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Pilot Car Regulations

Ohio Pilot Car Regulations

Guidelines for Ohio 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 Ohio permit office before you dispatch.

Road conditions

When Permit Is Needed

  • Over 8'6" wide, over 13'6" high, trailer over 53' long

Special Information Needed

  • Load dimensions, tire size and axle weights if overweigh;
  • Dimensions of tractor/trailer, overhang
  • Exact address if start or end point is in Ohio
  • Os-32 insurance certificate on file!!!!!!!!

Times Of Movement

½ hour before sunrise until ½ hour after sunset

  • Travel is permitted 24-7 for overweight loads, dimensions must be legal
  • Loads up to 12' wide may run daylight hours 7 days a week
  • Loads over 12' wide are permitted until 3:00 pm on Sat. & Sun.
  • Travel prohibited on the following holidays: New Year’s Day, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving, Christmas
  • Permit office closed on the holidays above plus Martin Luther King Day, Washington’s Birthday, Columbus Day, Veteran’s Day & the day after Thanksgiving
  • Curfews: Movement of all vehicles/loads exceeding 12’ wide is prohibited within a 25 mile radius of Cincinnati Cleveland, and Columbus & within the corporate limits of Akron, Canton, Daytonm Lima, Toledo, & Youngstown 6:30-9am & 4:30-6pm

When Pilot/Escort Vehicle is Required

  • Overall length in excess of 90'-1 rear escort
  • Overall width in excess of 13'-1 lead escort (rear on multiple lane hwy)
  • Overall height in excess of 14'6"-1 lead escort equipped with a height sensing device,
  • Overall width in excess of 14'6"-1 lead escort & 1 rear escort
  • Overall height in excess of 14'10"-1 lead escort & 1 rear escort
  • More than one of above conditions-1lead escort & 1 rear escort

Requirements for Pilot/Escort Vehicle

  • General: None stipulated
  • Signs: “OVERSIZE LOAD” sign (5’ x 12”) w/ black letters (8” high) on yellow background
  • Lights: roof mounted amber flashing or rotating light(s)
  • Flags: None stipulated
  • Additional equipment: 2-way radio; height pole (when required)

Requirements for Pilot/Escort Vehicle Operator

  • No Stipulations
  • Dept. of Transportation Permits Office-Hours: 7:30a.m.-4:30p.m. ETDept. of Transportation
  • Special Hauling Permits
  • 1610 W Broad St
  • Columbus, OH 43223
  • (614)351-2300; fax: (614)728-4099
  • Email: hauling.permits@dot.state.oh.us
  • Ohio Turnpike Commission
  • 882 Prospect St.
  • Berea, OH
  • (440)234-2081; fax: (440)234-6529