Skip to main content
+1 (631) 683-8275
HTS Logistics
Oversize Load Sign, Flag and Light Requirements

Oversize Load Sign, Flag and Light Requirements

Sign size, wording, flags and warning lights in 48 states, checked against each state's rules in October 2026

Quick answer

What size is an oversize load sign?

In 26 of the 48 states here the load sign is at least 7 ft long and 18 in high, with black letters at least 10 in tall on yellow, reading OVERSIZE LOAD front and rear. 11 states set smaller minimums, down to 60 in x 10 in in Wyoming. Flags are 18 in square, red or fluorescent orange, the federal minimum for interstate loads.

Updated October 2026 by the HTS Logistics broker team (FMCSA MC# 1178470).

The federal rule covers flags and lamps, not signs

49 CFR 393.87 applies to every commercial vehicle in interstate commerce, permitted or not: a load that extends more than 4 in beyond the sides or more than 4 ft beyond the rear gets red or fluorescent orange flags at least 18 in square at its extremities. A rear projection 2 ft wide or less takes one flag at the end; a wider one takes two, placed to show its full width. Signs and most lights are state rules, set as conditions of the permits covered under oversize permits by state.

When headlamps are required, 49 CFR 393.11 adds lamps. A side projection over 4 in needs an amber lamp at its front outer edge and a red lamp at its rear outer edge; a rear projection over 4 ft needs a red side marker on each side plus two red lamps and two red reflectors across the back. 49 CFR 393.25(e) exempts the amber flashing lamps on oversize loads from the steady-burning rule.

There is no federal OVERSIZE LOAD sign, banner size or roof-beacon rule. 23 CFR Part 658 sets truck size and weight limits and lets states permit nondivisible loads, but says nothing about signs. Every sign rule below comes from a state, usually as a condition of the permit. Where a state's own rule allows a 12 in flag (Colorado, Kansas, Massachusetts, Montana, Texas and West Virginia), an interstate carrier still has to fly the federal 18 in.

