Kentucky Oversize Permit Regulations
KYTC OW/OD permits in KAPS, the pending fee increase, escort tiers for two-lane and four-lane roads, and the curfew counties
Quick answer
What do Kentucky's oversize regulations require?
Loads past 80,000 lb, a 53 ft semitrailer, 13 ft 6 in of height or 8 ft 6 in of width need a permit from KYTC's Division of Motor Carriers, ordered in the KAPS portal under 601 KAR 1:018. Single trips cost $60 for 10 days. Permitted loads may run 24/7 with no holiday restrictions, except weekday rush hours in Boone, Kenton, Campbell, Fayette and Jefferson counties.
Updated October 2026 by the HTS Logistics broker team (FMCSA MC# 1178470).
Checked October 2026; the issued permit controls
Kentucky's travel hours are fixed by statute rather than by the permit office: KRS 189.270(12)(a) bars the Transportation Cabinet from restricting days or times by regulation except weekday windows of 6 to 9 a.m. and 3 to 6 p.m. That is why KYTC tells carriers travel 'is allowed 24-7 unless specified otherwise on the permit,' and why Kentucky's row in our oversize permits by state table lists no holiday restrictions at all.
HTS Logistics brokers heavy haul freight under MC 1178470; on Kentucky moves we book the carrier, order the KAPS permit and run the route through KAPS Pre-Trip Planning, which KYTC says must be done before every move. KYTC issues no permits by phone; many routine ones self-issue in the portal around the clock.
Legal limits in Kentucky
Kentucky publishes two sets of limits. On Interstates, parkways and designated highways, a truck may run 102 in wide on a 53 ft semitrailer at 80,000 lb (KRS 189.222(1)); on non-designated state highways, KYTC lists 8 ft wide, 45 ft for a single unit, 65 ft overall, and gross weight by road class: AAA 80,000 lb, AA 62,000 lb and A 44,000 lb. On the Interstate, federal law fixes that width at 102 in (23 CFR 658.15), as our guide to legal load limits explains.
| Limit | Kentucky | Federal baseline | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Width | 8 ft 6 in | 8 ft 6 in (102 in) on the National Network | 102 in on the federal-aid and parkway system (KRS 189.222(10)); 8 ft on non-designated roads, though 102 in, 80,000 lb trucks may run up to 15 miles from an Interstate or parkway exit (189.222(1)(f)) |
| Height | 13 ft 6 in | No federal limit | 14 ft for auto transporters; the base statute still prints 11 ft 6 in off designated highways (KRS 189.221), while KYTC publishes 13 ft 6 in |
| Semitrailer length | 53 ft | States must allow at least 48 ft | Interstates, parkways and designated highways; non-designated roads allow 45 ft single units and 65 ft overall |
| Gross weight | 80,000 lb | 80,000 lb | Designated network; class AA roads 62,000 lb and class A roads 44,000 lb |
| Single axle | 20,000 lb | 20,000 lb | Or 700 lb per inch of tire width if less; off the Interstate a 5% per-axle tolerance applies (189.222(1)(d)) |
| Tandem axle | 34,000 lb | 34,000 lb | Axles 42–96 in apart; a tridem carries 48,000 lb at 42–120 in |
Federal baseline: 23 CFR Part 658, eCFR as of 2026-10-14
When Kentucky requires a permit and how to get one
The Overweight/Over-Dimensional (OW/OD) Permit Section of KYTC's Division of Motor Carriers issues permits through the Kentucky Automated Permit System (KAPS), with route and bridge analysis by the Bridge Preservation Branch. A single trip covers one move and stays valid 10 days; an amendment or duplicate costs $10 and permits are non-refundable. Permits cover only KYTC-maintained highways, and leaving the permitted route needs the Division's prior written approval.
Permit weights go well past the legal ones: up to 24,000 lb on a single axle, 45,000 lb on a tandem of a 5-axle unit or 48,000 lb with 6 or more axles, 60,000 lb on a tridem, and 96,000, 120,000 or 160,000 lb gross on 5, 6 or 7 axles, never more than 700 lb per inch of tire width (601 KAR 1:018 Sec. 7). The annual envelope runs to 16 ft wide, 120 ft long, 13 ft 6 in high and 160,000 lb (KRS 189.270(3)(b)), but annual loads over 12 ft wide stay on highways of four or more lanes and designated two-lane routes.
Permit office
- Issuing office
- KYTC Division of Motor Carriers, OW/OD Permit Section
- Address
- Transportation Cabinet Building, 200 Mero Street, Frankfort, KY 40622
- Permit system
- KAPS (Kentucky Automated Permit System)
- Phone
- 502-564-1257 for OW/OD questions; permits are not issued by phone
- [email protected]
- Hours
- Not published; KAPS takes orders around the clock
- Roads covered
- KYTC-maintained highways only
Fees
| Permit | Fee |
|---|---|
| Single trip, valid 10 days | $60 |
| Metal commodities single trip | $100 |
| A01 annual, non-divisible under 14 ft wide | $250 |
| A02 annual, non-divisible 14 to 16 ft wide | $500 |
| A03 annual, farm under 14 ft; A04 farm 14 to 16 ft (dealerships only) | $80; $150 |
| A05 annual, metal commodities | $1,250 |
| A06 annual, non-divisible steel statewide (routes required) | $500 |
| A09 annual feed certificate; A10 annual manufactured home | $150; $1,500 |
| Sealed ocean-going container, single trip or annual | $60; $250 |
| Amendment or duplicate | $10 |
| Payment | 4% credit card fee or $3 ACH fee |
| Permit | Now | Proposed |
|---|---|---|
| Single trip | $60 | $120 |
| Metal commodities single trip | $100 | $200 |
| A01 annual | $250 | $750 |
| A02 annual | $500 | $1,500 |
| A06 annual | $500 | $1,000 |
| A09 annual feed certificate | $150 | $300 |
| Riverport annual | None | $500 |
| Superload bridge analysis | None | $500 |
The amendment implements 2024 SB 107 and would require card or EFT payment. KYTC's impact statement projects $9,000,000 in first-year revenue.
The impact statement says KAPS will charge the new fees as soon as the system is updated, so the price shown in KAPS at order time is the one that counts, not either table above.
Escort and pilot car rules in Kentucky
601 KAR 1:018 Sec. 14 counts escorts by lane count, and KYTC's escort page adds tiers the regulation does not contain. We found no escort-driver certification rule and no police escort trigger in the regulation or on KYTC's pages, which matters when a crew continues into a state that certifies drivers; our state-by-state pilot car guide marks those states.
| Load | Two-lane routes | Four-lane routes |
|---|---|---|
| Over 12 ft wide | Lead and trail escorts | Trail escort |
| Over 14 ft wide | Lead and trail escorts | Lead and trail escorts |
| Over 16 ft wide (KYTC tier) | 2 front and 2 rear | 2 front and 2 rear |
| Over 75 ft long | Lead escort | No length escort until 110 ft |
| Over 85 ft long | Lead and trail escorts | No length escort until 110 ft |
| Over 110 ft long | Lead and trail escorts | Trail escort |
| Over 120 ft long (KYTC tier) | 1 front and 2 rear | 1 front and 2 rear; KYTC's FAQ adds a pivot or steerable dolly |
| Over 14 ft 11 in high | Lead escort with a height pole | Lead escort with a height pole |
| Unable to keep the posted speed | Trail escort | Trail escort when also over 12 ft wide and unable to hold 45 mph |
| Rear overhang over 10 ft (KYTC tier) | Rear escort | Rear escort |
KYTC's escort page words the height trigger as 15 ft or greater. Over 15 ft 6 in, a Proposed Route Survey (TC 95-625) is filed as well (Sec. 6(4)). The Division may require more escorts on any permit.
Escorts run about 300 ft from the load on open highways, closer or farther as safety requires, with radio contact, amber strobe or flashing lights and headlamps on. Over 12 ft wide, the lead escort shows an OVERSIZE LOAD sign 6 to 8 ft wide with 18 in black letters on yellow. For overdimensional farm implements, KRS 189.270(12)(c) caps the requirement at 1 lead vehicle on 2-lane highways and 1 trail vehicle on 4-lane highways.
Travel times, curfews and holidays
A Kentucky permit runs 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, holidays included, unless the permit itself says otherwise (KYTC Travel Provisions). What limits the clock is weather, five counties and one bridge at rush hour, and two kinds of housing loads.
- Curfew counties: no OW/OD movement 7–9 a.m. or 4–6 p.m., Monday–Friday, in Boone, Kenton and Campbell counties (Northern Kentucky, the Cincinnati side), Fayette County (Lexington), Jefferson County (Louisville) and on the Owensboro KY 2155 bridge to Indiana (601 KAR 1:018 Sec. 5(5)(a)).
- Fayette exemption: loads that start in Fayette County may use I-64 and I-75 inside the county, and connecting routes within 3 miles of them, during those hours (Sec. 5(5)(b)). With proof of an emergency, a move can be authorized in restricted hours (Sec. 5(6)), and KYTC may print peak-hour limits for other congested areas on a permit (Sec. 5(4)).
- Wind: loads over 12 ft wide may not move while a National Weather Service wind advisory is in effect, or when weather or road conditions make the move dangerous (Sec. 10(4)).
- Housing: manufactured homes move only in daylight, Monday through Saturday, and house moves only between 12:00 and 5:00 a.m. (KYTC OW/OD Permits page).
- Metal and steel: metal commodities permits and steel-to-riverport permits are valid 24 hours a day (KRS 189.2713(3), 189.2716(4)).
