Georgia DOT will recognize escort vehicle operator certifications from other states whose programs meet or exceed the objectives of the Georgia program for operators that currently have a valid out-of-state driver's license and certification. The programs accepted include the following states:  Arizona, Colorado, Utah, Virginia and Washington.  The Georgia program reciprocates with the following recognized states: North Carolina, Florida, Oklahoma and Washington.

New Electronic Pilot Card

Effective immediately, all Pilot Escort Certification Cards will now be issued electronically and may be displayed on a phone or tablet by the holder. The Oversize Permit Unit will no longer be issuing wallet size physical cards to escort drivers although these will still be accepted until the expiration date on the physical card is reached. Electronically displayed cards will be matched up to the escort driver’s name and last four digits of their license number on their physical driver’s license for verification by enforcement officers.

• Certified Escort Vehicle Application
• Student Workbook

Please email completed application including all required documentation to mspurlock@gsp.net.

Escort Recertification Program

Please follow the steps listed below:

1. Submit your Recertification Program Application and new certified driving record (three-year MVR) by email to mspurlock@gsp.net.
2. Recertification card will be emailed after all above requirements are met.

• Single Trip

  May only be used once for movement during the times specified on permit; must include a description of the load; name of transporter; origin and destination, routes of travel and insurance provider information.

  Standard Single - $30.00

  • Width & Height Limit of 16'
  • Weight Limit of 150,000 lbs.

  Superload Single - $125.00

  • Width & Height greater than 16'
  • Weight Limit 150,001 to 180,000 lbs.
    Note: May take up to three (3) days for approval.

  Refer to the RIG Configuration Requirements when preparing Single Trip application for weights over150,000 lbs.

  Superload Plus - $500.00

  • Weight over 180,000 lbs.
  • Requires Bridge Analysis
    Note: May take up to three (3) weeks for approval.

  Mega Load - $500.00

  • Weight 300,000 lbs and above
  • Requires outside Engineering
    Note: Please allow at least 30 business days for GDOT’s review and coordination of the move from the date that the submittal is received from the engineering firm before a permit can be issued. Please see attached document below for a detailed explanation of the requirements. Mega Load Requirements

  Continuous travel allowed for loads with a gross weight of 125,000 lbs. and no dimensions except during weather conditions and holidays listed in 672-2.03(b).

• Annual Permits

  All annual permits must have a load specific description that matches the type of load that is being transported.  This means that heavy equipment permits are only issued for drivable equipment.  Non-divisible load types such as pre-stress concrete, steel trusse, concrete beams etc. will be issued their own specific type of annual permit that matches the item shown on the permit.

  Are good for one (1) year from date of purchase; are interchangeable within the same company, as long as the original is in the transport vehicle at the time of movement; may be used for any load type that is not divisible, and does not exceed any dimension. Required to maintain $1 Million dollars in Automobile liability, combined single limit insurance with the Georgia Department of Public Safety as the certificate holder and must be on file with said Department for the duration of the permit.

  Standard Annual - $150.00

  • Width-12'0"
  • Height Limit-14'6"
  • Weight Limit-100,000 lbs.
  • Length Limit-100'0
    Note: Containerized freight allowed 100,000 pounds on 5 axles.

  NHS Annual - $500.00

  • Width-14'0 " (allowed up to 14'8" from the base to a point 10'0" above the ground for upper portion of the load)
  • Height Limit-14'6"
  • Weight Limit-100,000 lbs.
  • Length Limit-100'0
    Note: Travel on NHS routes only - see map.
• Annual Commercial Wrecker Emergency Tow Permit

  Effective July 1, 2013, due to the passage of HB218, Georgia will offer a new emergency tow permit replacing the old permit. Upon renewal, the new permit will be issued.  Permits will be issued for 135,000 lbs on 7 axles.  Please see the legislation below for the new requirements.

