When do I need a pilot / escort vehicle?

A pilot/escort vehicle and operator must comply with the requirements of Washington Administrative Code (WAC) 468-30-100. Pilots/escort vehicles are required when:

  1. Vehicle(s) or load exceeds 11 feet in width; escort vehicles (both front and rear) are required on all two-lane highways.
  2. Vehicle(s) or load exceeds 14 feet wide; one rear escort vehicle is required on multiple-lane highways.
  3. Trailer length including load exceeds 105 feet (tractor/trailer combination) requires a rear escort vehicle on all two-lane highways.
  4. Trailer length including load exceeds 125 feet (tractor/trailer combination) requires a rear escort vehicle on multiple-lane highways.
  5. Rear overhang of a tractor/trailer or truck/trailer combination exceeds 1/3 of the trailer length including load, requires one rear escort vehicle on two-lane highways.
  6. Rear overhang exceeds 20 feet on a single unit vehicle, requires one rear escort vehicle on two-lane highways.
  7. Loads exceed 14 feet 6 inches high, one escort vehicle is required in front equipped with a height pole. Manufactured housing requires front escort with height pole when exceeding 15 feet in height. Douglas County does not guarantee height clearances; therefore, on any route where the height is in question, a front escort vehicle equipped with a height pole should be used.
  8. The vehicle(s) or load exceeds twelve feet in width on a multilane highway and has a height that requires a front pilot/escort vehicle: one rear pilot/escort vehicle is required.
  9. When in the opinion of Douglas County staff, escort vehicles are necessary to protect the traveling public, for any oversize and/or overweight move, either across, upon, or along a highway.

Show All Answers

1. What is a Special Motor Vehicle Permit?
2. When do I need a permit?
3. When do I need a pilot / escort vehicle?
4. How do I apply?