Iowa Oversize Load Signs, Flags And Lights

Which Iowa Chart Row Should Be Used First?

The June 10, 2026 chapter’s 511.20(2) chart marks flags/signs for width over 8 feet 6 inches up to 12 feet, and for length from 75 feet 1 inch through 85 feet. The weight row above 80,000 pounds marks flags/signs, lights and escorts not required. Other dimensions and permit conditions must still be checked.

Do not decide equipment using weight alone. A load that is overweight can simultaneously enter an overwidth row. Record each measured characteristic, then review every applicable row rather than stopping after finding the least restrictive one.

How Is An Iowa Rear Projection Different?

The chart marks flags only for a rear projection over 4 feet through 10 feet, adding lights above 10 feet. Length over 85 feet through 120 feet has a separate light requirement.

A driver can have both a long combination and an additional rear projection. Sketch the freight’s support and trailer ends so the dispatcher knows which measurement was supplied. Do not substitute overall length for the overhang measurement or vice versa.

What Sign And Flag Specifications Are Published?

Section 511.20(3) specifies red or fluorescent orange flags at least 18 inches square and an OVERSIZE LOAD sign at least 7 feet by 18 inches, with 10-inch black letters and a 1½-inch stroke on yellow. It describes towing-unit/front and load/rear locations, with additional flags at width protrusions and a raised rear sign for mobile homes/factory-built structures.

The subsection’s introduction refers to escorting vehicles while its placement text refers to the towing unit and load. Read the full chart and issued provisions together; ask Iowa DOT if that wording leaves an assignment uncertain.

How Should The Iowa Warning-Light Check Be Completed?

The same subsection describes flashing or strobe amber lighting visible at least 500 feet with 360-degree warning, and removal/covering of devices when within legal dimensions.

Check how the light remains visible around the actual freight. The chart contains limited escort alternatives marked by an asterisk; do not extend an alternative from one width band to every load. Keep the selected row and any permit-specific condition in the crew briefing, including the plan after unloading when the remaining trailer configuration may still exceed a dimension.

How Can RouteAll Help With This Movement?

Use RouteAll to review the Iowa permit’s roads after recording the dimensions used for the warning-device chart. Keep the selected chart rows and original permit conditions in the crew handoff. RouteAll does not choose an escort alternative or certify that a flag, sign or warning light meets Iowa rules. Get RouteAll For Permit Route Review.

Before You Roll

Review every applicable chart row, including projections and total length, rather than selecting just the weight row. Check sign lettering, flags and any required amber lighting. Clarify ambiguous subsection wording with the permit office before relying on an equipment exception.