Alabama Pilot Car Requirements & Escort Vehicle Regulations 2024
Complete ALDOT permit guide and escort vehicle requirements
Alabama Legal Size Limits
Legal Dimensions (No Permit Required)
Width & Height
Length Limits by Vehicle Type
When Escort Vehicles Are Required
Current regulations (effective after June 2017)
Overwidth Loads
- • Two-lane roads: 1 Front Escort
- • Multi-lane roads: 1 Rear Escort
- • Required: 1 Front AND 1 Rear Escort
- • All road types
Overheight Loads
- • Permit required
- • No escort needed
- • Required: 1 Front Escort
- • Must have: Height pole
- • Height pole: 6" taller than load
Overlength Loads
- • Required: 1 Rear Escort
- • Required: 1 Front AND 1 Rear Escort
- • 10'+ front overhang: 1 Front Escort
- • Over 5' rear overhang: 1 Rear Escort
Alabama Oversize Permits
Single Trip Permits
Annual Permits
Permit Application Process
Submit Application
Complete ALDOT online form with load specifications and route details
Route Analysis
ALDOT reviews proposed route for clearances and restrictions
Permit Issued
Receive permit with specific conditions and escort requirements
Execute Transport
Follow all permit conditions and escort requirements exactly
Required Equipment Specifications
Safety Flags
Warning Signs
Warning Lights
Communication
Mobile Home Approved Lighting System Alternative
Instead of Rear Escort:
- Two flashing lights on rear corners
- Mounted 6 feet above ground minimum
- Must be visible from 500 feet
Road Type Rules:
- Two-lane roads: Front escort required
- Multi-lane roads: Rear escort or lighting system
Travel Restrictions & Operating Hours
Permitted Travel Hours
Prohibited Travel Days
- • New Year's Day
- • Memorial Day
- • Independence Day
- • Labor Day
- • Thanksgiving Day
- • Christmas Day
- • Severe weather conditions
- • Reduced visibility
- • Ice or snow conditions
2024 Prohibited Travel Days
Alabama Department of Transportation
Motor Carrier Services Division
Oversize/Overweight Permits Office
Contact Information
Online Services
Frequently Asked Questions
When is a pilot car required in Alabama?
When is a pilot car required in Alabama?
Pilot cars are required for loads over 12 feet wide. For width 12'-14', one escort is needed (front on two-lane roads, rear on multi-lane roads). Over 14' wide requires both front and rear escorts on all road types.
What are Alabama's legal size limits without permits?
What are Alabama's legal size limits without permits?
Alabama legal limits without permits are 8'6" width and 13'6" height. Length limits vary by vehicle type:
- • Single vehicles: 40 feet
- • Truck-semitrailer: 57 feet
- • Motor homes: 45 feet
- • Auto haulers: 65 feet (75 feet for stinger-steered)
What equipment must pilot cars have in Alabama?
What equipment must pilot cars have in Alabama?
Required equipment for Alabama pilot cars includes:
- • 18"×18" fluorescent orange or red flags at load corners
- • 18"×7" yellow "OVERSIZE LOAD" signs with 10" black letters
- • Amber flashing/strobe lights visible 360° at 500 feet
- • Two-way radio communication between all vehicles
- • Height pole (6" taller than load) for overheight loads
How much do Alabama oversize permits cost?
How much do Alabama oversize permits cost?
Single trip permits range from $15-$50 depending on load dimensions and complexity. Annual permits range from $200-$500 and require VIN-specific vehicle registration. Additional fees may apply for complex routing studies.
What are the special rules for mobile homes?
What are the special rules for mobile homes?
Mobile homes have special provisions in Alabama:
- • Single trip permits: Maximum 16' width × 16' height
- • Annual permits: Maximum 14' width × 14' height
- • Can use "Approved Lighting System" instead of rear escort
- • Lighting system: Two flashing lights 6' above ground on rear corners
- • Front escort required on two-lane roads
Can oversize loads travel at night in Alabama?
Can oversize loads travel at night in Alabama?
No, Alabama requires daylight-only travel for oversize loads. Night moves are strictly prohibited. Travel is also prohibited on major federal holidays including New Year's Day, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving, and Christmas.
Pre-Trip Compliance Checklist
Permit Documentation
Safety Equipment
Pre-Transport Verification
Need Alabama Pilot Car Services?
Connect with ALDOT-compliant pilot car companies in Alabama that have the proper equipment and certification for your oversize load transportation.