Oversize load sign requirements by state

Load sign wording, minimum size, lettering and trigger in 48 states, checked October 2026
StateWordingMinimum sizeLettersSign requiredRule
Alabama OVERSIZE LOAD only (no other signage allowed) 7 ft x 18 in 10 in, 1.4 to 1.5 in stroke Every ALDOT oversize permit Ala. Admin. Code r. 450-3-1-.04(9)
Arizona OVERSIZE LOAD 6 ft x 12 in (any AASHTO sign accepted) 6 in Series D, 1 in stroke 9 ft or more wide Ariz. Admin. Code R17-6-303
Arkansas OVERSIZE LOAD Not set 10 in, 2 in stroke Over legal width, height or length 27 CAR 111-204
California OVERSIZE; OVERSIZE LOAD, WIDE LOAD or LONG LOAD may be substituted (LONG LOAD over 100 ft) Not set (10 in letters with a 1 in margin) 10 in, 1-5/8 in stroke Over 8 ft 6 in wide, over 80 ft long or over 10 ft of overhang Caltrans TPM 502.9; CVC 25104
Colorado WIDE LOAD, LONG LOAD or OVERSIZE LOAD (or WIDE, LONG, OVERSIZE) 5 ft x 10 in or 7 ft x 18 in 8 in and 1 in stroke (5 ft sign); 10 in and 1.41 in (7 ft sign) Every extra-legal vehicle or load, not overweight-only 2 CCR 601-4, Rule 405.7; C.R.S. 42-4-209
Connecticut Set on the permit Set on the permit Set on the permit Set on the permit; signs that differ from it draw a $200 minimum fine C.G.S. 14-270(h)
Delaware OVERSIZE LOAD 7 ft x 18 in 10 in, 1.41 in stroke Every oversize movement; two signs over legal width, length or rear overhang 2 DE Admin. Code 2405-4.6
Florida OVERSIZE LOAD 7 ft x 18 in 12 in, 1-1/2 in stroke Over 10 ft wide, 80 ft long or 14 ft 6 in high F.A.C. 14-26.012(5)(c)
Georgia OVERSIZE LOAD (black on yellow or orange) 6 ft x 1 ft 8 in high, 4 in wide Every permitted load and every escort GDOT Sign Requirements; Ga. Comp. R. & Regs. 672-2-.06
Idaho OVERSIZE LOAD 5 ft x 12 in 8 in, 1 in stroke Over 8 ft 6 in wide IDAPA 39.03.01.104
Illinois OVERSIZE LOAD About 7 ft x 18 in (no hard minimum) 10 in, 1.41 in stroke (12 in and 2 in recommended) Over 10 ft wide, 14 ft 6 in high or 75 ft long 92 Ill. Adm. Code 554.417, 554.419
Indiana OVER-SIZE LOAD; inbound trips may use their home state's sign 6 to 8 ft x 18 in 12 in, 2 in stroke Oversize vehicles under an Indiana permit Indiana DOR Form M-204
Iowa OVERSIZE LOAD 7 ft x 18 in 10 in, 1-1/2 in stroke Over 8 ft 6 in wide, 14 ft 6 in high or 75 ft 1 in long 761 IAC 511.20
Kansas OVERSIZE LOAD only (WIDE LOAD banners not allowed) 7 ft x 18 in 10 in, 1-2/5 in stroke Over legal width or length; never on overweight-only loads K.S.A. 8-1911(l); K.A.R. 36-1-35, 36-1-36
Kentucky OVERSIZE LOAD 6 to 8 ft wide (height not stated) 18 in as written, 1.4 in stroke Over 12 ft wide or with front overhang (KYTC's page says over 10 ft 6 in) 601 KAR 1:018 Sec. 11
Louisiana OVERSIZE LOAD only (WIDE LOAD not allowed anywhere in the state) 7 ft x 18 in 10 in, 1-1/2 in stroke Over 10 ft wide; over legal length or overhang LA DOTD Regulations for Trucks (2026) pp. 39, 63
Maine OVERSIZE LOAD or OVERWIDTH LOAD 7 ft x 18 in 10 in, 1.4 in stroke Every overdimensional move 29-250 C.M.R. ch. 157, Sec. 14
Maryland WIDE LOAD or OVERSIZE LOAD 7 ft x 18 in 10 in, 1-5/8 in stroke Over 9 ft wide COMAR 11.04.02.03, 11.04.04.01
Massachusetts OVERSIZE LOAD Set on the permit Set on the permit Mass Turnpike and Metropolitan Highway System loads with no pilot car; elsewhere a permit condition 700 CMR 7.07(4)(d)8
Michigan OVERSIZE LOAD (16 ft mobile homes: 16' WIDE LOAD) 7 ft x 18 in 10 in When the permit lists special provision 19 MDOT special provisions 8, 13, 17, 19
Minnesota OVERSIZE LOAD 7 ft x 18 in 10 in, 1.4 in stroke Over 12 ft 6 in wide or 95 ft long MnDOT General Provisions item 7; Light-Flag Chart
Mississippi OVERSIZE LOAD or WIDE LOAD (yellow or orange background) 84 in x 18 in 10 in, 1-5/8 in stroke Over 12 ft wide MDOT Manual (1/13/2026)
Missouri OVERSIZE LOAD or WIDE LOAD 7 ft x 18 in (may be split around sensors) 10 in, 1-5/8 in stroke Over 10 ft 6 in wide; rear sign over 110 ft (combination) or 50 ft (single unit) 7 CSR 10-25.020(10)
Montana OVERSIZE LOAD or similar wording Not set 8 in Over 10 ft wide ARM 18.8.510B; 61-9-213, MCA
Nebraska OVERSIZE LOAD 7 ft x 18 in 10 in More than 10 ft wide 408 NAC 3-003.18, 3-001.24
Nevada OVERSIZE LOAD or OVERSIZE Not set 10 in, 1-5/8 in stroke Over legal length, width or height NAC 484D.680
New Hampshire OVERSIZE LOAD 7 ft x 18 in 10 in, 1.4 in stroke Every oversize move N.H. Admin. Rules Tra 304.15
New Jersey OVERSIZE LOAD or WIDE LOAD 6 ft x 1 ft 10 in Every oversize permit move; the sign moves to the escorts when escorted N.J.A.C. 13:18-1.13
New Mexico OVERSIZE, OVERWIDTH, OVERLENGTH or OVERHEIGHT 5 ft x 12 in 10 in, 1 in stroke Every oversize vehicle, combination or load 18.19.8.33, 18.19.8.34 NMAC
New York OVERSIZE LOAD (WIDE LOAD not provided for) 7 ft x 18 in 10 in, 1.41 in stroke Over legal width; over 65 ft long 17 NYCRR 154-1.8, 154-1.13, 154-1.14
North Carolina OVERSIZE LOAD or WIDE LOAD (NCDOT publications) 7 ft x 18 in, one or two pieces 10 in, 1.5 in stroke Wider than 10 ft 19A NCAC 02D .0607(b)
North Dakota OVERSIZE LOAD (LONG LOAD for overlength only) 12 in x 60 in 8 in, 1 in stroke Over 8 ft 6 in wide or 75 ft long NDAC 38-06-02-02
Ohio OVERSIZE LOAD 7 ft x 18 in 10 in, 1.41 in stroke Over legal length, 10 ft or more wide, or over 14 ft 6 in high ODOT Form OS-1A
Oklahoma OVERSIZE LOAD 5 ft x 14 in 8 in, 1-1/8 in stroke Every oversize load under permit OAC 730:50-5-15
Oregon OVERSIZE LOAD; WIDE LOAD under 80 ft long; LONG LOAD over 80 ft 7 ft x 18 in 10 in, FHWA Series C Overwidth or overlength, not height or weight alone OAR 734-082-0036, 734-082-0037
Pennsylvania OVERSIZE LOAD only (WIDE LOAD not permitted) 7 ft x 18 in 10 in, 2 in stroke Every permitted oversize vehicle unless the permit says otherwise 67 Pa. Code 179.10(15)
Rhode Island OVERSIZE LOAD 7 ft x 18 in 10 in, about 1.4 in stroke Every non-divisible permit load 290-RICR-40-00-1.5
South Carolina OVERSIZE LOAD or WIDE LOAD 7 ft x 12 in 10 in, 1.5 in stroke Loads 12 ft wide or wider SCDOT OSOW Guidelines sec. P.1
South Dakota OVERSIZE LOAD, WIDE LOAD, LONG LOAD or OVERSIZED LOAD 7 ft x 18 in 10 in, 1-3/8 in stroke Over 12 ft wide or 95 ft long, or any night move ARSD 70:03:01:14, 70:03:01:14.01
Tennessee OVERSIZE LOAD 7 ft x 18 in 10 in, 1-1/2 in stroke (TDOT FAQ says 1-5/8 in) Over 10 ft wide or 75 ft long; overheight over 15 ft 6 in Tenn. Comp. R. & Regs. 1680-07-01-.20
Texas No load sign; escorts show OVERSIZE LOAD or WIDE LOAD Escort sign 5 to 7 ft x 12 to 18 in Escort sign 8 to 10 in, 1.41 in stroke Not required on the load by rule 43 TAC 219.11(k)(7); Tex. Transp. Code 547.382
Utah OVERSIZE LOAD 7 ft x 18 in 10 in, 1-5/8 in stroke Over 10 ft wide, 14 ft 6 in high or 105 ft long Utah Admin. Code R909-2-17
Vermont OVERSIZE LOAD; a similar sign legal in other states is accepted 7 ft x 18 in 10 in, 1-1/4 in stroke Over 8 ft 6 in wide, 13 ft 6 in high or 75 ft long Vermont DMV Rule 14-050-019; CVO-110
Virginia No load sign rule; escorts show WIDE LOAD, OVERSIZE LOAD or OVERWEIGHT LOAD Escort sign only Escort sign 8 in, 1-1/4 in stroke Not required on the load by rule; the permit may add it 24VAC20-82-120(H); Va. Code 46.2-1121
Washington OVERSIZE LOAD 7 ft x 18 in 10 in, 1.4 to 1.5 in stroke Every over-dimensional load, not overweight-only WAC 468-38-155(8); RCW 46.37.140
West Virginia Set on the permit (mobile homes: OVERSIZE LOAD) Mobile homes: 6 to 8 ft x 18 in Mobile homes: 10 in Set on the permit; mobile and modular homes by rule 157CSR5 6.13.f; W. Va. Code 17C-15-14
Wisconsin OVERSIZE LOAD 7 ft x 18 in 10 in, 1.4 in stroke More than 10 ft wide, or overlength Wis. Admin. Code Trans 254.10
Wyoming OVERSIZE LOAD 60 in x 10 in 8 in, 1 in stroke, one line Every oversize movement WYDOT Motor Carrier Rules Ch. 5 Sec. 8

