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Pilot Car Regulations

New Jersey Pilot Car Regulations

Guidelines for New Jersey 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 Jersey 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

  • Need certificate of insurance on file with NJ listed as certificate holder New Jersey DOT, Division of Motor Vehicles, 225 E. State St. CN133, Trenton, NJ 08666 (for insurance info call 800-257-9003, Naomi or Kathy)

Times Of Movement

  • Sunrise to sunset ; May travel Sat. until 12:00 noon; No Sunday travel
  • Vehicles overweight only may travel 24/7
  • Travel prohibited on the following holidays: New Year’s Day, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving, Christmas
  • Permit office closed on the above days plus Martin Luther King Day, Lincoln’s Birthday, Washington’s Birthday, Good Friday, Columbus Day, Election Day & the day after Thanksgiving

When Pilot/Escort Vehicle is Required

2-Lane Highways:

  • Over 14' wide-1 front
  • Over 16' wide-2 (front & rear)
  • Over 100' long-1 front
  • Over 120' long-2 (front & rear)
  • Over 14' high-1 front

4 Or More Lane Highways:

  • Over 14' wide-1 rear
  • Over 16' wide-2 (front & rear)
  • Over 100' long-1 rear
  • Over 120' long-2 (front & rear)

Requirements for Pilot/Escort Vehicle

  • General: none stipulated
  • Signs: “WIDE LOAD” or “OVERSIZE LOAD” sign (min. 6’ x 1’) w/ black letters (10” high) on yellow background; mounted on the front and/or rear of vehicle
  • Lights: none stipulated
  • Flags: displayed on the front and/or rear corners of the vehicle
  • Additional equipment: none stipulated

Requirements for Pilot/Escort Vehicle Operator

  • None stipulated

Dept. of Transportation Permits Office