Texas Pilot Car Requirements
When does an oversize or overweight load need a pilot car or escort in Texas? Here are the width, height, length and weight thresholds that trigger an escort, a height pole, or a police escort.
Escort & pilot car requirements
- Lead (front) pilot carover 14'0" width
TxDOT requires lead pilot for widths over 14'0".
- Chase (rear) pilot carover 16'0" width
Add chase for widths over 16'0".
- Police / law-enforcement escortover 20'0" width
Texas DPS escort frequently required for widths 20'+.
- Height-pole escortover 17'0" height
Height pole required for heights over 17'0".
- Lead (front) pilot carover 110'0" length
Lead car required for combo lengths over 110'.
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Informational only. These thresholds are compiled from published Texas DOT references and are not legal or operational advice. Permit conditions can differ from the general tables, and rules change — always verify with the Texas permit office before you move a load.
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