- Frost: Kentucky sets no frost-law calendar. KYTC on state and federal highways, and county judges/executive on county roads, may post lower limits when a road could be damaged, with notices at both ends of the section (KRS 189.230).
What catches carriers in Kentucky
The carrier is a bare licensee
KYTC does not vouch for safe passage. The permit holder must measure every lateral and vertical clearance on the route and assumes the risk, which is why the route goes through KAPS Pre-Trip Planning before every move.
KRS 189.270(5); KYTC OW/OD FAQ
Register the tractor at 80,000 lb
The higher permit axle weights apply only when the power unit is registered for at least 80,000 lb; a tractor plated lower cannot use them.
601 KAR 1:018 Sec. 7
Two sign thresholds
The regulation requires two OVERSIZE LOAD signs over 12 ft wide or with front overhang, while KYTC's escort page says over 10 ft 6 in wide, so loads are signed from the lower figure. Front overhang on a combination vehicle is prohibited outright, and corners carry 18 in red or orange flags.
601 KAR 1:018 Sec. 9, 11; KYTC Escort Requirements
Permit weights on the legal page
KYTC's Legal Dimensions page lists 24,000 lb single, 45,000 or 48,000 lb tandem and 96,000 to 160,000 lb combination figures under non-designated roads. Those are permit maximums from 601 KAR 1:018 Sec. 7; a truck loaded to them without a permit is overweight.
KYTC OW/OD Legal Dimensions; 601 KAR 1:018 Sec. 7
Superloads, coal haul routes and metal commodities
Kentucky runs several special permit tracks alongside the routine OW/OD permit, each with its own weight ceiling or route network.
Superloads
601 KAR 1:018 does not define a superload. Trunnion axle groups get a route and bridge analysis from the Bridge Preservation Branch (Sec. 7(3)), loads over 15 ft 6 in need a route survey, and KYTC may issue special permits above the statutory maximums when the cargo serves the health, welfare or economy of the Commonwealth (Sec. 3(4)). In 2021 KYTC told legislators it had one engineer dedicated mostly full time to superload analysis, and the pending amendment would add a $500 bridge analysis charge.
Extended-weight coal haul system
Tractor-semitrailers of 5 or more axles hauling coal or coal by-products may run up to 120,000 lb plus a 5% tolerance on certified coal haul routes with a $360 annual decal (KRS 177.9771). KYTC may post lower limits on that system's bridges.
Metal commodities and steel to riverports
Metal commodities permits cover 80,001 to 120,000 lb, divisible or nondivisible, to or from Kentucky metal plants or storage on the Metal Commodities Hauling Network, valid 24 hours a day (KRS 189.2713). Steel moving to a riverport can run on an annual overdimensional permit up to 10 ft wide within 7 road miles of the plant (KRS 189.2716).
Ocean container permits
Overweight container permits, $60 single trip or $250 annual, require an international bill of lading signed by a customs official, or an international bill of lading with an equipment interchange and inspection report, plus the seal and container numbers, all carried in transit (601 KAR 1:018 Sec. 17).
House moves
Houses may not use Interstates or parkways, run only 12:00 to 5:00 a.m., and need approval letters from each KYTC Highway District and utility involved uploaded with the application (601 KAR 1:018 Sec. 15).
Crossing into a neighboring state
- Ohio, across from Northern Kentucky: ODOT moves over-dimension loads in daylight only, and anything over 12 ft wide sits out 6:30–9:00 AM and 4:30–6:00 PM on weekdays in Hamilton, Butler, Clermont, Warren and 18 other counties, plus weekend afternoons. A load that ran overnight in Kentucky waits at the line; the Ohio oversize permit regulations list the counties.
- Indiana, over the KY 2155 bridge at Owensboro: the permit comes from the Indiana Department of Revenue, and loads between 14 ft 4 in and 16 ft wide move Monday–Friday only, while loads over 16 ft wide, 15 ft high or 200,000 lb get 8:30 AM–3:30 PM on weekdays. See the Indiana oversize permit rules.
- Virginia: every escort driver needs a Virginia escort vehicle driver certificate or one from North Carolina, the only reciprocal state DMV lists, so a crew that escorts in Kentucky without certification cannot continue. The Virginia oversize permit rules cover the course and test.
Kentucky oversize permit questions
What is the current Kentucky single-trip permit fee?
A single-trip OW/OD permit costs $60, valid 10 days, plus a 4% credit card fee or a $3 ACH fee (KYTC OW/OD FAQ). Annual non-divisible permits are $250 under 14 ft wide and $500 from 14 to 16 ft. An amendment filed Sept 15, 2026 would raise the single trip to $120 and the annuals to $750 and $1,500, so check the fee in KAPS when ordering.
Does Kentucky restrict oversize travel at night or on holidays?