  • Official Code of Georgia Annotated – Chapter 32-6-28
  • Duration and limits of permits.
  • Annual Commercial wrecker emergency tow permit. Pursuant to this code section, the commission may issue an annual permit for vehicles towing disable, damaged, abandoned or wrecked commercial vehicles, including combination vehicles, even though such wrecker or its load exceed the maximum limits specified in this article. An annual commercial wrecker emergency tow permit shall not authorize the operation of a vehicle:
    1. Whose single axle weight exceeds 25,000 pounds
    2. Whose load on one tandem axle exceeds 50,000 pounds and whose load on any secondary tandem axle exceeds 38,000 pounds; or
    3. Whose total load exceeds 125 feet

  Fees

  Charges for the issuance of annual commercial wrecker emergency tow permits shall be $500.00 per permit.

  Rules of the State Department of Transportation - Chapter 672-2-.01 Definitions.

  (d) Emergency Towing: When a tractor/trailer combination becomes disabled, an authorized permitted wrecker may transport the disabled tractor/trailer to a repair facility or safe location to dismantle the tractor/trailer.  If the closes location is a weigh station or rest area, transporters are authorized to leave dismantle the tractor/trailer, at that location, however, they must be moved within a twenty-four (24) hour period or be moved at the owner's expense.  No state agency shall be responsible for any damages to tractor-trailer left on State property.

• Special Permit Limits

  Height - 18'0"
  Length - No Set Limits
  Width - 16'0" Weight-(Noted below)

  Number of Axles	Typical Weight Allowed
  1	23,000 pounds
  2	46,000 pounds
  3	60,000 pounds
  4	92,000 pounds
  5	100,000 pounds
  6	125,000 pounds
  7	148,000 pounds
  8	150,000 pounds

• How to Obtain Permits

  Georgia DOT has a new automated permitting and routing system – GAPROS. You may order via the web https://gapros.dot.ga.gov , toll free (844) 837.5500 or by fax at (575) 353.7732  View Tutorial

  Divisible loads are not allowed under a permit. Dozer blades may be hauled with the dozer attached, or if disassembled, loaded for minimum width and up to 100,000 pounds gross weight only.

  Insurance - Customers must provide state, policy number and company name when ordering a trip permit. Certificate of coverage must be on file with Department. Proof of insurance is required showing a minimum coverage for bodily injury of $1 million for multiple persons as a result of any one occurrence; and for property damage a minimum of $1 million.

  Permit information that customers are required to have contains tractor and trailer information (including length, width, height and gross and axle weights), origin and destination, routes to be traveled, effective dates and where permit is to be faxed and insurance provide information.

Requirements, Restrictions and Fines

• Georgia Escort Requirements

  Length:	For any permitted load whose length exceeds 75' but is less than or equal to 100' a rear escort/amber light is required.
  Length:	For any permitted load whose length exceeds 100' but is less than or equal to 125' a vehicle rear escort is required.
  Length:	For any permitted load whose length is greater than 125' a vehicle front and vehicle rear escort is required.
  Height:	For any permitted load whose height is 15' 6" or greater a vehicle front escort with a height sensor is required.
  Width:	For any permitted load whose width exceeds 12' but is less than or equal to 14'8" a vehicle front escort and a rear escort/amber light is required for travel on a 2 lane roadway. A vehicle rear escort is required for the same permitted load to travel on a 4-lane highway. For travel on a Limited Access Highway/Interstate System a rear escort/amber light is required.
  Width:	For any permitted load whose width exceeds 14' 8" up to and including 16' shall require a vehicle front escort and a vehicle rear escort for movement upon a 2-lane roadway. A vehicle rear escort is required for movement of the same permitted load on a Limited Access Highway/Interstate System.
  Width:	For permitted loads whose width exceeds 16' or for loads not defined above, the department shall determine escort requirements on a case by case basis.
  Houses:	Houses will require a police front escort and a police rear escort.

  Sign Requirements

  Signs are required on all escorts and vehicle transporting loads requiring a permit. Sign must have black letters on a yellow or orange background. Letters must be at least eight inches high and four inches wide.

  The sign must be at least six feet wide by one foot tall, and read "OVERSIZE LOAD". One sign must be displayed on the front of the towing vehicle and one sign on the rear of the trailer as well as, the front escort and the rear escort vehicles when required. Additionally, all mobile homes must have a sign which contains the name and telephone number of the mover and must be legible from a distance of 50 feet. "Oversize load" signs must be removed when load/vehicle is legal.

  Flag Requirements

  Red flags, 18 inches square must be displayed on all four corners of the load and all extremities.

