Florida Administrative Code (FAC) 14-26.012 Movement Conditions and Restrictions.
(1) Escorts accompanying overdimensional loads are limited to:
(a) Law enforcement escorts.
1. For nighttime moves.
2. When required by permit pursuant to subsection 14-26.012(6), (7), or (8), F.A.C.
3. Must be a currently certified law enforcement person having jurisdiction within the State of Florida.
(b) Escorts qualified by another state’s authorizing agency.
(c) Qualified escorts.
1. Up to and including July 1, 2000, escorts qualified by successfully completing a Department worksite traffic course currently offered by sponsors approved by the Department’s Maintenance of Traffic Committee will be allowed to escort overdimensional loads. Such sponsors are selected according to prior experience and performance record in presenting instruction courses, demonstrated course content and methods of instruction, familiarity with state and federal standards, and familiarity with Department goals and objectives for the training to be presented.
2. After July 1, 2000, the Department Worksite Traffic Course will no longer be recognized and will be replaced by a requirement to complete an Escort Qualification Course offered by Department approved sponsors.
3. Mandatory requirements:
a. Must be at least 18 years of age and must possess a valid driver’s license in the state or jurisdiction in which he or she is a resident.
b. Must have successfully completed a minimum eight hour defensive driving course as provided by a National Safety Council qualified instructor or hold a currently valid Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) (Class A, B, or C). The instructor shall not be an employee of the employing escort service.
c. Must have successfully completed a course in management of highway movements or oversize vehicles and loads and must be qualified to perform such functions within Florida or any other state in the nation. The qualification must be current and must be from an entity approved by the Department based upon that entity’s course content, methods of instruction, and familiarity with state and federal standards.
d. Shall maintain in his or her possession, for prompt presentation upon request by a law enforcement person or Department representative, a copy or copies of the qualification document or documents verifying completion of the courses required in subparagraphs 14-26.012(2)(b)2. and 3., F.A.C., above.
e. Shall be requalified every four years.
(2) VACANT
(3) Escort Vehicle and Equipment Requirements for Non-Law Enforcement Escort Vehicles.
(a) Qualified escorts and flagpersons may, when actively escorting permitted loads, perform necessary traffic control functions as defined in Section 316.079(2), Florida Statutes.
(b) Escort Vehicles.
1. Escort vehicle(s) must be a single unit vehicle weighing more than 2,000 pounds with a manufacturer’s gross vehicle weight rating less than 15,000 pounds, must be properly licensed, and must be operated by a qualified escort.
2. Identification signs or placards showing the name of the company or the owner or driver of the escort vehicle must be in a conspicuous place on both the right and left sides of the escort vehicle. The signs or placards shall be at least 8 inches × 12 inches, or contain the equivalent square inches, and shall also contain the telephone number of the owner or driver plainly legible and visible to the motoring public.
3. All escort vehicles must be equipped with Class 2 amber warning lights that meet (Society of Automotive Engineers Recommended Practice) SAE J845 or SAE J1318, incorporated herein by reference. Copies of this document are available from the Department’s Permit Office.
4. Escort vehicles shall display either a bumper mounted or a roof mounted yellow sign (or may display both) reading “OVERSIZE LOAD with black letters with a minimum brush stroke of 10 inches high and 11/2 inches wide, which must be visible from front and rear.
5. Two flags, either red or fluorescent orange in color, which must be at least 12 inches × 12 inches, shall be mounted at approximately a 40 to 70 degree angle on the escort vehicle’s roof rack.
(c) On board equipment. During escort operations, all escort vehicles shall have on board the following equipment and such equipment shall be in working order:
1. Operable two-way electronic communications. Qualified escorts must be in radio contact with load drivers at all times during movements.
2. Two five-pound fire extinguishers.
3. “STOP” and “GO” or “STOP” and “SLOW” paddle (minimum 18 inches in diameter with 6 inch high letters).
4. Safety orange vest, shirt, or jacket.
5. One hand-held flag, either red or fluorescent orange in color, which must be at least 12 inches × 12 inches.
6. Two oversized load banners (yellow with black lettering) (for use if the permitted vehicle or load loses its sign(s)).
7. Hard hat (no color specified).
8. Three reflective triangles or 18 inch traffic cones.
9. For over height loads, the lead vehicle must have a height indicator, i.e., height pole.
10. Additional equipment recommended, but not mandated:
a. Hand-held two-way electronic communications.
b. Flares or approved alternatives.
c. Map(s).
d. Height indicator for all loads.
(4) Escort Functions. In cases where one qualified escort is required for an over width load, the qualified escort should precede the load on two lane highways or follow the load on four lane divided highways. In cases where two qualified escorts are required, one must precede the load and one must follow. If the load is over length only, the escort vehicle should be in the rear of the load at all times. Qualified escorts shall operate no more than 300 feet in front of or behind the load unless road conditions dictate otherwise.
(5) Other Safety Requirements and Restrictions on Permitted Load/Vehicle.
(a) Flags. Flags shall be clean, have high visibility, and be at least 12 inches × 12 inches. They shall be displayed so as to wave freely on all four corners of over width loads and at the extreme ends of all protrusions, projections, or overhangs.
(b) Warning Lights
1. Required Display. All vehicles or loads exceeding ten feet in width or 14 feet 6 inches in height shall have warning lights.
2. Description. Warning lights shall be Class 2 amber warning lights that meet SAE J845 or SAE J1318.
3. Mounting. Warning lights are to be mounted so as to be seen by approaching traffic at all distances between 500 feet and 50 feet under clear atmospheric conditions.
(c) Warning Signs.
1. Required Display. All vehicles or loads exceeding 10 feet in width, exceeding legal length, or exceeding legal overhang must display two warning signs. Voids (holes) can be cut in warning signs for lights.
2. Description. Each warning sign shall consist of black letters 12 inches high with a brush stroke of not less than 1 1/2 inches wide on a yellow background. The sign shall state “OVERSIZE LOAD.” Each warning sign shall have a total dimension of not less than 7 feet long by 18 inches high.
3. Location. One sign shall be fastened at the front of the power unit and the other at the rear of the towed unit or at the rear of the load. Signs must not cover any vehicle light or reflector.
(d) Movement During Periods of Poor Visibility. No travel is allowed when road conditions, weather conditions, or horizontal visibility is less than 1,000 feet. Vehicles which are underway when inclement weather occurs must exit the road at the first available safe location and park in a safe place until the weather clears or until road conditions improve.
(e) Movements on Weekends and Holidays. Unless otherwise noted on the permit, movements are prohibited on weekends and holidays. At the request of a government entity, when the criteria of Rule 14-26.0051, F.A.C., are met, movement shall be allowed all days, all hours.
(f) Unrestricted Movement. Movement other than daytime hours must comply with the following requirements:
1. Steady burning, amber lights shall delineate the shape and size of the load.
2. The sides and rear of trailers and loads shall be lighted in the manner prescribed in 49 C.F.R. Sections 393.11 through 393.26, as required by Section 316.302(1)(a), Florida Statutes.
3. Qualified escorts will be required when, based upon, a consideration of the nature of the load, the road to be traveled, the area to be traversed, and the time of travel, it is determined that a qualified escort is necessary to ward or direct traffic or the load.
(6) Width Limitations.
(a) Limitations up to 10 Feet. When the criteria of Rule 14-26.0051, F.A.C., are met, trip or multi-trip permits shall be issued. Movement permitted all days, daytime hours only. Flags are required.
(b) Over 10 Feet up to 12 Feet. When the criteria of Rule 14-26.0051, F.A.C., are met, trip or multi-trip permits shall be issued. Movement permitted daytime hours only, excluding weekends and holidays. Flags, warning signs, and warning lights are required. Except for local moves, this is the maximum width allowed on a straight truck.
