WCS Permits & Pilot Cars - Oversize Load Permits

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Hauling Oversize Loads in New York

Hauling oversize loads in New York involves several steps.

In New York, 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 York.

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 York oversize load hauls also may require local city and county permits. Obtaining a state permit in New York does not relieve you of the liability of cities and counties. Most New York 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 York, 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 York Oversize Permits Now
NY PILOT CAR REQUIREMENTS FOR HAULING OVERSIZE LOADS
Pilot Car Width:
  • Greater than 12’0
    • 1 pilot required
  • Greater than 16’0
    • 2 front pilots required, 2-lane highway
      • 1 State Police required
  • 18’0 or greater
    • 2 front pilots required, 4-lane highway
Pilot Car Length:
  • 80’0 or greater
    • 1 pilot required
  • 100’0 or greater
    • 2 pilots required
    • 3 pilots required, 2-lane highway
  • 160’0 greater
    • 4 pilots required
Pilot Car Height:
  • 14’0 or greater
    • 1 pilot required, with Height sensor
Pilot Car Overhang (Front or Rear):
  • Greater than 10’0 front
    • 1 front pilot required
  • Greater than 10’0 rear
    • 1 rear pilot required
  • Self-Propelled Unit
    • Greater than 15’0
      • 1 pilot required
Additional Info: NY Escort Guidelines
LIGHTS & SIGNAGE REQUIRED TO HAUL OVERSIZE IN NY
Light Requirements:

Lights Specs:

  • Flashing or strobe Amber lights
  • Must be visible 500 ft., 360 degrees
  • Front of the power unit & rear extremity of
    the load
Sign Requirements:

Sign Specs:

  • Wording:
    • “OVERSIZE LOAD”
  • Size:
    • 7′ x 18″
  • Lettering:
    • 10″ x 1 1/2″
  • Colors:
    • Black letters on Yellow background
  • Location:
    • Front & rear of the load
Flag Requirements:

Flag Specs:

  • 18″ x 18″ Fluorescent Orange or red squares
  • Must be mounted on staffs on all four corners of the load or extremities

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

Certification Requirements for New York pilot cars:

  • Must have a valid NYS Certified Vehicle Escort Card (MV-64).
  • NYS does not recognize Out-of-State
  • Certifications.

Refer to Escort Driver Certification link below.

Light Requirements:

Light Requirements for New York pilot cars:

  • Amber flashing/strobe single-unit warning
    light bar
    • Minimum 4 lights per light bar
  • Must have a 360-degree visibility from 1000 ft.
  • Light Bar Height-The minimum light bar
    height requirement is no longer applicable if
    the Cert. Escort Vehicle uses an LED-style light bar
Sign Requirments:

Sign Requirements for New York pilot cars:

  • Wording:
    • "OVERSIZE LOAD"
  • Size:
    • 5’0 x 12″
  • Lettering:
    • 8″ high x 1.41″ brush stroke
  • Color:
    • Yellow background, black lettering

Additional Signage Requirements:

  • Must display on the vehicle;
    • NYS Official Insignia
      • Pantone Reflex Blue & yellow
    • Name
    • City of the Company/Owner
    • Telephone number
    • Visible to the motoring public
Vehicle Requirements:

Vehicle Requirements for New York pilot cars:

  • “1997” or newer vehicle
    • Must have 100” wheelbase minimum
      • Unless utility vehicle
Additional Equipment:

Additional Equipment for New York pilot cars:

  • 2-Way Radio
  • Cell phone
  • 3 Emergency triangles and/or flares
  • 3 Emergency  flares (for night moves)
  • Fluorescent vest
    • Must follow ANSI Class 3 guidelines
      • Coloring Pantone Reflex Blue &
        yellow
  • Stop/Slow paddle
  • 3, 18” square Red/Fluorescent Orange flags
    on staffs
    • 1 must be weighted
  • Fire extinguisher class B, C
  • Height pole

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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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