Transportation Permits

Annual blanket Transportation permits and daily transportation permits’ purpose is to enable the County to regulate movement of oversize loads over County bridges and County Maintained roads in order to insure vehicle safety and to protect County bridges and roads. Issuing the permit assures that oversize loads are moved only over an assigned route in which bridges and roads can handle the weight and dimensions of the load, as well as addressing safety considerations unique to the assigned route. A daily transportation permit is required whenever movement over county bridges and county maintained roads falls within the following criteria:

The truck, truck and trailer, vehicle, or vehicle and trailer are over the legal size defined in California Vehicle Code Division 15.
The load is over the legal size in terms of height, width, length, and/or weight as defined in California Vehicle Code Division 15.

Frequently asked questions

What is considered an oversized vehicle or load?

Width. Any load or vehicle over the legal width of 8’-6” requires a permit, as specified in California Vehicle Code Section 35100.
Height. No vehicle or load shall exceed a height of 14’ measured from the surface upon which the vehicle stands. Any load or vehicle in excess of 14’ in height requires a permit as specified in California Vehicle Code Section 35250.
Length. While there are exceptions specified in the California Vehicle Code, generally, any single vehicle exceeding 40’ in length requires a permit and any combination of vehicle and/or semi-trailers and/or trailers exceeding 75’ requires a permit as specified in California Vehicle Code Sections 35400 and 35401.
Weight. Gross weight limits are based on the maximum number of pounds on each axle or axle group specified in California Vehicle Code Sections 35550 through 35558 depending on the number of tires and spacing of the axle group. The general rule is that legal vehicle combinations exceeding a gross weight of 80,000 pounds must obtain a transportation permit and that the legal gross weight imposed on a single axle shall not exceed 20,000 pounds. Truck axle group weight charts and weight limitation information including exceptions can be found in the California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) Transportation Manual which can be found online at the Caltrans website and in the California Vehicle Code sections 35550 through 35558.

What are the pilot car requirements?

Width. A load width in excess of 12’ requires two pilot cars. A load width in excess of 11’ up to and including 12’ requires one pilot car.
Length. A load in excess of 100’ up to and including 120’ in length requires one pilot car. A load in excess of 120’ requires two pilot cars.
Hilly Terrain. In hilly terrain and curving roads where sight visibility may be reduced may require two pilot cars and at times a CHP escort.

What does the permit cost?

The permit fees are based on a transportation permit fee schedule specified by the California State Legislature. The Trinity County transportation permit fees are $16 for a daily transportation permit and $90 for an annual blanket transportation permit.

What do I need to submit?

Individual citizens and commercial businesses may apply for daily and/or annual blanket transportation permits. The applicant must submit a completed daily or annual blanket transportation permit form located below. Applicants must provide a Certificate of Liability Insurance for their personal residence/property or for their commercial business or have a current certificate on file with The Department of Transportation, prior to issuance of a permit. A minimum liability insurance coverage of $1,000,000 is required and Trinity County must be named as an additional insured on the certificate. The permit fee must be paid prior to issuance of a permit.

What are the steps in applying for a transportation permit?

The Application - Submit a completed application form (according to instructions) and provide a Certificate of Liability Insurance via USPS mail or over-the-counter at the DOT at 31301 State Hwy 3, Weaverville. This form can be foudn in supporting documents below.
Permit Review and Approval - Annual and daily transportation permits will be reviewed for requested date of movement, load dimensions and weight, equipment size, proposed route, and day and time of movement for compliance to County requirements. Please allow up to 3 business days for processing.
Payment - Pay for the permit. The fee can be paid by cash, check, or money order via USPS mail or over-the-counter at the DOT (31301 State Hwy 3, Weaverville).
Issuance - Upon approval of application and fees collection, the permit is issued to the applicant via USPS, e-mail, fax, or over-the-counter delivery.