Arkansas Oversize and Overweight Permitting Requirements

In Arkansas, you must obtain an oversize permit if your vehicle or load exceeds the legal dimensional limits of 8 feet 6 inches in width, 13 feet 6 inches in height, or 80,000 pounds gross vehicle weight. The Arkansas Department of Transportation (ARDOT) enforces these regulations to protect infrastructure and ensure safety on state highways. Single unit vehicles are limited to 40 feet in length, while semi-trailer combinations are restricted to 53 feet for the trailer itself unless otherwise permitted. Operating without a required permit results in immediate citations and the grounding of the vehicle until a permit is secured and the load is deemed safe for transit. Carriers often use DispatchTool to manage these requirements by integrating state-specific permit documentation directly into their load dispatch workflow, ensuring drivers have digital access to required routing instructions before crossing state lines. Create a DispatchTool account to centralize your Arkansas permit records and fleet compliance documents in one secure dashboard.

Legal Width and Height Limits

The maximum legal width for any vehicle or load on Arkansas highways is 8 feet 6 inches. Anything exceeding this measurement requires a permit. For height, the statutory limit is 13 feet 6 inches. If your load exceeds this height, you must conduct a route survey to ensure clearance under bridges and utility lines, particularly on older sections of Interstate 40 or U.S. Route 63. Mobile homes have specific allowances but still require permitting when exceeding these base dimensions. ARDOT charges a $17.00 fee for a single-trip oversize permit that does not involve overweight categories.

Standard Length Restrictions

Length requirements in Arkansas vary by vehicle configuration. A single motor vehicle is limited to 40 feet. For a truck-tractor and semi-trailer combination, there is no overall length limit on the National Network, but the trailer cannot exceed 53 feet. If the trailer and load exceed 53 feet, or if a specialized combination exceeds 65 feet on non-designated highways, an oversize permit is mandatory. Overhang is also restricted; any load extending more than 3 feet beyond the front or 4 feet beyond the rear of the vehicle must be marked with red flags during the day and red lights at night.

Weight Limits and Federal Bridge Formula

The maximum legal gross vehicle weight (GVW) in Arkansas is 80,000 pounds. Individual axle limits are set at 20,000 pounds for a single axle and 34,000 pounds for a tandem axle. Arkansas follows the Federal Bridge Formula to determine allowable weights based on the spacing between axles. If your load exceeds 80,000 pounds or any individual axle limit, you must apply for an overweight permit. Fees for overweight permits scale based on the total weight, starting at approximately $21.00 for loads up to 88,000 pounds and increasing significantly as weight climbs toward the 180,000-pound maximum for routine permits.

Escort Vehicle and Pilot Car Requirements

Arkansas requires escort vehicles (pilot cars) when loads reach specific thresholds to ensure the safety of other motorists. For width, one escort is required if the load is between 12 feet and 14 feet wide on two-lane highways. If the width exceeds 14 feet, two escorts—one front and one rear—are mandatory on all highways. For height, any load exceeding 15 feet requires a front escort equipped with a height pole. Lengthy loads exceeding 100 feet also trigger the requirement for a rear escort. Escort drivers must be properly certified and the vehicle must be equipped with amber flashing lights and 'Oversize Load' signs.

Permit Fees and Application Process

ARDOT manages permits through the Highway and Transportation Department’s Permit Office. A basic single-trip oversize permit costs $17.00. Overweight permits are calculated based on weight: $21.00 for up to 88,000 lbs, $31.00 for up to 108,000 lbs, and increasing by $10.00 for every additional 20,000 lbs. Permits are typically valid for three to five days for a single trip. Carriers can also apply for annual permits for specific dimensions, such as an annual 12-foot wide permit which costs $100.00, allowing for multiple movements within the calendar year without individual filings.

Operating Hours and Holiday Restrictions

Movement of oversize loads in Arkansas is generally restricted to daylight hours, defined as 30 minutes before sunrise to 30 minutes after sunset. Movement is prohibited on major holidays, including New Year’s Day, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving, and Christmas. If a load is only overweight but not oversize (within legal dimensions), it may be allowed to travel 24/7. However, any load exceeding 10 feet in width is strictly prohibited from traveling during periods of heavy rain, snow, or ice, or when visibility is less than 500 feet.

Restricted Routes and Bridge Limitations

Arkansas has several mountainous regions and aging infrastructure that limit oversize travel. The ARDOT Permit Map identifies specific bridges with weight ratings below the standard 80,000-pound limit. For example, several bridges on secondary state highways are posted for lower tonnages, requiring detours for heavy haulers. Carriers must verify their route against the 'Arkansas Restricted Route Map' before movement. Failure to follow the specific route listed on the permit renders the permit void and can lead to fines exceeding $1,000 per violation depending on the severity of the infraction.

Sources

Arkansas Department of Transportation (ARDOT) Permit Rules (2024) — https://www.ardot.gov/divisions/highway-police/permits/ Arkansas Code Title 27, Chapter 35 (2020) — https://law.justia.com/codes/arkansas/2020/title-27/subtitle-2/chapter-35/ Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) Bridge Formula (2023) — https://ops.fhwa.dot.gov/freight/publications/brdg_frm_wgt/

Frequently asked

What is the maximum width allowed without a permit in Arkansas?

The maximum legal width is 8 feet 6 inches. Any load wider than 8'6" requires an Arkansas oversize permit and must be marked with 18-inch square red or orange flags at the widest points.

Do I need a permit for a 14-foot high load in Arkansas?

Yes, because the legal height limit is 13 feet 6 inches. A 14-foot load requires a permit, and the carrier is responsible for ensuring the load will clear all overhead obstacles on the assigned route.

Are there weekend travel restrictions for oversize loads?

Yes, loads exceeding 10 feet 6 inches in width or 100 feet in length are generally prohibited from traveling on Saturday afternoons (after 12:00 PM) and all day Sunday in Arkansas.

How much does a basic overweight permit cost?

For a gross weight between 80,001 and 88,000 pounds, the permit fee is $21.00 for a single trip. The price increases as the weight increases, reaching $61.00 for loads up to 152,000 pounds.

Is a pilot car required for a 12-foot wide load?

On two-lane highways in Arkansas, a 12-foot wide load requires one front escort vehicle. On multi-lane divided highways, an escort is typically not required until the width exceeds 14 feet.