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Pilot Car Regulations

Texas Pilot Car Regulations

Guidelines for Texas 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 Texas permit office before you dispatch.

Road conditions

When Permit Is Needed

  • Over 8'6" wide,
  • Over 14' high.
  • Trailer over 59' long
  • Rear overhang over 4’

Special Information Needed

  • Id, ICC/MC#, serial# on truck, HUD#

Times Of Movement

  • 1/2 hour before sunrise to 1/2 hour after sunset.
  • Vehicles not exceeding 10' wide or 100' long may operate on the interstate 24-7 Sat.& Sun.
  • Travel is granted for loads not exceeding 16' wide,14' high or 95' long
  • Travel prohibited for loads exceeding 14’ wide, 16’ high & 110’ long on the following holidays: New Year’s Day, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving, Christmas
  • Permit office closed on these days as well.
  • Curfews: permit not valid without curfew sheet attached. Curfews may be seen on the TEXDOT website: www.txdot.gov

When Pilot/Escort Vehicle is Required

  • http://www.dot.state.tx.us/mcd/onestop/equipment_requirements.htm
  • Width of 14' up to and including 16'-1
  • Width over 16'- 2 (front & rear)
  • Width over 20’ must have route survey
  • Length over 110' up to 125'-1
  • Length over 125' long- 2 (front & rear)
  • Rear overhang over 20' up to 30'-1 rear
  • Overhang over 30'- 2 (front + rear + special approval)
  • Height over 17' contact utility companies-1 w/ height pole
  • Height over 18'- 2 (front & rear+ height pole)
  • Height over 19’ must have route survey

Manufactured homes:

  • Width over 16' up to 18' (on 2-lane highways-1 front; on multi-lane-1 rear)
  • Width over 18' on all highways-2 (front & rear)

Requirements for Pilot/Escort Vehicle

  • General: Single unit w/ GVW of 1000 lb. min. To 10,000 lb. max.
  • Signs: “OVERSIZE LOAD” OR “WIDE LOAD” sign mounted on either the roof of the vehicle or the front & rear of the vehicle; must be visible from the front & rear; (5’- 7’ x 12”- 18”) w/ black letters (8”-10” high w/ 1.41” brush stroke) on yellow background
  • Lights: 2 flashing or 1 rotating amber light; 8” in diameter min.; mounted on the roof of vehicle; visible 360 degrees
  • Flags:
  • Additional equipment: 2-way radio

Requirements for Pilot/Escort Vehicle Operator

  • None specified
  • Dept. of Transportation Permits Office - Hours: 6:00a.m.-6:00p.m. Mon.-Fri; 6:00a.m.-2p.m. Sat.; Closed Sunday
  • Dept. of Transportation
  • 125 E 11th Street
  • Austin, TX 78701
  • 800-299-1700 (permits only)
  • 512-465-3584 (general info)
  • Fax: 512-465-3500 (24 hrs. Mon.-Fri.; 6a.m.-2p.m. Sat.)
  • http://www.dot.state.tx.us/mcd/onestop/oversize.htm#Other%20Information