Kentucky's rule (601 KAR 1:018 Sec. 11) gives an 18 in letter height for a sign whose height it does not state; the September 2026 proposed amendment repeats it, so confirm with KYTC before printing a Kentucky-only sign. Illinois's sizes are "approximately", with 10 in letters and a 1.41 in stroke as the floor.

WIDE LOAD sign or OVERSIZE LOAD sign: which is legal where

OVERSIZE LOAD is the legend written into almost every state's rule. WIDE LOAD is accepted in 10 states: California, Colorado, Maryland, Mississippi, Missouri, New Jersey, North Carolina, Oregon, South Carolina and South Dakota. Some attach conditions: Oregon allows WIDE LOAD only on overwidth loads under 80 ft overall and LONG LOAD on loads over 80 ft that are not over 8 ft 6 in wide, North Carolina accepts it in NCDOT's permit publications while the rule text names only Oversize Load, and California's default legend is plain OVERSIZE, with WIDE LOAD or LONG LOAD substituted where they fit.

It is ruled out in 4 states. Louisiana does not allow WIDE LOAD signs anywhere in the state, Pennsylvania permits only the words OVERSIZE LOAD, Alabama allows no other signage, and the Kansas Highway Patrol's answer to "Can I display a Wide Load banner in Kansas?" is "No." Another 29 states name OVERSIZE LOAD and say nothing about WIDE LOAD either way.

The decision rule for a load crossing state lines: run OVERSIZE LOAD. It is the written legend or an accepted one everywhere above except New Mexico, whose rule reads OVERSIZE, OVERWIDTH, OVERLENGTH or OVERHEIGHT for general loads (OVERSIZE covers any of them). Texas and Virginia set no sign on the load vehicle at all and put the banner on the escorts, and Connecticut and West Virginia leave general sign terms to the permit.

A few legends are specific to the load. Michigan's 16 ft wide mobile homes read 16' WIDE LOAD, North Carolina's mobile and modular homes show the unit's width (OVERSIZE __ FT LOAD), North Dakota allows LONG LOAD on an overlength-only move, South Dakota accepts OVERSIZED LOAD, Maine OVERWIDTH LOAD, and Indiana's form spells it OVER-SIZE LOAD while accepting a trip's home-state sign when the trip starts outside Indiana; Vermont likewise accepts a similar sign allowed in other states. Maine adds a rear DO NOT PASS MOVING LOAD sign, 5 ft x 18 in, when the escorting police officer judges passing unsafe. Wyoming adds a second rear sign, "CAUTION: This vehicle must slow down to 5 mph to cross bridges", when the permit routes the load over a bridge WYDOT has designated Reduced Speed.

Oversize load sign size, letters and mounting

The 7 ft x 18 in banner is the minimum in 26 states. The smaller minimums are 5 ft x 10 in in Colorado and Wyoming, 5 ft x 12 in in Idaho, New Mexico and North Dakota, 5 ft x 14 in in Oklahoma, 6 ft x 12 in in Arizona, Georgia and New Jersey, 7 ft x 12 in in South Carolina and 6 ft x 18 in in Indiana. California, Arkansas, Montana and Nevada set letter sizes but no sign dimensions, and Connecticut, Massachusetts and West Virginia leave sign size to the permit outside a few named cases.

Letters run from 6 in Series D in Arizona to 12 in in Florida and Indiana, and the stroke from 1 in to 2 in, which Arkansas, Indiana and Pennsylvania require. Every state that sets colors uses black letters on yellow; Georgia and Mississippi also accept an orange background. For night moves New York calls for high-intensity reflective sheeting, Oregon and South Dakota for a reflectorized background, and Minnesota for a sign lighted or reflective and visible at 500 ft.

Mounting rules are short where they exist. New York wants the sign 2 to 5 ft above the road and readable from 400 ft behind. Missouri lets the sign be split around crash-avoidance sensors, and North Carolina allows two pieces totaling 7 ft so plates and decals stay visible. Wyoming requires its 60 in x 10 in sign on a single line, and Louisiana needs no sign on an overhang that clears the pavement by 6 ft or more.

A sign set that clears every published minimum

A 7 ft x 18 in OVERSIZE LOAD sign in black 12 in letters with a 2 in stroke on reflective yellow meets or exceeds every load-sign size, letter and stroke minimum the 48 states publish, Kentucky's 18 in letter figure aside. Pair it with 18 in solid red flags: red satisfies the federal rule and every state rule that names a color, while the Georgia, Illinois, Mississippi, New Jersey and Oregon rules name red alone. Amber lights are the part that still changes by state, so they come off each permit.

