Kansas Pilot Car Requirements

When does an oversize or overweight load need a pilot car or escort in Kansas? Here are the width, height, length and weight thresholds that trigger an escort, a height pole, or a police escort.

✓ Cross-checked against the state sourceKansas permit source →

Escort & pilot car requirements

  • Height-pole escortover 16'0" height

    Height-pole vehicle required when load exceeds 16' in height.

  • Lead (front) pilot carover 14'0" width

    Front pilot car required for widths over 14' on all highways (K.A.R. 36-1-14).

  • Chase (rear) pilot carover 14'0" width

    Rear pilot car required for widths over 14' on all highways (K.A.R. 36-1-14).

Travel restrictions

  • Daylight-only travelover 14'0" width

    Sunrise-to-sunset travel only, 7 days per week, when width exceeds 14'.

Driver & inspection requirements

  • Certified escort driver requiredover 14'0" width

    Escort vehicles must be annually registered with KDOT; operators must complete approved KS escort training.

Need a pilot car in Kansas? See what a Kansas pilot car costs →

Informational only. These thresholds are compiled from published Kansas DOT references and are not legal or operational advice. Permit conditions can differ from the general tables, and rules change — always verify with the Kansas permit office before you move a load.

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