Oversized Load Permit

To ensure public safety, an Oversized Load permit is required for vehicles whose dimensions are larger than legally permissible by the Code of City of New Orleans Sections 154-1521 through 154-1525 and 154-1561. The permit may be granted for a singular trip or annually depending on the needs of the operator.

Restrictions

  • No movement will be permitted during peak hours (7am-9am and 4pm-6pm) except on Saturdays, Sundays and Holidays.
  • Movement of loads having a width in excess of 14 feet will be permitted only between 10pm and 6am, except on Saturdays, Sundays and Holidays, and except those made entirely on US and/or State Routes.
  • On state and interstate routes within the City of New Orleans, the latest state law shall apply. Movements made entirely on the state and interstate routes are not under the jurisdiction of the City of New Orleans.
  • The maximum legal width of a vehicle is 8’. The maximum legal width of a bus is 8’6”.
  • The maximum legal height of a vehicle is 13’6”. It is the applicant’s responsibility to inspect the route prior to the move to ensure adequate clearance and tp clear all loads above 15’ in height with:
    • ​Entergy 504-595-3847 or 504-593-3419
    • AT&T 504-363-3464
    • Public Works 504-658-8040
    • Cox Cable 504-304-7345 x 2360
    • Parks & Parkways 504-658-3200
  • ​The maximum legal length of any single vehicle is 40’ (36’ in the Vieux Carre’). The maximum legal length of a combination of vehicles is 65’ (36’ in the Vieux Carre’). Loads over 90ft require Police Escort.
  • The City of New Orleans, Department of Public Works requires an NOPD Traffic escort for all vehicles and loads over 13’6” high, 12’wide and/or 90’ long, except for Interstate movements. A NOPD escort may also be required on loads of lesser width, contingent upon the lane widths which are present along the prescribed route. It is the applicant’s responsibility to obtain a NOPD escort (to arrange please call 504-658-6201 or 504-658-6215).

Fees

  • $40 application fee
  • $10 for singular trip (issued for specific vehicle, route, and date)
  • $125 for annual permit (issued for specific vehicle and all city truck routes)

Required Documents

Apply online or complete and submit an Oversized Load Permit Application indicating the dimensions of your load.

  • WIDTH: The maximum legal width of a vehicle is 8'. The maximum legal width of a bus is 8'6". Loads 14' and over may move only between the hours of 10pm and 6am, except those made entirely on US and/or State Routes.
  • HEIGHT: The maximum legal height of a vehicle is 13'6".
  • LENGTH: The maximum legal length of any single vehicle is 40 feet. The maximum legal length of a combination of vehicles is 65 feet. Loads over 90 feet require a Police Escort.

If your vehicle and/or load is over 13'6" high, 12' wide and/or 90' long, it is your responsibility to obtain a NOPD escort by calling (504) 658-6215 to arrange one. A NOPD escort may also be required on loads of lesser width, contingent upon the lane widths which are present along the prescribed route.

If the date of the move must be changed, the applicant must contact the Traffic Engineering Division at (504) 658-8040.

If the load is above 15' in height, it must be cleared also with:

  • Entergy (504) 595-3847 or (504) 593-3419
  • Parks & Parkways (504) 658-3200
  • AT&T (504) 363-3464
  • Cox Cable (504) 304-7345 x 2360
  • Public Works (504) 658-8040

It is the applicant’s responsibility to inspect the route prior to the move to ensure adequate clearance.

What Address Should I Use For My Oversize Load Application?

If your destination is in New Orleans, please use that address. If you are passing through New Orleans, use 1300 Perdido St (the address of City Hall). There is a place farther down in the application to select from a list of common routes, or type in your own.

Service provided by

Traffic Division

(504) 658-8040 Email
1300 Perdido Street 6W03 New Orleans, LA 70112

The Traffic Division manages the City's traffic engineering functions by maintaining and replacing pavement markings, and maintaining, replacing, installing and repairing street signs (name and directional) and traffic signals. This division is responsible for issuing street closure permits and other related permits.