Pilot Car Regulations
Maryland Pilot Car Regulations
Guidelines for Maryland 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
Maryland permit office before you dispatch.
Road conditions
- http://www.chart.state.md.us/ChartSystem/overview.asp (Maps for road conditions/route restrictions)
When Permit Is Needed
- Over 8' wide
- Over 13'6" high
- Trailer over 48' long
- Over 80,000 lbs.
Special Information Needed
- Weight of trailer, truck, load
- Make, model & serial # of load
Times Of Movement
- 1/2 hour before sunrise to 1/2 hour after sunset; Sat until noon; no Sunday travel
- Curfews: If load exceeds 45 tons GVW, 100’ in length, or 12’ in width travel on I-495/I-95/I-695 from 9am-3:30pm; if 14’ or more--9am-3:30pm on any highway
- Prohibited holidays: New Year’s Day, Good Friday, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving Day , Christmas Day
When Pilot/Escort Vehicle is Required
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http:.//www.dsd.state.md.us/comar/11/11.04.04.02.htm
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http:.//www.dsd.state.md.us/comar/11/11.04.04.04.htm
On All Highways:
- Over 13' -14’ wide (except mfg. homes)-1 escort
- 14’ wide or more (including mfg. Home)-2 escorts
- Over 85'-140’ long- 1escort
- Over 140’ long-2 escorts
- 14'6" high or more-1 w/high pole
- Over 60 tons GVW- 1 escort
- If road is too narrow to pass safely or if traffic will have to be diverted/stopped or weather/road conditions justify-2 (front & rear)
Police Escorts Needed When:
- 16' wide or more
- Over 60 tons GVW
- Or if traffic will have to be diverted or stopped or if it will affect 2 or more lanes of traffic on a highway having only 1 lane in each direction
Requirements for Pilot/Escort Vehicle
- General: No stipulations
- Signs: “OVERSIZE LOAD”/”WIDE LOAD” sign w/ black letters (8” high) on yellow background (5’ x 12”)
- Lights: 1 yellow oscillating or rotating roof light at least 3” in diameter; visible to front & rear; flashing warning lamps shall be used when vehicle is traveling 20 MPH or less than posted speed
- Flags: Not stipulated
- Additional equipment: 2-way radio
Requirements for Pilot/Escort Vehicle Operator
- No stipulations
- Dept. of Transportation Permits Office Hours: 7:30am-4:30pm
- State Highway Administration
- Hauling Permits Section
- 7491 Connelley Drive
- Hanover, MD 21076
- (800)543-4564; (410)582-5727; (800)846-6435 (in state, only)
- Fax: (410)787-2863; (800)945-3416
- http://www.sha.state.md.us/businesswithsha/trucking/oots/otr_mcd.asp?id=WO63+B167
Toll Facilities
- Lane Bridge (US 50) 410-757-1977
- Nice Bridge (US 301) 301-259-4444
- JFK Highway 410-537-1108 (Staffed by MD State Police @ JFK Barrak
- Francis Scott Key Brdg. 410-228-8573
- Hatem Bridge (US 40) 410-537-1197
- Fort McHenry Tunnel 410-537-1230