80,000 pounds gross must be registered for 85,500 pounds
ESCORT REQUIREMENTS
Width:
- Over 16 feet 6 inches or large structures on 4-lane roads: 2 escorts
- Over 14 feet on highways with fewer than 4 lanes: 2 escorts
- Rear escort may be waived if a warning light is mounted on the towing vehicle and the rear of the load, positioned between 2 and 8 feet above road surface
Height:
- Over 18 feet: 1 escort with a height pole
- Over 17 feet: Notification to all relevant utility companies is required
EXEMPTIONS
Poles, beams, steel pipes, and construction steel can be transported up to 85 feet in total length (vehicle and load) without a permit, as long as the trailer does not exceed 59 feet 6 inches and all other dimensions are legal. Daylight travel only.
SIGNS, FLAGS & LIGHTING
- "Oversize Load" signs must be displayed on all permit loads
- Red flags are required on both sides of the widest point and the rear of any overlength load
- Overhanging loads beyond legal limits must have a red flag at the end, and a lamp should be used during hazy daylight to enhance visibility
- Overweight-only loads must display "Oversize Load" signs during daytime but must remove them for night travel
