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Transportation Permits Manual

The Transportation Permits Manual (TPM) is currently being revised.  The revised manual will incorporate all approved Transportation Permit Policy Memorandums (TPPM). Changes will reflect the reorganization of the Office of Commercial Vehicle Operations and the consolidation of the north and south Transportation Permits Issuance Branches into a single branch located in Sacramento.  The revised chapters will be made available online below.  The goal of the TPM is to provide a single reference source for Caltrans policies and procedures in the issuance of transportation permits.  Implementation of the current version of each chapter shall be applied to all forthcoming transportation permits.

Caltrans encourages manual users to use the online version of the TPM as the latest official version.  If a paper copy is maintained by the manual user, it is the responsibility of the manual user to maintain and incorporate the latest manual updates to ensure proper reference to the latest policies and procedures.

Transportation Permits Manual (TPM) Changes

TPM Individual Files: Last Updated
Preface (PDF) 1/20/2016
Table of Contents (PDF) Work In Progress 2/23/1990
Chapter - Subject
Chapter 1 - General Provisions (PDF)  6/20/2023
Chapter 2 - Type of Permits (PDF)  6/01/2022
Chapter 3 - Vehicle Qualification and Inspection (PDF)  4/26/2021
Chapter 4 - Variances (PDF) 8/1/2017
Chapter 5 - Routing and Safety Requirements (PDF)  6/25/2024
Chapter 6 - Emergency Moves (PDF) 9/1/2016
Chapter 7 - Compliance Program (PDF) 8/10/2016
Chapter 8 - Glossary (PDF)
 1/20/2016
Chapter 9 - Definitions replaced by Chapter 8 - Glossary dated 1/20/2016 -
Chapter 10 - General Information (PDF)
 2/23/1990
Appendix - Subject
Appendix TOC - Table of Contents (PDF) 2/23/1990
Appendix 1 - Annual Permit Attachments (PDF) 2/23/1990
Appendix 2 - Annual Permit Samples (PDF) 2/23/1990
Appendix 3 - Authorized Permit Services and Receiving Stations (PDF) 2/23/1990
Appendix 4 - Bridge Formula B (PDF) 2/23/1990
Appendix 5 - CHP Divisions/Caltrans Boundaries (PDF) 2/23/1990
Appendix 6 - Close Coupled Calculations (PDF) 2/23/1990
Appendix 7 - Crane Profile Sheet (PDF) 2/23/1990
Appendix 8 - Delegation of Authority (City-County) (PDF) 2/23/1990
Appendix 9 - How to fill out a Permit Application (PDF) 2/23/1990
Appendix 10 - Inspection Report - Heavy Haul (PDF) 2/23/1990
Appendix 11 - Inspection Report - Fixed Load - Self-Propelled (PDF) 2/23/1990
Appendix 12 - Inspection Report - Fixed Load - Trailer-Mounted (PDF) 2/23/1990
Appendix 13 - Inspection Report - Drill Rig (PDF) 2/23/1990
Appendix 14 - Inspection Report - Truck Cranes (PDF) 2/23/1990
Appendix 15 -Allowable Weights for Double Wide Hauling Equipment (PDF) 11/01/2006
Appendix 16 - Permit Conditions (PDF) 2/23/1990
Appendix 17 - Permit Service Agreement (PDF) 2/23/1990
Appendix 18 - Pilot Car Determination Criteria for Permit Vehicles/Loads (PDF) 2/23/1990
Appendix 19 - Pilot Car Table for California (PDF) 2/23/1990
Appendix 20 - Weight Charts (PDF) 2/23/1990
Appendix 21 - Prohibited State Routes (PDF) 2/23/1990
Appendix 22 - Receiving Station Agreements (PDF) 2/23/1990
Appendix 23 - Repetitive Permit Samples (PDF) 2/23/1990
3/28/2011
Appendix 25 - Transportation Permit Form DM-M-P-16 (PDF) 2/23/1990
Appendix 26 - Transportation Permit Rider Form DMO-M-P-17 (PDF) 2/23/1990
Appendix 27 - Twelve Wide Arterial Map (PDF) 2/23/1990
Appendix 28 - Variance Letter (PDF) 2/23/1990
Appendix 29 - Vehicle Code Sections of Awareness (PDF) 2/23/1990

Transportation Permits Links

Miscellaneous:

Permits Issuance Branch

1120 N St., Sacramento, CA 95814

Main Phone: (916) 322-1297
Annual/Repetitive Fax: (916) 445-0469
Variance Fax: (916) 322-1505

Office Hours: 8am-5pm, Mon-Fri
(Closed on State Holidays)

Holiday Info:
Special Conditions for Holiday Travel (PDF)
State Holiday Info

After-Hours Permit Emergencies:
Emergency Permit Procedures

Contacts: