Oversize / Overweight Permits in Alaska

Alaska Oversize/Overweight Regulations

According to Alaska law, any load exceeding the following weight and size limits is considered an oversize/overweight load:

Legal Size Limit:

Width: 8′ 6″ (from the outside points of the widest extremities, excluding safety devices)
Height: 15′; 17′ on Elliott/Dalton corridor (from the roadbed to the highest point of the load or vehicle, whichever is higher)
Overall length: 75′ (from the foremost point of the vehicle or load, whichever extends further, to the rearmost point of the vehicle or load, whichever extends further)
Semi-trailer length: 53′ (from the foremost point of the vehicle or load, whichever extends further, to the rearmost point of the vehicle or load, whichever extends further)
Single unit length: 45′ (from the foremost point of the vehicle or load, whichever extends further, to the rearmost point of the vehicle or load, whichever extends further)
Front overhang: 3′
Rear overhang: 4′

Legal Weight Limit:

Maximum gross weight: 80,000 lb. (including the weight of the load)
Single axle: 20,000 lb.
Tandem axle: 38,000 lb.
Tridem axle: 42,000 lb.
Quadrum axle: 50,000 lb

Note: The tire tread width must be 9.25” or larger.

Alaska Single Trip Oversize/Overweight Permits

A general three-day single-trip permit is issued for non-divisible oversize and overweight loads exceeding the legal limits. It covers one movement from point A to point B during the running times specified in the permit. You may require a round-trip permit to be brought back to the original location. The cost varies depending on the type of permit, ranging from $25(oversize only) to $70 (both overweight and oversize).

More details:
https://dot.alaska.gov/mscve/assets/webdocs/permits_manual.pdf

Alaska Annual Oversize/Overweight Permits

This permit allows unrestricted movement for up to 365 days, allowing a particular vehicle and approved non-divisible load to repeatedly travel between two points on designated routes.

General requirements:

width: 10′ 6”
height: 15′
length: 75′
weight: up to 125% of the legal weight

The permit fee varies from $550 for oversize or overweight only permits to $1100 for both oversize and overweight ones.

More information:

https://dot.alaska.gov/mscve/assets/webdocs/permits_manual.pdf

Alaska Wide Load Requirements

All loads wider than 8′ 6″ require an oversized permit issued by the Alaska Department of Transportation.

Oversize Load Flag Requirements:

All extremities of oversized vehicles and loads must be marked with at least 16″ red or fluorescent orange square flags. Mount flags on an over-width load/vehicle: 4-6′ above the road, corners or sides at the widest point, and end of overhangs.

Oversize Load Banner Requirements:

All oversized vehicles must be equipped with “oversize load”, “wide load”, or “long load” banners(signs).

Oversize Load Sign Requirements:

At least 48” long with 10″ high letters (2″ brush stroke) on the yellow background.

Oversize Load Lighting Requirements:

You must use rotating/flashing amber lights, bright enough for 1000′ visibility in sunlight. They must be placed on the roof for 360-degree visibility.

Oversize Pilot Cars or Escort Vehicles Requirements:

Width:

10′ 6” – 12′: One car required
12′ – 14”: Two cars required
14′ – 18′: Three cars required
18′ – 22′: Four cars required
22′ and more rolling road closure: Five cars required

Length:

Over 85′: One car required
Over 100′: Two cars required
Over 150’: Three cars required

Overhangs:

10′ – 20′: One car required
Front over 20′: Two cars required
Rear over 35′: Two cars required

Overweight:

With special bridge conditions: Two car required

Height:

Over 17”: One car required

Note: There can be additional escort requirements based on the permit.

Alaska Wide Load Restrictions

All loads wider than 8′ 6″ are subject to the following restrictions:

Oversize Holiday Restrictions:

Oversized and overweight vehicles cannot travel during certain holidays (Memorial Day, 4th of July, Labor Day) except as permitted on the issued permit. If holidays fall on Sunday/Monday, no travel from the previous Friday noon to Monday midnight. If holidays fall on Friday/Saturday, no travel from Thursday noon to Sunday midnight.

Oversize Legal Travel Times Restrictions:

There are no specific time restrictions. However, they may appear on the permit.

Oversize Road and Bridge Restrictions:

Alaska adheres to the Federal Bridge Formula that provides specific bridge restrictions. As for the oversize road restrictions, they include but are not limited to the following:

driving through work zones that are under construction
neglecting warning signals when driving through work zones
not giving traffic priority to law enforcement, emergency vehicles, etc

Oversize Seasonal Weight Restrictions:

Frost Law is applied in many states and provinces of Canada. Specific restrictions may appear for Alaska oversize load permits, arising from the nature and type of the load.

