New York vs Kentucky Oversize Load Signs and Flags: What Changes at the State Line

New York vs Kentucky Oversize Load Signs and Flags: What Changes at the State Line

Table Of Contents

• Introduction

• The Short Answer

• Where Each State's Rules Come From

• When Each State Requires Signs

• Sign Size and Lettering

• Flags: Size, Color, and Placement

• Side-by-Side Comparison

• Lights for Night Moves and Overhang

• Escort Vehicle Markings in Both States

• What to Check at the State Line

• Common Mistakes When Running Both States

• Why Many Trucking Companies Choose Our Service

• FAQ

Introduction

A wide load that leaves Kentucky for New York crosses several states, and the marking rules can change on the way. Signs that pass inspection in one state may be too small in another, and a load that needed only flags in one state may need signs in the next.

This guide compares the marking rules behind a New York Oversize Permit and a Kentucky Oversize Permit point by point, so your truck is legal on both sides of the trip.

The Short Answer

Both states require red or orange fluorescent flags at least 18 inches square. The big difference is signs.

• New York requires a warning sign on the front and rear of every vehicle running over legal width, and also for loads more than 12 feet wide or more than 65 feet long.

• Kentucky requires two "OVERSIZE LOAD" signs only when the vehicle is more than 12 feet wide or has front overhang, and the signs must be 6 to 8 feet wide with 18-inch letters.

Where Each State's Rules Come From

• New York: 17 NYCRR Part 154, with signs and flags in 154-1.8, escort rules in 154-1.12, and sign specifications in 154-1.13.

• Kentucky: 601 KAR 1:018, with flags, signs, and lights in Section 11 and escort rules in Section 13.

When Each State Requires Signs

• New York: under 154-1.8(a), a warning sign goes on the front and rear of the permitted vehicle. Signs are also required for loads more than 12 feet wide and more than 65 feet long. NYSDOT may require a rear certified escort instead of a sign when that works better.

• Kentucky: under Section 11(2), two warning signs are required when the vehicle is more than 12 feet wide or has front overhang.

What it means: an 11-foot-wide load with no front overhang needs only flags in Kentucky. On a New York Oversize Permit, plan on front and rear signs for that same load.

Sign Size and Lettering

• New York: the exact sign specifications are set in 154-1.13, and the permit may add conditions.

• Kentucky: signs must read "OVERSIZE LOAD" in black letters on a yellow background, be 6 to 8 feet wide, with letters at least 18 inches high and a brush stroke at least 1.4 inches wide.

What it means: Kentucky's 18-inch letters are larger than many carriers expect. A sign that works on a New York Oversize Permit may still be too small for a Kentucky Oversize Permit.

Flags: Size, Color, and Placement

• New York: flags must be red or orange fluorescent, at least 18 inches square, on staffs, and placed at the extremities of the vehicle or load.

• Kentucky: flags must be red or orange fluorescent and at least 18 inches square on every permitted load. Wide loads need four flags, one at each corner, plus more at the widest points. Long loads and rear overhang need two flags at the extreme rear.

What it means: the same flags work in both states. Kentucky spells out the count and corners, while New York requires staffs.

Side-by-Side Comparison

Lights for Night Moves and Overhang

• New York: a permit does not allow travel from half an hour after sunset to half an hour before sunrise unless the permit says so. When night travel is allowed, the load needs amber lights on the front corners and red lights on the rear corners.

• Kentucky: if a front overhang exceeds 10 feet, an amber strobe or flashing light must be on the power unit and in use. The Division of Motor Carriers may also require additional lights or flags on the permit.

Escort Vehicle Markings in Both States

• New York: escorts need a sign that meets 154-1.13, roof-mounted amber lights visible front and rear, two 18-inch flags, a stop paddle, and three flares for night moves.

• Kentucky: escorts need amber strobe or flashing lights and must keep headlamps lit. For loads more than 12 feet wide, the lead escort shows an "OVERSIZE LOAD" sign visible to oncoming traffic.

What to Check at the State Line

1. Measure Width and Overhang. The 12-foot line and front overhang decide Kentucky's sign rule.

2. Carry Signs That Meet Both States. A 6- to 8-foot sign with 18-inch letters covers Kentucky.

3. Mount Flags on Staffs. New York requires it.

4. Read Both Permits for Night Travel. New York allows it only when the permit says so.

5. Check Escort Equipment. Lights, signs, and flags differ by state.

Common Mistakes When Running Both States

• Running an 11-foot load in New York with flags only. New York requires front and rear signs over the legal width.

• Using small signs in Kentucky. Letters must be at least 18 inches high.

• Skipping rear flags on long loads. Kentucky requires two at the extreme rear.

• Moving at night in New York without permission. It must be on the permit.

• Forgetting the amber light for long front overhang in Kentucky.

Why Many Trucking Companies Choose Our Service

New York Trucking Online helps carriers get the right New York Oversize Permit and reminds them which signs, flags, lights, and escorts the load needs before it rolls. Our service fee for an oversize permit is $97.

We provide 24/7 support and work weekends and holidays.

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FAQ

Do New York and Kentucky use the same flag size?

Yes. Both require red or orange fluorescent flags at least 18 inches square.

When does a Kentucky Oversize Permit load need signs?

When the vehicle is more than 12 feet wide or has a front overhang.

When does a New York Oversize Permit load need signs?

On the front and rear whenever the vehicle runs over legal width, and for loads over 12 feet wide or 65 feet long.

How big must Kentucky signs be?

6 to 8 feet wide, with black letters at least 18 inches high on a yellow background.

Can I move at night in New York?

Only if your permit specifically allows it. Then you need amber front and red rear corner lights.

For more information, visit the New York State Department of Transportation and the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet.