California oversize & overweight permits
Legal limits, escort thresholds and permit fee notes for hauling oversize or overweight loads through California (CA). Use the calculator to price your exact load and route.
Legal limits (no permit needed up to)
Pilot car & police escorts
How California charges permit fees
$16 flat per config · Complex loads higher · Check Caltrans for exact
Summary for planning only — the state sets the final fee when the permit is issued and can change its rules at any time. Confirm with the California DOT before moving a load.
Questions
What size load needs an oversize permit in California?
In California, a load generally needs an oversize permit when it is wider than 8 ft 6 in, taller than 14 ft, or longer than 53 ft. Exact rules vary by vehicle type and route, so confirm with the California DOT.
When does a load need an overweight permit in California?
Loads over 80,000 lbs gross weight generally need an overweight permit in California, with fees that depend on weight and distance.
When are pilot cars or police escorts required in California?
Our data for California shows a rear pilot car from 12 ft wide, a front (lead) pilot car from 15 ft wide, and a police escort from 16 ft wide, or 250,000 lbs and over. Requirements can also depend on the route, so always confirm before you move.
Price your load through California
Enter the load in feet and inches, add your route, and Permitly adds up every state's fee, escorts and the permit service fee — then saves it as a quote you can export as a PDF.
Open the calculator