Frequently Asked Questions

A Special Motor Vehicle Permit is a permit to operate oversize/overweight vehicles on County roads. This could be for anything from the transportation of a manufactured home to the hauling of equipment.

1. If you exceed any Legal Dimensions (PDF), you need an oversize permit. Legal dimensions are:
   • 8 feet and 6 inches wide
   • 14 feet high
   • Length varies based on the vehicle, including:
     • 40 feet (single unit vehicle)
     • 53 feet (semi-trailer)
     • 61 feet (doubles)
     • 75 feet (truck/trailer)
2. A vehicle or vehicle combination with a front overhang exceeding the 3 feet legal limit set in the Revised Code of Washington (RCW) 46.44.034 requires an oversize permit
3. A vehicle or vehicle combination with any part of the permanent structure or load extending in excess of 15 feet beyond the center of the last axle of said vehicle (i.e. rear overhang in excess of 15 feet)
4. If you have a non-divisible load that exceeds 80,000 pounds gross vehicle weight (GVW) and/or what is allowed per the Legal Weight Table (PDF), then you need a permit for weight
5. If you have a divisible load that is heavy, exceeding what is allowed per the Legal Weight Table (PDF) then you need a permit for weight. Maximum GVW for a divisible load is 80,000 pounds
6. If you wish to haul oversize/overweight property on weight restricted roads, roads restricted for safety purposes, or roads with winter restrictions, then you need a permit

If you are unsure whether or not a permit is required, contact Douglas County staff.

A pilot/escort vehicle and operator must comply with the requirements of Washington Administrative Code (WAC) 468-30-100. Pilots/escort vehicles are required when:

1. Vehicle(s) or load exceeds 11 feet in width; escort vehicles (both front and rear) are required on all two-lane highways.
2. Vehicle(s) or load exceeds 14 feet wide; one rear escort vehicle is required on multiple-lane highways.
3. Trailer length including load exceeds 105 feet (tractor/trailer combination) requires a rear escort vehicle on all two-lane highways.
4. Trailer length including load exceeds 125 feet (tractor/trailer combination) requires a rear escort vehicle on multiple-lane highways.
5. Rear overhang of a tractor/trailer or truck/trailer combination exceeds 1/3 of the trailer length including load, requires one rear escort vehicle on two-lane highways.
6. Rear overhang exceeds 20 feet on a single unit vehicle, requires one rear escort vehicle on two-lane highways.
7. Loads exceed 14 feet 6 inches high, one escort vehicle is required in front equipped with a height pole. Manufactured housing requires front escort with height pole when exceeding 15 feet in height. Douglas County does not guarantee height clearances; therefore, on any route where the height is in question, a front escort vehicle equipped with a height pole should be used.
8. The vehicle(s) or load exceeds twelve feet in width on a multilane highway and has a height that requires a front pilot/escort vehicle: one rear pilot/escort vehicle is required.
9. When in the opinion of Douglas County staff, escort vehicles are necessary to protect the traveling public, for any oversize and/or overweight move, either across, upon, or along a highway.

You can apply online through the Permit Portal or in person at the Public Services Building located at 140 19th Street NW in East Wenatchee. Most permits can be issued same day if the applicant can provide the necessary information.

Superloads

Loads exceeding dimensions 16 feet wide, 16 feet tall, 125 feet load length, or 200,000 pounds are considered "superloads" and require special consideration prior to permit issuance. Applications for loads over 200,000 pounds must be submitted at least 30 days before the proposed date of movement. Applications for loads over 16 feet wide, 16 feet tall, 125 feet long must be submitted at least 7 calendar days before the proposed movement date.