Ohio oversize and overweight permits: the OS-32 insurance filing
A truck or load over Ohio's legal limits, such as 80,000 pounds gross, 8 feet 6 inches wide or 13 feet 6 inches high, needs a Special Hauling Permit from ODOT. Before ODOT issues one, your insurance company files Form OS-32, an endorsement for at least $500,000 of liability, or a $500,000 surety bond is filed.
- When you need an ODOT permit
- What the OS-32 is
- Step by step
- Cancellation and changes
- Turnpike and local roads
- FAQ
Builders who haul equipment, steel, machinery or other heavy loads in Ohio run into the state's size and weight limits sooner or later. Here is when ODOT requires a permit, and the insurance filing that has to be on record first.
When you need an ODOT permit
A vehicle or load over Ohio's legal limits needs a Special Hauling Permit. ODOT's Form OS-8 summarizes the limits from the Ohio Revised Code:
| Limit | Maximum | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Single axle (interstate system) | 20,000 lbs | ORC 5577.04 |
| Tandem axle (interstate system) | 34,000 lbs | ORC 5577.04 |
| Gross weight (interstate system) | 80,000 lbs, and the bridge formula for axle groups | ORC 5577.04 |
| Width, including load | 8 ft 6 in | ORC 5577.05 |
| Height | 13 ft 6 in | ORC 5577.05 |
| Semitrailer in a tractor-semitrailer combination | 53 ft | ORC 5577.05 |
Other roads and vehicle types have their own figures. Check the full OS-8 limits chart, including the bridge formula worked example, before you assume a load is legal.
What the OS-32 is
The OS-32 is an ODOT endorsement to your auto liability policy. Under the permit, the permit holder is liable for damage caused by the move and agrees to pay for damage to roads and road structures. The OS-32 is how the insurer agrees to pay the State, within the limits on the form, for final judgments for that damage. Form OS-32
- Minimum: ODOT's notice says $500,000 of property damage (automobile) liability, or a $500,000 surety bond. ODOT may raise it for higher-risk moves. ODOT financial responsibility notice
- Primary or excess: the form lets the insurer mark the coverage as primary or excess over an underlying limit.
- Your own equipment: the permit terms on the form say the State takes no responsibility for damage to the permit holder's equipment or load.
Step by step
- Measure and weigh. Know the exact dimensions, axle weights and gross weight of the truck and load. ODOT's application asks for them.
- Register in the Ohio Hauling Permits System. ODOT says the carrier registers, and the insurance company also registers and submits a completed OS-32 for the carrier. ODOT: apply for a permit
- Ask your insurance company to file the OS-32. It must come from the insurer, signed by someone authorized to issue policy amendments. ODOT returns incomplete forms.
- Apply. ODOT lists the online Hauling Permits System, a permit service, a printed Form OS-1, or the permit office in Columbus.
- Carry the permit and follow its terms for route, time of day and escorts.
Cancellation and changes
- The insurer enters a policy expiration date or "Continuous Until Canceled".
- To cancel a continuous OS-32, the form requires 35 days written notice between insurer and insured, and 30 days notice to ODOT's permit office.
- A new OS-32 voids and replaces the one on file. If you change insurers, make sure the new filing is in before your next permit.
Turnpike and local roads
- Ohio Turnpike: separate rules. OAC 5537-3-01 lists turnpike limits, including a 90,000 lb gross weight limit, and over-limit vehicles apply to the turnpike commission for a permit.
- County, township and city roads: under ORC 4513.34, local authorities issue permits for highways under their jurisdiction.
More Ohio guides: PUCO intrastate registration and starting a trucking company in Ohio.
FAQ
Who files the OS-32 in Ohio?
Your insurance company. ODOT says the OS-32 must be completed and signed by an authorized representative of the insurance company and sent to ODOT directly from them. You cannot file it yourself.
How much liability does ODOT require for a hauling permit?
ODOT's notice says the current minimum is $500,000 of property damage (automobile) liability on the OS-32, or a $500,000 surety bond. ODOT may raise the amount when it sees increased risk.
Can general liability be used instead of auto liability?
For self-propelled equipment, ODOT says general liability may be substituted for automobile liability. For trucks and trailers, the OS-32 amends the auto liability policy.
What happens if the OS-32 is incomplete?
ODOT returns incomplete or incorrect forms, and you cannot get an Ohio Special Hauling Permit until the corrected form is received.
Does an ODOT permit cover the Ohio Turnpike?
No. The Ohio Turnpike sets its own limits in Ohio Admin. Code 5537-3-01, and over-limit vehicles apply to the turnpike commission for a separate permit.
How long does an OS-32 stay on file?
The insurer either enters the policy expiration date or 'Continuous Until Canceled'. With an expiration date, the OS-32 ends on that date. If continuous, the insurer must give ODOT 30 days written notice to cancel. A new OS-32 replaces the old one.
Helm Partners is a trucking-only insurance agency being formed in Michigan. Our Michigan license is pending. We do not quote or sell insurance until licensed. We are not licensed in any state yet, including Ohio, and do not quote, sell or place insurance there. This guide is general information, not advice on any policy.
Sources
- ODOT Form OS-8: Legal dimension and weight limits for highway vehicles (PDF)
- ODOT Form OS-32: Endorsement to liability insurance policy, special hauling permit (PDF)
- ODOT notice: Financial responsibility for a Special Hauling Permit (PDF)
- ODOT: Apply for a Special Hauling Permit
- Ohio Revised Code 5577.04: Axle and gross weight limits
- Ohio Revised Code 5577.05: Size limits
- Ohio Revised Code 4513.34: Special permits
- Ohio Admin. Code 5537-3-01: Ohio Turnpike prohibited users and limits