• Restricted Travel

  No permitted load will be allowed to travel into or through the area bounded by I-285 (Atlanta bypass), unless the vehicle is making a pickup or delivery within the area. The driver must be prepared to show proof of such pickup of delivery. In addition, a permit issued for the movement of a vehicle or load is not valid between the hours of 6 a.m. through 9 a.m. and 4 p.m. through 6 p.m. Monday through Friday. Parking on the interstate and limited access highway rights-of-way will not be allowed for permitted vehicles waiting for authorization.

  Movement of a permitted vehicle or load will take place only on Monday through Sunday, thirty (30) minutes after sunrise to thirty (30) minutes before sunset, unless otherwise shown on the permit.

  Houses may only be moved Monday through Saturday from 9:00am to 3:00pm unless otherwise noted on the permit.

  No permitted vehicle or load will be moved during foggy weather, snow or icy conditions or during the following legal holidays: New Year's Day, Memorial Day, July 4th, Labor Day, Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day.

  Travel not allowed on routes with bridges of less than 28 feet lateral clearance.

  Travel Days: Monday through Saturday

• Violations and Fines

  Misdemeanor Violations, uniform traffic citations, vary from county to county.

  Overweight Fines (Governed by the Dept. of Public Safety)

  Zero to 1,000 pounds overweight is 0.8 cents per pound:

  • Plus 1.5 cents per pound next 2,000 pounds overweight
  • Plus three cents per pound next 2,000 pounds overweight
  • Plus four cents per pound next 3,000 pounds overweight
  • Plus five cents per pound for all excess weight over 8,000 pounds
  • Overweight fines are assessed based on allowable weights. Overweight vehicles may be fined for either gross, tandem or axle weight violations, whichever produces the larger fine. If overweight on a permitted load, the fine is assessed at 125 percent of the rate imposed for operating without a permit. Operator may shift a load by hand to avoid an overweight axle violation. All excess weight over 6,000 pounds must be off loaded. Sliding axles change configuration of vehicle and are not considered shifting of load.

Upon completion you may fax your application to any of the fax numbers located at the top of the form. Questions by telephone can be answered in Customer Service at (888) 262-8306; or, the permit line at (800) 570-5428. Also, upon request, a packet of information containing Code 32, maps, pricing and other information will be dispatched by U.S. mail.

• Overall Legal Dimensions

  • Width 8’ 6"
  • Height 13’ 6"
  • Length 100 ft. (including overhang)
  • Weight 80,000 lbs. gross weight

  (Any dimensions found to exceed the legal limits will require a permit.)

• Completing a Single-Trip Permit Application Form

  Detailed instructions for completing a Single-Trip Permit Application and an example of a the completed form is included within this material.

  Previous Permit Number

  Complete only if you’ve ordered a permit within the past 90 days and it is similar (particularly routing information) to the application being submitted. (Insurance information must be up-to-date.)

  Motor Fuel or IFTA Number

  • For interstate carriers: The Department of Revenue assigns the identification number upon the registration of a fuel tax agreement.
  • For intrastate carriers: The Department of Motor Vehicle Safety will assign a Georgia DOT Number.
    This identification number will access the name and address of each individual company on the computer permit line as it is being processed. Companies that supply either an IFTA Number or a Georgia Motor Fuel Number will simplify the permit process. (Insurance information must be up-to-date.)

   

  Insurance Information

  Permit Updates

  Effective July 1, 2010 Georgia DOT will implement the vehicle escort training and certification program. The requirements for training and certification shall be enforced beginning on January 1, 2011. Please view documents below for more information.

  • Certified Escort Program New!
  • Insurance Requirement Letter New!

   

  Insurance is required for all vehicles traveling with an oversize permit. A certificate showing the limits of liability must be on file with the Department in addition to providing the name and policy number of the insurance carrier. The certificate must list the Department as the holder.

  When using insurance information, the complete name of the individual or company must be provided. This does not necessarily mean the owner of load, but the party responsible for the haul. Applicants must also provide a complete street address, or post office box number, along with municipality, state, zip code and policy number.

  Load Description

  Enter the exact description of what is being hauled. This description may also be necessary to determine if this is a divisible or non-divisible load (e.g. empty tank, steel beam, boat, manufactured home, bulldozer).

