Permits Canada obtains oversize and overweight permits for California for trucks and loads over the legal width, height, length or weight.
California legal dimensions and weight
A truck and load within these limits needs no oversize or overweight permit in California.
| Width | 102 in |
|---|---|
| Height | 14 ft |
| Length | 53 ft trailer with 40 ft kingpin-to-rear-axle (STAA routes); 65 ft overall (California Legal routes) |
| Gross weight | 80,000 lbs |
California oversize permit rules
| Permits offered | Single trip, annual, repetitive, variance |
|---|---|
| Travel times | Loads needing a pilot car: hours vary by route color (no night travel on blue/brown routes); barred 4 p.m.-midnight the day before and noon-midnight on 7 holidays and holiday weekends |
Single trip permits are generally capped at 14 ft wide; urban curfews apply over 10 ft wide in Los Angeles, San Francisco, San Diego and Sacramento.
Getting your permit with Permits Canada
- Send us the online oversize / overweight application with your truck, trailer, load dimensions and route.
- A permit agent applies for your California permit and checks the route conditions.
- Your permit arrives by email with its travel conditions. Oversize and overweight permits can take longer, since the authorities review each application.
Our fee is $40 to $50 CAD per permit, plus the California state fee, which depends on the dimensions, weight and route.
Also need temporary registration or fuel tax coverage? See California trip & fuel permits.
California oversize permit questions
When is an oversize permit required in California?
When the truck or load exceeds the California legal limits: width 102 in, height 14 ft, length 53 ft trailer with 40 ft kingpin-to-rear-axle (STAA routes); 65 ft overall (California Legal routes).
What is the legal gross weight in California?
The legal gross weight in California is 80,000 lbs. A heavier truck needs an overweight permit.
Can oversize loads travel at night or on weekends in California?
Loads needing a pilot car: hours vary by route color (no night travel on blue/brown routes); barred 4 p.m.-midnight the day before and noon-midnight on 7 holidays and holiday weekends.
How much does a California oversize permit cost?
Permits Canada charges $40 to $50 CAD per permit, plus the California state fee, which depends on the dimensions, weight and route.
Last reviewed October 2026. Rules change; your permit agent confirms them for each move. All provinces and states