CT

Connecticut Pilot Car Requirements & Escort Vehicle Regulations 2025

CTDOT regulations for New England transportation corridors

LEGAL LIMITS
8'6" x 13'6"
Width x Height
ESCORT TRIGGER
12' +
Width threshold
ROUTE SURVEY
14'1" +
Height requirement
TRAVEL TIMES
9AM-4PM
Large loads only
Special Note: Connecticut requires route surveys for loads 14'1" or taller - mandatory within one week of move

Connecticut Legal Size Limits

Dimension Legal Limit Permit Required Special Requirements
Width 8'6" Over 8'6" Escort required over 12'
Height 13'6" Over 13'6" Route survey over 14'1"
Length (Trailer) 48'0" Over 48' Escort required over 80'/100'
Weight 80,000 lbs Over 80,000 lbs Bridge analysis required
Overhang 4'0" Over 4' Flagging/lighting required

Escort Requirements by Dimension

Width-Based Requirements

Over 12' Wide
  • • Divided highways: One rear escort
  • • Undivided highways: Two escorts required
Over 13'6" Wide
  • • Two escorts required (all road types)
  • • Enhanced safety protocols
Over 15' Wide
  • • Three escorts required
  • • One front, two rear positioning
  • • Tuesday-Thursday travel only

Height-Based Requirements

Over 14' Height
  • • Front escort with height pole required
  • • Enhanced clearance monitoring
Over 14'1" Height
  • • Route survey mandatory
  • • Connecticut-based surveyor required
  • • Survey within one week of move
Over 15'3" Height
  • • Two or more State Police escorts
  • • Enhanced coordination required
  • • Special clearance verification

Length-Based Requirements by Road Type

Undivided Highways

Over 80' Length
One rear escort required
Over 100' Length
Front and rear escorts required

Divided Highways

Over 100' Length
One rear escort required
Over 120' Length
Front and rear escorts required

Route Survey Requirements

Mandatory Route Survey Trigger

All loads 14'1" in height or greater require a route survey conducted by a Connecticut-based surveyor within one week of the scheduled move.

Survey Requirements

  • Connecticut-based surveyor required
    Must be licensed in Connecticut
  • Timing requirement
    Survey within one week of move
  • Detail all obstructions
    Clearances and special considerations
  • Encroachment permits
    For state property manipulation

Survey Content Requirements

Clearance Measurements
All overhead obstacles documented
Bridge Analysis
Weight distribution and clearance
Utility Coordination
Power lines, traffic signals
Special Considerations
Traffic patterns, timing constraints

Required Equipment Checklist

Equipment Compliance Status

0% Complete

Vehicle Requirements

Communication & Safety

Signage Requirements

Travel Restrictions & Weekend Pilot Program

Standard Travel Windows

Regular Loads
  • • Daylight only: ½ hr after sunrise to ½ hr before sunset
  • • Weekday travel preferred
Rush Hour Restrictions
  • • Prohibited 6:30-9:00 AM weekdays
  • • Prohibited 4:00-6:00 PM weekdays
Large Loads (Over 13'6" W or 14' H)
  • • Tuesday-Thursday only
  • • 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM window

Weekend Pilot Program

Eligible Load Limits

• Max 12' wide
• Max 13'6" high
• Max 80' long
• Max 120,000 lbs on 5+ axles
Saturday/Sunday Travel
Daylight to 12:00 noon only
Request Required
Must be requested when ordering permit

Prohibited Travel Days

New Year's Day
No Movement
Good Friday
No Movement
Memorial Day
No Movement
Independence Day
No Movement
Labor Day
No Movement
Thanksgiving
No Movement
Christmas Day
No Movement

Permit Information & Costs

Permit Fees

Single Trip Permit $30
Electronic Processing Fee $12
Superloads (200,000+ lbs) +$2/1000 lbs
Valid Duration
3 days from issue date

Payment & Processing

Online Payment Only
  • • Visa accepted
  • • MasterCard accepted
  • • Discover accepted
Pre-Move Inspections
  • • Level 7 inspection 1-2 days prior
  • • Same-day inspection on move day
  • • Equipment verification required

Frequently Asked Questions

Connecticut DOT Contact Information

CTDOT Permits Office

Phone
(860) 594-2880
Address
2800 Berlin Turnpike
Newington, CT 06131-7546
Hours
8:00 AM - 4:30 PM, Monday-Friday

Online Services

CT Portal
Online permit applications
portal.ct.gov
Payment Methods
Online payment required - no cash or check accepted
Processing Time: Allow adequate time for permit processing and required inspections.

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