Operating Hours, Restricted Travel, and Holiday Restrictions
Oversize loads are allowed to move during daylight hours from 1/2 hour before sunrise and 1/2 hour after sunset, all week and on holidays. Night movements are not allowed except under specific circumstances, like if the load is underweight.
For vehicles more than 14 feet wide, movement is restricted to Monday through Thursday between 8:30 am and 4:30 pm.
The Department of Transportation may temporarily restrict the movement of some or all oversize vehicles due to weather, road conditions, or construction.
If traveling on the turnpike, it is the freight driver’s responsibility to determine if a toll plaza has adequate space for safe entry and exit of the vehicle. Loads above 16 feet are rarely authorized on the Kansas Turnpike.
Signs, Flags, and Lights Requirements
Signs, safety markings, and warning lights may be required when moving heavy haul loads or superloads for the safety and security of others on the road.
Signs
For oversize loads, the front of the truck and rear of the trailer are both required to have “Oversize Load” signs anytime a permit is issued. Vehicles that are overweight but not oversize are still needed to hang “Oversize Load” signs. If an overhang exists, the item must also be flagged and marked with warning lights on the rear.
Sign dimensions should be a minimum of 7 feet wide and 18 inches high, with black letters no less than 10 inches in height on a yellow background to establish visibility.
Flags
Red or orange safety flags must be attached to every corner of the widest part of the shipment, including the rear of all over-length loads.
Lights
When traveling at night or in areas of reduced visibility, amber (forward and sides) or red (rear and rear overhangs) lights should be placed at the corners of the widest part of the shipment and extensions of the load. They should be visible for up to 500 feet.
Obtaining a permit
Kansas oversize permits are valid for seven days. Generally, you should obtain permits before entering the state, but you can also obtain them at Ports of Entry, where you’ll need proof of insurance in the vehicle.
Permits can be ordered at the K-TRIPS (Kansas Truck Routing and Intelligent Permitting System) website here:
https://www.k-trips.com/ or by inquiring at the Kansas Department of Transportation by calling (785) 296-7400.
