What is the legal load width in British Columbia before a permit is needed?

2.6 m. Loads wider than this need an oversize permit.

How much is an oversize permit in British Columbia?

Single-trip oversize: $15 one-way ($30 round-trip)

When do you need a pilot car in British Columbia?

Width 0-2.6 m and 31-36 m long on two-lane highways: 1 escort.

Oversize and Overweight Permits in British Columbia

Hauling an oversize or overweight (OSOW) load in British Columbia means permits, escort vehicles, and travel rules set by BC Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure – CVSE. Here is what applies, and how Trusted Dispatch handles it for you.

Legal limits (permit required above these)

Width: 2.6 m
Height: 4.15 m
Length: kingpin to rear 14.65 m

Permits and fees

Single-trip oversize (oversize): $15 one-way ($30 round-trip)
Term oversize (oversize): $30 per month
Single-trip overweight (overweight): By overload weight tier, per 10 km (min $25).
Term overweight (overweight): $100 per month
Extraordinary Load (special): See permit office.

Pilot car and escort requirements

Width 0-2.6 m and 31-36 m long on two-lane highways: 1 escort.
Width 0-2.6 m and 36-40 m long on two-lane highways: 1 escort.
Width 0-2.6 m and 40-46 m long on two-lane highways: 1 escort.
Width 0-2.6 m and 40-46 m long on multi-lane highways: 1 escort.
Width 2.6-3.2 m and 27.5-31 m long on two-lane highways: 1 escort.
Width 2.6-3.2 m and 31-36 m long on two-lane highways: 1 escort.
Width 2.6-3.2 m and 31-36 m long on multi-lane highways: 1 escort.
Width 2.6-3.2 m and 36-40 m long on multi-lane highways: 1 escort.
Width 2.6-3.2 m and 36-40 m long on two-lane highways: 1 escort.
Width 2.6-3.2 m and 40-46 m long on two-lane highways: 1 escort.
Width 2.6-3.2 m and 40-46 m long on multi-lane highways: 1 escort.
Width 3.2-3.8 m and 0-27.5 m long on two-lane highways: 1 escort.
Width 3.2-3.8 m and 27.5-31 m long on two-lane highways: 1 escort.
Width 3.2-3.8 m and 31-36 m long on multi-lane highways: 1 escort.
Width 3.2-3.8 m and 31-36 m long on two-lane highways: 2 escorts.
Width 3.2-3.8 m and 36-40 m long on two-lane highways: 2 escorts.
Width 3.2-3.8 m and 36-40 m long on multi-lane highways: 1 escort.
Width 3.2-3.8 m and 40-46 m long on multi-lane highways: 1 escort.
Width 3.2-3.8 m and 40-46 m long on two-lane highways: 2 escorts.
Width 3.8-4.4 m and 0-27.5 m long on multi-lane highways: 1 escort.
Width 3.8-4.4 m and 0-27.5 m long on two-lane highways: 2 escorts.
Width 3.8-4.4 m and 27.5-31 m long on multi-lane highways: 2 escorts.
Width 3.8-4.4 m and 27.5-31 m long on two-lane highways: 2 escorts.
Width 3.8-4.4 m and 31-36 m long on multi-lane highways: 2 escorts.
Width 3.8-4.4 m and 31-36 m long on two-lane highways: 2 escorts.
Width 3.8-4.4 m and 36-40 m long on two-lane highways: 2 escorts.
Width 3.8-4.4 m and 36-40 m long on multi-lane highways: 2 escorts.
Width 3.8-4.4 m and 40-46 m long on two-lane highways: 3 escorts.
Width 3.8-4.4 m and 40-46 m long on multi-lane highways: 3 escorts.

Load markings (flags, signs, lamps)

Flag: Red/orange flags on all four corners.
Flag: Red/orange flag on front projection over 1 m.
Flag: Red/orange flag on rear projection over 1.2 m.
Lamp: Amber lamps forward, red rear, on extremities.
Lamp: One/two amber beacons on truck, or min one pilot vehicle.
Sign: Wide/D/oversize load signs front and rear.
Sign: Long/D/oversize load signs front and rear (except B-Trains).

Travel restrictions

No travel on General Holidays (CTPM Ch 3), with limited Lower Mainland windows.
No travel when visibility under 100 m due to atmospheric conditions.
Weekday rush-hour bans west of Abbotsford and south of Squamish.
Category B travel permitted any time any day in the Peace.

Corridor restrictions

First Narrows (Lions Gate) Bridge (Hwy 99/1A): no travel
George Massey Tunnel (Hwy 99): height 4.15 m
Hwy 1 west of Abbotsford (Hwy 1): height 4.3 m
Pattullo Bridge (Hwy 1A/99A): no travel
Waneta Bridge (Hwy 22A): width 2.6 m
Warfield Underpass eastbound (Hwy 3B/22): height 4.13 m

Oversize permits in other provinces

See all Canada oversize and overweight permit guides.

Move your British Columbia heavy haul with Trusted Dispatch

Trusted Dispatch handles the permits, pilot cars, and routing for oversize and overweight loads across Canada. Get an instant estimate that already includes the permit and escort cost for your lane.

Rules current as of July 2026. Always confirm with BC Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure – CVSE before travel.

Oversize / Overweight Permits and Regulations in British Columbia | Trusted Dispatch