What Is a Louisiana Oversize Permit?

Louisiana oversize permits are official documents that allow vehicles and loads larger than the state's legal size and weight restrictions to travel on public roads. These permissions are critical to ensuring safety and protecting infrastructure. Whether you're transporting construction equipment, huge gear, or oversized agricultural items, you must have the proper authorization.

Understanding Legal Size Limit in Louisiana

Before you hit the road, you should know the legal dimensions for oversize loads in Louisiana. Here is a brief overview:
Length: 59′-6″ for trailers and loads on Interstate and authorized highways.
65 feet for truck and trailer combinations on non-designated roadways.
Width: 8′-6″ for Interstate and authorized roads.
8′ on undesignated roads.
Height: 13′-6″ on non-designated roadways.
14 feet on approved highways.
Weight: Up to 80,000 pounds on most routes, with exceptions for certain combinations on Interstate highways.

General Permit Limits
For greater weights, it is critical to be aware of the general permit restrictions in Louisiana.

Length: up to 125′.
Width: Up to 18 feet.
Height: Up to 16′-6″.
Weight:
5 axles: 108,000 pounds.
Six axles: 120,000 pounds.
7 axles: 132,000 pounds.
8 axles, 152,000 pounds.

These limits are intended to improve road safety and safeguard public infrastructure from harm.

Key Regulations for Oversize Load
When moving an oversize load, you must follow several regulations:

Travel Times: Oversized loads can be transported from sunrise to dusk, seven days a week. However, overweight loads that do not exceed 65 feet in length may travel at any time.
Restricted Areas: Bridges across the Mississippi River in New Orleans cannot be crossed during peak hours (6:30 am - 9:00 am and 3:30 pm - 6:00 pm, Monday - Friday).
Interstate roads through large towns such as Shreveport, Monroe, Lake Charles, Baton Rouge, and New Orleans have restrictions on loads wider than 12 feet during specific hours. Certain places prohibit travel during important holidays or Mardi gras.

Special Considerations for Oversize Loads

 
Here are some more issues to consider when hauling oversize loads:
Escort Requirements: Depending on the quantity of your shipment, you may require an escort. Loads longer than 90 feet require a single escort, while loads longer than 125 feet require a State Police escort.
Signs and Flags:  "Oversize Load" signs are necessary for loads wider than 10 feet, longer than 75 feet, or with legal overhangs.
To ensure visibility and safety, flags must be placed at all four corners of the cargo, as well as any protrusions.

Costs of Louisiana Oversized Permits

Understanding the fees associated with Louisiana oversize permits is critical for managing your transportation costs. Here's what you should know.
Louisiana Oversize Permit Cost: Typically ranges from $15 and $50, depending on the size of your shipment and the period of the permit.
Louisiana Overweight Permit Cost: These permits are valid for four days and typically cost $25.
Being aware of these charges can allow you to better organize your budget and avoid unforeseen expenses.

How to Apply for Louisiana Oversized Permits Online

At IRP Trucks, we make it simple to apply for Louisiana overweight permits online. Here's how you can accomplish it:
1. Visit Our Website: Visit to the IRP Trucks website and locate the permit application area.
2. Fill out the Application: Enter your load's size, weight, and route.
3. Submit Your Application: Once completed, submit the application for processing.
4. Receive Your Permit: Once accepted, your permit will be emailed to you, allowing you to commence transport immediately.

Additional Permits: Louisiana Harvest Permit Online.
If you work in agriculture, you can apply for a Louisiana harvest permit online. This permit is only for vehicles transporting crops during harvest seasons and ensures compliance with state rules.

Pilot Car Requirements in Louisiana.

A pilot car may be required to guide your truck when transporting oversize loads. Here's something to remember:
Louisiana Pilot vehicle Permit: Make sure you have the proper permits for your pilot vehicle, as it plays an important part in moving oversize loads. The pilot car alerts other drivers and guides them through traffic.

Conclusion:

Transporting oversize loads in Louisiana does not have to be difficult. With the correct information and help from IRP Trucks, you can ensure your transportation is safe and in accordance with state standards. Our team is ready to help you at every stage of the process, from knowing the criteria to receiving your permissions swiftly.

For any queries or assistance with Louisiana oversize permits, please call us at +1 630-847-0241. Let us assist you confidently unlock the way ahead!