Iowa Oversize Load Permits: Fees, Escorts, Hours

What Are Iowa’s Legal Size Limits?

Iowa Code 321.454 limits width to 8 feet 6 inches including the load, and 321.456 limits height to 13 feet 6 inches. Anything past either needs a permit before it moves (Rule 761—511.2(2)). Weight follows the axle and gross limits in Iowa Code chapter 321; overweight moves are permitted under rule 511.17.

For a single trip there is no fixed maximum width or length. Rule 511.13 limits both to what the roadway and its structures can physically take on the route, and limits height only by bridges, underpasses and wires. Above 16 feet high you must contact the affected utilities first, and the permit office can ask for their written verification.

How Do You Get An Iowa Oversize Permit?

Apply through the Iowa DOT online permit system at iowadot.gov/motor-carriers. Rule 511.2(1) also allows mail, a visit to the Ankeny office, phone (515-237-3264) or fax. A single-trip permit covers one route between an origin and a destination and is effective for five days (rule 511.4(3)).

Iowa DOT permits are valid on Interstate, U.S. and Iowa highways unless the permit says otherwise. County and city roads need a permit from that county or city if it requires one. The fee for a single-trip permit is $35 under Iowa Code 321E.14(1)(e); a duplicate is $2.

When Does Iowa Require An Escort?

The chart in rule 511.20(2) sets the minimum, and the permit office can add escorts (511.20(4)):

An Iowa escort must be 18 or older, hold a licence that allows driving unaccompanied and carry proof of public liability insurance of $100,000/$200,000/$50,000 (511.20(1)(a)). The escort vehicle carries a 360-degree amber light visible at 500 feet and an 18-inch red or orange flag on each front bumper corner, stays about 300 feet from the load and never tows a trailer while escorting. The escort may not take charge of stopping traffic; the rule says an on-duty peace officer is contacted for that.

When Can An Oversize Load Move In Iowa?

From half an hour before sunrise to half an hour after sunset (rule 511.3(3)), and only when roads are clear of ice and snow and you can see at least a quarter mile (511.3(2)). Weekends are not restricted by the rule.

No movement is permitted on Memorial Day, Independence Day or Labor Day, after noon on the day before the holiday or the holiday weekend, or during the holiday weekend when the holiday falls on a Friday, Saturday, Sunday or Monday. Memorial Day and Labor Day are Mondays, so those closures start at noon Friday. Movement resumes half an hour before sunrise the day after (511.3(4)). Special events with heavy traffic can also close movement.

Night travel is allowed under 511.3(5) when the load is no more than 12 feet wide, 14 feet 6 inches high and 100 feet long at legal axle weights, the road is at least 22 feet wide with 11-foot lanes, and the widest point carries a red lamp on each side at the rear and an amber lamp on each side at the front.

What Signs, Flags And Lights Does Iowa Require?

The chart calls for flags and signs on anything over 8 feet 6 inches wide, over 75 feet 1 inch long or over 14 feet 6 inches high. Rule 511.20(3) sets the details:

• Red or orange fluorescent flags at least 18 inches square at each front corner of the towing unit, each rear corner of the load and any other protrusion in width.
• A yellow OVERSIZE LOAD sign at least 18 inches high and 7 feet long, with black letters at least 10 inches high and a 1½-inch stroke, on the front bumper and the rear of the load.
• Where lights are required, an amber flashing or strobe light visible at 500 feet in every direction on the towing unit.

Remove or cover all of it once the vehicle is back within legal dimensions. See Iowa signs, flags and lights for more detail.

Where Does RouteAll Fit?

RouteAll does not issue or approve permits. Once Iowa issues yours, upload the PDF and RouteAll lists every road it read, so you can check them against the permit, then warns you if you leave them. One free trip every month covers up to six state permits.

Before You Roll

• Check the route, travel times and escort lines on the permit against the load you measured.
• Over 16 feet high, call the utilities on the route before you book the move.
• Plan around Memorial Day, Independence Day and Labor Day weekends: for the two Monday holidays the restriction starts at noon Friday.
• Ask the county or city for its own permit when the route leaves state highways.

Common Questions

How much is an oversize permit in Iowa?

Thirty-five dollars for a single-trip permit under Iowa Code 321E.14(1)(e), valid for five days under rule 761—511.4(3). Overweight moves can add registration fees by the ton. Checked November 12, 2026.

Can oversize loads travel at night in Iowa?

Only if the load is no more than 12 feet wide, 14 feet 6 inches high and 100 feet long at legal axle weights, on roads at least 22 feet wide with red and amber lamps on the load (rule 511.3(5)). Otherwise half an hour before sunrise to half an hour after sunset.

When do you need a pilot car in Iowa?

Over 12 feet wide: one in front on two-lane roads and one behind on four-lane roads, though amber lights can replace it up to 14 feet 6 inches (and up to 16 feet 6 inches on four-lane roads). Over 120 feet long, one behind. Over 14 feet 6 inches high, one in front with a height pole.

Can Iowa oversize loads move on weekends?

Yes, the rule does not restrict weekends, except a holiday weekend around Memorial Day, Independence Day or Labor Day, when movement stops from noon on the day before the weekend.