Extralegal Truck Permit

Apply For An Extralegal Truck Permit

To apply for an extralegal permit, submit the following three documents to the SFMTA permit writer at truckpermits@sfmta.com:

• SFMTA Extralegal Truck Permit Application
• A copy of the associated Caltrans single trip or annual permit
• Proof of insurance meeting SFMTA requirements. See the following document for details: Insurance Requirements

For detailed information regarding the process of applying for extralegal truck permits, please consult the Truck Permit Protocol

Do I Need An Extralegal Truck Permit?

An "extralegal" vehicle is a vehicle whose overall dimensions and/or weight exceed those set forth in Division 15 of the California Vehicle Code (CVC). This Division defines a legal vehicle as a vehicle under 8.5 feet in width, 65 feet in length, 14 feet in height and up to 34,000 lbs in weight on any one axle.

A vehicle traveling on City streets for any distance within the City requires an extralegal permit if one or a combination of the above dimensions/weight is exceeded.

Extralegal vehicles are not allowed to travel on City streets during morning and afternoon peak hours. The fine for not possessing a permit or violating the permit conditions can be $1,000. 

Extralegal Truck Permit Types

The SFMTA offers three types of permits for extralegal vehicles:

• Single Trip Permit: A single trip permit is valid for one laden trip from origin to destination using a route prescribed by the permit writer. Single trip permits may be valid for a period not to exceed seven (7) consecutive days. A single trip permit may also include an unladen trip to or from the destination, however if an additional load is picked up at the destination, then a second single trip permit will be required. A single trip permit that enters or exits the City must be accompanied by a Caltrans single trip or annual permit. The cost for a single trip permits is $16.00 each.

• Repetitive Move Permit: A repetitive move permit is valid for multiple trips between one origin and one destination using a route prescribed by the permit writer. Repetitive move permits may be available for any load that would otherwise require a single trip permit. Repetitive move permits may be valid for a period not to exceed ninety (90) consecutive days. A repetitive move permit that enters or exits the City must be accompanied by a Caltrans repetitive move or annual permit. The cost for a repetitive move permit is $90.00 each.

• Annual Permit: An annual permit is valid for an unlimited number of trips to or from any point of origin or point of destination within the City and County of San Francisco with no prescribed route. An annual permit may be valid for a period not to exceed one (1) year. All applications for an annual permit must be accompanied by a corresponding Caltrans Annual Permit. The cost for an annual permit is $90.00 each.

Permit Requirements

In addition to the requirements imposed under state law, permits for extralegal vehicles traveling in or through San Francisco contain the following eleven (11) conditions:

1. The permittee shall provide one (1) pilot car for vehicle/load 12 ft. wide or over or 90 ft. long or over and an additional pilot car or flag person if vehicle/load is 12 ft. wide or over and 90 ft. long or over.
2. The permittee shall install a slider or skidding board, when deemed necessary by the SFMTA, for any vehicle over 15' 6" in height when traveling on certain designated streets.
3. Prior to the move, the permittee shall drive the route to locate any turning and/or height obstructions.
4. The permittee shall comply with all the applicable requirements and restrictions stipulated in the Caltrans Transportation Permit.
5. Extralegal weight moves are not permitted across the China Basin bridges on 3rd Street and 4th Street.
6. The permittee shall make the move under this permit, Monday through Friday, between the hours of sunrise and sunset excluding the peak traffic hours (7:00 AM to 9:00 AM) and (4:00 PM to 6:00 PM), unless otherwise permitted.
7. The permittee shall contact and make arrangements with the San Francisco Police Department (415-553-1195 or 415-553-1180) for any police-escort-required moves, i.e. "wrong way" moves, etc.
8. Prior to issuance of an extralegal load truck permit, the permittee shall provide a hard copy of an insurance certificate with Comprehensive or Business Automobile Liability Insurance--with limits not less than $500,000 for each occurrence, Combined Single Limit for Bodily Injury and Property Damage, including coverage for Owned, NonOwned and Hired Vehicles--as applicable and including as additional insured the City and County of San Francisco, its officers, agents and employees, providing 30 days prior written notice of cancellation, as required by the San Francisco.
9. By accepting the permit, the permittee agrees to compensate the City and County of San Francisco in full for all damage to property of the City and County of San Francisco or to public property under its jurisdiction, resulting from operations under the permit, regardless of negligence of the City and County of San Francisco Municipal Transportation Agency.
10. By accepting the permit, the permittee agrees to indemnify, hold harmless and assume the defense of the City and County of San Francisco from and against any and all claims, demands, and actions for damages resulting from work under the permit, regardless of negligence of City and County of San Francisco.
11. The permittee shall provide 24 hour notice in advance, whenever possible, prior to issuance of the permit request.