Do you need a pilot car in South Dakota?

In South Dakota, a lead (front) pilot car is required over 20'0" width; a chase (rear) pilot car is required over 16'0" width; a lead (front) pilot car is required over 10'0" width. Always confirm with the South Dakota permit office, as thresholds change and permits can impose case-by-case conditions.

South Dakota Pilot Car Requirements

When does an oversize or overweight load need a pilot car or escort in South Dakota? 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 sourceSouth Dakota permit source →

Escort & pilot car requirements

Lead (front) pilot carover 20'0" width
Front civilian escort required on 2-lane state highways for widths over 20' (70:03:01).
Chase (rear) pilot carover 16'0" width
Rear civilian escort required on interstate routes for widths over 16'.
Lead (front) pilot carover 10'0" width
Front escort required for widths over 10' in Black Hills designated area (SD Admin. Rules 70:03:01).

Travel restrictions

Daylight-only travelover 10'0" width
Sunrise-to-sunset travel only when width exceeds 10', height exceeds 14'6", or single-unit exceeds 45'.

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

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