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Pilot Car Regulations

New Hampshire Pilot Car Regulations

Guidelines for New Hampshire 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 New Hampshire permit office before you dispatch.

Road conditions

When Permit Is Needed

  • Over 8'6" wide,
  • Over 13'6" high,
  • Trailer over 48' long

Special Information Needed

  • N/A

Times Of Movement

  • 1/2 hour before sunrise to 1/2 hour after sunset
  • Vehicles that are overweight only shall not be restricted to the time of travel
  • Travel prohibited on the following holidays: New Year’s Day, Washington’s Birthday, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Columbus Day,Thanksgiving, Christmas (If a holiday falls on a Sumday, the following Monday will be considered the holiday; if it falls on a Saturday, the previous Friday will be considered th e holiday) Permit office will be closed on these holidays plus the day after Thanksgiving.

When Pilot/Escort Vehicle is Required

Less Than 4-Lane Highways:

  • 12' wide & over-1 front
  • 80' long & over-1 front
  • Overhang 15' & over w/12' width-2 (front & rear)

4-Lane Highways :

  • 12' wide & over-1 rear
  • 80' long & over-1 rear
  • Overhang 15' & over w/12' width- 2 (front & rear)
  • Police Escort Required When :
  • Over 18' wide & over 100' long
  • Mobiles/modulars are restricted to 16' wide & 95' long

Less Than 4-Lane Highways:

  • 12' wide or less-1 front,
  • 12' to 14'6" wide-1 front,
  • Width 14'6" to 16' w/ approved routes-2 sp+.

4-Lane Highways:

  • 12' wide to 14'6" (within 2 miles of an exit from such hwy)-1 rear;
  • Width 14'6" to 16' with approved route-2 sp+

Requirements for Pilot/Escort Vehicle

  • General: No smaller than a compact car or pickup truck
  • Signs: Shape may be varied to fit vehicle (min. 5’ x 12”);”OVERSIZE LOAD” w/ black letters (10” high w/ 1.4” brush stroke) on yellow backgroundmounted on front and/or rear of vehicle
  • Lights: Top mounted flashing or rotating amber lights
  • Flags: None stipulated
  • Additional equipment: 2-way radio

Requirements for Pilot/Escort Vehicle Operator

  • None stipulated

Dept. of Transportation Permits Office