DE
Delaware Pilot Car Requirements & Escort Vehicle Regulations 2025
DelDOT regulations for the First State's transportation corridors
LEGAL LIMITS
8'6" x 13'6"
Width x Height
STATE POLICE
15' +
Width trigger
WEEKEND TRAVEL
SAT Only
Until 12:00 noon
NO CERTIFICATION
Required
License only needed
Special Note: Delaware requires no pilot car certification - valid driver's license sufficient
Delaware Legal Size Limits
| Dimension | Legal Limit | Permit Required | Special Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Width | 8'6" | Over 8'6" | Escort required over 12' |
| Height | 13'6" | Over 13'6" | State Police escort over 17'6" |
| Length | 53'0" | Over 53' | Escort required over 85' |
| Weight | 80,000 lbs | Over 80,000 lbs | State Police escort over 120,000 lbs |
| Overhang | 10'0" | Over 10' | Front or rear escort required |
Escort Requirements by Highway Type
Width-Based Requirements
12' to 14' Wide
- • Multi-lane highways: One rear escort
- • Two-lane highways: One front escort
Over 14' Wide
- • Two escorts required (one front, one rear)
- • All highway types
Over 15' Wide
- • State Police escort required
- • Third escort vehicle
- • Enhanced coordination
Length & Height Requirements
85' or More Length
One rear escort required
100' or More Length
Two escorts (one front, one rear)
15' or More Height
Two escorts (one front, one rear)
State Police Triggers
- • 120'+ length: State Police escort
- • 17'6"+ height: State Police escort
- • 120,000+ lbs: State Police escort
Overhang & Night Movement Requirements
Overhang Requirements
Over 10' Front Overhang
One front escort required
Over 10' Rear Overhang
One rear escort required
Night Movement (9PM-5AM)
Eligible Load Limits
- • Under 75' length
- • Under 12' width
- • Under 14'6" height
- • Under 120,000 lbs
State Police Escort Requirements
State Police Escort Mandatory
Delaware State Police escort required when loads exceed these thresholds, providing enhanced safety and traffic coordination.
Triggers for State Police Escort
Width: 15' or Greater
Third escort vehicle provided by State Police
Height: 17'6" or Greater
Enhanced clearance coordination
Length: 120' or Greater
Extended convoy management
Weight: Over 120,000 lbs
Heavy load traffic management
Coordination Procedures
Advanced Scheduling
48-hour notice for State Police coordination
Route Approval
State Police review of proposed routes
Traffic Management
Coordinated traffic control measures
Emergency Response
Immediate assistance available
Required Equipment Checklist
Equipment Compliance Status
0% Complete
Signage Requirements
Lighting & Communication
Vehicle & Safety
Travel Restrictions & Special Procedures
Standard Travel Windows
Monday - Friday
- • Sunrise to sunset
- • Regular oversize movement allowed
Saturday
- • Sunrise to 12:00 noon only
- • Limited weekend travel window
Sunday
- • No travel allowed
- • All oversize movement prohibited
Night Movement (9PM-5AM)
Eligible Load Limits
• Max 12' wide
• Max 14'6" high
• Max 75' long
• Max 120,000 lbs
Monday-Friday Only
9:00 PM to 5:00 AM travel window
Prior Approval Required
Must be approved by DelDOT
Enhanced Equipment
Amber lights mandatory for night moves
Prohibited Travel Days
New Year's Day
No Movement
Memorial Day
No Movement
Independence Day
No Movement
Labor Day
No Movement
Thanksgiving Day
No Movement
Day After Thanksgiving
No Movement
Christmas Day
No Movement
Driver Requirements & Insurance
No Special Certification Required
Delaware does not require pilot car operator certification. A valid driver's license is sufficient to operate escort vehicles.
Driver Requirements
- Valid driver's licenseNo special endorsements required
- Professional driving recordSafe driving history recommended
- Knowledge of traffic lawsUnderstanding of escort procedures
Insurance Requirements
Bodily Injury Coverage
$100,000 each occurrence
Each Accident Coverage
$300,000 total per accident
Property Damage
$25,000 minimum coverage
Combined Single Limit
$325,000 minimum alternative
Permit Information & Costs
Permit Types & Fees
General Permit (5 days) $60
Overweight Fee $10/8,000 lbs
Superload Permits Case-by-case
Permit Duration
5 days validity - no annual permits
Continuous Travel Allowances
Overweight-Only Loads
Up to 108,000 lbs - continuous travel allowed
Legal Dimension Loads
Under 90' long - may qualify for continuous travel
Required Before Entry
Permit must be obtained before entering Delaware
Frequently Asked Questions
Delaware DOT Contact Information
DelDOT Hauling Permits
Phone
(302) 744-2700
Physical Address
303 Transportation Circle
Dover, DE 19901
Dover, DE 19901
Mailing Address
P.O. Drawer E
Dover, DE 19903
Dover, DE 19903
Hours
8:00 AM - 4:30 PM EST, Monday-Friday
Online Services
Pre-Entry Requirement
Permits must be obtained before entering Delaware
Emergency Moves: HP Form 8 notification to TMC required for emergency transportation.
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