Operating Hours, Restricted Travel, and Holiday Restrictions
Operating time is from sunrise to sunset, Monday through Friday.
The following are restrictions for weekend movement: on Interstate and divided routes, weekend running is permitted if dimensions don’t exceed 14 feet and 6 inches in height, 14 feet in width, and 95 feet in length of 15 feet total overhang. In addition, on U.S. and select West Virginia routes, weekend running is allowed when the load does not exceed 14 feet high, 12 feet wide, 75 feet long, and 10 feet total overhang. On all other routes, weekend running is allowed when the load does not exceed 13 feet and 6 inches high, 12 feet wide, 75 feet long, and 10 feet total overhang.
If the load is overweight only (not oversize) and does not exceed 110,000 lbs. GVW, it is allowed 24/7 movement. Vehicles that exceed 110,000 lbs. GVW can only travel from sunrise to sunset, Monday through Friday.
Over-dimensional travel is usually not allowed on major holidays and holiday weekends.
On the West Virginia Parkway, no night running or overnight parking is allowed. The cutoff time for entry depends on the time of year. Vehicles over 14 feet wide are restricted to Monday through Thursday movement with no Friday movement allowed, while most of the other over-dimensional rules are the same as on the Interstates in West Virginia.
Signs, Flags, and Lights Requirements
Signs, flags, and lights are often required when traveling with oversize freights or superloads as safety precautions for other drives and vehicles on the road.
Signs
All oversize loads must display an “Oversize Load” sign on both the front and rear of the vehicle.
Dimensions of the sign must be yellow and 5 feet in length by 12 inches in height. The sign must have black letters 10 inches high with a 1 1/2 inch wide brush stroke. It is required in the front and rear. The sign should be bumper or roof-mounted.
There are no sign requirements for overweight only loads.
Flags
One red safety flag needs to be displayed on each side of the front bumper of the power unit, and one on each top corner of the load. Additionally, overhang exceeding 4 feet needs a flag or flashing amber light attached to the end.
There are no flag requirements for overweight only loads.
Lights
Overhang over 4 feet needs a flag or flashing amber light. The light should be a rotating or strobe amber yellow plastic, acrylic, or glass-covered flashing light that is visible from at least 500 feet and has a horizontal placement, which is visible from all directions 360 degrees.
Obtaining a permit
West Virginia oversize permits are valid for five calendar days. You must have a permit prior to entering the state.
Permits must be applied for through either the permit website at www.wv.gotpermits.com (for trips entirely within the state of West Virginia) or www.gotpermits.com (for multi-state permits). There is an additional convenience fee for multi-state permits but not for WV-only trips.
You must enter your truck specifications and desired routes. If the application passes the size and weight analysis, the permit may be issued immediately. If the application does not pass, or if all desired routes are not available to select, the application must be submitted for Permit Office review.
The West Virginia Department of Transportation also takes walk-ins for permit applications.
