Tennessee Oversize Information
Permits
Oversize Permits are valid for 10 days. Driver must have the permit prior to entering the state.
Operating Time
24 hours, 7 days per week continuous movement with normal travel conditions authorized.
Restrictions
Movements will not be allowed on the interstate system of highways between the hours of 6:00 a.m. – 9:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m. from Monday through Friday in counties having a population exceeding 250,000. No travel on major holidays. Travel is also restricted to the day(s) prior to and after major holidays.
Legal Dimensions
The vehicle must have the following characteristics:
Width: 8’6″
Height: 13’6″
Length: Not to exceed 50′ from kingpin to end of the trailer.
Overhang: 5′ (total for front and rear)
Weight: 80,000 Gross; Single – 20,000; Tandem – 34,000; Tridem – 42,000 (8′ spacing)
Routine Oversize Permit Limits
Width: 16′
Height: 15′
Length: 120′
Weight: Single – 20,000; Tandem – 40,000; Tridem – 60,000; 5 axles – 100,000; 6 axles – 120,000; 7 axles 140,000
Escorts
Length: Over 85′ – 1 escort; Over 120′ – 2 escorts; Over 75′ to 85′ long requires rotating or strobe type amber light
Width:
On Interstate and 4-lane highways: -Over 12’6″ – 1 escort; Over 14′ – 2 escorts
On 2-lane highways: Over 10′ – 1 escort (unless over 24′ pavement width excluding shoulders); Over 14′ – 2 escorts
Height: Over 15′ (if approved) – 1 escort with height pole
Security Measures
“Oversize Load” signs are required on all loads over 10′ wide and/or 75′ in length. Loads over 75’ long require a rotating amber light or strobe type light on the end of the load. Red flags are required on all overwide loads (front and rear) at the top and bottom of each side where load is widest. Red flags (18″) square are required on the extremities when load extends beyond the sides more than 4″. Flags must be placed at the extreme rear end of over length loads or when there is over 4′ rear overhang.