WCS Permits & Pilot Cars - Oversize Load Permits

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Hauling Oversize Loads in Colorado

Hauling oversize loads in Colorado involves several steps.

In Colorado, you need an oversize load permit if your vehicle exceeds 8’6″ wide, 14’0″ high, 65′ long or 80,000 pounds. 

But the preparation does not end with obtaining oversize load permits. Oversize loads often need pilot cars and specialized equipment is required for travel, including oversize load signs and specialized oversize load LED lights for trucks. 

There are standard pilot car requirements when hauling an oversize load in Colorado

Permit regulations such as night and weekend travel restrictions and specific curfews should be known prior to travel. 

Routing is another major step in the heavy haul process. Most state agencies will not be aware of temporary construction, bridge heights or travel restrictions on some city/county townships or on Indian reservations. If you have a complicated load, it’s best to check your route or conduct a route survey in advance.   

Colorado oversize load hauls also may require local city and county permits. Obtaining a state permit in Colorado does not relieve you of the liability of cities and counties. Most Colorado cities and counties require additional permits. Choosing not to obtain city or county permits raises liability concerns, specifically two. 

  1.  Ticket/fine: Fines for illegally traveling on city or county roads without a permit range from a few hundred dollars to $30,000 or more.
  2. Accident/Insurance: If you get into an accident while traveling on a city or county road without a permit, your insurance may deny you coverage costing you more than just money.

If you want to speak to a WCS Transportation Consultant about planning your oversize load haul in Colorado, call (888) 737-6483 now or contact us. An oversize load transport is much more than just permits, a heavy haul transport also includes routing, permit regulations, liability and more.

Order Colorado Oversize Permits Now
CO PILOT CAR REQUIREMENTS FOR HAULING OVERSIZE LOADS
Pilot Car Width:
  • Interstate/White Routes
    • Greater than 15’0
      • 1 rear pilot and/or rear flashing
        yellow light required
    • Greater than 17’0
      • Pilots to be determined by state on special permit
  • Green Routes
    • Greater than 13’0
      • 1 front pilot required, two-lane
        highway
      • 1 rear pilot and/or rear flashing
        yellow light on load/trailer,
        four-lane highway
    • Greater than 15’0
      • 1 front pilot & 1 rear pilot and/or
        rear flashing yellow light required
        on load/trailer, all highways
    • Greater than 17’0
      • Pilots to be determined by state on special permit
  • Yellow Routes
    • Greater than 11’0
      • 1 front pilot required, two-lane
        highway
    • Greater than 13’0
      • 1 rear pilot and/or rear flashing
        yellow light on load/trailer,
        four-lane highway
    • Greater than 15’0
      • Pilots to be determined by state on special permit
  • Blue Routes
    • Greater than 8’6
      • 1 front pilot required
    • Greater than 11’0
      • 1 front pilot & 1 rear pilot required
    • Greater than 13’0
      • Pilots to be determined by state on special permit
  • Red Routes
    • Pilots to be determined by state on
      special permit
Pilot Car Length:
  • Greater than 85’0
    • 1 front pilot required, two-lane
      Mountainous roadways & Highways
  • Greater than 110’0
    • 1 front pilot required, two-lane highway
  • Greater than 115’0
    • 1 rear pilot required, four-lane highway
Pilot Car Height:
  • Greater than 16’0
    • 1 pilot required with high pole
  • Greater than 17’0
    • 1 pilot required with high pole
    • Licensed Signal Contractor required
      through all intersections controlled by
      overhead traffic signals
Pilot Car Overhang:
  • Front
    • Greater than 15’0
      • 1 front pilot required
  • Rear
    • Greater than 25’0
      • 1 rear pilot required
Additional Info:

Chain Requirements

Pilot Escort & Oversize Restriction Map
LIGHTS & SIGNAGE REQUIRED TO HAUL OVERSIZE IN CO
Light Requirements:

Lights Specs:

  • Flashing or strobe, Amber or Red
  • Must be visible for 500 ft., 360 degrees
  • Located at the extremity of the load

Nighttime Operation requirements

Sign Requirements:

Signage Specs:

  • Wording
    • “OVERSIZE LOAD,” “WIDE LOAD”, or
      “LONG LOAD”
  •  Size
    • 7′ x 18″
  • Lettering:
    • 18″ x 1.4
  • Colors:
    • Black letters on Yellow background
  • Location:
    • Front and rear of the transport vehicle
Flag Requirements:
CO PILOT CAR EQUIPMENT REQUIREMENTS TO HAUL OVERSIZE IN CO
Light Requirements:

Light requirements for Colorado pilot cars:

  • At least Three flashing Yellow or Amber lights
    required
  • Must be Visible at 500 ft. and 360 degrees
Sign Requirements:

Sign requirements for Colorado pilot cars:

  • Wording:
    • "OVERSIZE LOAD"
        • Must be top mounted
  • Size:
    • 5’0 x 10″
  • Lettering:
    • 8″ x 1″ brush stroke
  • Colors:
    • Yellow background, Black lettering
Flag Requirements:

Flag requirements for Colorado pilot cars:

  • Red or Orange 18″ square
  • Displayed front & rear corners

Vehicle Requirements:

Vehicle requirements for Colorado pilot cars:

  • Passenger vehicle or two-axle truck
  • 16,000 lbs. Gross Vehicle Weight limit
  • 60″ wide or greater
Additional Equipment

Additional equipment for Colorado pilot cars:

  • Standard 18″ STOP/SLOW paddle
  • Nine Bi-directional emergency reflective
    triangles
  • 5 lb. BC Fire Extinguisher
  • Class 2, Type 2 reflective orange vest (must be worn while directing traffic)
  • Eight Road Flares and/or Glow Sticks
  • Orange and/or White hard hat (must be worn when out of vehicle)
  • Two Additional “OVERSIZE LOAD” signs
  • Height pole, non-conductive construction for
    loads over 16′ high
  • Two Hand-held Two-Way Radios
  • Three Orange cones 18″ minimum with 6″
    reflective collar
  • Two D-Cell Battery Flashlights with two extra
    batteries
  • 9″ Red/Orange Wand Identification Signs
    and/or Placards on both sides of vehicle

Insurance requirements:

  • Minimum of $1,000,000 of either Commercial Liability or Combined Single Limit insurance must be carried.
  • Policy must indicate the coverage is for the
    pilot escort operations.
Certification Requirements

Certification requirements for Colorado pilot cars:

  • Certifications accepted from:
    • Colorado
    • Arizona
    • Florida
    • Minnesota
    • Oklahoma
    • Utah
    • Washington
  • Must be certified, refer to certification
    information below.
  • Refer to the Code of Colorado Regulations link below, refer to Chapter 5.
Important Links: CO Certification Requirements

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WCS Permits & Pilot Cars - Oversize Load Permits

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Phone: 888-737-6483

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