Oversize load flags, lights and sign removal by state

Flag size and color, warning light rules and sign removal rules in 48 states
StateFlagsWarning lightsSign removal
Alabama 18 in, fluorescent orange or red Flashing or strobe amber on the transport vehicle, visible 360 degrees at 500 ft No rule found
Arizona 18 in, red or fluorescent orange Standard lighting; safety lighting at night on 4 in side or 4 ft end projections Not visible to traffic when not hauling an oversize load
Arkansas 18 in, red or fluorescent orange Tail and signal lamps; no beacon rule found No rule found
California 18 in, red or fluorescent orange Flashing amber only when the permit specifies it (CVC 25270) Remove or cover when running without the permitted load (CVC 35783.5)
Colorado 12 in, red (statute, rear projection) Flashing yellow light can replace a rear escort on some widths; required at night No rule found
Connecticut Set on the permit Set on the permit No rule found
Delaware 18 in, red or orange fluorescent Low beams always; steady-burning amber and red extremity lights on night moves No rule found
Florida 18 in, high visibility Amber warning lights seen at 500 ft over 10 ft wide, 80 ft long or 14 ft 6 in high No rule found
Georgia 18 in, red Amber warning light can stand in for the rear escort on some lengths and widths Remove when the load or vehicle is legal
Idaho 18 in, red or fluorescent orange Extremity lights at night or under 500 ft visibility Not displayed when empty and of legal dimensions
Illinois 18 in, red only Rotating or flashing amber on every permitted move; two lights over 80 ft long No rule found
Indiana 18 in, red or orange Low beams on; four amber lights on mobile homes 12 ft 4 in or wider No rule found
Iowa 18 in, red or orange fluorescent Amber light over 85 ft long, and in place of an escort from 12 ft to 16 ft 6 in wide Remove or cover within legal dimensions
Kansas 12 in, red or orange Warning lights on top and rear of the load when the rear escort is dropped over 14 ft wide Removed once back within legal width and length
Kentucky 18 in, red or orange fluorescent Amber strobe or flashing light on the power unit No rule found
Louisiana 18 in, red or fluorescent orange Amber front-corner and red rear-corner lights on night or bad-weather moves No rule found
Maine 18 in, red or fluorescent orange Amber only: a 6 in flashing light, 4 in rotary light or four-light bar on top of the cab Removed or covered, beacons off, when not oversize
Maryland 18 in, red or orange fluorescent Amber front-corner and red rear-corner lights at night No rule found
Massachusetts 12 in, red (statute, 4 ft rear projection) Red rear light visible 500 ft on a 4 ft projection at night No rule found
Michigan 18 in, red or orange Two amber lights on the rear of the load when the permit lists provision 13 No rule found
Minnesota 18 in, red or orange Lights at the flag points from 1/2 hour before sunset No rule found
Mississippi 18 in, red Two 5 in flashing amber lights on the rear corners over 12 ft wide No rule found
Missouri 18 in, red, yellow or orange fluorescent Lighted or reflective signs and clearance lights on night moves up to 12 ft 6 in wide No rule found
Montana 12 in, red (4 ft rear projection) Flashing amber at each end of the sign over 10 ft wide, at all times Removed when the move that required it is complete
Nebraska 18 in over 12 ft wide, red or orange Amber lighting seen at 800 ft can replace a rear escort on listed four-lane segments No rule found
Nevada 18 in, red or fluorescent orange Amber front and side lights, red overhang lights, at night Removed promptly at the final destination
New Hampshire 18 in, fluorescent red or orange Top-mounted flashing or strobe amber visible 1,000 ft Removed, covered or sight-restricted when not moving oversize
New Jersey 18 in, red Low beams and taillamps lit; projecting loads lit per 49 CFR 393.11 No rule found
New Mexico 18 in, red or fluorescent orange Amber lights on the rear and the power unit on continuous-movement permits No rule found
New York 18 in, red or orange fluorescent Amber revolving light on the towing vehicle, visible 1,000 ft, on every permitted load No rule found
North Carolina 18 in, red or orange Set by the permit office; amber lamps at night from 102 to 120 in wide No rule found
North Dakota 18 in, red or bright orange Amber light above the cab on night moves; amber lights in place of a pilot car from 14 ft 6 in to 16 ft wide on two-lane roads Covered or removed when not over-dimensional
Ohio 18 in, red or orange Headlights on; flashing amber beacons when the permit calls for them No rule found
Oklahoma 18 in, red or fluorescent orange Not set in the sign rule Never shown on a vehicle of legal dimensions
Oregon 18 in, red Amber lights above the cab over 10 ft wide (two-lane) or 12 ft (four-lane) unless two pilot cars run Removed or retracted when not required
Pennsylvania 18 in, red or fluorescent orange Head and rear lamps on when running with pilot cars; no beacon rule for the load vehicle Remove or cover once the vehicle is no longer oversize
Rhode Island 18 in, red or orange fluorescent Low beams always; flashing amber above the load on blanket permits Removed or covered on delivery
South Carolina 18 in, fluorescent red or orange Amber light on the rear over 12 ft wide; one on each rear corner over 14 ft No rule found
South Dakota 18 in, red or orange Lamps and reflectors at the outer edges of the load at night Covered or removed when not required
Tennessee 18 in, solid red or fluorescent orange Amber light at all times over 75 ft long; projecting-load lamps at night No rule found
Texas 12 in, red (state law) Red lamps on 4 ft rear projections at night; amber beacon on convoy loads Escort signs come down when not escorting
Utah 18 in (49 CFR 393.87), red or orange Beacon on overhangs over 20 ft; lights every 25 ft on loads over 92 ft at night Cover, remove or turn face down when not moving oversize
Vermont 18 in, red or orange Flashing amber above the highest point of the towing vehicle on every move Covered or removed when not moving oversize
Virginia 18 in, red or orange fluorescent Amber flashing on the tow vehicle and rear of the load over 12 ft wide or 75 ft long, unless escorted No rule found
Washington 18 in, red or orange fluorescent Lights at every flag point in darkness Displayed only in transit; removed or retracted otherwise
West Virginia 12 in, red (4 ft rear projection) Red light on a 4 ft rear projection at night Mobile homes: removed or covered when not required
Wisconsin 18 in, solid red or orange Amber front and red rear edge lamps at night (night travel only up to 12 ft wide) No sign message or warning lamps when not under the permit
Wyoming 12 square in as written, red or fluorescent orange Corner lamps visible 1,000 ft on authorized night moves; headlights always on No signs after the move or within legal size

