Overview
North Carolina oversize and overweight permits are issued by the North Carolina Department of Transportation Permit Unit. Single-trip permits are valid for ten calendar days; return trips must be requested at the time of application.
Permit approval depends on the proposed route, dimensions, axle weights and infrastructure conditions.
Permit Office
| Office | North Carolina Department of Transportation, Permit Unit |
| Address | 1425 Rock Quarry Road, Suite 109-110, Raleigh, North Carolina 27610 |
| Contact | 1 (888) 574-6683 / (919) 733-7154 |
| Hours | 8:00 A.M. – 5:00 P.M. (ET); no calls after 4:00 P.M. |
Permit Basics
| Permit validity | Single-trip permits are valid for ten (10) calendar days. A return trip must be requested at the time of application. |
| Operating time | 8:00 A.M. – 5:00 P.M. (ET); no calls after 4:00 P.M. |
Dimensions & Weights
Routine permit limits
| Length | No set limit; beams and girders 120′ |
| Width | 15′ depending on load |
| Height | No set limits; controlled by clearances on chosen routes. Loads over 14′ high must be submitted 2 days in advance. |
| Axle / group | Spacing | Weight |
|---|---|---|
| Steer | — | 12,000 |
| Single | — | 25,000 |
| Tandem | — | 50,000 |
| Tridum | — | 60,000 |
Escort Requirements
| Based on | Escorts required |
|---|---|
| Width | On 2-lane highways — width over 12′ up to 14′: 1 front |
| Width | On 2-lane highways — width 14′1″–15′: 1 front / 1 rear |
| Width | On multi-lane highways — width over 12′ up to 15′: 1 rear |
| Width | On all highways — width over 14′: 2 (front & rear) |
| Length | On all highways — length over 150′: 2 (front & rear) |
| Height | On all highways — height over 14′5″: 1 front with height pole |
Notes
- Gross Weight — 5 Axles: 112,000 (must have 51′ wheelbase)
- Gross Weight — 6 Axles: 120,000 (must have 51′ wheelbase)
- Gross Weight — 7 Axles: 132,000 (must have 51′ wheelbase)