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Pilot Car Regulations

New Mexico Pilot Car Regulations

Guidelines for New Mexico 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 Mexico permit office before you dispatch.

Road conditions

When Permit Is Needed

  • Over 8'6" wide, over 14' high, trailer over 57'6" long

Special Information Needed

  • Need insurance on file

Times Of Movement

Sunrise to sunset Mon.-Sat.; No Sun. travel

  • Travel prohibited on the following holidays: New Year’s Day, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving, Christmas
  • When any of these holidays falls on or is observed on a day other than a Monday or Saturday, movement restrictions shall run from sunset of the day preceding such holiday to sunrise of the day following such holiday. When the holiday falls on or is observed on a Monday, movement is prohibited after sunset of the preceding Saturday until sunrise on the following Tuesday. When the holiday falls on or is observed on a Saturday, movement is prohibited after sunset of the preceding Friday until sunrise on the following Monday.
  • Curfews: Albuquerque & Espanola: 7-9am & 4-6pm; Santa Fe: 7-9am; 11:30am-1:30pm; 4-6pm

When Pilot/Escort Vehicle is Required

  • http://www.nmcpr.state.nm.us/nmac/parts/title18/18.019.0008.htm
  • On all highways:
  • Over 8'6" wide, if deemed a hazard-1 pilot vehicle
  • Over 14' wide-1 pilot vehicle in front on 2 lanes, in rear on 4 lanes
  • Over 20' wide for 5 or more miles-police escort + flagman
  • Over 90' up to 110' long-1 pilot vehicle in front on 2 lanes, in rear on 4 lanes
  • Over 110' long-2 pilot vehicles (front & rear).
  • Height 16' & over-1 escort with height pole in front (+ extra man or pilot vehicle to check for overhead clearance)
  • Height 18’ & over-1 escort with height pole in front, 1 pilot vehicle in rear (+ clearance from utilities, municipal & local authorities)

Requirements for Pilot/Escort Vehicle

  • General: Must be inspected by DOT on an annual basis and show certification at all NMPOE. Wheelbase at least 100”; must not exceed 1½ ton capacity; insurance in the amount 25/50/10 min. (proof must be carried in vehicle)
  • Signs: “OVERSIZE LOAD” sign (5’ x 1’ min.) w/ black letters (10” x 1”) on yellow background; mounted on front and rear or top of vehicle
  • Lights: 2 rotating amber lights (rotating,flashing or strobe)on top the vehicle at vehicle width or at width not to exceed 8’; sufficient intensity to be visible at a distance of 1000’ min. in normal sunlight
  • Flags: 2 red/fluorescent orange flags (min. 12” on any side); mounted on front & rear or top of vehicle
  • Additional equipment: 2-way radio; rear view mirrors on right/left of vehicle; 1 fire extinguisher (2½ lb. carbon dioxide or dry chemical or other types equal or greater extinguishing capacities); identification sign displaying the name, address and state corporation commission or public regulation commission authority number on both sides of the vehicle. This information may be displayed using removable, magnetic signs; 3 red flares/reflectors;

Requirements for Pilot/Escort Vehicle Operator

  • At least 18 yrs. of age
  • Dept. of Transportation Permits Office-Hours: 7:30am-5pm MST
  • Dept. of Public Safety
  • Motor Transportation Division
  • P.O. Box 1628
  • Santa Fe, NM 87504
  • (505)827-0376; fax: (505)827-0071/827-0384/827-0385
  • OS/OW Permit office: (505)827-0665
  • http://www.nmshtd.state.nm.us/main.asp?secid=11401