2022 Arizona State Shipping Laws, Regulations, Rules and Limitations for Oversize and Overweight Trucking on State Highways and Roads

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As per the state of Arizona please read the following:

“Arizona Department of Transportation, in cooperation with state representatives, industry, Department of Public Safety, and local law enforcement personnel, work in collaboration to update and amend oversize and overweight special permit rules containing special permit requirements, restrictions, and allowances for transporting oversize and overweight vehicles and loads on highways under the jurisdiction of the Department. That’s a council established in statute and makes up the Over-dimensional Permit Council.

These rules detail the eligibility, application, and use requirements for various permits the Department currently issues to commercial motor carriers for transporting vehicles or vehicles and load combinations exceeding the maximum size or weight limitations provided by statute.

Each special permit provided by the Department under these rules is authorized explicitly by statute.  The oversize and overweight special permits issued under these rules are that each permittee issued a particular class of permit is subject to the same activities, practices, requirements, and restrictions applicable to that permit type. The statutes additionally provide authority for issuance, conditions, restrictions, approvals, and fees.”

Do I Need a Trucking Permit? Legal Load Limits in Arizona

Arizona maximum load limits until trucking permits are required:

• Length: Anything over 65 feet in length overall requires a permit on non-designated highways.
• Overhang: 3 feet in the front and 6 feet off of the rear of the trailer maximum (make sure your route is approved for overhang as there are location variations).
• Weight: 80,000 pounds overall (GVW), 12,000 pounds on the steer axle.
• Width: 8 feet and 6 inches wide maximum.
• Height: 14 feet maximum on interstates and 13 feet and 6 inches in height on secondary roads.

Routine Heavy Haul and Oversize Trucking Permits in Arizona

These maximum dimensions/weights are considered routine oversize or heavy-haul trucking permits in Arizona:

• Length: 120 feet maximum or proceed to super load section.
• Weight:  250,000 pounds maximum (Class C if over or see superloads). The single axle is 28,000 pounds maximum. All tandem, tridem, trunnion, and quadem axle configurations depend on axle spacings and tire sizes. Gross weight maximums: 5 axles is 104,000 pounds, 6 axles is 108,000 pounds, 7 axles is 117,000 pounds. The permissible maximum weights depend on the number of tires combined with the overall distance between each of the axles. Spacings on axles are a little bit tricky in this state. The Arizona DOT permits office will consider a number of factors but it’s primarily about the bridges which could require a route survey if extreme weights are involved. If weights are excessive and trailer capabilities are even close to short of maxing out, forget it! Pavement, structural, and stress testing results will govern your overall permissible capabilities.
• Width: 14 feet wide maximum or file under super load.
• Height: 16 tall maximum or file under super load.
• Overhang:  3 feet of front or 6 feet off of the rear or any configuration that is in excess of 75 feet. They could require you to use a stretch trailer before allowing you to proceed under super load provisions.

NOTES: These above routinely permitted shipments will need to be filed as class “A” permits. Class A permits are anything under 120 feet in length, 14 feet in width, 16 feet in height, or under 250,000 pounds overall. Maximum speed is set at 55 mph for all oversize/overweight shipments.

Super Load Information for Arizona

Arizona state DOT will classify your shipment as a super load if you are in excess of any of the following:

If a shipment exceeds any of the following it is classified as a superload and will require a class C permit. Class C permits are “super load permits”. If any shipment is in excess of:

• Length: 120 feet
• Width: 14 feet
• Height: 16 feet
• Weight: 250,000 pounds

NOTES: For mobile home shipments and more class C permit information expand the file just below.

Applications for class C permits should ideally be submitted via the ADOT ePRO System.  They have other options, but we strongly suggest you use the method they prefer. While it’s not a 100% guarantee, you can usually get a Class C permit in 48 hours (excluding evenings, weekends, and state holidays). Once approved, you will see pending/approved/refused when you log in. The fee is $30 for class C shipments no greater than 18 feet in height and/or width and 80,000 pounds. Shipments that are over 80,000 pounds are $90. Shipments over 18 feet in height and width but not over 80,000 pounds are $40. For shipments greater than 18 feet in height and width and/or 80,000 pounds is $100.  Typical class C permits are only valid for 4 days unless otherwise specified. To obtain a class C permit extension beyond the 4-day working allowance, you must either have inclement weather or equipment breakdown issues.

ADOT ePRO payment screen if requesting 3 a.m. or weekend movement for loads up to 16 feet wide and 16 feet high. The entire route must be designated for night movement, weekend movement, or both or it will be denied.

For mobile home shipments:

• 16 feet wide
• 16 feet high
• 120 feet in overall length (vehicle and load combination length)
• 80,000 pounds combined gross vehicle weight rating
• Within statutory axle group weight limits

ADOT ePRO. “Easy” Class C Mobile Home Permits are only valid on ADOT roadways. Transporters must check with local jurisdictions for permission to travel on roadways that are not under ADOT jurisdiction.

