CO
Colorado Pilot Car Requirements & Escort Vehicle Regulations 2025
CDOT regulations for mountainous and high-altitude transportation
LEGAL WIDTH
8'6"
Standard legal limit
HEIGHT LIMITS
14'6" / 13'
Designated / Non-designated
ESCORT TRIGGER
Over 8'6"
Route dependent
HEIGHT POLE
16' +
With route survey
Special Note: Route type determines escort requirements - mountainous vs non-mountainous rules apply
Colorado Legal Size Limits
| Dimension | Designated Highways | Non-Designated Roads | Permit Required |
|---|---|---|---|
| Width | 8'6" maximum | 8'6" maximum | Over 8'6" |
| Height | 14'6" | 13'0" | Over limits |
| Length (Trailer) | 57'4" | 57'4" | Over 57'4" |
| Weight (Interstate) | 80,000 lbs | 80,000 lbs | Over 80,000 lbs |
| Weight (Non-Interstate) | 85,000 lbs | 85,000 lbs | Over 85,000 lbs |
Route Classifications
Colorado distinguishes between designated highways (typically interstates and major routes) and non-designated roads for height clearances. Mountainous vs non-mountainous routes also affect escort requirements.
Escort Requirements by Route Type
Width-Based Escort Requirements
8'6" to 12' Wide
- • Two-lane roads: One pilot car front
- • Four-lane highways: One pilot car rear
12' to 14' Wide
- • Multi-lane highways: Front + rear escort
- • Enhanced coordination required
Over 14' Wide
- • Prohibited during darkness
- • Chapter 6 special permit for over 17'
- • Enhanced safety requirements
Height-Based Requirements
Over 16' Height
- • Front pilot car with height pole required
- • Height pole max 6" above load
- • Non-conductive materials only
Over 17' Height
- • Licensed signal contractor required
- • Traffic signal coordination
- • Enhanced safety protocols
Over 17'6" Height
- • Route survey submission mandatory
- • CDOT engineering review
- • Special clearance verification
Length-Based Requirements
Over 85' (Mountainous Two-Lane)
Front pilot car required
Over 110' (Non-Mountainous Two-Lane)
Front pilot car required
Over 115' (Four-Lane Highways)
Rear pilot car required
Overhang Requirements
Over 15' Front Overhang
Front pilot car required
Over 25' Rear Overhang
Rear pilot car required
Overhang Measurement
Measured from center of rear axle group to end of load (rear) or from front axle to front of load
Pilot Car Certification Requirements
Basic Requirements
- Age 18+ with valid driver's licenseClean driving record required
- $1,000,000 commercial liability insuranceMust cover pilot escort operations
- Clean driving recordNo drug/alcohol convictions, no 6+ point violations
Reciprocity States
Colorado Accepts Certifications From:
• Arizona
• Florida
• Minnesota
• Oklahoma
• Utah
• Washington
• SCRA
Recertification
Required every 4 years
Required Equipment Checklist
Equipment Compliance Status
0% Complete
Safety Equipment
Communication
Signage & Lighting
Travel Restrictions & Special Procedures
Operating Restrictions
Darkness Prohibition
Loads over 14' wide prohibited during darkness unless Chapter 6 special permit obtained
Holiday Restrictions
- • Memorial Day - no movement
- • Independence Day - no movement
- • Labor Day - no movement
- • Superloads: weekend restrictions apply
Weight Restrictions
Loads over 500,000 lbs (superloads) have weekend movement restrictions
Special Procedures
Bridge Crossings
- • Maximum 10 mph speed
- • Center positioning required
- • Law enforcement coordination for heavy loads
- • Special procedures for loads over 150,000 lbs
Route Surveys
- • Mandatory for loads over 17'6" height
- • Submit to CDOT engineering
- • Include clearance measurements
- • Utility coordination may be required
Radio Communication
- • Two-way communication mandatory
- • ½ mile minimum range required
- • No passengers under 16 in pilot vehicles
- • Emergency protocols established
Frequently Asked Questions
Colorado DOT Contact Information
CDOT Permits Office
Phone
303-757-9539 or 1-800-350-3765
Address
2829 W. Howard Pl.
Denver, CO 80204
Denver, CO 80204
Hours
7:30 AM - 4:30 PM, Monday-Friday
Online Services
Emergency Contacts: Contact local authorities for emergencies. Utility coordination numbers available through CDOT permits office.
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