(c) Over 12 Feet up to 14 Feet. When the criteria of Rule 14-26.0051, F.A.C., are met, trip or multi-trip permits shall be issued.Movement permitted daytime hours only, excluding weekends and holidays, as defined by subsection 14-26.0041(8), F.A.C. Minimum one escort vehicle, with qualified escort, required at all times. All manufactured buildings, manufactured homes, mobile homes, modular buildings, sheds, and swimming pools shall use a minimum of four warning lights mounted two in the front and two in the rear at each corner of the towed or hauled unit. All other loads shall have a minimum of one warning light mounted at the front and one warning light mounted at the rear of the load. On roadway lanes less than 12 feet wide, bridges with less than 30 feet curb to curb, and in rural areas with traffic volume greater than 12,000 Average Daily Traffic (hereinafter ADT) per lane or in urbanized areas (more than 50,000 population) with ADT greater than 8,000 vehicles per lane, two qualified escorts are required except on loads with a minimum of four warning lights mounted two in front and two in the rear at each corner of the towed or hauled unit. Flags, warning signs, and warning lights are required. Except for local moves, minimum 26,001 pound registered GVW vehicle required with minimum four tires on rear axle(s). Movement will be restricted in congested areas during peak traffic hours unless, based upon a consideration of the size and shape of the load and the anticipated times of travel through a congested area, the distance of travel in the congested area and the length and time of day of the peak traffic periods, it is shown that the safety and efficiency of state maintained roads will not be adversely affected.
(d) Over 14 Feet up to 16 Feet. When the criteria of Rule 14-26.0051, F.A.C., are met, trip permits shall be issued. Movement permitted daytime hours only, excluding weekends and holidays. Two escort vehicles, with qualified escorts, are required at all times during the move, one in the front and one in the rear of the load. All loads consisting of manufactured buildings, manufactured homes, mobile homes, modular buildings, sheds, and swimming pools shall use a minimum of four warning lights mounted two in the front and two in the rear at each corner of the towed or hauled unit. All other loads shall have a minimum of one warning light mounted at the front and one warning light mounted at the rear of the load. Flags, warning signs, and warning lights are required. Permits will not be issued for two lane roadways except for delivery. Two lane roadways shall not be used as a connector route. Movement may be restricted in congested areas during peak traffic hours. The maximum width for manufactured buildings is 16 feet. Except for local moves, minimum 26,001 pound registered GVW tow vehicle required.
(e) Over 16 Feet. When the criteria of Rule 14-26.0051, F.A.C., are met, trip permits only shall be issued. Same as criteria for "Over 14 Feet up to 16 Feet" except movement will be restricted to local moves unless, based upon a consideration of the size and shape of the load and the anticipated times of travel through a congested area, the distance of travel in the congested area, and the length and time of day of the peak traffic periods, it is shown that the safety and efficiency of state maintained roads will not be adversely affected. Law enforcement escort(s) shall be required for all moves. Item must be moved by rail, air, or water when available.
(7) Height Limitations.
(a) Up to 14 Feet 6 Inches. When the criteria of Rule 14-26.0051, F.A.C., are met, trip or multi-trip permits shall be issued. Movement permitted all days, all hours. Except for local moves, this is the maximum height for loads hauled on straight trucks. Automobile transporters may obtain a trip or multi-trip permit for a load up to 14 feet high.
(b) Over 14 Feet 6 Inches up to 16 Feet. When the criteria of Rule 14-26.0051, F.A.C., are met, trip or multi-trip permits shall be issued. Movement permitted daytime hours only, excluding weekends and holidays, as defined by subsection 14-26.0041(8), F.A.C. Warning light required front and rear of load. Escort vehicle traveling in front of the load with a vertical height indicator is required. Trip permit requests for movement of vehicles over 15 feet high will require an affidavit verifying the proposed route has clearance to accommodate the requested height plus six inches. Movement over 16 feet will be restricted to local moves only with no movement allowed on limited access facilities unless, based on a consideration of the size and shape of the load and the anticipated times of travel through a congested area, the distance of the travel in the congested area and the length and time of day of the peak traffic periods, it is shown that the safety and efficiency of the state highway system will not be adversely affected. Law enforcement escort and utilities will be required whenever the load will encounter low barriers, such as overhead structures, traffic signals and low wires. Applications for both trip and multi-trip permits will be accepted. Multi-trip permits shall be limited to 18 feet.