Yes, in most cases. KYTC allows permitted travel 24/7 unless the permit says otherwise and publishes no holiday restrictions. The limits are weekday rush hours (7 to 9 a.m. and 4 to 6 p.m.) in Boone, Kenton, Campbell, Fayette and Jefferson counties and on the Owensboro KY 2155 bridge, NWS wind advisories for loads over 12 ft wide, and daylight-only rules for manufactured homes.
When does Kentucky require escort vehicles?
On two-lane routes, a load over 12 ft wide needs lead and trail escorts, over 75 ft long a lead escort and over 85 ft both. On four-lane routes, over 12 ft wide takes a trail escort, over 14 ft both, and over 110 ft long a trail escort. Over 14 ft 11 in high, a lead escort with a height pole is required on any route, and KYTC adds tiers over 16 ft wide and 120 ft long.
How do I log in to KAPS for a Kentucky permit?
Kentucky permits are ordered in KAPS, the Kentucky Automated Permit System, at kyautomatedpermitsystem.com, where many routine permits self-issue around the clock. KYTC does not issue permits by phone. Questions go to the Division of Motor Carriers OW/OD Section at 502-564-1257 or [email protected], and KYTC asks carriers to verify each route with KAPS Pre-Trip Planning before the move.
Do Kentucky escort drivers need a certificate?
We found no escort-driver certification requirement in 601 KAR 1:018 or on KYTC's pages, and no police escort trigger. The rule regulates the escort's work instead: about 300 ft from the load, radio contact, amber lights with headlamps on, and an OVERSIZE LOAD sign on the lead car for loads over 12 ft wide. A crew continuing into Virginia must hold Virginia or North Carolina certification.
What is the maximum overweight permit weight in Kentucky?
601 KAR 1:018 Sec. 7 allows up to 24,000 lb on a single axle, 45,000 lb on a tandem (48,000 lb with 6 or more axles), 60,000 lb on a tridem and 96,000, 120,000 or 160,000 lb gross on 5, 6 or 7 axles, capped at 700 lb per inch of tire width. Heavier loads need a special permit with bridge analysis, and coal haulers have a separate 120,000 lb system.
Sources
Facts on this page were checked in October 2026 against the sources below. Rules and rates change; we confirm current requirements on every move.
- eCFR 23 CFR Part 658: Truck Size and Weight (federal baseline)
- 601 KAR 1:018 current text (eff. 7-7-2017; certified to amend 1-9-2026)
- 601 KAR 1:018 engrossed
- 601 KAR 1:018 proposed amendment, Amended After Comments (filed Sept 15, 2026)
- 601 KAR 1:018 proposed amendment markup PDF with impact statement
- KRS 189.270 Special permits (eff. July 15, 2026)
- KRS 189.221 Basic limits (eff. July 15, 2026)
- KRS 189.222 Designated highway limits (eff. July 15, 2026)
- KRS 189.2713 Metal commodities permits
- KRS 189.2716 Steel to riverport permits
- KRS 177.9771 Extended weight coal haul road system
- KRS 189.230 Reduction of load limits
- KYTC OW/OD Travel Provisions
- KYTC OW/OD Escort Requirements
- KYTC OW/OD Permits (annual fees, house moves)
- KYTC OW/OD Legal Dimensions
- KYTC OW/OD Frequently Asked Questions
- KYTC Purchase OW/OD Permits page (portal links)
- KYTC Permits Branch
- KYTC Division of Motor Carriers OW/OD presentation to legislative committee (Nov 2021)
- KAPS permit portal
Sending a load through Louisville, Lexington or Northern Kentucky?
Those three areas hold Kentucky's weekday curfews, and the permit fee may double before your move date. Give us the load's size, weight and both addresses, and we will check the live KAPS fee before quoting the carrier and escorts.
- FMCSA-licensed property broker, MC# 1178470
- Permits, escorts and route surveys arranged for each move
- Carriers checked for authority, insurance and safety record
- Commercial shippers, dealers, contractors and auction buyers
Prefer to talk? Call (631) 683-8275.
Request a Commercial Quote
Keep reading
- Ohio Oversize PermitsODOT limits, fees, escorts, metro curfews and the 2026 Turnpike restriction.
- Indiana Oversize PermitsIndiana DOR permits under INDOT rules: $20 or $30 plus per-mile overweight fees, M-204 escort and hour tiers, and the Toll Road.
- Virginia Oversize PermitsDMV EZ Haul fees, certified escort drivers, metro curfews and Hampton Roads tunnel limits.
- Oversize PermitsLegal limits, permit fees, escort triggers and travel rules by state, from official sources.
- Legal Load LimitsLegal width, height, length and axle weights by state, plus night, weekend and 2026 holiday travel rules.
- Pilot Car RequirementsWhen each state requires escorts: width, length, height and overhang triggers, certification and police escorts.