Operating Hours, Restricted Travel, and Holiday Restrictions
The state of Washington places regulations on travel for the movement of overlength, overwide, and overweight loads. You should only transport any oversized load between 30 minutes before and 30 minutes after sunset. This includes all travel on weekdays and weekends.
For large loads, all travel is suspended on major holidays, including New Year’s Day, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving Day, and Christmas Day. In addition, if the holiday falls on a Saturday or Sunday, travel will also be restricted Friday and Monday. According to the Washington Department of Transportation, when registering for permits, keep in mind that they must be used within three days of the issue date.
Signs, Flags, and Lights Requirements
Large loads often require extra equipment which may include signs, flags, and lights which help to increase the visibility of the vehicle.
Signs
Large shipments may require the standard “oversize load” signs at the front and rear of the vehicle. These signs should be made of large, black lettering with a bright yellow background. Contact the Washington State Department of Transportation with any questions about required signage.
Flags
For most lengthy and wide loads, red or orange flags be placed on each corner of the shipment.
Lights
If traveling overnight or in low visibility conditions, an amber-colored rotating light is required.
Obtaining a permit
For more information about obtaining travel permits, call the Washington Department of Transportation at 360-704-6340 or contact by fax at 360-704-6350 between the hours of 7:00 am and 5:00 pm.
You may also submit permit requests on the Washington Department of Transportation website at
https://wsdot.wa.gov/commercial-vehicle/permits/home.
