1. (1) Pilot escort driver requirements. Individuals who operate a pilot escort vehicle must meet the following requirements:

   1. (a) must be a minimum of 18 years of age;
   2. (b) must possess a valid driver's license for the state jurisdiction in which the driver resides;
   3. (c) must obtain a certification card from an authorized, qualified certification program as outlined in this section, and shall have it in their possession while in pilot escort operations;
   4. (d) within 30 days, pilot escort drivers must provide a current Motor Vehicle Record (MVR) certification to the qualified certification program at the time of the course;
   5. (e) no passengers under 16 years of age are allowed in pilot escort vehicles during the movement of oversized loads; and
   6. (f) a pilot escort driver may not perform as a tillerman or steerman while performing pilot escort operations.

2. (2) Driver certification process.

   1. (a) Drivers domiciled in Utah must complete a Utah pilot escort certification course authorized by the division. A list of authorized instructors may be obtained by contacting (801) 965-4892.
   2. (b) Pilot escort drivers domiciled outside of Utah may operate as a certified pilot escort driver with another state's certification credential, provided the course meets the minimum requirements outlined in the Pilot Escort Training Manual - Best Practices Guidelines as endorsed by the Specialized Carriers and Rigging Association, Federal Highway Administration, and the Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance.

   3. (c)(i) The department may enter into a reciprocal agreement with other states, provided they can demonstrate that course materials are comprehensive and meet the minimum requirements outlined by the department.

      1. (ii) A current listing of reciprocity states may be obtained by contacting the division at 801-965-4892.

   4. (d)(i) The pilot escort driver's initial certification expires four years from the date issued, and it is the responsibility of the driver to maintain certification.

      1. (ii) One additional four-year certification may be obtained through a mail-in or online re-certification process provided by a qualified pilot escort training entity.

3. (3) Suspensions and revocations.

   1. (a) Pilot escort drivers may have their certification denied, suspended, or revoked by the division if it is determined that a disqualifying offense has occurred within the previous four years.
   2. (b) Drivers convicted of serious traffic violations, such as excessive speed, reckless driving, and driving maneuvers reserved for emergency vehicles, and driving under the influence of alcohol or controlled substances, may have their certification denied, suspended, or revoked by the division.
   3. (c) The division may suspend for first offenses for up to one year. Subsequent offenses may result in permanent revocation of driver certification.

   4. (d)(i) If a driver is denied pilot escort driving privileges for reasons other than the conditions set forth in this rule, the individual may file an appeal.

      1. (ii) The appeals will be handled by a steering committee created by the division.
      2. (iii) The steering committee will have the powers granted to the deputy director in Section R907-1-3 for appeals from other division administrative actions. The steering committee's decision, if approved by the director of the division, will be considered a final agency order under Administrative Procedures in Rule R907-1.

4. (4) Pilot escort vehicle standards.

   1. (a) Certification inspections are valid for up to one year.
   2. (b) Pilot escort vehicles may be either a passenger vehicle or a two-axle truck with a 95-inch minimum wheelbase and a maximum gross vehicle weight of 12,000 lbs. and properly registered and licensed as required under Sections 41-1a-201 and 41-1a-401.
   3. (c) Equipment must not reduce the visibility or mobility of the pilot escort vehicle while in operation.
   4. (d) Trailers may not be towed at any time while in pilot escort operations.

   5. (e)(i) Pilot escort vehicles must be equipped with a two-way radio capable of transmitting and receiving voice messages over a minimum distance of one-half mile.

      1. (ii) Radio communications must be compatible with accompanying pilot escort vehicles, utility company vehicles, permitted vehicle operators, and police escorts, if necessary.
      2. (iii) If operating with police escorts, a device that allows for two-way communication between police escort vehicles and pilot vehicles is required.
   6. (f) Pilot escort vehicles may not carry a load.

5. (5) Pilot escort vehicle signing requirements. Sign requirements on pilot escort vehicles are as follows:

   1. (a) pilot escort vehicles must display an "OVERSIZE LOAD" sign, which must be mounted on the top of the pilot escort vehicle;
   2. (b) signs must be a minimum of 5 feet wide by 10 inches high visible surface space, with a solid yellow background and 8-inch-high by 1-inch-wide black letters, and solid means that, if viewed from the front or rear at a 90-degree angle, no light transmits through the sign;
   3. (c) the sign for the front pilot escort vehicle must be displayed so it is always clearly legible and readable by oncoming traffic; and
   4. (d) the rear pilot escort vehicle must display its sign, so it is readable by traffic overtaking from the rear and clearly legible.

6. (6) Pilot escort vehicle lighting requirements.

   1. (a) A pilot escort vehicle must comply with one of the following lighting requirements:

      1. (i) two amber flashing lights that are:

         1. (A) AAMVA approved;
         2. (B) mounted with one on each side of the required sign;
         3. (C) a minimum of six inches in diameter;
         4. (D) unobstructed and visible for 360 degrees;
         5. (E) capable of 60 flashes per minute; and
         6. (F) equipped with warning lights that illuminate during operation; or

      2. (ii) an amber beacon or light bar that:

         1. (A) is AAMVA approved;
         2. (B) rotates, oscillates, or flashes;
         3. (C) is unobstructed and visible for 360 degrees; and
         4. (D) is equipped with warning lights that illuminate during operation.
   2. (b) The division may approve the use of incandescent, strobe, or diode lights if the lights meet the criteria described in Subsection (6)(a).

