South Carolina

Width

8'6"

Height

13'6" (route survey required)

Max undivisible load

125'

Max length

75'

Overhang — rear

15' (trailers under 48') / 10' (trailers up to 53')

Single axle

20,000 lb.

Tandem axle

40,000 lb.

Tridem axle

60,000 lb.

Max gross weight

80,000 lb.

Phone

803-737-6769

Fax

803-737-2199

Hours

8:00 AM – 4:30 PM Eastern

Website

scdot.org

Interstate maximums: single axle 20,000 lbs, tandem 34,000 lbs, GVW 80,000 lbs.

A Temporary Trip Permit (in lieu of IRP) costs $15 and is valid for 72 hours. A Temporary Fuel Permit (in lieu of IFTA) costs $15 and is valid for 10 days. Both are available from the Motor Carrier Services office (10311 Wilson Blvd, Blythewood, SC 29016) or through a permitting service.

An axle weight violation is a misdemeanor, punishable by a fine, up to 30 days imprisonment, or both. Excess gross weight fines scale with how far over the limit the load is: $0.04/lb for 500–3,500 lbs over, $0.06/lb for 3,501–6,000 lbs over, and $0.10/lb for anything over 6,000 lbs. General misdemeanor fines start at $100 minimum for a first offense, $500 for a second, and $1,000 for a third or subsequent offense.

The Department may require escorts as needed, and the hauling vehicle cannot double as its own escort.

Loads up to 12' wide may travel from 1/2 hour after sunrise to 1/2 hour before sunset, Monday through Saturday. Loads over 12'–15' wide near urban areas must pause from 7–9 AM and 3–6 PM on school days, and 4:30–6 PM on other days. Loads over 15' wide may only travel 9 AM–3 PM on school days, or until 4 PM on other days, Monday through Saturday. No travel is permitted on Sundays or on New Year's Day, Memorial Day, July 4th, Labor Day, Thanksgiving, or Christmas, from noon the day before to noon the day after, except with written approval.

A rotating amber beacon or strobe is required on the rear for loads 12'–14' wide, and on both outer rear corners for loads over 14'–16' wide. Loads 12' wide or more must display "Oversize" or "Wide Load" signs with black letters at least 12 inches high with a 1.5 inch stroke. Red flags at least 12 inches square are required on load extremities that extend more than 4 inches beyond the sides or 4 feet beyond the rear; all four outer corners must be flagged on loads 12' wide or more.

Tires must be of sufficient size, number, and condition to avoid road damage. Tire chains are permitted for safety in snow or ice, and studs are permitted if protrusion does not exceed 1/16 inch when compressed.

Coverage

Non-divisible loads up to 14' wide, 13'6" high, 90,000 lbs GVW on 5+ axles (max 40,000 lbs per tandem)

Max overall vehicle length

40' bumper-to-bumper

Cost

$100

Turnaround

1 business day, online

Truck specific

Yes

Route required

No

Multi-trip permits are valid on US, SC, and Interstate routes, but not on secondary roads without an additional route-specific permit.

General work-zone guidance applies: stay alert, reduce speed, observe posted signs, keep headlights on, scan ahead, avoid tailgating, avoid distractions, use turn signals, watch for brake lights ahead, and be patient.

Single-trip and multi-trip permits are both available. Maximum dimensions are 16' wide, 15' high, and 100' long (with the mobile home portion no more than 80'). The Multi-Trip Permit is valid for 1 year and covers US, SC, and Interstate routes only — not secondary roads without an additional permit. A route-specific permit can be obtained for loads up to 15' high and 130,000 lbs GVW. A Self-Issue Multiple Trip Permit is available 24/7 through the OS/OW web account, for guest or registered users. Side-by-side or end-to-end transport of multiple pieces that creates overhang is not permitted.

Speed limits: new mobile homes on the Interstate are limited to the posted limit minus 10 mph, up to a maximum of 55 mph; other mobile homes are limited to 45 mph. On non-Interstate roads, all mobile homes are limited to 45 mph.