Overview
Local Term
escort vehicle
pilot vehicle · outrider · ODC escort
Language
EN
Permit Authority
NHAI (National Highways Authority of India) / State PWD
Data Quality
MEDIUM
Max Width (std)
2.6m (8.5 ft)
Max Height (std)
4.75m
Max Length (std)
18m
Max Weight (std)
49t
Escort Thresholds
ODC width > 3.0m or height > 5.0m
One front escort mandatory per MoRT&H ODC guidelines
1×
civil
ODC width > 4.0m or weight > 80t
Front and rear escort; route survey required
2×
civil
ODC on state highways / urban corridors or night move
Traffic Police coordination per state PWD directive
1×
both
Required Equipment
WIDE LOAD / LONG LOAD signs
Red beacon on top of load
Amber flashing lights on escort
Two-way radio / walkie-talkie
Reflective chevrons
⚠ Travel Restrictions
✗ State-specific travel windows (most: 6am–10pm)
✗ Delhi NCR: ODC requires police NOC from Traffic Department
✗ Narrow bridges require advance route survey by state PWD
✗ Monsoon season (Jun–Sep): some mountain passes restricted
Certification
Not Required
No national certification for ODC escort drivers. State PWDs set qualifications per route permit. Tamil Nadu and Maharashtra have published escort guidelines.
Permit Authority
NHAI (National Highways Authority of India) / State PWD
Special Permission (ODC)Route Survey CertificateState PWD Overload Permit
Official Permit Portal ↗Data confidence: partially verified · Last verified: 2026-04-04 · Source: NHAI (National Highways Authority of India) / State PWD