Kentucky Oversize & Overweight Permits

When Kentucky needs a permit

Over 8'6" wide, 13'6" high, or 80,000 lb, you need a Kentucky permit; the single-trip fee is $60 (601 KAR 1:018), good for up to 10 days. Kentucky is friendlier on hours than its neighbors: most permitted loads run 24/7, weekends included. The catch is the rush-hour ban 7-9 a.m. and 4-6 p.m. in Boone, Kenton, Campbell, Jefferson, and Fayette counties. Weight over 200,000 lb is a superload.

Thresholds, escorts, and curfews

• Legal max before a permit: Permit needed over 8'6" wide, 13'6" high, 80,000 lb gross, or over legal length (manufactured-home combos are capped at 120 ft overall).
• Escort / pilot car: On two-lane routes a lead escort rides over 12' wide, over 75' long, or over 14'11" high, and a trail escort over 12' wide or over 85' long. On four-lane divided roads escorts start wider, over 14'. Height over 14'11" needs a front height pole, and the Division of Motor Carriers can require more. High-profile loads can be held out of high winds.
• Superload: Superload once gross weight tops 200,000 lb; that adds side/rear-view drawings, axle-spacing information, and a bridge and weight analysis. Height over 15'6" also triggers a proposed route survey form. Plan the lead time.
• Travel curfew: Kentucky runs 24/7, weekends included, unless the permit says otherwise. The main exception is the rush-hour ban 7-9 a.m. and 4-6 p.m. Monday through Friday in Boone, Kenton, Campbell, Jefferson, and Fayette counties. Superloads and mobile homes can be held to daylight.
• Permit fee: Single-trip permit fee is $60 (601 KAR 1:018), valid for one move up to 10 days. Annual/extended permits cost more but pencil out for repeat runs. Overweight adds a weight-based charge.

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