Caltrans logo

Documents labeled (pdf) require Adobe Acrobat Reader, which is available as a free download from Adobe's website (one-time setup).

Caltrans > Business > Transportation Permits

Transportation Permits

What we do:

The Department of Transportation has the discretionary authority to issue special permits for the movement of vehicles/loads exceeding statutory limitations on the size, weight, and loading of vehicles contained in Division 15 of the California Vehicle Code. Requests for such special permits requires the completion of and application for a Transportation Permit.

The Transportation Permits Branch is responsible for the administration of the Transportation Permit program through the uniform issuance of Transportation Permits.

Transportation Permits Office 1823 14th Street Sacramento, CA 95811-7119	Main number: (916) 322-1297
More Permits contact information at: http://www.dot.ca.gov/hq/traffops/permits/contact.htm

Effective April 11, 2013, there will no longer be visitor parking available inside the Transportation Permits Branch parking lot at 1823 14th Street in Sacramento, CA 95811.

For transportation and nearby parking options, please visit the City of Sacramento's Parking Services online. There, you will find information about Regional Transit (buses/light rail), off-street/garage parking, and metered/on-street parking. The City of Sacramento offers a Parking Facility Map for the surrounding area and FAQs for on-street parking.

If you have any questions regarding parking within the Sacramento city limits, you may contact City of Sacramento Parking Services at (916) 808-5354 or via email. We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause, and we appreciate your understanding through this transition.

Consolidation of Transportation Permits Offices

Beginning Monday, November 21, 2011, the two regional permits offices have been consolidated into one office in Sacramento. Please contact the Transportation Permits Office for all permit-related questions and activities.

HOW TO APPLY FOR AN OVERSIZE OR OVERWEIGHT PERMIT:
1	ELIGIBILITY	To be eligible for an oversize or overweight (or "extralegal") permit, the main criterion is that the load be non-reducible, that is, that it cannot be reduced down and transported in a legal vehicle.
2	SINGLE-TRIP PERMIT APPLICATION	1 - Click on "Application Forms and Accompaniments." 2 - Select the single-trip application and the appropriate accompaniments. 3 - Click on "Interactive Application Instructions" and open the single-trip instructions. 4 - Fill out the application electronically or by hand. 5 - Fax the application to the fax number to the right. Single-Trip Contact Info: Phone: (916) 322-1297, Fax: (916) 322-4966
3	ANNUAL PERMIT APPLICATION	1 - Click on "Application Forms and Accompaniments." 2 - Select the annual application and the appropriate accompaniments. 3 - Click on "Interactive Application Instructions" and open the annual instructions. 4 - Fill out the application electronically or by hand. 5 - Fax the application to the fax number to the right. Annual Contact Info: Phone: (916) 322-4958, Fax: (916) 445-0469
4	STARS	The Caltrans Single-Trip Application and Routing System (STARS) is an automated method for customers to obtain single-trip extralegal permits. Permit users are eligible to receive the STARS software. The STARS program significantly improves turnaround time for customers.
5	VARIANCE LOADS	Variance permits are for vehicles over 15 feet in width, 17 feet in height or over 17 feet, over 135 feet in length, or on special hauling equipment which exceeds the Department's standard method of weight classification. Variance Contact Info: Phone: (916) 322-4116, Fax: (916) 322-1505
6	QUESTIONS	For questions about oversize and overweight permits, you may call the Permits office or click on: Permits Office. Permits Info: Phone: (916) 322-1297
7	LEGAL (NON-PERMITTED) SIZE & WEIGHT	If it's determined that you are not eligible for an extralegal permit, you may contact Caltrans Legal Truck Size & Weight staff to discuss legal truck size and weight requirements. Legal Truck Size & Weight Contact Info: Phone (916) 654-5741

TRAVEL ALERTS
1	PERMANENT TRUCK BAN ON SR 2 Rte 2 between I-210 (City of La Canada Flintridge) and County Route N4 (Big Pines Highway).
2	BAY BRIDGE NOW OPEN. SEE DISTRICT 4 WEBSITE FOR UPDATES.

EMERGENCY CLOSURES

WEEKLY SHORT TERM RESTRICTIONS

05-27-2013 Weekly Short Term Restrictions Update for Annual Permit Holders (pdf)

05-20-2013 Weekly Short Term Restrictions Update for Annual Permit Holders (pdf)

RELATED DOCUMENTS
Request for Policy Exception (pdf)	Route Classification Checklist (pdf)	Red Route Summary Table Revision Checklist (pdf)
Request for Equipment Review (pdf)	Route Classification Guide (pdf)

Forms to Change Clearances or Bridge Weight Rating:
(forms can be filled out electronically using Adobe Acrobat)

TR-0019: Notice of Change of Clearance or Bridge Weight Rating -- Divided Highway (Revised 12/2011) (pdf)

TR-0029: Notice of Change of Clearance or Bridge Weight Rating -- Non-Divided Highway (Revised 12/2011) (pdf)

TR-0020: Notice of Change in Vertical or Horizontal Clearance (Revised 12/2011) (pdf)

Policy Clarification Notice: Platform Trailers and Repetitive Permits:

Over the last couple of years, there seems to be some confusion about the application on two of the California Department of Transportation’s (Department’s) policies: use of platform trailers and Repetitive Permit. The following is provided to clarify these policies and ensure consistent interpretation and application.

Platform Trailers

The California Department of Transportation’s long standing policy is conventional trailers must be used when possible on California highways. This policy was discussed and agreed to by representatives of the trucking industry through the Caltrans Advisory Committee (CAC), more than 10 years ago.

However, platform trailers may be allowed only as the last resort in situations where conventional hauling equipment cannot be used. Approval to use platform type trailers requires a policy exemption. The customer is responsible for explaining why conventional hauling equipment cannot be used and providing supporting documentation.

Policy exemptions are considered on a case-by-case basis. If an exemption to use platform trailers is approved, the customer will be required to mitigate the impacts that platform trailers may have on California highways. This may include the following costs:

Perform and assess current roadway condition (e.g. coring sample)
Provide pavement analysis (stamped by a registered civil engineer)
Provide restitution for the reduction in pavement service-life
Provide protection for highway and bridge facilities (e.g. steel plating, blanket of asphalt concrete, etc…)
Provide monitoring of pavement conditions during the move
Restore state facilities to pre-move condition

To request a policy exemption, please refer to the following link: http://www.dot.ca.gov/hq/traffops/permits/pdf_documents/policy/excreqchk.pdf.

All requests must be supported with documentation detailing or outlining the steps that the customer has taken to comply with California’s laws and the Department’s oversize and overweight policies.

Repetitive Permit

Repetitive permits are not available for variance loads.

Repetitive permits are available for vehicles or vehicle-combinations hauling a load with the following dimensions:

Height = 14' - 6" max.
Width = 12' - 0" max.
Length = 90' - 0" max.

Repetitive permits with load(s) are valid for one-way travel only. A separate permit might be required for the unladen return trip if the vehicle is extralegal in length.

Repetitive permits are valid for 90 days, and may be renewed after expiration.

Contact Permits staff for questions about transportation permits.

Contact webmaster for suggestions on website.

Revised 05/24/13.