Pilot car (escort vehicle)

A vehicle that travels with an oversize load to warn traffic and guide the load safely.

A pilot car — also called an escort vehicle — is a car or pickup that travels ahead of or behind an oversize load to warn other drivers, watch for hazards, and help the truck move safely. Pilot cars carry warning signs, flags, and amber beacon lights, and the driver communicates with the truck by CB or two-way radio. States set the dimensions at which a load legally requires one or more escorts.