Washington

Width

8'6" (8' on local roads)

Height

14'

Semi-trailer length

53'

Single axle

20,000 lb.

Tandem axle

34,000 lb.

Tridem axle

42,000 lb.

Gross weight

80,000 lb.

Phone

360-704-6340

Fax

360-704-6350

Hours

7:00 AM – 5:00 PM Pacific

Website

wsdot.wa.gov/commercialvehicle

Washington requires escort training and certification, with detailed pre-trip procedures including two-way communication with load operators.

Single axle

20,000 lb.

Tandem axle

34,000 lb.

Two-tire axle

500 lb. per inch of tire width

Steer axle

600 lb. per inch of tire width

Gross vehicle weight

105,500 lb.

A permit may allow heavy loads that cannot reasonably be reduced, if the roads and structures involved can sustain the weight — up to 600 lbs per inch of tire width, 22,000 lbs single axle, and 43,000 lbs tandem axle. Weight allowed on a series of axles is calculated by spacing: 7 to under 10 feet, multiply (feet) by 6,500 lbs; 10 to under 30 feet, (feet + 20) x 2,200 lbs; 30 feet or greater, (feet + 40) x 1,600 lbs — bridge restrictions may further limit a single axle to 21,500 lbs or less on selected highways, with the lesser calculation governing. A single axle may reach up to 45,000 lbs (at 600 lbs per inch) if equipped with wide-rim single or dual pneumatic tires meeting specific rim width/diameter thresholds.

Temporary Trip Permit (3 consecutive days)

$25.00 — grants up to 40,000 lbs single vehicle / 80,000 lbs combination

Temporary Fuel Use Permit

$30.00 — required entering Washington for a 2-axle vehicle GVW over 26,000 lbs (or 3-axle regardless of GVW) using special fuel without IFTA payment

First offense minimum $50 basic penalty; second offense minimum $75; third or subsequent minimum $100, with registration suspension of at least 30 days on a second violation of the same power unit within 12 months.

Operators are fined for either over-axle or over-gross, whichever produces the greater fine, and may not shift a load to avoid an over-axle citation.

Travel is permitted 1/2 hour before sunrise to 1/2 hour after sunset, including Saturday and Sunday. Loads up to 12' wide, 14'6" high, and 105' long (including legal overhangs) may run at night Monday through Friday with proper lighting. Time/width curfew restrictions near Seattle-Everett, Tacoma, Olympia, Vancouver, and Kelso are listed on the Commuter Curfew Hours sheet accompanying permits. Movement on state highways is restricted, starting at noon the preceding day, on New Year's Day, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving Day, and Christmas Day.

Loads projecting beyond the sides need amber lights at the front/side at the outermost extremities during night movement, and the rearmost edge needs a red lamp visible from the rear and side. "Oversize Load" signs are required on all oversized loads, on the front of the tractor (5 feet from the ground or as high as practicable) and the rear — approximately 7 feet long, 18 inches high, with black lettering at least 10 inches high on a yellow background. Flags are required at all four corners of over-width loads and the extreme ends of any protrusions, projections, or overhangs.

On a series of designated routes (including sections of I-90, I-82, and several state routes), vehicles over 10,000 lbs must carry sufficient tire chains from November 1 to April 1 (or as otherwise required) — local-delivery vehicles not crossing a mountain pass are exempt if operating outside the chain-required area. WSDOT or the State Patrol may prohibit a vehicle from entering a chain/traction-tire control area if it will have difficulty traveling safely. Mountain pass movement is prohibited when "Traction Advisory / Oversized Vehicles Prohibited," "Vehicles over 10,000 GVWR Chains Required," or "Chains required on all vehicles except all-wheel drive" signage is displayed.

Active — truck restrictions are confirmed active on Washington state highways (full network); local and county roads are not covered by this data source.

Collection Truck (2–3 axle single unit, annual)

$252.00 (2-axle) / $336.00 (3-axle)

Empty Apple Bins (height up to 15')

$20/month or $240/year

Hay Bales (height up to 15')

$20/month or $240/year

Double Trailer (divisible loads, sets up to 68')

$10/month or $100/year

Tow Truck

$75 Class B / $150 Class C, annual

Tarping System (loaded vehicles up to 9' wide)

$20/month or $240/year

Temporary Additional Tonnage (legal weights only)

$14/ton, minimum 5-day periods

Turnaround is 1 business day, applied online, and permits are truck specific.

Washington averages nearly 850 highway work zone injuries a year — 96% of those injured or killed are drivers and passengers, and the top three crash causes are distracted/inattentive driving, following too closely, and speeding. Slow down to posted speeds, be kind to the workers keeping the road safer, pay attention (phone down), stay calm and expect delays, eliminate distractions, merge as soon as possible, and follow the law to slow down or move over for flashing lights.

Manufactured Housing Monthly/Annual Permit — max height

15 feet

Max width

15 feet (including a 12-inch eave)

Max trailer length (including tongue)

75 feet

Validity

30-day period up to 1 year

Fees

$30/month or $360/year

Route required

No

This is a self-issue permit type.