(c) Over 16 Feet. When the criteria of Rule 14-26.0051, F.A.C., are met, trip or multi-trip permits shall be issued. Multi-trip permits shall be limited to 18 feet. Movement permitted daytime hours only, excluding weekends and holidays. Movement will be restricted to local moves only with no movement allowed on limited access facilities unless, based upon a consideration of the size and shape of the load, the anticipated times of travel through a congested area, the peak traffic periods, the distance of the travel in the congested area, and the length of the transported load, it is shown that the safety and efficiency of the state maintained road will not be adversely affected. Trip permit requests for movement of vehicles over 15 feet high will require an affidavit verifying the proposed route has clearance to accommodate the requested height plus six inches. Two qualified escorts are required, a minimum of one must be law enforcement. Appropriate utility personnel will also be required whenever the load will encounter low barriers, such as overhead structures, traffic signals, and low wires.
(8) Length Limitations.
(a) Limitations 65 Feet to 80 Feet. When the criteria of Rule 14-26.0051, F.A.C., are met, trip or multi-trip permits shall be issued. Applicable to all permitted vehicles (combination vehicles, e.g., semi-trailer truck combinations, and straight trucks and trailers) and all hours. Minimum 26,001 pound registered GVW vehicle required. Movement permitted all days, all hours. Rear overhang, as defined by subsection 14-26.0041(28), F.A.C., is limited to maximum of 10 feet during nighttime movement unless otherwise stated on the permit. When overhang exceeds 4 feet, a warning light is required on the top of the vehicle; at the extreme rear of the load shall be two red lamps and two red reflectors and on each side of the load shall be one red lamp. Each required warning lamp shall be visible from a distance of at least 500 feet.
(b) Over 80 Feet. When the criteria of Rule 14-26.0051, F.A.C., are met, trip or multi-trip permits shall be issued. Minimum 26,001 pound registered GVW vehicle required. Movement permitted daytime hours only, excluding weekends and holidays. Warning lights are required on the top of the vehicle and the rear of load. Escort vehicle(s) required when the length exceeds 95 feet. Truck tractor semi-trailers with three points of articulation are allowed up to 105 feet without an escort vehicle. Maximum length for a manufactured home, tractor combination is 105 feet provided the length of the towed housing does not exceed 81 feet, including all overhangs and tongue. Movement over 85 feet shall have time restrictions in areas with traffic volume greater than 12,000 ADT per lane or in urbanized areas (more than 50,000 population) with ADT greater than 8,000 vehicles per lane.
(c) Self-Propelled Equipment Length Limitations. For all self-propelled equipment, the boom must be fully retracted and all attachments removed. Nightime movement requires that front overhang has a minimum of 80 inches clearance above the roadway. In addition, no movement is allowed on limited access facilities with units designed for off road use.
1. Total length up to 40 Feet.
a. Front Overhang over 3 Feet up to 9 Feet. When the criteria of Rule 14-26.0051, F.A.C., are met, trip or multi-trip permits shall be issued. Movement may be permitted on all days, all hours. Warning light is required to be mounted at the extreme end of the boom.
b. Front Overhang over 9 Feet. When the criteria of Rule 14-26.0051, F.A.C., are met, trip or multi-trip permits shall be issued. Movement permitted daytime hours only unless required in direct support of emergency utility operations, all days. Flags and warning light required. Warning light is required to be mounted in such a way as to be seen by all approaching traffic.
2. Total Length up to 50 Feet.
a. Front Overhang up to 9 Feet. When the criteria of Rule 14-26.0051, F.A.C., are met, trip or multi-trip permits shall be issued. Movement may be permitted all days, all hours. Warning light is required to be mounted at the extreme end of the boom.
b. Front Overhang over 9 Feet. When the criteria of Rule 14-26.0051, F.A.C., are met, trip or multi-trip permits shall be issued. Movement permitted daytime hours only unless required in direct support of emergency utility operations, all days. Flags and warning light required. Warning light is required to be mounted in such a way as to be seen by all approaching traffic.
3. Total Length over 50 Feet up to 60 Feet. When the criteria of Rule 14-26.0051, F.A.C., are met, trip or multi-trip permits shall be issued. Movement permitted daytime hours only unless required in direct support of emergency utility operations, all days. Flags and warning light required. Warning light is required to be mounted in such a way as to be seen by all approaching traffic.
4. Total Length over 60 Feet up to 85 Feet Maximum. When the criteria of Rule 14-26.0051, F.A.C., are met, trip or multi-trip permits shall be issued. Movement permitted daytime hours only, excluding weekends and holidays. Flags and warning signs required. Warning light is required to be mounted in such a way as to be seen by all approaching traffic. The extreme end of the boom or block shall be painted high visibility fluorescent for not less than five feet or equipped with a warning light mounted at the extreme end of the boom.
