RAPID/Roadmap/6-OH-a
Ohio Oversize/Overweight Permit (6-OH-a)
Oversize/Overweight Permit Process
1
2
6-OH-a.1 to 6-OH-a.2 – Does the Load Exceed the Applicable Size or Weight Regulations?
The developer must obtain a Special Hauling Permit if the project requires transportation of loads of a size or weight that exceed the maximum standards. A Permit is required for travel on any Ohio State highway, U.S. or interstate highway within the state, and on the Ohio Turnpike. If none of the dimensional or weight requirements are exceeded, then no Permit is required.
ODOT Special Hauling Permit
Generally, the ODOT will only issue permits to vehicles and loads that cannot reasonably be divided, dismantled, reduced, or otherwise rearranged to conform to otherwise applicable standards. Operational Guide p. 9-1. Only applications for non-divisible loads will be considered. Ohio Admin. Code § 5501:2-1-02(B). “Non-divisible load” means one that “cannot be reduced in size or weight, or which is impractical to divide, or which cannot be so adjusted as to be within the size and weight limitations specified” because it will compromise the intended use of the vehicle, destroy the value of the load or vehicle, or require more than eight (8) hours to dismantle. Ohio Admin. Code § 5501:2-1-01(P).
General legal requirements are as follows:
- The weight of the load permitted depends on the width of the tire, Ohio Rev. Code Ann. § 5577.03 and the type of road on which the load will be transported, Ohio Rev. Code Ann. §§ 5577.04.
- The load must not exceed 650 pounds per inch of the width of the tire, Ohio Rev. Code Ann. § 5577.04(A), and the maximum overall gross weight of a vehicle and its load must not exceed 80,000 pounds. Ohio Rev. Code Ann. § 5577.04(E).
- Certain vehicles are permitted to exceed the maximum weight load by up to seven and one-half percent without having to obtain a permit. Ohio Rev. Code Ann. § 5577.043.
- Width restrictions are found in Ohio Rev. Code Ann. § 5577.05(B) and length restrictions are found in Ohio Rev. Code Ann. § 5577.05(C). Additionally, no vehicle may be greater than 13’6” in height, with or without a load. Ohio Rev. Code Ann. § 5577.05(D).
The developer must apply for a Special Hauling Permit from the ODOT if the load exceeds any of the above requirements.
Ohio Turnpike Special Hauling Permit
Permits are required for vehicles traveling on the Ohio Turnpike that exceed the following dimensional limits:
- Width: 8’6”
- Height: 13’6”
- Length for Single Vehicle: 40’ for trucks and busses with 2 axles, 45’ for busses with 3 or more axles
- Length for Combination Vehicle: 75’ for tractor-trailers, 85’ for short doubles (tractor-trailer and trailer), 65’ for other combinations of vehicles coupled together.
The maximum unpermitted single axle weight is 21,000 pounds and the maximum unpermitted gross weight is 90,000 pounds. Tandem axels with a spread of four feet or less may carry up to 24,000 pounds unpermitted, while tandem axles with a spread of more than four feet but less than eight feet may carry up to 34,000 pounds unpermitted.
No permits will be issued for vehicles exceeding 14 feet in height. Ohio – Ohio Turnpike Special Hauling Information Webpage.
6-OH-a.3 – Will the Load Travel on the Ohio Turnpike?
The Ohio Turnpike and Infrastructure Commission issues Special Hauling Permits for oversize and overweight loads travelling on the Ohio Turnpike. Even if the ODOT routes the transport of an oversize and/or overweight load onto the Ohio Turnpike, a developer must still obtain a Permit from the Commission prior to travel on the Ohio Turnpike. Ohio Turnpike Special Hauling Permit FAQs Webpage.
6-OH-a.4 – Ohio Turnpike Special Hauling Permit Application
An Ohio Turnpike Special Hauling Permit is required for each one-way trip; the Commission does not issue annual or blanket permits. The developer must submit an Ohio Turnpike Special Hauling Permit Application (“Application”) and the required fees to the Commission. The Application must include information about the vehicle load, including but not limited to the following:
- Company;
- Tractor type;
- Ohio Department of Transportation number;
- Axle spacing;
- Weight per axle; and
- Load height and weight.
Permits for vehicles 11 feet wide of less, 112 feet long or less, and 14 feet high or less may be obtained at the entering toll plaza or online. Permits exceeding these limits are only available online on the Ohio Turnpike Overweight & Overdimensional Permit System Website or by mail. Permits obtained in person or by mail will incur an additional processing fee.
Applications for permits for vehicles more than 11 feet wide, or more than 112 feet long, with more than 25,000 pounds on an individual axle (14,250 pounds on an individual axle of a tandem axle with a spacing less than four feet) and/or vehicles exceeding 120,000 pounds must be submitted two (2) business days before the anticipated travel day. Ohio – Ohio Turnpike Special Hauling Information Webpage.
6-OH-a.5 – Review Application
Commission engineers review the Application to determine whether it complies with all requirements.
6-OH-a.6 to 6-OH-a.8 – Does the Commission Approve the Application?
The Commission may deny a Permit for divisible loads that can be separated into smaller and/or lighter loads or for loads that are too heavy to safely travel along the Ohio Turnpike. If the Commission denies the permit, the developer may correct the load excesses and reapply for the Permit.
If the Commission approves the Application it will issue an Ohio Turnpike Special Hauling Permit to the developer. The Commission may condition the Permit as needed. Prior to traveling on the Ohio Turnpike, the developer must either print out the issued Permit or carry an electronic copy of the Permit.
6-OH-a.9 – Determine Which Permit is Needed
A developer must determine what kind of Permit is needed, based on what is being moved, the size and/or weight, the routes to be traveled, the frequency of movement, and the limitations of the different types of permits. These permits include, but are not limited to, the following:
- Trip Permit;
- Round Trip Permit;
- 90 Day Continuing Permit;
- Continuing Annual Permit;
- Construction Equipment Permit
- Manufactured Building Component Permit;
- Boat Permit;
- Marina Permit;
- Steel/Aluminum Coil Permit; and
- Michigan Legal permit.
Operational Guide at 6-1 – 6-14.
Additionally, under certain conditions, the developer may apply for a Regional Heavy Haul Permit. Ohio Rev. Code Ann. § 4513.34. Unlike other Special Hauling Permits, a Regional Heavy Haul Permits may be issued for divisible loads and are available to overweight and/or overdimension vehicles that will only be travelling a maximum total distance of up to 150 miles. The developer may include up to four additional destinations within the maximum total travel distance. Ohio Department of Transportation Special Hauling Permits Information Webpage.
6-OH-a.10 – ODOT Special Hauling Permit Liability Insurance Policy Endorsement Form
Unless an insurance policy endorsement is already on file with the ODOT, the developer must submit a Special Hauling Permit Liability Insurance Policy Endorsement Form before submitting an application for a Permit. Federal, state, and local governments, and their political subdivisions are exempt from submitting proof of financial responsibility. Ohio Admin. Code § 5501:2-1-03(F).
The minimum level of liability insurance is $500,000. However, the ODOT director may require additional coverage if he determines that the project will cause increased harm to the roadways. O.A.C. § 5501:2-1-09(N). Alternatively, the developer may submit a surety bond for the same amount. Ohio Admin. Code § 5501:2-1-03(F).
The ODOT will not issue a permit for a duration that extends past the date upon which the insurance policy expires. Ohio Admin. Code § 5501:2-1-03(F).
6-OH-a.11 – ODOT Special Hauling Permit Application
The developer must complete the Special Hauling Permit Application (“Application”) and submit it online, by mail, or in person to the ODOT. Ohio Admin. Code § 5501:2-1-03(D). The Application must include all physical dimensions, axle weights, and the gross vehicle weight. Ohio Admin. Code § 5501:2-1-03(C). Permits will only be issued for the movement of overweight or oversized vehicles if the vehicle or load is transported by a vehicle, trainer, or semi-trailer with pneumatic tires. Ohio Admin. Code § 5501:2-1-02(C). The developer must also include the fees designated in Ohio Admin. Code § 5501:2-1-10. Ohio Admin. Code § 5501:2-1-03(E).
6-OH-a.12 to 6-OH-a.13– Review Application for Completeness
The ODOT reviews the Application for administrative and technical completeness. The ODOT notifies the developer if any additional information is needed. The developer may then submit the necessary information.
The ODOT also reviews each Application carefully to ensure that every alternative has been considered so as to ensure the safety of all motorists and to protect the state highway system. O.A.C. § 5501:2-1-02(B).
The ODOT Director may schedule a meeting with the developer, at which the developer can present evidence as to why the requested permit should be issued. The developer may be represented by counsel at this meeting. Ohio Admin. Code § 5501:2-1-03(G).
6-OH-a.14 to 6-OH-a.15 – Does the ODOT Approve the Application?
If the ODOT approves the Application it will issue an ODOT Special Hauling Permit to the developer by the method requested by the developer. Ohio Admin. Code § 5501:2-1-03(H). Each Permit is subject to the conditions set forth in Ohio Admin. Code § 5501:2-1-08, including, but not limited to, the following:
- Dates on which the load may travel;
- Hours during which the load may travel;
- Weather conditions during which the load may travel;
- Position of travel along the roadway;
- The use of flags and/or flag persons on the load or along the route;
- The use of private or police escort vehicles;
- Any other limitation determined by the ODOT director to be necessary for the protection of the highway system and/or the public.
Further information about Permit limitations are found on the Special Hauling Permit General Limitations Form.
If the ODOT denies the permit it will notify the developer electronically of its decision, unless otherwise requested. Ohio Admin. Code § 5501:2-1-03(H). A Permit Application may be denied for any of the following reasons, although this list is not exhaustive:
- Legal incompetence of the applicant (developer);
- Incomplete, erroneous, or misrepresentation of information contained in an application;
- Evidence of violation of permits previously issued to the applicant;
- Dimension or weight of vehicle and/or load that exceeds maximum structural limitations of the highway system or that is likely to cause unreasonable safety hazards or inconvenience to the public.
6-OH-a.16 to 6-OH-a.17 – Does the Developer Request a Formal Hearing Within 30 Days?
If ODOT does not approve the Permit, the developer has 30 days from the date of the denial to request a formal hearing before the ODOT director, or a representative designated by the director, to show cause as to why the permit should be issued. Ohio Admin. Code § 5501:2-1-11(A); Ohio Admin. Code § 5501:2-1-03(H). If requested, the director sets the date, time, and place for the hearing and notifies the developer. The hearing must be held within seven (7) and 15 days of the request. The director’s decision after the hearing becomes a final order. Ohio Admin. Code § 5501:2-1-11(A).
6-OH-a.18 – Appeal Decision (If Applicable)
If the developer does not request a hearing within 30 days of the permit denial, or if the developer wishes to appeal the final order issued after a hearing, he may appeal from the order under Ohio Rev. Code Ann. §§ 119.06 – 119.13. Ohio Admin. Code § 5501:2-1-11.
Contact Information
Suggest a contact using the Feedback button above.Suggest edits using the Feedback button above.
Regulations
- Ohio – Ohio Rev. Code §§ 4513.01 et seq., Traffic Laws – Equipment, Loads
- Ohio – Ohio Rev. Code §§ 5577.01 et seq., Load Limits on Highways
- Ohio – Ohio Admin. Code §§ 5501:2-1-01 et seq., Movement of Overweight and Overdimension Vehicles
- Ohio – Ohio Rev. Code §§ 119.01 et seq., Administrative Procedure
References
- Ohio Department of Transportation Operational Guide for Vehicles Operating With an Oversize-Overweight Special Hauling Permit
- Ohio – Ohio Turnpike Special Hauling Information Webpage
- Ohio – Ohio Turnpike Special Hauling Permit FAQs Webpage
- Ohio – Ohio Turnpike Overweight & Overdimensional Permit System Webpage
- Ohio Department of Transportation Special Hauling Permits Information Webpage
- Ohio Department of Transportation Special Hauling Permit Endorsement to Liability Insurance Policy Form
- Ohio Department of Transportation Special Hauling Permit Application Website
- Ohio Department of Transportation Limitations/Provisions on the Use of a Special Hauling Permit