Lights, Safety Flags, and Warning Signs for Heavy Haul and Oversize Loads in Arizona

Required safety markings, safety flags, and warning lights for heavy haul and oversize loads in Arizona:

If the shipment is over 102″ in width, it must be flagged on the 4 outermost corners of the combined shipment. Flags must be red and be not less than 12″ in either direction. In addition, proper “OVERSIZE LOAD” or “WIDE LOAD” banners/signs must be displayed on both the uppermost front of the the overall shipment (front of the truck) no less than 5′ from the pavement line. Banner/sign must be no less than 6′ in length and 12′ in height with reasonable size letting thickness and height. If you seek or award night movement, reflective or, illuminated banners/signs are required.

When Pilot Cars or Escort Vehicles Are Required

Heavy-haul or oversize loads may be required to be accompanied by an escort vehicle or pilot car if:

• Length: On 2 Lanes over 120’ requires 1 pilot car in front of the truck and 1 rear of the truck.
• Width: On 2 lanes over 14’ requires 1 pilot car or escort vehicle in front of the truck and 1 the rear of the truck. On Interstates over 15’ wide you are required to have 1 pilot car in front of the truck.
• Height: Over 17 feet requires 1 pilot car equipped with a height pole in front of the truck.
• On Interstates: Over 120’ requires 1 pilot car in front of the truck.

Pilot Cars/Escort Vehicle Certifications and Requirements

Pilot car or escort vehicle mandatory operator certifications and vehicle requirements:

All pilot car/escort vehicles must have a manufacturer’s gross weight rating not to exceed over 20,000 pounds to qualify. All pilot cars/escort vehicles must display a bumper or roof-mounted “OVERSIZE LOAD” sign visible from both the front and rear of the vehicle.  The sign must be at least 6 feet long and 12 inches in height, yellow with black letters no less than 5 inches tall and 1 inch in width. The vehicle must have 4 safety flags displayed in red or orange and be a minimum of 12 inches in length square and/or height mounted at a 40 to 70-degree angle on all 4 corners of the vehicle.  The vehicle must be equipped with a  CB radio or 2-way communication device, 8 ignitable road flares, and a first-aid kit.

Legal Travel Times for Oversize and Heavy Haul Loads in Arizona

Travel times and restrictions for heavy-haul and oversize loads:

The one-half hour before sunrise to one-half hour after sunset rule applies.  Travel on weekends and holidays is permitted. Night-time travel applies to any shipment that does not exceed 120 feet in length or 16 feet wide or 16 feet tall, or less than 250,000 pounds. If you are empty but overweight, you’ll be allowed to travel continuously. If overweight only, you will probably be allowed continuous travel. Under 10 feet of overhang, 10 feet in width or 14 feet in height, will likely be granted continuous travel. Some loads will NOT be granted travel on weekends. Always refer to the documentation on your permit to verify travel times.

Arizona Dot Office and Permit Contact Information:

Arizona DOT contact information and notes:

Arizona Motor Vehicle Division (ADOT)
1225 N 25th Avenue
Phoenix, AZ 85009

Telephone: 602-771-2960
Office hours: 8 AM until 5 PM Monday – Friday.
Arizona observes Mountain Time.
Website: Arizona DOT permits.

NOTE: For class C permits: 602-712-8176 or 8280. All laws, regulations, rules, and limitations are now set forth in Arizona transportation-permit laws.

Heavy Haul and Oversize Trucking Permit Limitations in Arizona

The maximum weight on a single axle is 28,000 pounds. On tandem axles or tridem and for axles, it depends entirely upon the axle spacings and tire sizes. Trunnion: 60,000 pounds. The gross raid on five axles is 104,000 pounds; on six axles, 108,000 pounds, and on seven, 117,000 pounds, depending on the number of tires, the distance between the axles, and the tire size itself. Be sure to check with the state for any additional requirements or questions you may have. Pavement stress and bridge capacities will be the determining factor for the maximum permitted weights. For Arizona class A permits, you must be less than the following: up to 14 feet wide, 16 feet high, 120 feet in length, or 250,000 pounds. A truck operating under a class A permit will be allowed weekend travel from 3 AM until 12 noon on Saturday and Sunday or non-holiday weekends, only on specific highways and with an applicable escort. The state determines a height pole on escort vehicles or pilot cars. If the shipment exceeds any of these dimensions or weights, refer to the superload section above. A superload is also classified as a class C shipment in Arizona. A shipment is classified as a class C shipment and needs a class C permit issued if it is over 14 feet wide, 120 feet long, 16 feet high and/or over 250,000 pounds. Arizona’s maximum speed for any heavy haul or oversize shipment is 55 mph. Any specialized equipment that’s not loaded is automatically granted continuous travel unless otherwise specified.