  Vehicle Information

  Applicants must provide the vehicle make, tractor and trailer information; i.e. license tag number and state for each. Vehicles hauling manufactured homes or containerized freight must provide serial and/or container numbers but are exempt from tractor/trailer information. For example: Freightliner is the make of a tractor; while 1234PK GA and LE1234 GA is used to show a license number for tractor and trailer. If the load is being hauled on a straight truck without a trailer, please specify. In the event the load is in tow, please note in the load description, along with the load type.

  Origin & Destination Information

  If the load is starting outside of Georgia, please specify from which of the bordering states the load will originate. For loads that are not ending within the state of Georgia, applicants must also state which of the bordering states will be used to exit Georgia. For any loads beginning within the state, applicants will need to provide the specific city or town where the load is to start. When the load is ending within the State, applicants need to provide the city or town in which the load is to end.

  Beginning & Ending Date

  Applicants applying for single-trip permits must provide the date that the move is anticipated to begin. All single-trip permits are valid a total of (10) ten days, not including Sundays, or legal holidays. After the applicant has provided the date of intended move, the permit unit will determine which date the permit is to end.

  Routing

  Any loads with dimensions greater than 12 feet wide, 13’6" high, 100 feet in length or 100,000 lbs., needs routes. Applicants must provide a requested route for which the load is to travel. A router within the Permit Unit will review the routes to ensure that the load may travel on those routes, or assign a new route if necessary. If a load’s dimensions are greater than 15’11" wide, 15’5" high, 125 feet long, or 100,000 lbs., an exact beginning and ending junction will be necessary for loads beginning and/or ending within the State of Georgia.

  Payment Methods

  All permits are sent via Dotfax. In addition to the cost of the permit, $1.00 will be added to include the cost of faxing the permit to you. Applicants must provide a fax number, a ten-digit number including area code, along with the method of payment for the permit.

  There are several options to pay for permits. You may use an existing escrow account, credit card, cashiers check, company check, certified check or COMCHEK. (When using a credit card you will be charged a processing fee of $7.00 by VitalChek Network.) If a permit sending company is to be used, the applicant must contact the sending company to obtain the code and fax number for that specific company. (Examples of sending companies are: COMDATA, Xero-Fax, and Interstate Permits.)

  Standard Single Trip Permits–$30.00

  • Height & Width limit: 16 feet</
  • Weight limit: 150,000 lbs.
  • Continuous travel is allowed for loads with a gross weight up to 125,000 lbs. and no dimensions, except during weather conditions and holidays listed in Georgia Law 672-2.03(b)

  Superload Single– $125.00

  • Height & Width greater then 16 feet or
  • Weight range of 150,001 to 180,000 lbs.

  Superload Plus- $500.00

  • Weight over 180,000 lbs.

• Completing an Annual Permit Application Form

  Annual Permits

  The following detailed instructions are for completing an Annual Permit Application. An example of a completed application is included in this pamphlet.

  Annual permits are good for (1) one year, and are interchangeable within the same company as long as the original is in the transporting vehicle at the time of move. These permits may be used for a predefined load description that is not divisible, and does not exceed any dimension specified on the permit.

  Motor Fuel or IFTA Number

  • For interstate carriers: The Department of Revenue assigns the identification number upon the registration of a fuel tax agreement.
  • For intrastate carriers: The Department of Motor Vehicle Safety will assign a Georgia DOT Number.
  • This identification number will access the name and address of each individual company on the computer permit line as it is being processed. Companies that supply either an IFTA Number or a Georgia Motor Fuel Number will simplify the permit process.

  Insurance Information

  • Minimum property damage and public liability insurance must be maintained during the existence of the permit: Public liability: $300,000 each accident; $100,000 each person injured; total property damage, $50,000.
  • A certificate of liability insurance must accompany a submitted application. (Permits will not be issued without the insurance certificate.)
  • The complete name of individual or company must be provided on the insurance certificate. (This does not necessarily mean the owner of load, but the party responsible for the haul.)
  • Applicant must also provide complete street address, or post office box number, along with municipality, state, zip code and telephone number/alternate number.
  • Certificate must show the Dept. of Transportation as the holder.

