New Mexico (NM) Pilot Car & Escort Vehicle Requirements

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

Legal Dimensions — New Mexico

Max Width
8'6"
Max Height
14'0"
Max Length
65'0"
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 Front on 2-lane, rear on 4-lane
14'1" 20'0" 2 Front + Rear Over 20': police + flagman

Height

Min HeightMax Height EscortsPositionNotes
14'1" 15'6" 0 Route survey required over 15'6"
15'7" 16'0" 0 Route survey required
16'1" 18'0" 1 Front High pole + route verification
Height pole required
18'1" 20'0" 1 Front Utility surveys + municipal clearances
Height pole required

Length

Min LengthMax Length EscortsPositionNotes
65'1" 90'0" 0 Permit required
90'1" 110'0" 1 Rear
110'1" 200'0" 2 Front + Rear

Non-Interstate / State Road Escort Requirements

Width

Min WidthMax Width EscortsPositionNotes
8'7" 12'0" 0 Permit required
12'1" 14'0" 1 Front Front on 2-lane, rear on 4-lane
14'1" 20'0" 2 Front + Rear Over 20': police + flagman

Height

Min HeightMax Height EscortsPositionNotes
14'1" 15'6" 0 Permit required. Some routes: 1 escort over 14'.
15'7" 16'0" 0 Route survey required
16'1" 18'0" 1 Front High pole + route verification
Height pole required
18'1" 20'0" 1 Front Utility surveys + municipal clearances
Height pole required

Length

Min LengthMax Length EscortsPositionNotes
65'1" 90'0" 0 Permit required
90'1" 110'0" 1 Rear
110'1" 200'0" 2 Front + Rear

Travel Restrictions

Standard Hours
One-half hour before sunrise to one-half hour after sunset, Monday through Saturday
Night Travel
Not permitted for oversize loads
Weekend Travel
No Sunday travel.
Holiday Restrictions
No travel on major holidays. No travel visibility under 1000' or winds over 25 mph.
Urban Restrictions
Albuquerque/Santa Fe/Espanola: 7-9 AM and 4-6 PM. Santa Fe additional: 11:30 AM-1:30 PM (except SR599).

Signage & Flag Requirements

Oversize Load Sign
Required front and rear
Flags
Red 18" flags
Disclaimer: These regulations are for informational purposes only. Always verify with the New Mexico Department of Transportation before moving any oversize/overweight load. Regulations change frequently.

Moving an Oversize Load Through New Mexico?

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