Arkansas Administrative Code
Agency 001 - ARKANSAS DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Rule 001.01.93-001 - Permit Regulations for the Movement of Oversize and/or Overweight Vehicles on the State Highway System

1. The maxiaum overall width of a vehicle authorized to be moved upon highways by permit shall be twenty feet (20') or leas based on the condition of the highway, distance traveled, and the volume or type of traffic- Under emergency conditions, the maximum overall width may be exceeded to twenty-four feet (24') by permit only for short moves based on the nature of such emergency, and the adequacy of traffic control.

2. The maximum overall width of a vehicle authorized to be moved upon Interstate Highways by permit shall be sixteen feet (16').

3. Ho overwidth vehicle shall follow another overwidth vehicle closer than one thousand feet (1,000').

4. The Permit Section shall specify the route, time of travel, type of "Oversize Load" sign, placement of escort vehicles and number of escort vehicles upon the issuance of each permit for the movement of the overdimensional load. (Refer to Section VI which discusses escort requirements).

5. Vehicles exceeding the legal allowable width, height or length shall have a plainly legible sign reading "OVERSIZE LOAD" displayed across the front and rear of the loaded vehicle and eighteen inch (18") red flags on the rear corners of the load. The signs required by these regulations shall be constructed of a durable material with a yellow background and blade letters of sufficient size to be legible to all traffic within a safe distance. (NO OVERSIZE LOAD SIGHS ARE REQUIRED ON VEHICLES TRAVELING UNDER AH OVERWEIGHT PERMIT IF ITS DIMENSIONS ARE OTHERWISE LEGAL).

6. On any controlled access, divided highway with four (4) or more lanes, any vehicle in excess of fourteen feet (14') in width, inclusive of overhangs, and/or clearance lights, and/or eaves, and/or any other appurtenance, shall be accompanied by one (1) escort vehicle. The escort vehicle shall travel behind the vehicle, (See Section VI, D, (10) for the distance.)

7. On all other highways, the movement of vehicles in excess of twelve feet (12') in width through fourteen feet (14') in width, inclusive of overhangs, and/or clearance lights, and/or eaves, and/or any other appurtenance, shall be accompanied by one (i) escort vehicle. The escort vehicle shall travel in front of the vehicle. The movement of any vehicle which exceeds fourteen feet (14') in width shall be accompanied by two escort vehicles. One escort vehicle shall precede the permitted load, and one escort shall follow it. (See section VI, D (10) for the distance.) An enforcement officer of the Arkansas Highway Police Division may authorize escorts as deemed necessary for the safety of the traveling public. Permittee must obtain or furnish the escort vehicle as prescribed herein.

8. All permitted vehicles shall be equipped with tail lamps and signal lamps which conform to applicable state and federal standards.

9. Cutter blades and other equipment of a hasardous nature in excess of fourteen feet (14') will be cradled to such an angle as Is necessary to reduce the maximum overall width to fourteen feet (14').

10. Permits nay be Issued for movement of overdlmensional loads on Arkansas Highways on Saturday and Sunday unless they fall on a holiday restricted under section II, Item E, 6. These overdlmensional permits must be obtained in advance of any movement.

11. Hovers of overdimensional loads are required to take down and replace, as necessary, all signs, mailbox(s) and posts. notification, and the consent of owners, shall be obtained In advance of any move.

12. AB application shall he submitted to the Permit section at least three (3) working days prior to the requested movement en an overdimensional load greater than sixteen feet (16M in width.

13. overdimenaional loads greater than sixteen feet (16') in width may only be transported between the hours of 9:00 a.m. and 3.00 p.m.

1. No vehicles operated upon the State Highway system laden or unladen, shall exceed a height of thirteen feet and six inches (13'6") except by permit issued by the Permit Section.

2. If the overall height exceeds fifteen feet (15') , an escort vehicle with a clearance bar which extends six inches (6") above the permitted height is required to precede the load.

3. If the overall height exceeds seventeen feet (17') the move must be accompanied by public utilities personnel who have overhead facilities affected on the route.

1. If a semitrailer or trailer, laden or unladen, does not exceed 53 feet and six inches (53'6"), there is no overall length restriction, and the vehicle is considered to be in compliance with the length law.

2. If a semitrailer or trailer, laden or unladen, exceeds S3 feet and six inches (53'6''), but the overall length does not exceed sixty feet (60'), the vehicle is considered to be in compliance with the length law.

3. If a semitrailer or trailer, laden or unladen, exceeds 53 feet and six inches (5 3' 6") and the overall length exceeds 60 feet, and the trailer length can not be reduced, the following provisions apply:

4. Trailer measurement will include any projecting load from the rear. Loads projecting from the front of the trailer between the tractor cab and trailer will not be included in the measurement of the trailer length.

5. The load upon any vehicle operated alone, or the load upon the front vehicle of a combination of vehicles, shall not extend more than three feet (3') beyond the front wheels of such vehicle or the front bumper of such vehicle if it is equipped with such a bumper, except by permit. Ho permit will be issued for any vehicle with a front overhang in excess of twenty feet (20').

6. Those vehicle combinations in which the length of the trailer (s) /sem.itrailer(s) are in compliance with the length law, and no other permit is required, are not required to have an escort.

7. Truck Tractor-Semitrailer-Trailer combinations:

1. A triple saddlemount vehicle combination is defined as a combination of four (4) truck -tractors where the front axle of second trucks-tractor is securely mounted on the rear of the lead truck - tractor, the front axle of the third truck-tractor is securely mounted on the rear of the second truck-tractor, and the fourth truck-tractor is securely mounted on the rear of the third truck-tractor; and with the rear wheels of the second, third, and fourth truck-tractors trailing on the ground behind the operating motor unit.

2. The overall length of this combination shall not exceed ninety feet (90') and can operate twenty-four hours a day; seven days a week.

3. NO permit will be issued for any combination that exceeds ninety feet (90') in length and it will not be allowed to operate.

4. The combination must conform to the applicable safety regulations in 49CFR 393.71 and existing state laws and regulations.