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Kentucky (KY) Pilot Car & Escort Vehicle Requirements

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

Legal Dimensions — Kentucky

Max Width
8'6"
Max Height
13'6"
Max Length
53'0"
Gross Weight
80,000 lbs
Front Overhang
3'0"
Rear Overhang
4'0"

Interstate Escort Requirements

Width

Min WidthMax Width EscortsPositionNotes
8'7" 12'0" 0 — Permit required, no escort
12'1" 14'0" 1 Rear 1 rear escort on 4+ lane divided highways
14'1" 16'0" 2 Front + Rear
16'1" 20'0" 4 2 Front + 2 Rear May require additional coordination

Height

Min HeightMax Height EscortsPositionNotes
13'7" 14'11" 0 — Permit required, no escort
14'11" 18'0" 1 Front Height pole required, adjusted 3" above load height
Height pole required

Length

Min LengthMax Length EscortsPositionNotes
53'1" 110'0" 0 — Permit required, no escort
110'1" 120'0" 1 Rear
120'1" 200'0" 3 1 Front + 2 Rear

Overhang

Min OverhangMax Overhang EscortsPositionNotes
10'1" 20'0" 1 Rear Some highways may require 2 escorts

Weight

Min WeightMax Weight EscortsPositionNotes
80,001 lbs 150,000 lbs 0 — Permit required
150,001 lbs 999,999 lbs 2 Front + Rear Route survey may be required for superloads
Route survey required

Non-Interstate / State Road Escort Requirements

Width

Min WidthMax Width EscortsPositionNotes
8'7" 10'6" 0 — Permit required, no escort
10'7" 12'0" 1 Front 1 front escort on 2-lane highways
12'1" 14'0" 2 Front + Rear
14'1" 16'0" 2 Front + Rear
16'1" 20'0" 4 2 Front + 2 Rear

Height

Min HeightMax Height EscortsPositionNotes
13'7" 14'11" 0 — Permit required
14'11" 18'0" 1 Front Height pole required
Height pole required

Length

Min LengthMax Length EscortsPositionNotes
53'1" 75'0" 0 — Permit required
75'1" 85'0" 1 Front
85'1" 200'0" 3 1 Front + 2 Rear

Overhang

Min OverhangMax Overhang EscortsPositionNotes
10'1" 20'0" 1 Rear Some highways may require 2 escorts

Weight

Min WeightMax Weight EscortsPositionNotes
80,001 lbs 150,000 lbs 0 — Permit required
150,001 lbs 999,999 lbs 2 Front + Rear Route survey may be required
Route survey required

Travel Restrictions

Standard Hours
Sunrise to sunset
Night Travel
Not permitted for oversize loads
Weekend Travel
Check permit for specific restrictions
Holiday Restrictions
No travel on major holidays
Urban Restrictions
Rush hour restrictions in specific counties: 7-9 AM and 4-6 PM

Signage & Flag Requirements

Oversize Load Sign
Required for loads exceeding 10'6" wide. 6-8 feet wide, 'OVERSIZE LOAD' in black letters 18" high.
Flags
Required on all four corners and extremities of wide loads
Additional Notes
Over-length loads require flagging but not signs. Permits valid for 10 calendar days.
Disclaimer: These regulations are for informational purposes only. Always verify with the Kentucky Department of Transportation before moving any oversize/overweight load. Regulations change frequently.

Moving an Oversize Load Through Kentucky?

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