  Load Description

  Enter the exact description of what is being hauled. This description may also be necessary to determine if this is a divisible or non-divisible load; e.g. empty tank, steel beam, boat, manufactured home, bulldozer, containerized freight etc.).

  Beginning Date

  Applicants applying for Annual permits must provide a permit beginning date. All Annual permits last a total of (1) one year. The applicant’s beginning date will determine which date the permit is to end.

  Payment Method

  There are several options to pay for permits. You may use an existing escrow account, credit card, cashiers check, company check, certified check, or COMCHECK.

  Standard Annual–$150.00

  • Width – 12’0"
  • Height Limit – 14’6"
  • Weight Limit – 100,000 lbs.
  • Length Limit – 100’0"
    Note: Containerized Freight is allowed 100,000 pounds on 5 axles

  STAA Annual–$500.00

  • Width –14’0"
    Allowed up to 14’8" from the base to a point 10’0" above the ground for upper portion of the of the load)
  • Height Limit–14’6"
  • Weight Limit–100,000 lbs.
  • Length Limit–100’0"
    Note: Travel on STAA Routes Only

  Seasonal Annual - $25.00 (Six Months) Cotton & Tobacco Permits Only

  • Width - 9'0"
  • Height - Legal
  • Length - Legal
  • Weight - Maximum tandem weight allowed - 46,000 lbs.
                  - Maximum single axle weight allowed 23,000 lbs.

  No Interstate Travel Allowed

• Check List

  • Have you completed all required fields with accurate information in the format outline
  • Does your attached insurance information have the correct insurance company, along with liability policy number?
  • Does your tractor and trailer information have correct license numbers, along with state of registration?
  • If application is being sent for a second time, please note at the top of the permit that it is a duplicate. Also, note the permit agent’s name requesting the duplicate application and if applicable, indicate a previous permit number.
  • Have you verified your fax number to make sure that it is correct so that you may receive your permit in a timely matter?
• Certified Escort Vehicle Student Workbook

Georgia laws that govern the movement of goods and materials are contained in the Official Code of Georgia, Volume 23, Title 32 entitled Highways, Bridges and Ferries, Article Two of Chapter Six.

• Georgia Code Section 32-6-1: Highways, bridges and ferries
• Chapter 672-2: Permits For Vehicles or Loads of Excess Weight or Dimension 

Legal Limitations

• Overall Legal Dimensions

  • Width 8’ 6"
  • Height 13’ 6"
  • Length 100 ft. (including overhang)
  • Weight 80,000 lbs. gross weight
    (Any dimensions found to exceed the legal limits will require a permit.)

• Legal Maximum Weight Limitations

  Interstate Highway Systems

  Lift axles may not be used in computing the maximum total gross weight authorized for any vehicle or load. Lift axles are any axles manufactured after July 1, 1978, which may be raised or lowered with respect to the horizontal plane of the vehicle.

  • Legal axle weight is 20,340 pounds.
  • Tandem axle is any two or more axles within 96 inches.
  • If gross weight is less than 73,280 pounds and length is less than 55 feet, the tandem weight is 40,680 pounds.
  • If gross weight is greater than 73,280 pounds or length is greater than 55 feet, the tandem weight limit is 34,000 pounds.

  Federal Bridge Formula

  The federal Bridge Formula is applicable on all weight limitations. Both inner and outer limitations are enforced.

  The Federal Bridge Formula is:
  W = 500(LN/N-1 + 12N + 36)
  W = Overall gross weight on any group of two or more consecutive axles to the nearest 500 pounds.
  L = Distance in feet between the extreme of any group of two or more axles in group under consideration.
  N = Number of axles in group under consideration.

   State Route Gross Weight

  • The maximum gross weight allowed on 5 axles is 80,000 pounds.
  • The maximum gross weight on 2 or 3 axles is the number of axles times 20,340 pounds.
  • The maximum gross weight on 4 axles is 70,000 pounds.

  Vehicles with an actual total gross weight between 73,280 pounds and 80,000 pounds, the maximum total gross weight authorized for the vehicle and load shall be determined by the State Bridge Formula.