Where the flags go and when amber lights are required

Flag placement follows the load's outline. Kentucky wants four flags on an overwidth load, one at each corner, plus flags at any wider point; Wisconsin a flag at each front and rear corner and at the widest point; Michigan's provision 8 the same four corners plus the widest point on each side. New York's PERM 30 adds 18 in red flags front and rear on the left side of anything over 8 ft 6 in wide. Nebraska's permit rule asks for flags only over 12 ft wide, and Mississippi uses flags without signs over 10 ft and up to 12 ft wide.

Amber lights are where states differ most. New York requires one amber revolving light on the towing vehicle of every permitted load, 6 to 9 in across with an amber lens and visible at 1,000 ft, and New Hampshire a top-mounted flashing or strobe amber light seen at 1,000 ft in all directions. Maine allows amber only, centered on top of the cab. Illinois wants a rotating or flashing amber light on every move and a second one within 10 ft of the rear on objects over 80 ft long. Montana puts flashing amber lights at each end of the sign on anything over 10 ft wide, and Georgia's warning light is at least 8 in across and 35,000 candlepower, or a 4 in strobe.

Several states trade a light for an escort. Iowa accepts amber lights in place of an escort over 12 ft and up to 16 ft 6 in wide, North Dakota on two-lane roads over 14 ft 6 in and up to 16 ft, Kansas lets the rear escort drop over 14 ft wide with lights on top and at the rear of the load, and Nebraska accepts amber lighting visible at 800 ft on listed four-lane segments. Whether that trade is cheaper than a second car depends on the route, which is covered with each state's escort triggers in pilot car requirements by state.

When the sign comes off, and when it never goes on

21 of the 48 states write a removal rule for the load sign. Pennsylvania wants signs removed or covered once the load is off and the vehicle is no longer oversize, Utah allows them covered, removed or turned face down, Nevada wants them removed promptly at the final destination, and Washington allows them only while an over-dimensional load is in transit. Oklahoma bars the sign on any vehicle of legal dimensions, and Wisconsin bars both the sign message and the warning lamps when the vehicle is not running under its permit.

Overweight-only loads are the other case. Kansas law says a load within legal width and length "shall not have a sign attached which states OVERSIZE LOAD" (K.S.A. 8-1911(l)(2)). Washington exempts overweight loads within legal dimensions, and Nevada, Colorado and Iowa apply the sign rule to oversize loads only. Maryland's sign starts at 9 ft wide, so a load from 8 ft 6 in to 9 ft wide there needs a permit and flags but no sign; South Dakota's starts over 12 ft wide or 95 ft long, or at night. The legal load limits by state show where each state's permit line begins.

Signs on the escort vehicles

Escort signs are usually smaller than the load's: 5 ft x 12 in with 8 in letters in New York, Ohio, Illinois, Michigan, Nebraska, Kansas and Connecticut. Texas and Virginia go further and put the only banner on the escorts. Some states also want spares in the escort: Florida two 7 ft x 18 in warning signs with 12 in letters, Louisiana two 18 in x 7 ft OVERSIZE LOAD signs and Utah one 7 ft x 18 in sign.

Escort signs come down between jobs as well. Texas bars them when the car is not escorting, Idaho calls a displayed sign illegal unless the car is escorting an oversize load, and Kansas requires an idle escort to retract its height pole and remove or cover its sign and lights. Escort triggers, height poles and certification are on the pilot car rules page, and how the permit sets these conditions is in how oversize permits work.

Oversize load sign questions

What size does an oversize load sign have to be?

In 26 of the 48 states here, at least 7 ft long and 18 in high, with black letters at least 10 in tall on yellow. Some states set smaller minimums: 6 ft x 1 ft in New Jersey and Georgia, 5 ft x 14 in in Oklahoma, 5 ft x 12 in in Idaho, New Mexico and North Dakota, and 60 in x 10 in in Wyoming. A 7 ft x 18 in sign meets every one of those.

Can I use a WIDE LOAD sign instead of OVERSIZE LOAD?

In some states. California, Colorado, Maryland, Mississippi, Missouri, New Jersey, North Carolina, South Carolina and South Dakota accept WIDE LOAD, and Oregon accepts it on loads under 80 ft long. Alabama, Kansas, Louisiana and Pennsylvania allow only OVERSIZE LOAD, and 29 more name only OVERSIZE LOAD in their rules. On a multi-state move, OVERSIZE LOAD is the legend that holds up.

What size and color are oversize load flags?

At least 18 in square, red or fluorescent orange. 49 CFR 393.87 requires them on any interstate load that sticks out more than 4 in past the sides or 4 ft past the rear, and most states repeat 18 in for permitted loads. Illinois accepts red only, Missouri also allows yellow, and the 12 in flags in the Texas, Kansas, Colorado and Montana rules do not lift the federal 18 in minimum.

Do oversize loads need amber lights?

