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Kentucky Oversize/Overweight Permit (6-KY-a)

Information current as of 2023
In Kentucky, a person (developer) may need an Overweight/Over-Dimensional Permit (Permit) from the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet (KYTC) in order to haul materials of a certain size or weight on state roads. KYTC issues Permits pursuant to Ky. Rev. Stat. § 189.270.



Oversize/Overweight Permit Process


6-KY-a.1 to 6-KY-a.2 – Does the Movement Exceed Applicable Size or Weight Regulations?

Kentucky has standard size and weight restrictions for vehicles on highways within the state. Howeverr, state law provides that the Secretary of Transportation, under the provisions of Ky. Rev. Stat. § 189.222, may designate certain highways that have size and weight standards that exceed the regular state standards. For highways not designated by the Secretary of Transportation under Ky. Rev. Stat. § 189.222, a developer needs to obtain a Permit if the vehicle or load:

  • Exceeds 13½ feet in height;
  • Exceeds 8 feet in width;
  • Exceeds 36,000 pounds;
  • If the vehicle is a straight truck (no trailer), exceeds 26½ feet in length; and
  • If the vehicle is a truck with a trailer, the trailer exceeds 53 feet

Ky. Rev. Stat. § 189.221.

For the highways that are designated by the Secretary of Transportation under Ky. Rev. Stat. § 189.222, a developer needs to obtain a Permit if the vehicle or load:

  • Exceeds 13½ feet in height;
  • Exceeds 8½ feet in width;
  • Exceeds 80,000 pounds;
  • If the vehicle is a straight truck (no trailer), exceeds 45 feet in length; and
  • If the vehicle is a truck with a trailer, the trailer exceeds 53 feet in length.

Ky. Rev. Stat. § 189.222.

For complete vehicle weight and dimensional restrictions, see Ky. Rev. Stat. § 189.221, Ky. Rev. Stat. § 189.222 and the KYTC Overweight/Over-Dimensional Summary Document.

If the movement does not exceed any applicable size or weight regulations, no Permit is needed.

6-KY-a.3 – Register with KYTC Division of Motor Carriers (Optional)

The developer may choose to register with KYTC by submitting an Automated Clearing House (ACH) Debit Application, which will authorize KYTC to initiate debits on the developer’s checking account, which KYTC does when issuing Permits. Registering with KYTC provides a developer access to KYTC’s Online Permit Application System, where the developer can submit Permit applications electronically.

6-KY-a.4 – Check KYTC Resources (Optional)

KYTC recommends that the developer check KYTC’s Overweight/Over-Dimensional Restrictions List before submitting a Permit Application (Application). This list provides road-specific restrictions throughout the state that a developer must comply with. The developer may have to adjust the proposed route based on the Restrictions List. KYTC Overweight/Over-Dimensional Summary Document.

KYTC also recommends that the developer check the Kentucky Designated National Truck Network Map, prior to submitting an Application in order to find the best route. KYTC Overweight/Over-Dimensional Summary Document.

6-KY-a.5 to 6-KY-a.6 – Is the Movement a Superload?

If the developer’s movement is over 200,000 pounds, it is considered a superload, and the developer must submit side and rear view drawings and axle spacing information along with the Application to KYTC. KYTC Overweight/Over-Dimensional Summary Document.

6-KY-a.7 to 6-KY-a.8 – Does the Load Exceed 15’6” in Height?

If the developer’s proposed movement exceeds 15½ feet in height, the developer must also submit an Overweight/Over-dimensional Proposed Route Survey Form along with the Application to KYTC. KYTC Overweight/Over-Dimensional Summary Document.

6-KY-a.9 – Overweight/Over-Dimensional Permit Application

The developer must submit a Permit Application (Application) to the KYTC Division of Motor Carriers. One Application must be submitted for each overweight or over-dimensional vehicle involved in the movement. The developer may submit the Application by hand, mail, fax or online (if the developer chose to register with KYTC). The Application must specify:

  • The year, make, and vehicle identification number of the towing vehicle;
  • The towing vehicle's license plate number;
  • The maximum weight for which the vehicle is registered;
  • The state of registration of the vehicle;
  • The name, address, and telephone number of the vehicle’s owner;
  • The dates of proposed travel;
  • The specific routes of travel requested;
  • A detailed description of the equipment or load to be moved;
  • The Kentucky Highway Use License (KYU License) number or the DOT number; and
  • Details on the vehicle’s axle spacing.

601 Ky. Admin. Reg. § 1:018(2).

Note: The developer may apply for an annual Permit if multiple trips are needed.

6-KY-a.10 to 6-KY-a.12 – Review Application for Approval

KYTC reviews the Application and makes a determination whether to issue a Permit after receiving an Application. KYTC will deny the Application if the proposed route contains any portion of the interstate highway system, and the load is divisible. KYTC will also deny the Application if the proposed movement is detrimental to the public safety or convenience. In making a determination, KYTC considers the following:

  • The strength of all bridges and structures on the route;
  • Traffic congestion on the route;
  • Horizontal and vertical clearance on the route;
  • The availability of alternate routes that afford greater safety;
  • Urban development in residential and commercial areas on the route;
  • The proximity of schools to the route; and
  • Any other conditions that would unduly compromise public safety and convenience.

601 Ky. Admin. Reg. § 1:018(5).

If KYTC does not approve the developer’s Application, the developer should consider alternate routes or methods for transporting the materials.

6-KY-a.13 – Overweight/Over-Dimensional Permit

KYTC issues a Permit to the developer if KYTC approves the application. The developer must pay a single-trip permit fee of $60. Ky. Rev. Stat. § 189.270(2). The developer is also reviewed an additional $40 fee if the developer needs a temporary KYU (Kentucky Highway Use License) number. The Permit is valid for a duration of ten (10) days and is valid for only one (1) single trip. 601 Ky. Admin. Reg. § 1:018(2). The developer must carry the Permit in the overweight or over-dimensional vehicle during the move. 601 Ky. Admin. Reg. § 1:018(6).

KYTC may require the developer use an escort vehicle for the movement. The requirements for movements requiring an escort vehicle are listed in 601 Ky. Admin. Reg. § 1:018(9).

Kentucky does not have any general time restrictions, but Boone, Kenton, Campbell, Fayette and Jefferson counties do not permit movements from 7am-9am and 4pm-6pm on weekdays. Depending on the developer’s movement, KYTC may impose additional time restrictions. KYTC Overweight/Over-Dimensional Summary Document.

The developer should not move if adverse weather or road conditions would cause the move to be dangerous. Kentucky specifically prohibits movements of vehicles and loads with a width of more than 12 feet on a highway when the National Weather Service issues a wind advisory. 601 Ky. Admin. Reg. § 1:018(17).

If the developer needs to deviate from the approved route, the developer must obtain prior written approval of the deviation by KYTC. 601 Ky. Admin. Reg. § 1:018(12).

The developer is responsible for repairing any damages occurring to the highway, signs, guardrails, or other public or private property caused by the move. If damage does occur, the developer must either repair the damage, or pay the cost of the repair. 601 Ky. Admin. Reg. § 1:018(5).


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Contact Information






Edit Kentucky Transportation Cabinet
Oversize/Overweight Permit Contact 502-564-1257

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