What are the laws about carrying oversized loads?

In Washington, it is illegal to carry an oversized load on public roads without first obtaining a permit from the Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT). An oversized load is defined as any vehicle or load that exceeds the legal size or weight limits defined by the WSDOT. Oversized loads must meet specific criteria in order to be legally transported, including type of load, route of travel, type of trailer, and more. In most cases, an oversized load must have a pilot vehicle, also called a “flag car,” accompanying it at all times. This pilot vehicle is responsible for warning other drivers on the road of the impending oversized load. The pilot vehicle must be clearly visible and must display warning flags, lights, or other warning devices. The driver of an oversized load must also ensure that they are properly insured and have the necessary permits to transport the load. These permits must be obtained from the WSDOT, and depending on the size of the load, may require a security deposit. Finally, oversized loads may not travel more than 30 miles per hour, may not block traffic for more than 10 minutes, and the route must be approved by the WSDOT in advance. Failure to obtain the proper permits, or traveling too fast or blocking traffic, can result in fines or other penalties.

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What are the laws about carrying oversized loads?

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