Kansas Heavy Equipment Transport Permits
Kansas has strict rules to protect roads, bridges, and the people traveling alongside oversized load transportation. The required paperwork must be provided at all times for a heavy haul.
The Permit Requirements
Not every large load requires a permit, but once the size or weight is exceeded, moving it without one is illegal. A permit is required when the load meets any of the following measurements:
- Width greater than 8 feet 6 inches
- Height greater than 14 feet
- Length greater than 65 feet
- Weight greater than 16,000 pounds
The Three Main Permit Types
Kansas offers different permits depending on how often the equipment is moved.
- Single-Trip Permit — handles one specific move. Our specialists submit load dimensions, total weight, and planned travel dates at least three days before the move. Cost is based on distance and vehicle type.
- Annual Permit — is used when hauling heavy equipment on a regular basis. Instead of applying every time, an annual permit keeps things moving on pre-approved routes.
- Special Mobile Equipment Permit — handles machinery that has its own weight and axle guidelines.
Legal Weight Limits
- Gross weight on state highways: 85,500 pounds
- Gross weight on interstate highways: 80,000 pounds
- Single axle limit: 20,000 pounds
- Tandem axle limit: 34,000 pounds
If exceeding any of these numbers without a proper permit can result in fines.
Applying for a Permit
All applications go through K-TRIPS, the Kansas Truck Routing and Intelligent Permitting System. The process involves:
- Creating an account on the K-TRIPS platform
- Submitting load height, width, length, and weight
- Providing the planned travel route
- Uploading proof of insurance and vehicle registration
- Paying the applicable fee
Permits are good for seven days. Most carriers obtain the permit before going into the state, but it is also possible to pick one up at a Port of Entry, provided proof of insurance is on hand.
When Travel Is Allowed
Kansas does not allow oversized loads to be transported at any time. There are time windows that must be followed.
- Standard permitted loads can travel from 30 minutes before sunrise to 30 minutes after sunset, seven days a week.
- Loads wider than 14 feet are restricted to Monday through Thursday, between 8:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m.
- Weather events, construction zones, or poor road conditions can bring additional temporary travel restrictions.
Escort Vehicle Requirements
Certain loads are too large to move without escort vehicles leading or following the haul.
- Loads longer than 90 feet require one escort at the rear.
- Loads wider than 14 feet require one escort at the front and one at the rear.
- Escort vehicles must carry specific safety equipment, including flags, cones, paddles, and flares.
The Required Signage and Markings
Every permitted load must be clearly marked so other drivers know what they are sharing the road with.
- “Oversize Load” signs go on the front of the truck and the rear of the trailer.
- Signs must measure at least 7 feet wide and 18 inches tall.
- Black lettering on a yellow background, with letters at least 10 inches tall.
- Red flags attach to the widest point on both sides and to the rear of any overlength load.
- Amber strobe or rotating lights must be visible from at least 1,000 feet away.
Superloads
Some equipment is so large that it goes beyond even the extended permit limits. These are called superloads, and they come with extra requirements including additional permits, custom route surveys, and, in many cases, a law enforcement escort throughout the entire move.