Often. New York requires an amber revolving light on the towing vehicle of every permitted load, Illinois and Alabama a flashing or strobe amber light on every move, and Montana flashing amber at each end of the sign over 10 ft wide. Iowa, Nebraska, North Dakota and Kansas let amber lights stand in for a rear escort on some loads. Federal rules allow flashing amber on oversize loads (49 CFR 393.25(e)).

Do I have to take the oversize sign down when the truck is empty?

In 21 of these states the rule says so. Pennsylvania wants signs removed or covered once the vehicle is no longer oversize, Utah allows them turned face down, Oklahoma bars them on any vehicle of legal dimensions, and Washington allows them only while the load is in transit. Where no written rule was found, covering the sign on the empty run is still the safe practice.

Does Texas require an oversize load sign?

Not on the load itself. 43 TAC 219.11 puts the OVERSIZE LOAD or WIDE LOAD sign on escort flag vehicles, and Texas law sets 12 in red flags. Interstate carriers still need 18 in flags under 49 CFR 393.87, and a load continuing into Oklahoma, Louisiana or New Mexico needs a load sign the moment it crosses. Virginia's published rules also put the sign on escorts.

Does an overweight-only load need an OVERSIZE LOAD sign?

Usually not, and Kansas law forbids it: a load within legal width and length "shall not have a sign attached which states OVERSIZE LOAD" (K.S.A. 8-1911(l)(2)). Washington, Nevada, Colorado and Iowa tie the sign to oversize dimensions, and Oregon to width and length only. Flags and lamps can still apply if part of the load projects.

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.

