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California (CA) Pilot Car & Escort Vehicle Requirements

Escort requirements, travel restrictions, and signage rules for oversize/overweight loads in California.

Legal Dimensions — California

Max Width
8'6"
Max Height
14'0"
Max Length
65'0"
Gross Weight
80,000 lbs
Front Overhang
3'0"
Rear Overhang
10'0"

Interstate Escort Requirements

Width

Min WidthMax Width EscortsPositionNotes
8'7" 12'0" 0 — Permit required, some local routes may require escort under 12'
12'1" 14'11" 1 Rear 1 or 2 escorts depending on route color classification
14'11" 16'0" 2 Front + Rear On Interstate and 4-lane roads
16'1" 20'0" 2 Police Front + Rear CHP escort required (3 CHP officers). High pole and utility clearance also required.

Height

Min HeightMax Height EscortsPositionNotes
14'1" 16'0" 0 — Permit required
16'1" 18'0" 1 Front Route survey required, CHP may be required
Height pole required
Route survey required
18'1" 20'0" 2 Front + Rear CHP escort typically required, utility clearance mandatory
Height pole required
Route survey required

Length

Min LengthMax Length EscortsPositionNotes
65'1" 120'0" 0 — Permit required, no escort on most routes
120'1" 135'0" 1 Rear 1-2 escorts depending on conditions
135'1" 200'0" 2 Front + Rear

Overhang

Min OverhangMax Overhang EscortsPositionNotes
10'1" 30'0" 0 — Flags required
30'1" 50'0" 1 Rear 1 or more escorts required

Weight

Min WeightMax Weight EscortsPositionNotes
80,001 lbs 200,000 lbs 0 — Permit required
200,001 lbs 999,999 lbs 2 Police Front + Rear Superload - CHP and Caltrans review required
Route survey required

Non-Interstate / State Road Escort Requirements

Width

Min WidthMax Width EscortsPositionNotes
8'7" 12'0" 0 — Permit required, some local routes may require escort
12'1" 13'0" 1 Rear
13'1" 15'0" 2 Front + Rear 2 escorts on 2-lane roads
15'1" 20'0" 2 Police Front + Rear CHP escort required (3 CHP officers)

Height

Min HeightMax Height EscortsPositionNotes
14'1" 16'0" 0 — Permit required
16'1" 18'0" 1 Front Route survey required
Height pole required
Route survey required
18'1" 20'0" 2 Front + Rear CHP escort typically required
Height pole required
Route survey required

Length

Min LengthMax Length EscortsPositionNotes
65'1" 100'0" 0 — Permit required
100'1" 120'0" 1 Rear 2 escorts in LA City
120'1" 200'0" 2 Front + Rear

Overhang

Min OverhangMax Overhang EscortsPositionNotes
10'1" 25'0" 0 — Flags required
25'1" 50'0" 1 Rear 1 or more escorts

Weight

Min WeightMax Weight EscortsPositionNotes
80,001 lbs 200,000 lbs 0 — Permit required
200,001 lbs 999,999 lbs 2 Police Front + Rear Superload - CHP and Caltrans review required
Route survey required

Travel Restrictions

Standard Hours
One-half hour before sunrise to one-half hour after sunset
Night Travel
Not permitted unless special Caltrans approval. Night travel requires amber marker lights at front corners and red at rear corners.
Weekend Travel
No travel on Sundays for oversize loads. Saturday travel may be restricted.
Holiday Restrictions
No travel on: New Year's Day, Washington's Birthday, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving, Christmas
Urban Restrictions
Loads over 10' wide restricted Monday-Friday: Sacramento/SF/San Diego 7-9 AM & 4-6 PM; Los Angeles 6-9 AM & 3-6 PM; Bay Bridge 6:30-9 AM & 3:30-6:30 PM. Loads over 12' wide restricted to 11 AM - 1 PM Monday-Friday.

Signage & Flag Requirements

Oversize Load Sign
Required for vehicles over 8'6" wide, over 80' long, or with over 10' overhang
Flags
Required at all extremities
Additional Notes
Night: amber lights at front corners, red at rear corners
Disclaimer: These regulations are for informational purposes only. Always verify with the California Department of Transportation before moving any oversize/overweight load. Regulations change frequently.

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