AR
Arkansas Pilot Car Requirements & Escort Vehicle Regulations 2025
ARDOT regulations for southern transportation corridors
LEGAL LIMITS
8'6" x 13'6"
Width x Height
ESCORT TRIGGER
10'6" +
Width threshold
HEIGHT POLE
15' +
Front escort required
WEEKEND TRAVEL
ALLOWED
Seven days/week
Special Note: Escort requirements vary by highway type - two-lane vs four-lane/interstate rules apply
Arkansas Legal Size Limits
| Dimension | Legal Limit | Permit Required | Special Requirements |
|---|---|---|---|
| Width | 8'6" | Over 8'6" | Escort at 10'6" (two-lane) |
| Height | 13'6" | Over 13'6" | Height pole at 15' |
| Length (Single Trailer) | 53'0" | Over 53' | Escort at 100'/115' |
| Length (Truck & Trailer) | 65'0" | Over 65' | Same escort rules apply |
| Weight | 80,000 lbs | Over 80,000 lbs | Continuous travel to 108K |
Escort Requirements by Highway Type
Two-Lane Highway Requirements
10'6" to 12' Wide
One front escort required
12' to 14' Wide
One front and one rear escort
Over 14' Wide
Two escorts (one front, one rear)
Length Requirements
- • Over 100': One front escort
- • Over 115': Front and rear escort
Four-Lane/Interstate Requirements
10'6" to 12' Wide
No escort required
12' to 14' Wide
One rear escort
Over 14' Wide
One rear escort (200 feet behind)
Length Requirements
- • Over 100': One rear escort
- • Over 115': Front and rear escort
Height Requirements
Over 15' Height
- • One front escort with height pole
- • Clearance bar 6" above load
Over 17' Height
- • Public utility escort required
- • Height pole car required
- • Enhanced coordination protocols
Overhang Requirements
Over 10' Front Overhang
One front escort required
Over 10' Rear Overhang
One rear escort required
Over 4' Overhang
Flagging (day) / Lighting (night) required
Pilot Car Certification Requirements
Arkansas Certification
- Pilot/Escort Vehicle Operator certificationArkansas requires specific ARDOT certification
- Proper training completionSafety and operational standards
- Vehicle complianceMinimum 1/4 ton truck or 2,000 lbs automobile
Insurance Requirements
Minimum Coverage Requirements:
- • $100,000 each bodily injury/death
- • $300,000 each accident
- • $25,000 property damage
- • $325,000 combined single limit minimum
Proof Required
Insurance proof must be carried in vehicle
Required Equipment Checklist
Equipment Compliance Status
0% Complete
Signage & Lighting
Communication & Safety
Emergency Equipment
Travel Restrictions & Special Procedures
General Travel Rules
Travel Times
- • Daylight only: sunrise to sunset
- • Seven days a week allowed
- • Including Saturday/Sunday
Prohibited Holidays
- • New Year's Day
- • Memorial Day
- • Independence Day
- • Labor Day
- • Thanksgiving Day
- • Christmas Day
Permit Validity
Valid for 3 days from issue date
Little Rock Metro Restrictions
Rush Hour Prohibitions
- • 7:00-9:00 AM weekdays
- • 4:00-6:00 PM weekdays
Restricted Routes
- • I-30 (MM 138-143)
- • I-40 (MM 151-155)
- • All of I-630
Route Survey
Case-by-case basis for loads over 14' wide or 15' high
Special Load Categories
Continuous Travel Loads
- • Overweight-only up to 108,000 lbs
- • Legal dimensions under 90' long
- • No stopping required
Manufactured Homes
- • Different sign requirements
- • Special escort procedures
- • ARDOT coordination required
Superloads
- • Special routing required
- • ARDOT clearance mandatory
- • Enhanced escort protocols
Permit Information & Processing
Pre-Entry Requirements
Permit Before Entry
Must have permit before entering Arkansas
3-Day Validity
Permits valid for 3 days from issue date
Route Surveys
Case-by-case determination for loads over 14' wide or 15' high
Vehicle Requirements
Minimum Vehicle Size
- • 1/4 ton truck minimum OR
- • 2,000 lbs gross weight automobile
Licensing
Must be properly licensed under Arkansas law
Identification
Company logos or approved identification acceptable
Frequently Asked Questions
Arkansas DOT Contact Information
ARDOT Permits Office
Phone
(501) 569-2381
Address
P.O. Box 2261
10324 Interstate 30
Little Rock, AR 72203
10324 Interstate 30
Little Rock, AR 72203
Hours
6:00 AM - 4:30 PM, Monday-Friday
Online Services
Early Office Hours: ARDOT opens at 6:00 AM, earlier than most state DOT offices.
Find Arkansas Pilot Car Services
Connect with certified pilot car companies familiar with Arkansas highway classifications and Little Rock metro restrictions.