From October 1 to April 15, regular weekend restrictions don’t apply to vehicles over 10′ 6″ width, front overhang over 10′, rear overhang over 4′, length over 85′, height over 17′, north/east of Fox Weigh Station on Steese, Elliott, Dalton Highways.

Southbound from north/east of Fox Weigh Station to the Fairbanks urban area is allowed.

Northbound from the Fairbanks urban area to north/east of Fox Weigh Station is allowed.

There is no cross-town movement for larger vehicles in the Fairbanks urban area.

Alaska Wide Load Limits

Alaska sticks to the Federal legal width limit of 8′ 6″. Everything wider requires a permit to be moved on public roads.

Maximum Load Limits Until a Trucking Permit Is Required:

8′ 6″ (from the outside points of the widest extremities, excluding safety devices)

Axle Weight Limits:

Legal axle weight limit:

Single axle: 20,000 lb.
Tandem axle: 38,000 lb.
Tridem axle: 42,000 lb.
Quadrum axle: 50,000 lb

Note: You should rely on the Federal Bridge Formula to determine the maximum legal weight.

The maximum permitted axle weight limit:

The maximum permitted axle weight varies depending on the permit type.

Single axle: 25,000 lb.
Tandem axle: 47,500 lb.
Tridem axle: 52,500 lb.
Quadrum axle: 62,500 lb.

For more information:

https://dot.alaska.gov/mscve/permits/forms/Weight_Restriction_Bulletin.pdf

Oversize Tire Regulations:

Tires must be in normal operating condition, properly inflated, and feature the minimum legal tread depth.

Note: Weight should not exceed 600 lbs per linear inch of tire width.

Studded tires or chains on paved roads are prohibited:

North of 60 North Latitude: May 1 – September 15
South of 60 North Latitude: April 15 – September 30, except for Sterling Highway: May 1 – September 15.

Emergency orders can modify rules due to unusual conditions.
Special traction permit available for studded tires or chains, with a fee of 1/3 of vehicle registration. Owner’s discretion.
Tires must have a tread depth of at least 2/30 inches in two adjacent grooves around the tire circumference at three intervals.

Alaska Trip Permits (IRP Permits)/Alaska Fuel Permits (IFTA Permits)

Commercial vehicles not under prorate agreements can operate in multiple jurisdictions but must pay full fees in Alaska. Dual registration is allowed. To apply for dual registration:

Provide current out-of-state registration
Submit title and registration application
Pay fees
Provide USDOT Number, Tax ID, axle count
Canadian vehicles must show heavy vehicle tax payment proof or exemption

A commercial vehicle trip permit for a one-time Alaska trip (up to 30 days) may appear to be cheaper.

Fees:

Trucks, vans, truck tractors, commercial buses: $350
Other commercial vehicles (including trailers): $10

Alaska Specialty Permits

The need for special permits may arise from your load’s nature, size, and weight.

Superload Permits:

Such permits are issued for vehicles or loads exceeding 150 feet in length, 18 feet in width, 18 feet in height, or weighing over 250,000 lbs.

If a super load needs a bridge analysis, it usually takes five working days to process after the permit request is made.

Amber Light Permits:

Vehicles escorting oversize loads shall be equipped with roof-mounted amber warning lights.

Loading Zone Permits:

A loading zone permit may be issued for using commercial loading zones by non-commercial delivery vehicles.

For more information about specialty permits:

https://dot.alaska.gov/mscve/assets/webdocs/permits_manual.pdf

Oversize/Overweight Load Fines in Alaska

Oversize and overweight fines in Alaska depend on the weight exceeding the maximum legal weight.

Progressive fine system:

1,001 – 2,000 lbs overweight: $100
2,001 – 4,000 lbs overweight: $0.07 per lb over
4,001 – 6,000 lbs overweight: $0.09 per lb over
6,001 – 10,000 lbs overweight: $0.12 per lb over
10,001 lbs or more overweight: $0.15 per lb over

Oversize/Overweight Permits Costs in Alaska

The cost of Alaska OSOW permits varies depending on the load type, nature, and excessive weight and size. It starts at about $25 for a single-trip permit and can reach over $1100 for an annual one.

You may also be charged an application fee for processing and handling your permit request.

Trucking Permit Service

Express Permits provides a full spectrum of trucking permit services, assisting motor carriers in obtaining the appropriate oversize and overweight permits, coordinating with authorities, and ensuring compliance with state regulations, saving valuable time, effort, and potential penalties. You can rely on us regardless of your load’s type, nature, and destination.