  1. Federal: eCFR 49 CFR 393.87 Warning flags on projecting loads (current, eCFR versioner API as of 2026-10-14)
  2. Federal: eCFR 49 CFR 393.11 Lamps and reflective devices, Table 1 footnotes 9-10 (as of 2026-10-14)
  3. Federal: eCFR 49 CFR 393.25(e) Lamps to be steady-burning (oversized-load warning lamp exception)
  4. Federal: eCFR 49 CFR 393.17 Lamps and reflectors, driveaway-towaway and mobile structure trailers
  5. Federal: eCFR 23 CFR Part 658 Truck Size and Weight (as of 2026-10-14; no sign or flag rule for permitted loads)
  6. New York: 17 NYCRR Subpart 154-1 Nondivisible Load Permits (NYSDOT-hosted copy), 154-1.8, 154-1.13, 154-1.14
  7. New York: NYSDOT PERM 30 Information Concerning Special Hauling Permits (09/26)
  8. New Jersey: N.J.A.C. 13:18 Subchapter 1 current rule (NJDOT-hosted PDF), 13:18-1.13 to 1.15
  9. New Jersey: NJDOT Commercial Vehicle Size and Weight Guidebook (Jan 2024), secs. 5.6-5.8
  10. Pennsylvania: 67 Pa. Code 179.10 General conditions
  11. Pennsylvania: PennDOT Form M-938 (reprints 179.10 conditions)
  12. Connecticut: CTDOT OSOW Frequently Asked Questions (escort sign and light requirements)
  13. Connecticut: RCSA 14-270-1 to 14-270-25 Oversize/Overweight Vehicle Permit Regulations (eRegulations)
  14. Connecticut: C.G.S. ch. 248, sec. 14-270(h) (sign/flag violations)
  15. Massachusetts: 700 CMR 7.00 Use of the Massachusetts Turnpike and the Metropolitan Highway System (7.07(4)(d))
  16. Massachusetts: 700 CMR 8.00 Permitting of overdimensional loads (no sign/flag text)
  17. Massachusetts: M.G.L. c.90 s.7 (projecting-load red light and flag)
  18. Massachusetts: M.G.L. c.90 s.19 (crane/boom overhang light or flag)
  19. California: Caltrans Transportation Permits Manual Ch. 5 Routing and Safety (rev. 6/25/2024), 502.9 Warning Signs
  20. California: Caltrans Transportation Permits FAQ (Q8 lights, Q9 signs, Q10 flags)
  21. California: CVC 25104 flags on permitted wide vehicles
  22. California: CVC 24604 rear projecting loads
  23. California: CVC 25270 flashing amber warning lights
  24. California: CVC 35783.5 removal of warning signs
  25. Florida: F.A.C. 14-26.012 Movement Conditions and Restrictions (flrules.org Word file)
  26. Florida: FDOT Blanket Permit Movement Conditions (rev. 7/27/2026)
  27. Georgia: GDOT Oversize Permits tab (sign, flag, escort and amber light requirements)
  28. Georgia: Ga. Comp. R. & Regs. 672-2-.01 Definitions ((p) amber warning light)
  29. Georgia: Ga. Comp. R. & Regs. 672-2-.03 Conditions ((k)2 warning lights over 14 ft 8 in)
  30. Georgia: Ga. Comp. R. & Regs. 672-2-.06 Pilot/Escort (sign rule, Rear Escort/Amber Light table)
  31. Illinois: 92 Ill. Adm. Code 554.417 Flags
  32. Illinois: 92 Ill. Adm. Code 554.418 Rotating or Flashing Amber Lights
  33. Illinois: 92 Ill. Adm. Code 554.419 Oversize Load Signs
  34. Illinois: IDOT OPER 993 Special Vehicle Movement Permit Provisions (Rev. 08/07/24)
  35. Ohio: ODOT Form OS-1A Limitations and Provisions of a Special Hauling Permit (Rev. 01/18)
  36. Ohio: OAC 5501:2-1-04 Conditions on permitted movements
  37. Texas: TxDMV Escort and Equipment Requirements
  38. Texas: TxDMV Motor Carrier Handbook (May 2025), pp. 33-35
  39. Texas: Texas Transportation Code ch. 547 (547.382 projecting loads)
  40. Alabama: Ala. Admin. Code ch. 450-3-1 (Supp. 12/31/21), rules .02, .04, .05
  41. Alabama: ALDOT Alabama Superload Requirements
  42. Kentucky: 601 KAR 1:018 current text, Sec. 11 Power Unit Flag and Sign Requirements
  43. Kentucky: 601 KAR 1:018 proposed amendment, Amended After Comments (filed Sept 15, 2026)
  44. Kentucky: KYTC OW/OD Escort Requirements (power unit, flag, sign and lighting requirements)
  45. South Carolina: SCDOT Guidelines for Movement of Oversize/Overweight Vehicles and Loads (Rev. 3/2026)
  46. Virginia: 24VAC20-82 Overload and Hauling Permits Regulation (eff. March 1, 2023), incl. 24VAC20-82-40
  47. Virginia: Virginia DMV 109 Size, Weight and Equipment Requirements (07/01/2024)
  48. Virginia: Va. Code 46.2-1121 Flag or light at end of load
  49. Virginia: DMV Form MP 227 Hauling Permit Geographical Regulations (rev. 08/14/2026)
  50. New Mexico: 18.19.8 NMAC Size and Weight of Vehicles and Loads (State Records Center HTML)
  51. Colorado: 2 CCR 601-4 Transport Permits for Extra-legal Vehicles or Loads (current CCR version)
  52. Colorado: C.R.S. Title 42 (2026 OLLS edition), 42-4-209 Lamp or flag on projecting load
  53. Colorado: CSP Legal Width, Height, Overhang sheet
  54. Colorado: CDOT FYI Legal Load and Permit Info
  55. Utah: Utah Admin. Code R909-2 Utah Size and Weight Rule (eff. 3/16/2026), R909-2-14 and -17
  56. Utah: UDOT Oversize Non-Divisible Load Provisions
  57. Arizona: 17 A.A.C. 6 Oversize and Overweight Special Permits (Supp. 22-2, June 30, 2022), R17-6-302 to -304 and Illustrations 1, 2, 4
  58. Michigan: MDOT Special Provisions, Conditions and Restrictions (permit general conditions)
  59. Michigan: MDOT T-2 Information on the Movement of Oversize or Overweight Vehicles and Loads (10/2023)
  60. Michigan: MDOT T-1 Maximum Legal Truck Loadings and Dimensions (05/2024)
  61. Indiana: Indiana DOR Form M-204 General Provisions of an Oversize/Overweight Vehicle Permit (4-22)
  62. Indiana: 105 IAC 10 Oversize and/or Overweight Vehicular Permits (2026 edition; no sign provisions)
  63. Minnesota: MnDOT General Provisions for Oversize/Overweight Loads (version August 2024)
  64. Minnesota: MnDOT OSOW Light-Flag Requirements Chart (Overdimensional Signs - Lights - Flags Requirement)
  65. Minnesota: Minn. R. 7455.0800 Pilot/escort vehicle signing requirements
  66. Iowa: 761 IAC chapter 511 Special permits for vehicles and loads of excess size and weight (IAC 6/10/26)
  67. Iowa: Iowa Truck Information Guide, July 2025-July 2026 edition
  68. Oklahoma: OAC 730:50-5-15 Oversize Load sign and warning flags (rules.ok.gov)
  69. Oklahoma: ODOT proposed Chapter 50 amendments (redline, Nov 2025) incl. escort equipment 730:50-5-16(c)
  70. Missouri: 7 CSR 10-25.020 (Missouri SOS, current 7 CSR 10-25)
  71. Missouri: MoDOT Missouri OSOW Permit Regulations Book (rule eff. March 30, 2025)
  72. Nebraska: 408 NAC 3 Permits for Overweight and/or Overdimensional Vehicles and Loads (eff. 4/30/2023, NDOT PDF)
