Georgia Escort Requirements for Oversize Loads 2026

# Georgia Escort Requirements for Oversize Loads (2026) Georgia enforces strict escort requirements for oversize and overweight loads moving on state highways and interstates. Whether you are a broker, carrier, or pilot car operator, understanding these thresholds is critical for compliance and safety. ## When Escorts Are Required in Georgia The Georgia Department of Transportation (GDOT) mandates escort vehicles based on load dimensions: **Width:** Loads exceeding 12 feet wide require one rear escort. Loads over 16 feet wide require front and rear escorts. Loads exceeding 18 feet require law enforcement escort in addition to pilot cars. **Height:** Loads over 15 feet 6 inches require a height pole vehicle traveling ahead to verify clearances. This is mandatory — not optional — on routes with overhead infrastructure. **Length:** Combinations exceeding 100 feet overall length require a rear escort. Over 120 feet requires front and rear. **Weight:** Overweight loads require permits from GDOT. Loads exceeding 160,000 lbs require engineering approval and may require law enforcement. ## Permit Requirements All oversize loads in Georgia require a permit from GDOT before movement. Permits can be obtained online through the GDOT permitting portal. Single-trip and annual permits are available depending on load frequency. Key permit rules: - Permits are route-specific - Movement is restricted to daylight hours (sunrise to sunset) for most oversized loads - Weekend and holiday travel restrictions apply for loads over 14 feet wide - Loads over 16 feet wide require advance route surveys in many cases ## Georgia Pilot Car Certification Georgia does not currently require state-specific certification for pilot car operators, but operators must comply with GDOT escort vehicle equipment standards. Required equipment includes: - Oversized Load signage (front and rear) - Amber rotating or strobe lights (minimum 25-mile visibility) - Two-way radio communication with the hauler - Flagging equipment ## Operating Hours Oversize loads in Georgia generally must move during daylight hours. Night movement requires special permits and is typically limited to loads that cannot safely travel during peak traffic periods. ## Key Corridors in Georgia High-volume oversize load corridors in Georgia include I-16 (Savannah to Macon), I-75 (Atlanta to Florida state line), and I-285 (Atlanta perimeter). The Port of Savannah is one of the busiest heavy haul origination points in the Southeast. ## Find Pilot Car Operators in Georgia Haul Command lists verified pilot car operators and escort services throughout Georgia. Search by city, corridor, or load type to find available operators with trust scores, equipment listings, and contact information. [Browse Georgia Pilot Car Operators →](/directory?state=GA) [Check Georgia Escort Requirements →](/escort-requirements/us/georgia) [Get a Rate Estimate →](/rates/us)