Can I use US-199 in nothern California?

Looking at the Rand McNally Motor Carrier Road Atlas map (RMMCRA) is not the final word for determining the legality of big trucks on state roads. When you want to know the answer to "is that road legal?" in RMMCRA look in the front section in front of the maps and look in the Restricted Route table. In my outdated RMMCRA California doesn't list CA-199 as restricted. In CA at some exits they will post a green or blue sign that looks like the back end of a trailer with a letter S or letter T on it. That indicates you are exiting onto a legal route for Semi-trailers and Trucks, IIRC.

 

Or @truckdad , @InTooDeep ?

 

S is a STAA route. T is a Terminal Access route.

 

I took a flatbed load (steel building) to Crescent City once, but I came in from the north. If you read @Boardhauler's post above, it's clear that anything over 65' total length is not legal on 199 in California. I came down the 101 from Oregon.

It's beautiful country btw. Have fun!

 

36 to Redding is 65' overall length for part of it, looks like Chester to Mineral. If you have a 53' trailer, you probably won't be legal. From Susanville best route looks like 44 to 89 to 299 to 101.

 

Whatever you do, don't take 36 from Red Bluff to Fortuna. Take 299 west from Redding to Arcata. It's good road, a few hills but nothing really bad. There's a few narrow spots around Burnt Ranch but you can keep it on your own side if you work at it a little.
At Arcata take 101 north to Crescent City. Again, there are a few hills and some windy road along the ocean but nothing really terrible.
Don't take 101 south of Eureka when you head back. The Garberville CHP watches for over-length trucks and the fine is enough to ruin your day.

 

Came to Susanville, CA, opened the DOT CAL maps on my notebook and realized that neither CA 36 nor CA 44 work for me. They're black, 65' restricted. I looked on my smartphone earlier and didn't see those black parts. Now have to drive on CA 44 - 89 to 299 and just continue West to Eureka. Extra 30 miles and 50 minutes. I should have just continued on I-80 to I-5. So no cuts for 53" trailers going through Reno to that part of Cali. Hope it helps someone in the future.

 

It seems like you posted while I was typing my reply. Yes, you were correct. I'll take 44-89-299 to 101 North. Thank you!
p.s. No 101 South post Eureka, got it. Thank you!

 

CalTrans nibbles away on 36 a little every year so I guess it's better. They keep telling us it is.

I hauled a lot of logs and lumber on that road and I'm just as glad not to do it any more. I can't imagine doing it in a long semi. You see people on it every once in awhile, usually a couple of exchange students from some other country. English is almost always a challenge for them. We try to help them if we can but the main thing we tell them is don't take the turnoff for Ruth.