Restrictions for travel:
From Memorial Day to Labor Day, all overweight/over-dimensional movements must travel between dawn and dusk Monday to Thursday, and between dawn and noon on Friday.
From Labor Day to Memorial Day, all overweight/over-dimensional movements must travel between dawn and dusk Monday to Friday, and between dawn and noon on Saturday.
Holiday restrictions apply during major holiday travel periods, including Easter, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving and Christmas throughout New Years.
Weather restrictions apply to ALL travelers.
How long does it take to obtain a permit:
The time it takes to obtain a permit for oversized or overweight loads can vary depending on several factors, the travel route, the complexity of the load, and the accuracy of the information provided in the application.
Most approvals for permits are within 1-3 business days, with super loads requiring at least 10 business days for review. Additionally, our online system can issue permits immediately when engineering reviews are successfully analyzed.
The permit system is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
How Much does a permit cost:
Operators of overweight/over-dimensional vehicles must apply for a Special Hauling Permit and pay a $37 flat fee along with an additional 24 cent-per-ton-mile fee on all weight in excess of 80,000 lbs. (A permit is not required until the weight exceeds 100,000 lbs., but if it does, the per-ton-mile fee will be based on all weight in excess of 80,000 lbs.) Appropriate tolls will be assessed at time of travel using All-Electronic Tolling - E-ZPass or PA Turnpike Toll By Plate.
Customers must pay a permit fee online or by phone using a credit card or ACH at the time the application is approved awaiting payment. There will be no print function for approved permits until permit fee payment is made.
Note: There are no refunds for permit fees paid, even if the permit is not used
How long is a permit valid for:
Permits can be applied for up to 2 weeks in advance.
When submitting a permit enter your anticipated start date. When the permit is approved awaiting payment, it will be valid for 5 days from your starting date entered. (ending dates may be automatically adjusted to less than 5 days based on restrictions)
When the permit is approved, the permit will be available to print for the driver to carry and for your records.
Once the permit is submitted you cannot change the date. If you enter the wrong date or can’t travel during that time a new permit must be submitted.
What if a customer does not need the permit:
If a permit has been submitted and approved but payment was not made, you can ignore the permit as it will automatically expire 5 days after the indicated travel start date. If payment was made, please note that permit fees are non-refundable.
Traveling through toll plazas
Unless your permit says otherwise, always use the far-right lanes when going through a toll plaza.
How much are the tolls
Tolls are determined at the time of travel through E-ZPass or Toll by Plate. The toll charges are based on the distance traveled, number of axles, and vehicle height.
Some exit locations require tolls to be prepaid and require coordination.
Escorts and Approvals
Escort requirements will be displayed on the permit
When an escort vehicle is required in addition to the permit:
- Truck hauling large pipes
- Total vehicle length is over 90’
- Total vehicle width over 11’ on I-76, I-276, I-95 and I-476 South of exit 115 to I-276 mainline
- Total vehicle width over 11’6” on PA Turnpike 576, 43, I-376, and on I-476 between exits 115 to 131
- Bumper overhang extending 5’ front or 15’ rear
- Other reasons at the discretion of the PA Turnpike Commission
When a company escort is required:
- Width: Over 11' up to 11'6" requires company escort on I-76, I-276, I-95 and I-476 south of exit 115 to I-276 mainline
- Width: Over 11'6" up to 14' requires company escort on PA Turnpike 576, 43, 66, I-376 and on I-476 between exits 115 to 131
- Length: Over 90' up to 160' requires company escort
- Bumper Overhang: Extending over 5' in front and/or over 15' in rear
When a Certified Escort Vehicle (CEV) is required:
Width:- Over 11'6" up to 16' requires CVE Escorts on I-76, I-276, I-95 and I-476 south of exit 115 to I-276 mainline
- Over 14' up to 16' requires CEV Escorts on PA Turnpike 576, 43, 66, I-376 and on I-476 between exits 115 to 131
- Exceptions apply for travel through tunnels and work zones with cattle chutes (see exceptions below for PSP requirements)
- Over 160' up to 230' requires CEV escort
When a PA State Police (PSP) escort is required:
- Width: Over 16' requires PSP Escorts (All roadways)
- Length: Over 230' requires PSP escort