Overview
Local Term
pilot car
escort vehicle · flag car · 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 3.66m–4.27m (12–14 ft)
Varies by state
1×
civil
Width ≥ 4.27m (≥14 ft)
One front, one rear
2×
civil
Height ≥ 4.42m (14.5 ft)
1×
civil
Length ≥ 24.4m (80 ft)
1×
civil
Super loads / extreme dimensions
Police escort may be required
2×
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
⚠ Travel Restrictions
✗ Night travel may be restricted
✗ Permits set allowable travel times
✗ Weekend/holiday restrictions in some states
Certification
✓ Required
Many states require certification (AZ, CO, FL, GA, LA, MN, NV, NM, NY, OK, VA). Some accept reciprocal certifications.
Get HC Certified →Data confidence: high · Last verified: April 2026 · Source: State DOT (each state)