(9) Multiple Loading. When the criteria of Rule 14-26.0051, F.A.C., are met, trip permits only shall be issued. Multiple Loading will be permitted providing:
(a) Multiple loading does not cause an increase in the overdimension being permitted (either width, length, or height), and
(b) The other dimensional characteristics of the load remain within legal dimensions, and
(c) Legal weight (gross vehicle weight of vehicle tag) is not exceeded:
1. Legal weight may be exceeded when the gross vehicle weight does not exceed 100,000 pounds and no more than two overlength items are being carried by the permitted vehicle; and
2. Legal weight may be exceeded when components that are a normal part of the permitted working equipment have been removed to reduce the size of the load for safety reasons, e.g., blade, rake. For example, a load consisting of a bulldozer along with an unattached blade and rake, both of which can be attached to the bulldozer, would be acceptable; however, a bulldozer may not be transported with two blades where only one blade can be attached for normal use of the bulldozer.
(10) Designated Permits.
(a) An “Implement of Husbandry” will be issued trip or multi-trip permits for local moves on local roads in farming areas when, based upon a consideration of the size and shape of the load and the anticipated times of travel through a congested area, the distance of travel in the congested area and the length and time of day of the peak traffic periods, it is shown that the safety and efficiency of the state maintained roads will not be adversely affected.
(b) Movement of empty truck tractor semi-trailers up to 11 feet in width, not exceeding 105 feet in length, traveling on or within five miles of limited access roadways, when operating with a valid permit will be allowed to travel nighttime hours. The truck tractor semi-trailer must be lighted in accordance with Florida Statutes and have at least one 360 degree amber warning light located on the top of the truck tractor, visible from front, rear, and sides. When traveling empty, it is acceptable to load extra axles and stingers onto the associated trailer to reduce overall dimensions for safety purposes.
(c) Semi-trailers greater than 53 feet but not exceeding 57 feet 6 inches in length and with no overhang of load in a truck tractor trailer combination, hauling a divisible load may obtain a trip or multi-trip permit when the criteria of Rule 14-26.0051, F.A.C., are met.
(d) Truck tractor trailers may obtain a trip or multi-trip permit to deviate from inner-bridge requirements when traveling on interstate highways and when the criteria of Rule 14-26.0051, F.A.C., are met. The vehicle must comply with all outer-bridge and axle weight requirements.
(11) Proceeding through Weigh Station. Escort vehicles in the process of escorting a permitted vehicle or load must proceed through weigh stations and must not bypass such stations.
(12) Wrecker Permits.
(a) When the combined weight of the wrecker and disabled vehicle being towed exceeds the maximum weight limits established by Section 316.535, Florida Statutes, the wrecker must be operating under a current wrecker special use permit or permits as provided in Section 316.550(4), Florida Statutes.
(b) Escort requirements, if any, for towing disabled permitted vehicles shall be as prescribed in the original permit or amendment thereto for the towed vehicle.
(c) It is the responsibility of the wrecker operator to secure permits necessary to cover the attached load when otherwise required.
(d) In all instances where legal weight is exceeded, all available brakes on the towed vehicle will be actuated.
(e) A legally permitted wrecker shall not cause an illegally loaded vehicle to become legal by attaching to it.
(f) Blanket permits shall be issued, when the criteria of Rule 14-26.0051, F.A.C., are met, for weights not to exceed 132,000 pounds and lengths not to exceed 120 feet (combined weight or length of the wrecker and the towed disabled vehicle) with attached map(s) showing acceptable routes for specific axle and vehicle configurations.
(g) Trip permits shall be issued, when the criteria of Rule 14-26.0051, F.A.C., are met, if specific vehicle information concerning number of axles, axle spacing, and vehicle weight (wrecker and disabled vehicle) is provided.

Specific Authority 316.550, 334.044(2) FS. Law Implemented 316.550, 334.044(27) FS. History–New 8-26-82, Amended 12-6-83, Formerly 14-26.12, Amended 9-15-87, 5-2-90, 7-21-91, 6-23-96, 11-10-98.