Iowa (IA) Pilot Car & Escort Vehicle Requirements

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

Legal Dimensions — Iowa

Max Width
8'6"
Max Height
13'6"
Max Length
70'0"
Gross Weight
80,000 lbs
Front Overhang
3'0"
Rear Overhang
4'0"

Interstate Escort Requirements

Width

Min WidthMax Width EscortsPositionNotes
8'7" 14'6" 0 Permit required, no escort
14'7" 16'6" 1 Rear 1 rear escort or 2 amber lights on 4-lane
16'7" 20'0" 1 Rear 1 escort required on 4-lane

Height

Min HeightMax Height EscortsPositionNotes
13'7" 14'6" 0 Permit required
14'7" 20'0" 1 Front High pole + route approval
Height pole required

Length

Min LengthMax Length EscortsPositionNotes
70'1" 85'0" 0 Permit required
85'1" 120'0" 1 Rear 1 escort or amber light
120'1" 200'0" 1 Rear 1 escort, may need 2

Overhang

Min OverhangMax Overhang EscortsPositionNotes
25'1" 40'0" 1 Front Front overhang over 25': 1 escort or amber
10'1" 30'0" 1 Rear Rear overhang over 10': 1 escort or amber light

Weight

Min WeightMax Weight EscortsPositionNotes
80,001 lbs 999,999 lbs 0 Amber light required for overweight

Non-Interstate / State Road Escort Requirements

Width

Min WidthMax Width EscortsPositionNotes
8'7" 14'6" 0 Permit required. Exceeds half roadway up to 14'6": 1 front on 2-lane.
14'7" 20'0" 1 Front 1 escort on 2-lane

Height

Min HeightMax Height EscortsPositionNotes
13'7" 14'6" 0 Permit required
14'7" 20'0" 1 Front High pole + route approval
Height pole required

Length

Min LengthMax Length EscortsPositionNotes
70'1" 85'0" 0 Permit required
85'1" 120'0" 1 Rear 1 escort or amber light
120'1" 200'0" 1 Rear 1 escort, may need 2

Overhang

Min OverhangMax Overhang EscortsPositionNotes
25'1" 40'0" 1 Front Front overhang over 25'
10'1" 30'0" 1 Rear Rear overhang over 10'

Weight

Min WeightMax Weight EscortsPositionNotes
80,001 lbs 999,999 lbs 0 Amber light required

Travel Restrictions

Standard Hours
Daylight hours
Night Travel
Loads 100' L or less, 11' W or less, 14'6" H or less: 24/7 with lighting
Weekend Travel
Standard daylight including Saturday and Sunday
Holiday Restrictions
No travel on major holidays
Urban Restrictions
Des Moines I-235: 7-9 AM and 4-6 PM restricted

Signage & Flag Requirements

Oversize Load Sign
Required on oversize loads
Flags
Standard flags at extremities
Disclaimer: These regulations are for informational purposes only. Always verify with the Iowa Department of Transportation before moving any oversize/overweight load. Regulations change frequently.

Moving an Oversize Load Through Iowa?

Use our free tool to calculate escort requirements across multiple states, or order a pilot car now.