Summary:

• In Arkansas,  oversized loads generally can be transported from 30 minutes before sunrise to 30 minutes after sunset.
• No oversize movement is permitted through the greater Little Rock area from 7-9 am or 4-6 pm.
• Single trip permits are one-use and valid for four days. Multiple-trip permits can extend to two adjacent counties and are valid for six days.

Operating Hours, Restricted Travel, and Holiday Restrictions

In Arkansas,  oversized loads can generally be transported from 30 minutes before sunrise to 30 minutes after sunset seven days a week with the proper permit. Loads not exceeding 90 feet in length are authorized for continuous travel if the other dimensions meet legal standards. Mobile homes are prohibited from transit on Sundays. 

No oversize movement is permitted through the greater Little Rock area from 7-9 am or 4-6 pm. Oversize movement is prohibited on Interstate 30 between mile markers 137-143, Interstate 40 between mile markers 151-155, or at any place on Interstate 630. In addition, secondary highways are restricted to 40mph and may be posted to limit vehicles to lesser weight.

Oversize loads cannot travel on the following holidays:

• New Year’s Day
• Memorial Day
• Independence Day
• Labor Day
• Thanksgiving Day
• Christmas Day

Movement is not permitted during inclement weather where the conditions are deemed unsafe. 

Signs, Flags, and Lights Requirements

Signs, flags, and lights may be required when moving oversize loads or superloads for the safety of others on the road. 

Signs

“Oversize Load” signs are required on all loads that exceed legal dimensions, except for overweight-only loads. These signs must be displayed at both the front and rear of the vehicle. The signs should be made of reflective material and be clearly visible to other drivers. They must have black letters on a yellow background, with letters at least 10 inches tall and 1.4 inches wide.

Flags

Flags are required on oversized loads to signal the vehicle’s extended dimensions. In Arkansas, red or orange warning flags (18 inches square) should be placed at the extremities of the load:

• Four flags are required if the load exceeds the vehicle’s width.
• One flag must be placed at each corner of the load.
• Additional flags may be necessary if the load extends more than 4 feet beyond the rear of the vehicle.

Lights

The state of Arkansas does not specify light requirements for oversize loads, so light requirements ultimately adhere to federal guidelines.

Obtaining a Permit

Single trip permits are one-use and valid for four days. Multiple-trip permits can extend to two adjacent counties and are valid for six days. It’s important to note that annual permits are vehicle-specific. Permit authorizations are issued from the Permit Office, and must stay in the vehicle to accompany the annual permit. Permits can be ordered at the Arkansas state website.

Partnering with a Logistics Company

Transporting oversized or overweight loads in Arkansas requires careful planning and adherence to state regulations. Consider partnering with a modular logistics company to help understand operating hours, restricted travel routes, holiday restrictions, and safety requirements to ensure a safe and legal haul in Arkansas. Contact our experts to ensure a seamless experience for your project. 

Read more:

• Over-Dimensional and Heavy Haul Permitting 101
• What You Need to Know About State Oversize Permits for Over-Dimensional, Wide, and Heavy Haul Trucking
• State Oversize Permit & Wide Load Regulations: Simplified

ariesfs is a transportation logistics company specializing exclusively in High Stakes Freight® , or freight where there is significant risk in moving your product. We help you transport freight when there are projects with timelines and delivery sequences, shipments with high complexity, and shipments with unique constraints.