Permits Canada obtains oversize and overweight permits for North Carolina for trucks and loads over the legal width, height, length or weight.
North Carolina legal dimensions and weight
A truck and load within these limits needs no oversize or overweight permit in North Carolina.
| Width | 102 in (8 ft 6 in) |
|---|---|
| Height | 14 ft |
| Length | 53 ft semitrailer (no overall length limit for tractor + 53 ft semitrailer) |
| Gross weight | Set by federal bridge formula; 20,000 lb single axle, 38,000 lb tandem |
North Carolina oversize permit rules
| Permits offered | Single trip, annual |
|---|---|
| Escorts | 1 escort over 12 ft wide (front on two-lane, rear on multilane); front + rear over 14 ft wide on two-lane roads; rear escort over 110 ft long, front + rear at 150 ft; front height-pole car over 14 ft 5 in high |
Escort operators must hold an approved North Carolina escort certification.
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 North Carolina 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 North Carolina state fee, which depends on the dimensions, weight and route.
Also need temporary registration or fuel tax coverage? See North Carolina trip & fuel permits.
North Carolina oversize permit questions
When is an oversize permit required in North Carolina?
When the truck or load exceeds the North Carolina legal limits: width 102 in (8 ft 6 in), height 14 ft, length 53 ft semitrailer (no overall length limit for tractor + 53 ft semitrailer).
What is the legal gross weight in North Carolina?
The legal gross weight in North Carolina is Set by federal bridge formula; 20,000 lb single axle, 38,000 lb tandem. A heavier truck needs an overweight permit.
When are pilot or escort vehicles required in North Carolina?
1 escort over 12 ft wide (front on two-lane, rear on multilane); front + rear over 14 ft wide on two-lane roads; rear escort over 110 ft long, front + rear at 150 ft; front height-pole car over 14 ft 5 in high.
How much does a North Carolina oversize permit cost?
Permits Canada charges $40 to $50 CAD per permit, plus the North Carolina 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