Escort requirements
Pilot car escorts are required by law. Minnesota requires drivers of pilot cars and escort vehicles to hold a current Minnesota Certification. See Pilot Car Escort Rules.
Colorado, Florida, North Carolina, Oklahoma, Utah, Virginia and Washington certification holders are allowed to escort overdimensional loads in Minnesota, provided that they meet Minnesota insurance, driver, vehicle, signage, lighting, and safety equipment requirements.
On multi-lane, divided roadways
A certified rear escort is required when the vehicle or load exceeds:
- 15 feet wide as measured at the bottom, or 16 feet wide as measured at the top
- 110 feet long
Certified front and rear escorts are required when the vehicle or load exceeds:
- 150 feet long
On undivided roadways
Certified front and rear escorts are required when a vehicle or load exceeds:
- 15 feet wide as measured at the bottom, or 16 feet wide as measured at the top
- 110 feet long
A certified licensed lead Peace Officer plus certified front and rear escorts are required when:
- Any part of an oversize load or vehicle extends beyond the left of the centerline on an undivided roadway
MnDOT may require additional escorts when deemed necessary to protect public safety or to ensure against undue damage to the road foundations, surfaces or structures. Contact the Minnesota State Patrol for more information on escorts.