Wisconsin DOT Regulations for Oversize/Overweight Load Flags/Banners/Signs/Lights, Running Hours and Holiday Restrictions

Running Hours and Holiday Restrictions

For vehicles/loads not exceeding 12' wide, 13' 6" high, or 150' long: No hours of operation restrictions in 67. Travel in Columbia, Dane, Milwaukee, Rock or Waukesha counties, operation restricted: 4 pm and 8 pm on Sunday and 4 pm and 8 pm Friday between the 4th Friday in May and Labor Day. Vehicle /load dimensions exceeding the above may not be operated (1) during hours of darkness, (2) between 4 pm and 8 pm on Fridays 4th Friday in May and Labor Day, (3) noon Saturday to sunrise Sunday, and (4) 4 pm and 8 pm on Sunday. Other restrictions apply to Milwaukee County Expressway.

"Oversized Load" Banner Regulations and Requirements

When a vehicle, load, or vehicle and load is more than 10 feet wide or is overlength, 2 warning signs shall be displayed. One sign shall be fastened at the front of the power unit and the other at either the rear of the towed unit or at the rear of the load. Each sign shall state, in black letters on a yellow background “OVERSIZE LOAD” and may not be less than 7 feet long and 18 inches high. The letters of the sign may not be less than 10 inches high with a brush stroke of not less than 1.4 inches. The sign message may not be displayed when the vehicle is not operating under a permit.

Flag Requirements

Each flag shall be solid red or orange in color, and not less than 18 inches square. Flags shall be securely fastened by at least one corner or securely mounted on a staff. When a vehicle, load, or vehicle and load is overwidth, a flag shall be fastened at each front and rear corner of the load. In addition, if any part of the load is more than 4 inches wider than the width of load or vehicle at the front or rear, than a flag shall be placed at the widest point of the load.  When a vehicle, load, or vehicle and load is overlength, a single flag shall be fastened at the extreme rear of the load if the overlength or projecting portion is 2 feet wide or less. When a vehicle, load, or vehicle and load is overlength 2 flags shall be fastened at the rear of the load to indicate maximum width if the overlength or projecting portion is wider than 2 feet.

Warning Lights: Color and Placement

When required by a permit, warning lamps shall be operated as follows: When required, lights should be amber flashing or revolving warning lamps with 6"in-diameter reflectors, bright enough to be clearly visible at 500'. Strobe lamps may be used in lieu of flashing or revolving lamps.

Source of Information:

http://wisconsindot.gov/Pages/dmv/com-drv-vehs/mtr-car-trkr/osow-requirements.aspx

What is considered as "Oversized Load" in Wisconsin?

Dimensions: Width: 8' 6"" Height: 13' 6"" Truck-Semi-Trailer: 70' Overhang: