Oversize/Overweight Load Permit
An Oversize/Overweight Load Permit authorizes the movement of oversized or overweight vehicles and loads on Benton County roads when the vehicle or load exceeds the legal size or weight limits established by Washington State law.
Oversize and overweight permits help protect public safety while minimizing damage to County roads, bridges, culverts, and other public infrastructure.
This permit applies only to Benton County roads. If your route includes Washington State highways or roads maintained by another agency, you are responsible for obtaining any additional permits required by those jurisdictions before beginning your move.
There is no fee for a Benton County Oversize/Overweight Load Permit.
When is a Permit Required?
An Oversize/Overweight Load Permit is generally required whenever a vehicle or load exceeds the legal size or weight limits established under Chapter 46.44 RCW.
Common examples include:
- Construction equipment.
- Heavy machinery.
- Factory assembled structures (manufactured homes).
- Modular buildings.
- Agricultural equipment.
- Industrial equipment.
- Large tanks or vessels.
- Structural steel or concrete members.
- Other oversized or overweight loads.
Typical legal limits include:
| Dimension | General Legal Limit* |
| Width | 8 feet 6 inches |
| Height | 14 feet |
| Trailer Length | 53 feet |
| Gross Vehicle Weight | 80,000 pounds |
*Additional legal limits, exceptions, and permit requirements may apply under Washington State law.
Types of Permits
Single Trip Permit
Authorizes one specific movement over an approved route on the dates identified in the permit.
Annual Permit
Authorizes repeated movements of qualifying loads over approved Benton County roads during the permit period, subject to the conditions of the permit.
Before You Apply
Oversize/Overweight Load Permit applications are available only through Benton County's Citizen Self Service (CSS) Portal.
Applications must be submitted at least two (2) working days before the requested move date.
Before beginning your application, gather the information needed to describe:
- The load being transported.
- Vehicle dimensions and weight.
- Origin and destination.
- Proposed travel route.
- Expected move date.
- Whether you are requesting a Single Trip or Annual Permit.
Having this information available before starting the application will help avoid delays during the review process.
Required Documents
Route Map
Applicants must upload a map showing the proposed travel route on Benton County roads.
The route map should clearly identify:
- Origin.
- Destination.
- County roads to be used.
- Direction of travel.
Traffic Control Plan (If Required)
A Traffic Control Plan (TCP) may be required when the move:
- Occupies more than one lane of traffic.
- Requires temporary traffic control.
- Impacts normal traffic operations.
- Requires temporary road closures.
- Requires pilot vehicles or other traffic control measures as determined during review.
If required, Public Works will notify the applicant during the permit review process.
Application Completeness
Benton County Public Works will not review incomplete applications.
A complete application includes:
- Completed permit application.
- Route map.
- Vehicle and load information.
- Proposed route.
- Requested move date.
Public Works may request additional information if necessary to complete the review.
Review Process
Once a complete application has been received:
- Public Works reviews the proposed route and evaluates roadway conditions, bridge and culvert limitations, overhead clearances, traffic impacts, and any other factors that could affect the safe movement of the load.
- Additional permit conditions may be added to protect public safety and County infrastructure. These conditions may include approved travel routes, travel time restrictions, escort vehicle requirements, traffic control requirements, seasonal restrictions, or other special conditions.
- If necessary, Public Works may require modifications to the proposed route or request additional supporting information before the permit can be approved.
- Once the review is complete, the permit will be issued through the CSS Portal.
Do not begin transporting an oversized or overweight load until the permit has been approved and issued.
Permit Conditions
Permit holders are responsible for complying with all conditions listed on the issued permit.
Depending on the size and type of load, permit conditions may include:
- Approved travel routes.
- Travel date and time restrictions.
- Escort vehicle requirements.
- Traffic control requirements.
- Seasonal roadway restrictions.
- Weather-related restrictions.
- Bridge or roadway limitations.
By accepting the permit, the permit holder assumes responsibility for any damage to Benton County roads, bridges, culverts, signs, traffic control devices, or other public infrastructure resulting from the movement of the permitted load.
Before You Begin Your CSS Application
Before starting your application, verify that you have:
☐ Description of the load.
☐ Vehicle dimensions and weight.
☐ Origin and destination.
☐ Proposed travel route.
☐ Route map.
☐ Requested move date.
☐ Determined whether you are applying for a Single Trip or Annual Permit.
Applications must be submitted at least two (2) working days before the requested move date.
Questions?
If you have questions regarding Oversize/Overweight Load Permits, routing, or application requirements, please contact Benton County Public Works Development Review before submitting your application.
Email: pwpermits@co.benton.wa.us
Phone: (509) 786-5611