  73. Nebraska: Neb. Rev. Stat. 60-6,243 Load projecting to rear; red flag or red light
  74. Arkansas: 27 CAR 111-204 Movement requirements (Code of Arkansas Rules)
  75. Arkansas: 27 CAR 111-504 Escort requirements (Code of Arkansas Rules)
  76. Louisiana: LA DOTD Louisiana Regulations for Trucks, Vehicles, and Loads (2026 edition)
  77. Washington: WAC 468-38-155 Safety equipment for special permit moves (in WAC 468-38 full chapter)
  78. Washington: RCW 46.37.140 Lamps, reflectors and flags on projecting load
  79. Washington: WSDOT Permit Desk Guide M 3037.25 (Oct 2024), 2-11
  80. Washington: WSDOT Commercial Vehicle Guide M 30-39.10 (July 2025), 4-12
  81. Washington: WSDOT Form 560-002 (rev. 07/2023)
  82. Oregon: OAR 734-082-0035, 0036, 0037, 0070 (Division 82)
  83. Oregon: ORS 815.275 failure to mark end of load (ORS chapter 815)
  84. Oregon: ODOT Attachment H (form 2362, rev. 01-2026)
  85. Oregon: ODOT CCD Laws and Rules (penalties)
  86. Idaho: IDAPA 39.03.01 Rules Governing Special Permits (sections 104, 306)
  87. Idaho: ITD Non-Divisible Oversize or Overweight Permit attachment (rev. 03-26-24)
  88. Idaho: Idaho Code 49-913 Lamp or flag on projecting load
  89. Idaho: Idaho Code 49-1010 Size of vehicles and loads
  90. Idaho: IDAPA 39.03.08 Rules Governing Self-Propelled Snowplows
  91. Montana: ARM 18.8.510B Oversize load signs (eff. 9/26/2026)
  92. Montana: MCA 61-9-213 Lamp or flag on projecting load
  93. Montana: MDT Montana Permit Restrictions - eTRIPS (updated 07/27/2026)
  94. Montana: ARM 18.8.511A When pilot vehicles are required (eff. 3/21/2026)
  95. Nevada: NAC Chapter 484D (484D.670, 484D.675, 484D.680)
  96. Nevada: NRS Chapter 484D (484D.720, 484D.860)
  97. Mississippi: MDOT Permit & Motor Carrier Division Manual (1/13/2026)
  98. Mississippi: Mississippi Administrative Code Title 37 Part 1 compilation (last amended 7/14/2026)
  99. Tennessee: Tenn. Comp. R. & Regs. 1680-07-01 (Rules .06, .10, .11, .20)
  100. Tennessee: TDOT OS/OW Permit FAQs (markings and lighting)
  101. Tennessee: TDOT Lights, Reflectors, Flags and Banner Diagrams
  102. North Carolina: 19A NCAC 02D .0607 (b)(1)-(5) safety requirements
  103. North Carolina: G.S. 20-117 Flag or light at end of load
  104. North Carolina: NCDOT Publication ST-1 Single Trip Permits (Rev 11/19)
  105. North Carolina: NCDOT Oversize/Overweight Permit Handbook
  106. North Carolina: NCDOT OS/OW permits page (2026 amber lamp notice)
  107. West Virginia: 157CSR5 (Sections 6.13.f.3 to 6.13.f.5, 6.14), agency-approved text 7/30/2026
  108. West Virginia: W. Va. Code 17C-15-14 Lamp or flag on projecting load
  109. West Virginia: WVDOH Permit Information sheet (rev. 3-17-2023), escort vehicle signs
  110. Maryland: COMAR 11.04.04 Escort Vehicles, Signing, and Lighting
  111. Maryland: COMAR 11.04.02 General Conditions (flags .03J, lights .03K)
  112. Maryland: MDOT SHA Overdimensional Permit Limitations (Truck Signing and Flags)
  113. Maryland: Md. Code, Transp. 24-105
  114. Wyoming: WYDOT Motor Carrier Rules Ch. 5 (eff. 4/30/2025), Sec. 2(w), 8, 10
  115. Wyoming: WHP Commercial Carrier page (Oversize Load Requirements)
  116. North Dakota: NDAC 38-06-02 (38-06-02-02 flagging, sign, lighting and mirror requirements)
  117. North Dakota: NDCC 39-21-13 lamp or flag on projecting load
  118. North Dakota: NDHP Policy 9-6 (rev. 11/21/2025) general safety requirements
  119. North Dakota: NDHP Policy 9-6 Annex H Overlength Only
  120. North Dakota: NDHP Policy 9-8 Manufactured Housing
  121. North Dakota: NDHP Policy 9-19 Annex C Custom Harvest Permits
  122. North Dakota: NDHP Policy 9-1 Annex A (NDAC 37-06-04-05 LONG LOAD sign)
  123. North Dakota: NDHP Motor Carrier Operations page (October 2026 trucking tip)
  124. South Dakota: ARSD chapter 70:03:01 (70:03:01:14, 14.01, 14.02, 21, 24, 36.04, 45.05, 61.04, 108)
  125. South Dakota: SDCL 32-22-6 (flagging and lighting extended loads)
  126. South Dakota: SDCL 32-22-42.15 (last LCV trailer marked LONG LOAD)
  127. South Dakota: SD Motor Carrier Handbook ch. 6: Permits (Warning Flags and Signs; Nighttime Operation)
  128. Kansas: K.S.A. 8-1911 (sign, flags, removal)
  129. Kansas: K.S.A. 8-1715 (projecting load lamps and flags)
  130. Kansas: K.S.A. 8-1902 (hay bale sign and flags)
  131. Kansas: K.A.R. 36-1-35 (oversize and escort warning sign definitions)
  132. Kansas: K.A.R. 36-1-36 (flagging, flags, lights, signs)
  133. Kansas: K.A.R. 36-45-8 (rear-escort waiver lights and sign; escort removal)
  134. Kansas: Kansas Highway Patrol Commercial Vehicle FAQs (WIDE LOAD not allowed)
  135. Kansas: Kansas Highway Patrol custom harvester handout (rev. 06/2018, 18 in flags)
  136. Wisconsin: Wis. Admin. Code ch. Trans 254 (s. 254.10 equipment requirements)
  137. Wisconsin: Wis. Admin. Code ch. Trans 255 (s. 255.10 equipment requirements)
  138. Wisconsin: WisDOT MV2605 Single Trip Permit General Conditions (7/2024)
  139. Wisconsin: WisDOT: Escort, lighting, flagging and signage requirements
  140. Wisconsin: WisDOT Lighting and flagging requirements for loads with Schnabels and/or dollies
  141. Delaware: 2 DE Admin. Code 2405 (section 4.6)
  142. Delaware: Delaware Code Title 21, Chapter 43, Subchapter II (4343)
  143. Rhode Island: 290-RICR-40-00-1 (1.5.1-1.5.3)
  144. Rhode Island: R.I. Gen. Laws 31-25-21
  145. Rhode Island: R.I. Gen. Laws 31-24-45
  146. Vermont: Vermont DMV Rule 14-050-019 Permitting Rules
  147. Vermont: Vermont DMV CVO-110 (07/2022)
  148. Vermont: 23 V.S.A. 1402(e) (low-bed permits)
  149. New Hampshire: N.H. Admin. Rules Tra 304.15 Vehicle and Load Markings and Restrictions
  150. Maine: 29-250 C.M.R. ch. 157 (Secs. 14, 15, 17, 18)
  151. Maine: Maine BMV Overlimit Permits summary
  152. Maine: 29-A M.R.S. 2385 (protruding objects)

Moving a load that needs signs, flags or escorts?

Tell us what the load measures on the trailer, what it weighs and where it is going. We arrange the permits and pass each state's sign, flag, light and escort conditions to the carrier with the route.

  • 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

Commercial shipments only  •  Brokers on call Monday to Saturday, 24 hours

Keep reading

+1 (631) 683-8275 · Call Now