California

Width

8'6"

Height

14'

Length overall

53'

Legal overhang — front

3'

Legal overhang — rear

6'

These dimensions are subject to many local variations and conditions.

Single axle

20,000 lb.

Tandem axle

34,000 lb.

Max gross weight

80,000 lb.

Operating an overweight vehicle is a criminal offense in California — generally a misdemeanor, punishable by up to 6 months summary probation in county jail and/or a fine of up to $1,000. Maximum overweight fines can exceed $2,000.

Phone

916-322-1297

Fax

916-322-4966

Hours

7:00 AM – 5:00 PM Pacific

Website

dot.ca.gov/hq/traffops/permits

Pilot cars must maintain two-way radio communication with the escorted load, keep a safe distance for passing and warning other traffic, and accompany the load over all operational CHP scale and inspection facilities. One pilot car is required and precedes the load on two- or three-lane conventional roads; when required for rear overhang of more than 25', the pilot car follows on all routes. On "yellow routes," a maximum of one pilot car is required until width exceeds 15'. When two pilot cars are required, one precedes and one follows the load. Failure to comply with escort, placard, signage, or lighting requirements renders the vehicle/load out of service until corrected.

Two provisions allow trucks on the NHS in California to exceed some federal limits: log trucks may exceed the federal 34,000 lb tandem-axle limit by 1,500 lbs, and between September 15 and March 15, qualifying cotton trucks may exceed it by 6,000 lbs. Higher tandem-axle weights may also apply for increased spacing and/or eight tires per axle.

A California Fuel Trip (CFT) permit allows out-of-state registered owners to enter and travel in California for 4 consecutive days without an in-state fuel tax license, and must be obtained before entering the state. It applies to a qualified motor vehicle: two axles with a GVW or registered GVW over 26,000 lbs, three or more axles regardless of weight when used in combination, or a combined weight over 26,000 lbs GVW. CFT permits cost $30 each and can be purchased through the California Department of Tax and Fee Administration (CDTFA) or the DMV.

Operating an overweight vehicle is generally a misdemeanor (up to 6 months county jail and/or a $1,000 fine); if the excess weight is 4,500 lbs or less, it is instead an infraction with a flat $250 fine.

Travel is generally allowed 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, with many exceptions for larger loads. Oversized loads are not permitted during New Year's Day, Washington's Birthday, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving Day, or Christmas Day. No travel is permitted from 6 AM to 9 AM in or around Los Angeles, San Diego, Sacramento, or San Francisco. Permits specify any variances to these travel times.

An amber strobing or flashing light affixed to the top of the tractor-trailer cab, visible 360 degrees from a minimum of 500 feet, is required; two red lights are also required on the side and rear of the load or on any extremity/projection greater than 4'. "OVERSIZE LOAD" signs are required front and rear, with specific text — "WIDE LOAD," "OVERSIZE LOAD," "LONG LOAD," "EXCESSIVE FRONT OVERHANG," or "EXCESSIVE REAR OVERHANG" — matching the shipment; if the shipment exceeds 100' overall, a "LONG LOAD" sign is required instead of "OVERSIZE LOAD." Flags are required at all four corners of any extremity of wide/over-length loads, and at the end of projections greater than 4'.

California defines three chain-control levels: R1 requires chains, traction devices, or snow tires on the drive axle (four/all-wheel drive vehicles exempt, though they must still carry devices in chain-control areas); R2 requires chains or traction devices on all vehicles; R3 requires chains or traction devices on all vehicles with no exceptions. Studded tires (tungsten carbide or similar, limited so studs/metal contact does not exceed 3% of the tire's road contact area) are permitted from November 1 to April 30. Minimum tread is 1/32 inch in any two adjacent grooves generally, 4/32 inch on steering-axle tires and 2/32 inch on other axle tires for these vehicle classes, and 6/32 inch for snow tires used in lieu of chains in posted traction-device-control areas.

Height

14 feet

Width

12 feet

Cost

$90

Turnaround

5–7 business days

Delivery

Mailed

Commodity specific

Yes

Route required

No

National Work Zone Awareness Week is generally held in April. Respecting speed limits and signalization through work zones is mandatory. Planning your trip in advance, staying patient, and understanding the situation are the best ways to stay safe.

Width

10'0"

Length

105'0" (80'0" maximum for the housing unit itself, including tongue)

Height

14'0"

Weight

6,000 lbs max per axle under the towed unit

Range

Statewide, except on restricted routes

Permits are available only to transporters or licensed manufacturers and dealers — a transporter being a person or company in the business of moving manufactured homes who possesses an HCD decal.