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Pilot Car Regulations

South Dakota Pilot Car Regulations

Guidelines for South Dakota 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 South Dakota permit office before you dispatch.

Road conditions

When Permit Is Needed

  • Over 8'6" wide, over 14' high, over 53' long

Special Information Needed

  • Serial # of truck

Times Of Movement

  • 1/2 hour before sunrise to 1/2 hour after sunset.
  • Loads not exceeding 10' wide,16'6" high, may travel on interstate highways continuously.
  • Overweight only may operate 24 hrs/ day, 7 days/ week

When Pilot/Escort Vehicle is Required

  • On state highways:
  • width over 20'- 1 (front if 2-lane, rear if multi-lane)
  • On interstate:
  • width over 16'- 1 rear. In Black Hills area see permit.
  • Mobile Home: escorts are at the discretion of the permit authority
  • Black Hills area:
  • Width exceeds 10’-1 front escort required

Requirements for Pilot/Escort Vehicle

  • General: Licensed motor vehicles--no motorcycles
  • Signs: “WIDE LOAD AHEAD” (mounted on front of leading escort) or “WIDE LONG LOAD” (mounted on back of trailing escort) in letters 12” high
  • Lights: Revolving (or 2 2-way flashing) amber lights at least 4” in diameter
  • Flags: Bright red or orange flags; 12” square min.; mounted on brackets or standards on each side of the signs.
  • Additional equipment: None specified

Requirements for Pilot/Escort Vehicle Operator

  • None specified

Dept. of Transportation Permits Office