Special Motor Vehicle Permit

  1. What is a Special Motor Vehicle Permit?
  2. When do I need a permit?
  3. When do I need a pilot / escort vehicle?
  4. How do I apply?
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Restrictions

Additional restrictions are outlined in:

  • Code of Federal Regulations (CFR)
  • Revised Code of Washington (RCW)
  • Washington Administrative Code (WAC)

Front/Rear Overhang - (RCW 46.44.034)

The load, or any portion of any vehicle, operated alone upon the public highway of this state, or the load, or any portion of the front vehicle of a combination of vehicles, shall not extend more than 3 feet beyond the front wheels of such vehicle, or the front bumper, if equipped with a front bumper.

No vehicle shall be operated upon the public highways with any part of the permanent structure or load extending in excess of fifteen feet beyond the center of the last axle of such vehicle.

Nighttime Movements - (WAC 468-38-075)

A vehicle or vehicle combination not exceeding the defined envelope of 12 feet wide, 14 feet 6 inches high, and 105 feet long, including legal overhang(s), may move at night. A vehicle or vehicle combination which exceeds the defined envelope may also be permitted to move at night and must have "Nighttime Travel" checked on their approved permit.

Night means one-half hour after sunset to one-half hour before sunrise. Vehicle and load must have proper lighting (49 (CFR) 393.11).

Winter Road Restrictions - (RCW 46.44.080)

Movement by permit is prohibited on roads with published traction advisories/requirements. Check our Road Closures and Restrictions Map for up to date information.

Holidays - (WAC-38-175)

Overweight vehicles that cannot maintain the speed of the surrounding traffic flow, and all over dimensional vehicles/loads are prohibited on the holidays of:

  • New Year's Day
  • Independence Day
  • Labor Day
  • Thanksgiving Day and the day after Thanksgiving Day
  • Christmas Day
  • During the afternoon of the day preceding said holidays