Pilot Car Regulations
Kentucky Pilot Car Regulations
Guidelines for Kentucky 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
Kentucky permit office before you dispatch.
Road conditions
- 1-800-459-ROAD or 511-Road Conditions
- Construction report/road conditions map: https://kytc.maps.arcgis.com/apps/webappviewer/index.html?id=327a38decc8c4e5cb882dc6cd0f9d45d
When Permit Is Needed
- Over 8' wide
- Over 13'6" high
- Trailer over 53' long
- Over 80,000 lbs.
Special Information Needed
- Company's KYU number
- Manufacturer & model of load; overhang( if any)
- Dozer over 12 wide-Does it have a bucket or a blade?
Times Of Movement
- 1/2 hour before sunrise to 1/2 hour after sunset. Weekend travel allowed except superloads.
- No longer a "holiday" restriction unless it is a Superload or a House move; Travel is allowed 24-7 unless specified otherwise on permit.
- Curfews: No OW/OD loads permitted to travel in the following counties: Boone, Kenton, Campbell, Fayette, Jefferson from 7-9am or 4-6pm M-F;
- (applies to Owensboro, KY 431 bridge, as well)
When Pilot/Escort Vehicle is Required
- https://drive.ky.gov/motor-carriers/pages/owod-Escort-Requirements.aspx
- On 2- lane highways:
- Width over 12' -1 front & 1 rear
- Width over 16’-2 front/2 rear
- 75' to 85' long-1 front
- Over 85' long- 1 front & 1 rear
- Over 120’ long-1 front/2 rear
- 4 or more lane divided highways:
- Over 12' wide-1 rear
- Over 14’ wide-1 front/1 rear
- Over 16’ wide-2 front/2 rear
- Speed at least 45 MPH-1 rear
- Length 110’-1 rear
- Over 120' long-2 rear/1 front
- Height over 14’ 11”-1 front escort w/ height pole
- Overhang over 10'-1 (@ point of overhang)
Requirements for Pilot/Escort Vehicle
- Signs: Post appropriate signs on vehicle. Warning sign shall be 6’-8’ wide. “OVERSIZE LOAD” in black letters ( at least 18” high; brush stroke at least 1.4”) on yellow background.
- Lights: Amber strobe lights or flashing light on top
- Flags: No stipulations
- Additional equipment: 2-way radio; height pole if load is 15” or greater
- Requirements for Pilot/Escort Vehicle Operator N/A
- Dept. of Transportation Permits Office Hours: Walk-in-8am-3:30pm; Phone calls 8am-4:30pm M-Th
Division of Motor Carriers
OW/OD Section
- P.O. Box 2007 (Mailing address)
- Frankfort, KY 40602
- (502)564-1257; fax-(502)564-0992
- 200 Metro St. (Walk-ins & overnight delivery)
- Frankfort, KY 40622