Pilot Car Regulations
Delaware Pilot Car Regulations
Guidelines for Delaware 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
Delaware permit office before you dispatch.
Road conditions
- (302)760-2080 Live during business hours-no recording available (Conditions)
- http://www.deldot.gov/public.ejs?command=PublicLocatableMap (Advisory/Restrictions/Weather)
Permit Limitations
- Weight: Single-20,000; Tandem-34,000; 2 axles-40,000; 3 axles-54,000; 4 axles -74,000; 5 axles-80,000 or the bridge formula
- Length: 53’
- Width: 102”
- Height: 13’6”
- Restrictions and modifications will be noted on the permit.
When Pilot/Escort Vehicle is Required
One (1) escort
- More than twelve (12) feet in width/not exceeding fourteen (14) feet.
- Eighty-five (85) feet or more overall length
Two (2) escorts
- More than fourteen (14) feet in width
- One hundred (100) feet or more in overall length
- Fifteen (15) feet or more in height
- More than 120,000 lbs. Weight
Separate state police escort (third escort)
- More than fifteen (15) feet in width
- One hundred twenty(120) or more in length
- Seventeen feet six inches (17’6”) or more in height
- More than 120,000 lbs. Weight
- https://deldot.gov/CLF4Apps/osow/pdfs/policy.pdf
- Delaware State Police (DSP) Escort(s)
Travel Times
- Permitted vehicles may move Monday through Friday, from sunrise to sunset, unless otherwise authorized or prohibited by the permit. Prohibited holidays include New Year's Day, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving Day, the day after Thanksgiving, and Christmas.
Requirements for Pilot/Escort Vehicle
- Vehicle no smaller than a compact car
- Signs: On roof (“OVERSIZE LOAD” on both sides)or front & rear (“OVERSIZE LOAD” on one side); Minimum 5’ x 12”; black letters 8” high on yellow background
- Lights: Not required in DE but may be located on roof & be 43”-52” long/10”-13” wide/4”-8” high consisting of flashing or strobe lights (min. 4 lights-2 at each end)
- Flags: Red or orange fluorescent; 18” square
- Additional equipment: 2-way radio
Requirements for Pilot/Escort Vehicle Operator
- Not Applicable
DOT Permits Offices
Delaware Dept. of Transportation
- Administration Center
- 800 Bay Rd. or PO Box 778
- Dover, DE 19903
- (302)760-2080
Delaware DOT
- Public Safety Bldg.
- 303 Transportation Circle, Rm. 112
- Dover, DE
- Delaware DOT
- Georgetown Hwy Admin Bldg.
- US 113
- Georgetown, DE
- (302)744-2700; FAX: (302)739-6299
- https://www.deldot.gov/