ALPASS applications
ALDOT directs single-trip and annual applications through ALPASS. Submit the exact loaded dimensions, axle weights, spacings, origin, destination and requested route.
Alabama Oversize Load Permits
Alabama Oversize and Overweight Permits: Legal Limits, Permit Rules and Route Planning
When is a Alabama oversize or overweight permit required?
Alabama requires an ALDOT oversize or overweight permit when a nondivisible vehicle or load exceeds the legal size or weight applicable to its configuration. Core statutory dimensions include 102 inches in width and 13 feet 6 inches in height. The issued route, bridge capacity, holiday restrictions and local-road authority must be checked before movement.
Alabama Legal Limits and Permit Decision Points
Legal limits, routine permit envelopes and superload thresholds are different concepts. Use the complete loaded configuration, axle data, proposed route and current restrictions instead of treating one number as universal authorization.
| Parameter | Legal reference | Permit decision | Escalation | Official basis |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Width | 102 inches overall, excluding approved mirrors and safety devices | An ALDOT permit is required when the vehicle or nondivisible load exceeds the applicable statutory width. | Lane width, route geometry, escort conditions and superload review are controlled by ALDOT resources and the issued permit. | Code of Alabama §32-9-20 and ALDOT OS/OW Permits |
| Height | 13 ft 6 in, including load | Overheight movement requires ALDOT permit and route-clearance review. | The applicant remains responsible for clearance and compliance with the authorized route. | Code of Alabama §32-9-20 |
| Length | Configuration-specific; Alabama law distinguishes vehicles, semitrailers and combinations | Use the complete vehicle and load configuration when determining whether an overlength permit is required. | Overall length, overhang and route geometry can add permit conditions. | Code of Alabama §32-9-20 |
| Weight | Federal Interstate baseline: 80,000 lb gross, 20,000 lb single axle and 34,000 lb tandem, subject to bridge formula and Alabama exceptions | ALDOT evaluates axle weights, spacing, gross weight, bridge capacity and load divisibility. | Moves requiring superload review use ALDOT district coordination and route-specific bridge analysis. | FHWA federal limits and Alabama Code Title 32, Chapter 9 |
Alabama Permit Operations and Jurisdiction Responsibilities
Holiday restrictions
ALDOT publishes year-specific no-travel windows. The current holiday notice and issued permit must be checked for the movement date.
Bridge and detour review
ALDOT publishes posted-bridge, design-load and detour resources. A permit is not permission to disregard a posted bridge or active restriction.
Local road responsibility
State authorization does not automatically establish permission on every county, municipal, port or private road. Resolve road ownership for first- and final-mile access.
Alabama Department of Transportation Vehicle Enforcement Office
Permit system: ALPASS | Phone: 800-499-2782 | Email: alabamapermits@dot.state.al.us
Alabama Municipal Permit and Access Guides
Start with the state guide, then identify municipal, county, bridge, toll, port, terminal and facility authority for the actual first- and final-mile route.
Alabama Heavy Haul Permit FAQs
Who issues Alabama oversize and overweight permits?
The Alabama Department of Transportation Vehicle Enforcement Office administers state OS/OW permitting through ALPASS. The office publishes permit resources, holiday restrictions, bridge information and superload district contacts.
What are Alabama's basic legal width and height limits?
Alabama Code §32-9-20 establishes a 102-inch overall width for vehicles and combinations, subject to stated exceptions, and a 13-foot-6-inch height including the load.
Can an Alabama permitted load move during every holiday period?
No. ALDOT publishes year-specific holiday restrictions with periods when permitted travel is prohibited. Review the current notice and every condition printed on the issued permit.
Does an ALDOT permit cover every local street?
Do not assume statewide coverage for locally controlled streets, county roads, ports or private facilities. Confirm road ownership and obtain any additional authorization required by the responsible jurisdiction.
Official Alabama sources and review status
Reviewed 2026-08-04. Recheck the issued permit, current notices, bridge postings, weather, route restrictions and local permissions before movement.
Review the Alabama load and route before ordering
Share the complete configuration, axle data, addresses, requested dates and proposed route so every jurisdiction and restriction can be identified.