CALIFORNIA STATE PILOT CAR REGULATIONS
When a Permit Is Needed
Over 8’6″ wide, Over 14′ high, Over 80,000 lbs, Overlength-see size and weight manual.
Can be downloaded from the Caltrans website www.dot.ca.gov/hq/traffops/permits/manual.html
When Pilot/Escort Vehicle is Required
All loads over 12’ wide-1 or 2 (depending on route)
Length over 85’ to 135’ (over 100’ in LA county & LA city)-1 front/1 rear
Height poles are not a Caltrans requirement. If requested by a permittee, a pilot car will be permitted and identified as a permittee request.
Overhang (front or rear) 25’ or more-1 pilot or more
http://www.dot.ca.gov./hq/traffops/permits/pdf_documents/policy/tpm/19900223%20Appendix16.pdf
http://www.dot.ca.gov./hq/traffops/permits/pdf_documents/policy/tpm/19900223%20Appendix19.pdf
http://www.dot.ca.gov./hq/traffops/permits/pdf_documents/policy/tpm/19900223%20Appendix18.pdf
Must check permit for escort requirements, depending on location; may need an escort for under 12′ wide. Pilot car maps may be downloaded from the Caltrans website www.dot.ca.gov/hq/traffops/permits/pcmaps.htm
Times Of Movement
24 hrs a day 7 days a week unless: an escort is required or load exceeds a 2 vehicle configuration or exceeds green loading weight or a detour is needed– then travel is restricted to 1/2 hour before sunrise to 1/2 hour after sunset
Travel prohibited (unless exempted by permit) on the following holidays: New Year’s Day, Lincoln’s Birthday, Washington’s Birthday, Martin Luther King Day, Memorial Day, July 4th, Labor Day, Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day. If a holiday falls on a Friday or Monday, travel is
prohibited during the weekend.
Curfews: Loads 10’ or move in width are restricted from traveling M-F at the following times:
Los Angeles & surrounding areas 6:00-9:00am 3:00-6:00pm
Sacramento & surrounding areas 7:00-9:00am 4:00-6:00pm
San Diego & surrounding areas 7:00-9:00am 4:00-6:00pm
San Francisco/Oakland Bay Bridge* 6:30-9:00am 3:30-6:30pm
San Francisco & surrounding areas 7:00-9:00am 4:00-6:00pm
*CHP needed when a load is over 15’ wide on 2-lane; 16’ on yellow routes
Dept. of Transportation Permits
Office-Hours: 8am-5pm PT
CALTRANS-Northern office (North of San Luis Obispo/Kern Co.line)
1823 14th St.
Sacramento, CA 95814
916-322-1297/fax-(916)322-4966
http://www.dot.ca.gov./hq/traffops/permits
CALTRANS-Southern office (South of SLO/Kern Co. Line)
655 W. 2nd St., MS#618
San Bernardino, CA 92404-1400
909-383-4637/fax-(909)388-7001
Mailing address: CDOT
464 W. 4th St., MS #618
San Bernardino, CA 92404-1400