WCS Permits & Pilot Cars - Oversize Load Permits

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Hauling Oversize Loads in New Mexico

Hauling oversize loads in New Mexico involves several steps.

In New Mexico, 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 New Mexico.

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.   

New Mexico oversize load hauls also may require local city and county permits. Obtaining a state permit in New Mexico does not relieve you of the liability of cities and counties. Most New Mexico 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 New Mexico, 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 New Mexico Oversize Permits Now
NM PILOT CAR REQUIREMENTS FOR HAULING OVERSIZE LOADS
Pilot Car Width:
  • 14’0 or greater than
    • 1 pilot car required
  • Greater than 12’0 (dangerous 2-lane roads)
    • 1 or 2 pilot cars may be required
    • Rarely required
  • 18’0 of greater
    • 2 pilot cars required
    • Additional pilot cars may be added at
      state's discretion
    • Police may be added at state's discretion
  • 20’0 or greater
    • If counter flow required
    • State police required

Pilot car may be required for any load that
exceeds 8’6″ in width if load is deemed a
hazard.

Pilot Car Length:
  • Greater than 110’1
    • 1 pilot car required
      • For a vehicle, combination or load exceeding pilot is required.
  • Greater than 120’1
    • 2 pilot cars required
      • For a vehicle, combination or load exceeding pilot is required.
  • Note; the movement of such a vehicle,
    combination or load may be restricted to
    certain highways as designed on the permit. Which a determination of the required
    number of pilot vehicle(s) by DOT based on
    the routing.
Pilot Car Height:
  • Greater than 16'0
Pilot Car Overhang:

N/A

Additional Info: Escort Map
LIGHTS & SIGNAGE REQUIRED TO HAUL OVERSIZE IN NM
Light Requirements:

Lights Specs:

  • Amber flashing or rotating beacon
  • Must be visible 500 ft., 360 degrees
  • Top of the power unit
Sign Requirements:

Sign Specs:

  • Wording:
    • “OVERSIZE LOAD”
  • Size:
    • 7′ x 18″
  • Lettering:
    • 10″ x 1″
  • Colors:
    • Black letters on Yellow background
  • Location:
    • Front of vehicle & rear of the load
Flag Requirements:

Flag Specs:

  • Minimum 12″ x 12″ Red squares
  • Must be on all four corners of the load or
    extremities

NM PILOT CAR EQUIPMENT REQUIREMENTS TO HAUL OVERSIZE
IN NM
Certification Requirements:

Certification Requirements for New Mexico pilot
cars:

NM Vehicle Certification required;

  • If a pilot car is not certified
    • Pilot car must certify at Port of entry
      prior to arriving with oversize load
    • Signs and equipment must be covered
      or removed upon entry for certification
  • Certification renewed annually
Light Requirements:

Light Requirements for New Mexico pilot cars:

  • Must be equipped with 2 amber rotating,
    flashing or strobe lights
  • Mounted
    • On top of vehicle
    • At vehicle width or at width not to
      exceed 8 ft.
  • Must be visible at a distance of 1000 ft.
    minimum in normal sunlight.
Sign Requirments:

Sign Requirements for New Mexico pilot cars:

  • Wording:
    • "OVERSIZE LOAD"
  • Size:
    • 5’0 x 1’0
  • Placement:
    • Mounted on front and rear or top of
      vehicle
  • Lettering:
    • 10″ x 1″ brush stroke width
  • Colors:
    • Yellow background, black lettering
Flag Requirements:

Flag Requirements for New Mexico pilot cars:

  • 12″ Red square flags
  • Displayed at front & rear corners
Vehicle Requirements:

Vehicle Requirements for New Mexico pilot cars:

  • Wheelbase at least 100″
  • 1 1/2 ton capacity maximum
  • Insurance
    • 25/50/10 minimum
    • Proof must be carried in vehicle
Additional Equipment:

Additional Equipment for New Mexico pilot cars:

  • 2-Way Radio
  • Rear view mirrors on right/left of vehicle
  • 3 red flares/reflectors
  • 1 fire extinguisher (2 1/2 lb. carbon dioxide or dry chemical or other types equal or greater
    extinguishing capacities)
  • Company sign;
    • Displayed on both sides of vehicle
      • Required information
        • Name
        • Address
        • Any applicable authority
          numbers

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WCS Permits & Pilot Cars - Oversize Load Permits

WCS Permits & Pilot Cars is North America’s oversize load permit authority. 

Phone: 888-737-6483

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