7. (7) Pilot escort vehicle equipment requirements.

   1. (a) Pilot escort vehicles must be equipped with the following safety items:

      1. (i) standard 18-inch or 24-inch red and white "STOP" and black and orange "SLOW" paddle signs, and for nighttime travel moves, signs must be reflective in accordance with MUTCD standards;
      2. (ii) nine reflective triangles or 18-inch reflective orange traffic cones;
      3. (iii) eight red-burning flares, glow sticks, or equivalent illumination devices approved by the division;
      4. (vi) three orange 18-inch-high cones;
      5. (v) a flashlight with a minimum 1 1/2-inch lens diameter, with extra batteries or charger, and an emergency type shake, or crank flashlight will not be allowed;
      6. (vi) six-inch minimum length red or orange cone or traffic wand for use in directing traffic;
      7. (vii) an ANSI or OSHA-approved hardhat;

      8. (viii)(A) for travel during daylight hours, a class two safety vest for each individual involved in the pilot escort operations; or

         1. (B) for travel outside daylight hours, a class three safety vest for each individual involved in the pilot escort operations;
      9. (ix) a height-measuring pole made of a non-conductive, non-destructive, flexible, or frangible material, only required if escorting a vehicle or load exceeding 16 feet in height;
      10. (x) a fire extinguisher;
      11. (xi) a first aid kit that is clearly marked;
      12. (xii) one spare "OVERSIZE LOAD" sign, 7 feet by 18 inches;
      13. (xiii) one serviceable spare tire, tire jack, and lug wrench;
      14. (xiv) a handheld two-way simplex radio or another compatible form of communication for operations outside pilot escort vehicles; and
      15. (xv) vehicles must not have unauthorized equipment on the vehicle, such as that generally reserved for law enforcement personnel.

8. (8) Police escort vehicle equipment and safety requirements.

   1. (a) Police escort vehicles must be equipped with the following safety items:

      1. (i) a device that allows for two-way communication between police escort vehicles and transport vehicles;
      2. (ii) emergency lighting visible for 360 degrees; and
      3. (iii) clear markings that indicate the vehicle is a police escort.
   2. (b) Before participating in a police escort, each police officer must complete a Utah Law Enforcement Check List and Reporting Criteria Form and submit it to the division.

   3. (c) Police officers participating in a police escort shall:

      1. (i)(A) verify that a pilot escort vehicle has a current pilot escort inspection; or

         1. (B) perform an inspection of the pilot escort vehicle before load movement; and
      2. (ii) wear a police officer uniform.

9. (9) Insurance for pilot escort vehicles.

   1. (a) A driver must possess a current certificate of insurance or endorsement that indicates that the driver, or the driver's employer, has in effect not less than $750,000 combined single limit coverage for bodily injury and property damage as a result of the operation of the escort vehicle, the escort vehicle operator, or both causing the bodily injury and property damage arising out of an act or omission by the pilot escort vehicle operator of the escort duties required by the regulations. The insurance or endorsement, as applicable, must always be maintained during the term of the pilot escort certification.
   2. (b) Pilot escort vehicles must have a minimum amount of $750,000 liability. This is not a cumulative amount.

10. (10) Pre-trip planning and coordination requirements. A coordination and planning meeting must be held before load movement. The drivers carrying or pulling the oversized loads, the pilot escort vehicle drivers, law enforcement officers, department personnel, and public utility company representatives must attend as required. When police escorts are present, a Utah Law Enforcement Checklist and Reporting Criteria Form must be completed. This meeting must include discussion and coordination on the conduct of the move, including at least the following topics:

    1. (a) the person designated as being in charge, such as a department representative or a law enforcement officer;
    2. (b) documentation for authorized routing and permit conditions is distributed to the appropriate individuals involved in the move;
    3. (c) communication and signals coordination;
    4. (d) permitted dimensions will be verified with measurement of vehicle and load dimensions; and
    5. (e) copies of the permit and routing documents must be provided to parties involved with the permitted load movement.
11. (11) Permitted vehicle restrictions on certain highways. Certified pilot escort operators must refer to the highway restrictions specified in the secondary highway restrictions before load movements.

12. (12) Flagging requirements.

    1. (a) During the movement of an over-dimensional load or vehicle, the pilot escort driver, in the performance of the flagging duties required by this section, may control and direct traffic to stop, slow, or proceed in any situations where it is deemed necessary to protect the motoring public from the hazards associated with the movement of the over-dimensional load or vehicle. The pilot escort driver, acting as a flagger, may aid the over-dimensional load or vehicle in the safe movement along the highway designated on the over-dimensional load permit and must:

       1. (i) assume the proper flagger position outside the pilot escort vehicle, and as a minimum standard, have in use the necessary safety equipment as defined in 6E.1 of the MUTCD;
       2. (ii) use "STOP" and "SLOW" paddles or a 24-inch red or fluorescent orange or red square flag to indicate emergency situations, and other equipment as described in 6E.1 of the MUTCD; and
       3. (iii) comply with the flagging procedures and requirements as set forth in the MUTCD and the Utah Department of Transportation Flagger Training Handbook.

KEY: permits, safety regulations, size and weight, trucks

Date of Last Change: March 16, 2026

Notice of Continuation: April 30, 2024

Authorizing, and Implemented or Interpreted Law: 72-1-201; 72-7-406; 72-9-303; 41-1a-102; 41-1a-231; 41-1a-1206; 72-7-402; 72-7-404; 72-7-407; 72-9-301; 72-9-502