6 Frequently Asked Questions About Oversize Permits in Kansas

“Toto, I’ve a feeling we’re not in Kansas anymore.” In 1939, Judy Garland uttered this line, which has become one of the most famous lines in cinematic history. But what happens when you are in Kansas, and you’re driving an oversized load? If you find yourself driving through Tornado Alley and need assistance with obtaining…

The post 6 Frequently Asked Questions About Oversize Permits in Kansas appeared first on The Permit Company.

“Toto, I’ve a feeling we’re not in Kansas anymore.” In 1939, Judy Garland uttered this line, which has become one of the most famous lines in cinematic history. But what happens when you are in Kansas, and you’re driving an oversized load? If you find yourself driving through Tornado Alley and need assistance with obtaining an oversize permit in Kansas, The Permit Company is here to help.

 

The Permit Company takes the hassle out of obtaining oversize and overweight truck permits by working directly with state and local agencies on your behalf. Below is everything you need to know about moving oversized loads through the state of Kansas and how to obtain a permit.

 

1. How long are oversize permits valid for in Kansas?

Single-trip permits are good for one trip (seven travel days).

 

2. What are the legal dimensions for loads in Kansas?

The legal limits in Kansas are as follows:

  • Gross weight: 80,000 lbs. on designated interstate highways and 85,500 on all other roads*
  • Width: 8’6” on all roads
  • Height: 14’ on all roads
  • Length: 45’ for single units and buses on all roads; 59’6” for semi-trailers on all roads; 28’6” for twins and doubles on all roads; 75’ for autotransporters on all roads; 125’ for Rocky Mountain doubles, turnpike doubles and triples on all roads; 75’ for saddle mounts with a maximum of three units on all roads

*Bridge Formula applies.

 

Rocky Mountain doubles, turnpike doubles and triples are allowed on turnpikes of up to 125’ long.

 

The weight on any group of axles is limited by the Bridge Formula. Tandem axles with centers
less than 40” apart are counted as one axle.

 

3. What are the permit limits for loads in Kansas?

The routine-issue permit limits in Kansas are as follows:

  • Weight:
    • Single: 22,000
    • Tandem: 45,000
    • Tridem: 60,000
    • Quad: 65,000
  • Gross Weight*:
    • 5 axles: 95,000
    • 6 axles: 110,000
    • 7 axles: 150,000
    • 8 axles: 150,000
  • Length: 126′
  • Width: 16’6″
  • Height: Based on clearances; loads more than 17’ high must notify utility company

If the load exceeds any of these dimensions or weights, refer to the section on superloads. The maximum weight that the state allows you to register on your IRP cab card is 85,500 lbs.

 

Contact your IRP base state to increase your weight or to increase the weight on the permit weight space. The increase is valid for 72 hours.

 

4. Is continuous travel allowed for oversize permits in Kansas?

Continuous travel is allowed one half hour before sunrise to one half hour after sunset, seven days a week, 365 days a year. There are no movement restrictions on holidays.

 

There are no state restrictions for loads that are only overweight, but the Federal Bridge Formula applies.

 

5. When are escorts needed in Kansas?

On highways of less than four lanes:

  • One front and one rear escort (two in total) are needed for widths more than 14’. The rear escort may be eliminated if a warning light is attached to the top of the towing vehicle and to the rear of each load, and is mounted 2’–8’ above the surface of the road.

On all highways:

  • One front and one rear escort (two in total) are needed for mobile homes more than 12’6” wide. On four-lane highways, the mobile home needs an 8” amber flashing light attached to the top of the power unit and another to the top rear of the mobile home being towed.

  • One front and one rear escort (two in total) are needed for superloads with widths more than 16’6” or heights more than 18’. Qualifying superload vehicles include, but are not limited to, houses, barns, sheds, granaries and storage tanks.

  • One front and one rear escort (two in total) are needed for widths more than 14’ on the KS Turnpike.

Pilot car certifications are not required in Kansas.

 

6. What is a superload in Kansas?

Anything that exceeds the following requires a bridge analysis: 18’ high, 16’6” wide, 126’ long or 150,000 lbs. Call 785-271-3231 to schedule your analysis.

 

Applications for superloads must be submitted at least 10 days prior to the desired date of movement.

 

If you need help with getting an oversize permit in Kansas or have a question about permits in any other states, give us a call at (800) 359-9407 or send us an email.

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