Nevada stands as one of the West’s most vital transportation thoroughfares. With major interstates such as I-80 stretching coast to coast and I-15 channeling traffic between Southern California, Las Vegas, and the Mountain West, the state plays a critical role in national logistics and commerce.

With safety as top priority, NDOT’s over-dimensional vehicle permit process regulates appropriate travel for vehicle loads exceeding 80,000 pounds gross weight, including applicable highway routes, travel hours, oversize signage and pilot car requirements and more.

Here’s how you can drive safely around oversize vehicles.

Plan Ahead 

• Visit NVRoads.com and select “Trucker Information/Oversized Loads” to view current oversized loads on Nevada highways.
• Plan for extra travel time and note any optional detours or safe stopping areas that may be available.
• Keep a full gas tank and pack non-perishable food and drink, as well as a printed Nevada state map for areas without reliable mobile service.

Watch for Pilot Vehicles

• Be alert for escort cars with flashing lights and "Oversized Load" signs.
• This is your signal to slow down, yield or pull over as needed.

Keep a Long Following Distance

• Stopping distances are further than a regular car or truck.
• Stay far behind to provide enough reaction time for stops or other emergencies.
• Increase your following distance in uphill areas.

Expect Wide Turns

• Oversized loads require massive amounts of space to turn and may turn from middle lanes. Never squeeze between a turning truck and the curb.

Be Patient and Predictable

• Typically, oversized loads will drive well below the speed limit and stay in the right-hand lane.
• Be courteous, cautious, and considerate when sharing the road.
• Avoid aggressive behaviors like honking or weaving, which can cause dangerous distractions and crashes.

Avoid Blind Spots

• If you cannot see a truck driver in their side mirrors, they cannot see you.
• Avoid unnecessary passing or lingering alongside an oversized load, as they may need to shift lanes suddenly to avoid obstacles.