Pilot Car Regulations
Colorado Pilot Car Regulations
Guidelines for Colorado pilot car, escort car, and flag car regulations. Always confirm current requirements with the permit office.
Verify before you move: This information comes from our previous website and hasn't been re-checked yet. Rules change often — always confirm with the
Colorado permit office before you dispatch.
Road conditions
- (303)573-ROAD (Conditions & Construction)
- http://www.cotrip.org/truckers.htm
When Permit Is Needed
- Over 8'6" wide
- Over 13' high
- Trailer over 57'4" long
- Weight over 80,000 lbs
Special Information Needed
- Overhang measurement
- Mobile home starting/ stopping in state- HUD #
- last 10 digits of serial # for tractor
Times Of Movement
- 7 days a week, 24 hours a day for vehicles less than 14’ wide and on Memorial Day, Independence Day, and Labor Day.
- Super loads-no movement on weekends or according to permit. Official Sunrise / Sunset.
When Pilot/Escort Vehicle is Required
- Escort requirements vary according to routes traveled within the state and each major city. Pilot Escort Oversize Restriction Map, Height Restriction Map, and Bridge Weight Limit Map must be carried at all times by pilot/escort and are available by calling CDOT.
Legal Distance
- Not Applicable
Requirements for Pilot Car Vehicles in Colorado
- Passenger vehicle or 2 axle truck, 16,000 lbs. GVW limit, 60” wide or more, in safe operating condition.
- Communications: CB or other adequate two-way radios with at least ½ mile range.
- Signs: “WIDE LOAD”, “LONG LOAD”, “OVERSIZE LOAD” , Top-Mount only, visible from rear & front. 5’ wide (min.)/10” high/1”wide brush stroke/black letters/ 8” high (min.)/yellow background
- Lights: 1-3 flashing yellow or amber lights visible from front & rear; visible at 500’ in normal sunlight from 360 degrees. Roof or Top mounting.
- Flags: Red or Orange mounted on top of Vehicle
Additional equipment
- 1 ea. Standard 18” STOP/SLOW paddle
- 9 ea. bi-directional emergency reflective triangles
- 1 ea. 5 lb. or 10 lb. B,C fire extinguisher
- 1 ea. Class 2, Type 2 reflective orange vest (must be worn while directing traffic)
- 8 ea. Road Flares or Glow Sticks
- 1 ea. orange/white hard hat (must be worn when out of vehicle)
- 2 ea. additional “OVERSIZE LOAD” signs
- 1 ea. Height pole, non-conductive construction for loads over 16’
- 2 ea. Hand-held two-way radios
- 3 ea. Orange cones 18” minimum
- 1 ea. 2 d-cell battery flashlight with 2 extra batteries and 9” red/orange wand
- First Aid Kit clearly marked
- Identification signs/placards on both sides of vehicle
Insurance for Colorado Pilot Car Vehicle
- $1,000,000.00 single limit combined
Requirements for Pilot Car Vehicle Operator in Colorado
- Must be at least 18 years of age.
- Maintain Colorado or other accepted certification to escort Oversize/Overweight loads on Colorado Roads.
- No passengers under 16 years of age.
- Dept. of Transportation Permits Office Hours: 7am-5pm MOUNTAIN TIME
- Colorado Dept. of Transportation
- OS/OW Permit Office
- 4201 E Arkansas Ave, Rm. 290
- Denver, CO 80222
- 303-757-9539/fax-(303)757-9719
- (800)350-3765 (outside Metro-Denver)