Heavy Haul in Oversize Load Truck Signs and Flags That Are Required in Arizona

All oversize, long-load, or wide load signs should be a minimum of 6 feet wide and 1 foot tall. They shall be mounted on the forward of the tractor-trailer and rearmost part of the load or the vehicle in which the shipment is loaded in a manner visible to motorists. This sign should have a yellow background with black letters, and if you wish to move during daylight hours, the background must be reflective or illuminated so it’s visible. All over-width vehicles wider than 8’6″ or transporting a load exceeding 9 feet in width must display oversize load signs. All shipments and vehicles must be flagged with red flags that are a minimum of 12 inches square or larger on all extremities. All loads or vehicles with an overhang in the front or the rear must be flagged and/or lighted.

Pilot Car or Escort Requirements for Heavy Haul and Oversize Loads

All pilot cars or escort vehicles must be passenger cars or a two-axle trucks not exceeding 20,000 pounds in total weight. All escort vehicles and pilot cars shall display red flags a minimum of 12 inches square on all corners of the vehicle and be fitted with an oversized load sign facing the appropriate direction. This sign must be a minimum of 5 feet above the ground and mounted securely to the vehicle. Signs must be a minimum of 5 feet 1 inch tall with 1-inch thick black letters on a yellow background. Warning lights are required. Each pilot car or escort vehicle needs to be equipped with a two-way radio capable of transmitting and receiving over a minimum distance of 1 mile and must be compatible with all other vehicles involved in the shipment. In addition, each pilot car or escort vehicle must have a minimum of eight flares, one first-aid kit, red flags, and any other equipment specified by AASHTO standards. A minimum distance of 1000 feet shall be maintained between the escort vehicle and the shipment except where visual contact is unavailable. The distance needs to be between 100 and 250 feet maximum in urban areas. Arizona state pilot car and escort vehicle certification certificate must be carried by all pilot car and escort vehicle operators. If the operator has a certification in another state, as long as the certification is CVSA (Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance) recognized, Arizona will recognize it.

Travel Time in Arizona

NOTE: Arizona Does Not Recognize Daylight Savings Time

Daylight hours are one-half hour before sunrise to one-half hour after sunset. Night travel may be allowed for vehicles that do not exceed 16 feet wide, 16 feet high, 120 feet long, or less than 250,000 pounds. Refer to your permit. A load within these limits shall have escort vehicles if 11 feet wide to 14 feet wide; 1 rear pilot car or escort vehicle is required or if 14’1″ to 16 feet wide, you will need a front and rear pilot car and escort vehicle. If the shipment is more than 15 feet in height, you may be required to have a pilot car with a height pole.

Weekend Travel

If the shipment is not greater than 16 feet wide, 16 feet high, 120 feet long, or 250,000 pounds, it may be allowed to travel on specified routes from 3 AM until 12 noon on weekends.

Night Movement

For shipments that do not exceed any of the following dimensions: 16 feet wide, 16 feet high, 120 feet long, and/or 250,000 pounds, night moves should be permitted and noted (if allowed on your route) under restrictions on your permit.

Heavy Haul Only

Shipments that are not over 10 feet wide or not over 14 feet tall with less than 10 feet of overhang may be granted continuous travel with a permit. However, no travel may be allowed on Saturdays or Sundays. In addition, be advised that no movement will be allowed during snow or icy conditions or any severe weather conditions that might be hazardous to the motorists or detrimental to the roads and highways.

Travel time is prohibited on the following holidays:

• New Year’s Day
• Memorial Day
• Independence Day
• Labor Day
• Thanksgiving day
• Christmas day

If the proceeding holidays fall on a Monday, the shipment shall stop before noon the Friday preceding the national holiday. The state permit office will be closed on these holidays:

•  Lincoln’s birthday
• Washington’s Birthday
• Columbus Day
• Veterans Day

Travel will not be restricted on these four days; however, there is a curfew. Therefore, permitted vehicles are prohibited from I-17, I-10, and SR 360 within city limits of greater Phoenix and I-10 and I-19 within city limits of the greater Tucson area from 7 to 9 AM and 4 to 6 PM.

Weather Restrictions for Heavy Haul and Oversize Loads in Arizona

Whenever driver visibility is restricted, you may not travel, especially when visibility is less than 500 feet. That can be due to snow, heavy rain, followed, or dust. In addition, road surface condition reduces normal traction, and under conditions of flooding, ice or snow, you may not travel. That also applies to high winds or conditions that may suggest motorists or a road injury.

The information contained in these pages is research information primarily for use by oversize and overweight trucking company drivers, dispatchers, and pilot car companies. While every effort is put into maintaining the accuracy of this information, you must verify this information with the Arizona State DOT Permits office before commencing movement.

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