  State Bridge Formula

  The State Bridge Formula is:
  W = 500(LN/N-1 + 12N + 36)
  W = The maximum allowable gross weight of the vehicle or combination of vehicle to the nearest 500 pounds.
  L = The distance in feet between the first and last axles of the vehicle or combination.
  N = Number of axles on the vehicle or combination of vehicles.

  • Legal axle weight limit is 20,340 pounds.
  • Legal tandem weight limit on all trucks is 37,340 pounds, i.e., any two or more axles within 216 inches on the unit, not including steering axle.
  • Legal tandem weight on tractor semi-trailer combinations on state highways is 40,680 pounds as provided in O.C.G.A. 32-6-26 (j).

  Non-Interstate Route Exemptions

  On non-interstate routes, the weight limitations may be exceeded except on posted bridges without a permit when the load on a single axle does not exceed 23,000 pounds and the maximum total gross weight does not exceed 80,000 pounds when

  • Hauling forest products from the forest where cut to the owner's place of business, plant, plantation, or residence;
  • Hauling live poultry or cotton from a farm to a processing plant;
  • Hauling feed from a feed mill to a farm;
  • Hauling granite, either block or sawed for further processing, from the quarry to a processing plant located in the same or an adjoining county; or
  • Hauling solid waste or recovered materials from points of generation to a solid waste handling facility or other processing facility;
  • Hauling unhardened concrete from plant to customer.

  County Road Gross Weight

  The maximum gross weight allowed is 56,000 pounds unless making a pickup or delivery. If a delivery or pickup is being made evidence such as a bill of lading, shipping orders, etc. must be provided on demand.
  

• Legal Maximum Size Limitations

  National Highway System (NHS)

  Interstates and other national network routes and access from national network.
  Height (of truck and load): 13' 6"
  Width (of truck and load): 8' 6"
  Length The standard trailer unit in Georgia is 53 feet.

  On the Interstate and NHS routes single piece loads may be transported on extendable semi-trailers exceeding 53 feet provided they do not exceed 75 feet and are not loaded end-to-end. Overall length shall not exceed 100 feet. If the load is so situated that it extends beyond the rear of the vehicle, semi-trailer, or trailer on which it is carried, then a rear underride guard shall be provided.

  • Twin trailer combinations are allowed on interstate and NHS Network routes with 28 feet trailer units, the overall length is unlimited.
  • Two 28 and one-half foot trailers are allowed with an overall length of 65 feet.

  Length for car and boat carriers:

  (NHS network and access routes)
  The overall length of the unit is allowed to be 65 feet and zero inches on conventional trailer units with a trailer length of over 58 feet.
  If a trailer length is 48 feet and zero inches on a conventional trailer unit, there is no overall length limitation.
  Stinger-steered type units are allowed to 75 feet and zero inches on overall length (no trailer length limit).

  State Routes

  Length for Car and Boat Carriers

  Allow a load length of 65 feet, and a tractor/trailer unit of 60 feet.

  Stinger Steered Units

  Length is limited to 75 feet, overhang limited to three feet to the front and four feet to the rear.

  Car and boat carriers

  An overhang of three feet to the front and four feet to the rear is allowed.

  State Designated System

  Height (of truck and load) 13'6"
  Width (of truck and load) 8'6" (or 102") on roads with 12 foot travel lanes
  Length The standard trailer unit in Georgia is 53 feet.

  On NHS routes (see map) single piece loads may be transported on extendable semi-trailers exceeding 53 feet provided they do not exceed 75 feet and are not loaded end-to-end. Overall length shall not exceed 100 feet. If the load is so situated that it extends beyond the rear of the vehicle, semi-trailer, or trailer on which it is carried, then a rear underride guard shall be provided.

  Twin trailer combinations are allowed 28 feet trailer units, overall length is unlimited.

  Two 28 and one half foot units are allowed to have an overall length of 67 and one half feet on the state designated highway system.

  Access to designated routes

  Unless signed/posted, the normal access distance is limited to one mile or less.

  Other State Routes

  Height (of truck and load) 13'6"
  Width (of truck and load) 8'6" (or 102")
  Length The standard trailer unit in Georgia is 53 feet unless signs are posted indicating length restriction.

  Overhang

  (for other state routes)
  No overhang is allowed beyond the 65 foot limit.
  

Hours of Operation: Monday – Friday | 8:30AM – 4:30PM