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RegulationsUnited States
๐Ÿ‡บ๐Ÿ‡ธGold โ€” Full Dataโœ“ Compliance Guide

United States Escort Vehicle Regulations

In the United States, you need a pilot car when your load exceeds 12 feet wide. Most states require one escort for loads between 12 and 14 feet wide, and two escorts for loads wider than 14 feet. Many states also require escorts for loads taller than 14.5 feet or longer than 80 feet. Check your specific state regulations for exact requirements.

Overview

Local Term
pilot car
escort vehicle ยท flag car ยท lead car
Language
EN
Permit Authority
State DOT (each state)
Data Quality
HIGH
Max Width (std)
2.59m (8.5 ft)
Max Height (std)
4.11m
Max Length (std)
19.81m
Max Weight (std)
36.29t

Escort Thresholds

Width 3.66mโ€“4.27m (12โ€“14 ft)
Varies by state
1ร—
civil
Width โ‰ฅ 4.27m (โ‰ฅ14 ft)
One front, one rear
2ร—
civil
Height โ‰ฅ 4.42m (14.5 ft)
1ร—
civil
Length โ‰ฅ 24.4m (80 ft)
1ร—
civil
Super loads / extreme dimensions
Police escort may be required
2ร—
both

Required Equipment

OVERSIZE LOAD / WIDE LOAD roof sign
Amber flashing lights
Two-way radio / CB
Height pole
Red/orange safety flags
Safety cones
Fire extinguisher
First aid kit

โš  Travel Restrictions

โœ— Night travel may be restricted
โœ— Permits set allowable travel times
โœ— Weekend/holiday restrictions in some states

Certification

โœ“ Required

Many states require certification (AZ, CO, FL, GA, LA, MN, NV, NM, NY, OK, VA). Some accept reciprocal certifications.

Get HC Certified โ†’

Permit Authority

State DOT (each state)

Single tripAnnualOverweightSuperload
Official Permit Portal โ†—
Data confidence: high ยท Last verified: April 2026 ยท Source: State DOT (each state)
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