You’ve got the route planned, your oversize permit approved, and your load secured — but there’s one question that stops many haulers before departure:
“Do I need an escort vehicle for this trip?”

The short answer? Not always.
The detailed answer? It depends on your load dimensions, the state you’re driving through, and the type of roads you’re using.

Let’s break it down — so you can avoid unnecessary costs, stay compliant, and ensure every haul gets delivered safely.

What Is an Escort Vehicle (Pilot Car)?

An escort vehicle, also known as a pilot car, is a smaller vehicle (usually a pickup or SUV) that travels ahead of or behind an oversize truck to:

• Warn oncoming traffic of a wide or tall load

• Help navigate tight turns, bridges, and intersections

• Prevent accidents and property damage

• Communicate hazards and traffic conditions with the driver

Escort vehicles are required when the load’s size or route poses additional safety risks that a truck alone can’t manage.

When Are Escort Vehicles Required?

Escort rules vary by state — but most DOTs use similar thresholds for width, height, and length.

• In Texas, one escort is needed for loads wider than 14 feet on non-divided highways.

• In Georgia, loads over 12 feet wide require two escorts.

• In California, a front escort is mandatory for loads over 15 feet tall.

Always confirm your route’s escort rules before departure — one state’s threshold might not match the next.

Why Escort Vehicles Matter

Beyond compliance, pilot cars serve a critical safety and liability role.

They help you:

• Avoid bridge strikes and low-clearance damages

• Warn other drivers early about your load

• Maneuver safely through construction zones or sharp turns

Having an escort isn’t just a regulation — it’s an investment in control, protection, and professional reputation.

Types of Escort Vehicles

1. Front Escort (Lead Vehicle)

Drives ahead of the truck, alerts oncoming traffic, and checks road conditions.

2. Rear Escort (Chase Vehicle)

Follows behind to warn approaching traffic and block unsafe passing.

3. Police Escort

Required for superloads or extremely large hauls that need full traffic control or intersection management.

4. Height Pole Escort

Used for tall loads — the pole detects bridge or wire clearance issues before the truck reaches them.

Do All States Require Escort Certification?

In many states, escort vehicle drivers must be certified through DOT-approved pilot car training programs.

Typical requirements include:

• Defensive driving training

• Load dimension knowledge

• Two-way radio communication

• Emergency procedure readiness

States like Florida, North Carolina, and Washington require official certification cards for pilot car operators.

How to Know If You Need an Escort

✅ Check Your Permit

Your OSOW permit will specify whether escorts are required and how many.
If your route crosses multiple states, review each state’s escort section — rules change at the border.

✅ Use a Permit Service

Professional permitting services (like OSOWPermits) handle escort coordination, ensuring your route meets all escort and pilot car laws.

✅ Stay Updated

DOTs regularly update escort requirements — especially during construction seasons or frost law periods.

Consequences of Skipping Required Escorts

Operating without a mandated escort can result in:

• Permit suspension or revocation

• Fines ranging from $500–$5,000

• Trip shutdown until compliance is met

• Liability for damages or accidents

Not every oversize load needs an escort — but when the law requires one, it’s non-negotiable.

Understanding when, where, and why escorts are needed is the key to staying safe, compliant, and on schedule.

👉 Let OSOWPermits handle the details.
From permits to pilot cars, we coordinate everything you need to move your oversize loads legally and efficiently — so you can focus on the road ahead.