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South Carolina Oversize and Overweight Permits

Legal load size and weight limits in South Carolina:

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  • Length: 60 feet

  • Width: 8' 6"

  • Height: 13' 6"

  • Weight: 80,000 lbs GVW

  • Overhang: 3' in the front and 6' in the rear

When Are Pilot Cars or Escort Vehicles Required in South Carolina?

A pilot car (escort vehicle) is required in South Carolina under the following conditions:

  • Length: Length regulations can vary. Contact the South Carolina DOT for specific requirements regarding your shipment. Feel free to share any additional insights below for others.

  • Width:

    • 12' to 14' wide: Requires 1 front pilot car (escort vehicle) on 2-lane roads.

    • 14' to 16' wide: Requires 1 front and 1 rear pilot car (escort vehicle) on all roads in the state.

    • Over 16' wide: Requires 3 pilot cars (escort vehicles)—1 front, 1 rear, and 1 police escort in the rear.

  • Height: Requirements depend on your route. If your load exceeds 13' 7", you may need a pilot car (escort vehicle) with a height pole for the entire trip. Share your experiences below to help others.

  • Weight: If your load meets weight restrictions and maintains minimum speed requirements, the South Carolina DOT may not require a pilot car (escort vehicle).

  • Overhang: If your trailer is 48' or 53' with less than 15' of overhang, flagging or amber lighting may suffice instead of a rear pilot car (escort vehicle). However, if the overhang exceeds 15', you will be required to have a rear pilot car (escort vehicle).

How Much Do Trucking Permits Cost in South Carolina?

  • Single Trip Permit: $30

  • Overwidth Permit (over 16 feet): $35

  • Overwidth Permit (over 18 feet): $40

  • Overwidth Permit (over 20 feet): $45

  • Overwidth Permit (over 22 feet): $50

  • Annual Multiple-Trip Permit: $100

  • Annual House Moving Permit: $100

  • Superload Permit (over 130,000 pounds): $100

  • Superload Permit (over 200,000 pounds): $200

  • Superload Permit (over 300,000 pounds): $350

  • Superload Impact Permit (for loads over 130,000 pounds): $3 per 1,000 pounds

  • Non-Refundable Superload Application Fee: $100

  • Road Machinery Permit Administration Fee: $10

  • Prorated Active Annual Permit Administration Fee: $10

South Carolina Oversize and Overweight Permit Limits

Here are the maximum weight and dimension limits for loads in South Carolina, even with a permit:

Maximum Weight Limits:

  • Single Axle Weight Permits: 20,000 pounds

  • Tandem Axle Weight Permits: 40,000 pounds

  • Tridem Axle Weight Permits: 50,000 pounds

  • Quadem Axle Weight Permits: 70,000 pounds

  • Five Axle Weight Permits: 90,000 pounds

  • Six Axle Weight Permits: 110,000 pounds

  • Seven Axle Weight Permits: 130,000 pounds

Maximum Dimensions:

  • Maximum Length With Permit: 125 feet

  • Maximum Overhang With Permit: 3 feet in the front, 15 feet in the rear

  • Maximum Width With Permit: 16 feet

  • Maximum Height With Permit: 16 feet

Learn More About Super Load Permits in South Carolina 

Here is the information available regarding superloads in South Carolina:

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  • Length: You have some flexibility as long as you avoid historic areas. However, the route must account for traffic density and population concerns.

  • Width: Similar to length, width can be adjusted depending on traffic density and population, but keep these factors in mind when planning.

  • Height: Height is a major concern with the South Carolina DOT. If your load exceeds 16 feet in height, you must have a pilot car escort. For shipments over 16 feet in height, a full route survey will be required. The DOT won’t allow travel on routes where the clearance is less than 6 inches above the load height. For loads 18 feet in height, the minimum clearance on your proposed route must be 18 feet 6 inches, or you will face delays in obtaining your permit.

  • Weight: Weight is a significant issue, particularly when crossing bridges. If your load exceeds 130,000 pounds in gross weight, expect to undergo bridge studies and face potential delays. It's recommended to review alternate routing options.

  • Overhang: While not a common issue, overhangs over 15 feet will pose problems. Exceeding 1/3 of the total shipment length for overhang is highly discouraged due to safety concerns. The South Carolina DOT will not approve such loads, recognizing the associated dangers.

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