Georgia Oversize Load Permit Requirements

Defining Georgia’s Legal Dimensions

Before you apply for a permit, you should first check if your load is above the legal maximums in the state of Georgia. The standard maximums are as follows for the year 2026:

• Width: 8'6" (102 inches)
• Height: 13'6"
• Length: 75' (overall length, including overhang)
• Gross Vehicle Weight (GVW): 80,000 lbs on 5 axles.

Any load above the parameters is considered Oversize/Overweight, and a specific permit is needed prior to crossing state lines.

Georgia OS/OW Permit Tiers and Fees (2026)

Georgia has different classes of permits depending on the complexity of the load to be moved and the degree of required bridge analysis.

Note: All the permits issued by Georgia are valid for 10 days. The lead time required for the approval of the structure of the Superloads and Mega Loads ranges from 3 to 30 days.

Escort Vehicle and Pilot Car Requirements

Georgia's escort laws are based on both size and type of road (two-lane or multi-lane).

• Width: Over 12' to 14'8": 1 rear escort on Interstate roads; 2 escorts (Front/Rear) on two-lane roads.
• Over 14'8" to 16': 2 Escorts (Front/Rear) on most roads.
• Height: Any size over 15'6" requires a front escort with a high pole (height sensor).
• Length: 75' to 100': 1 Rear escort or certified amber light.
• Over 125': 2 Escorts (Front/Rear) are mandatory.

Technical Requirement: All escort personnel must be Georgia certified or have reciprocal certification through one of our recognized state programs.

Atlanta Curfew and Travel Restrictions

Georgia has strict travel windows, especially for the I-285 perimeter, also known as Atlanta.

• General Hours: Trucks can travel 30 minutes after sunrise to 30 minutes before sunset, Monday to Saturday.
• Sunday Travel: Not allowed for all permitted loads.
• Atlanta (I-285) Restrictions: Travel is restricted between the hours of 7:00 AM and 9:00 AM, and again between 4:00 PM and 6:00 PM, Monday through Friday.
• Continuous Travel: Loads with no dimensions, overweight only, up to 125,000 lbs, may travel continuously 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, in 2026 if safety lighting requirements are met.

Safety Equipment and Insurance Mandates

In order for the vehicle to have an OS/OW permit issued in the state of Georgia, the vehicle needs to have standardized safety markers:

• Signs: OVERSIZE LOAD signs (minimum size of 7' x 18") need to be mounted on the front and rear of the vehicle.
• Flags: The load should be flagged on all four corners and the widest points with 18-inch red or orange flags.
• Insurance: The motor carriers should carry at least $1 Million in Automobile Liability Insurance, with the Georgia Department of Public Safety as the certificate holder.

Compliance Checklist for Dispatchers

• Check I-285 Access: Make sure that you do not access I-285 if you have no confirmed pickup or delivery in the Atlanta perimeter.
• Verify Amber Light Permit: If you are using a flashing amber light instead of a rear escort, make sure that you have a valid Emergency Vehicle Light Permit decal on your tractor.
• Bridge Analysis: If you have loads over 180,000 lbs., you should submit your RIG configuration to GDOT at least three weeks in advance.
• Holiday Schedule: Be sure to check that your travel days do not coincide with any state holidays (e.g., New Year’s, Memorial Day, Labor Day), as permits are void during these times.