California Road Conditions
(916)445-7623/ (916)445-1534 (Conditions)

CALIFORNIA PILOT CAR REGULATIONS
When Permit Is Needed
Over 8'6" wide
Over 14' high
Over 80,000 lbs
Over length-see size and weight manual. Can be downloaded from  the Caltrans website (www.dot.ca.gov/hq/traffops/permits/manual.htm)

Special Information Needed
Name, address
Load description & dimensions
Truck info
Route (add directions to the route- east, west, north, south)
Also need junction onto highways                                                                 California Insurance Requirements Click here                                                  California Commercial Vehicle Registration Click here

When Pilot/Escort Vehicle is Required
All loads over 12’ wide-1 or 2 (depending on route)
Length over 85’ to 135’ (over 100’ in LA county & LA city)-1 front/1 rear
Height poles are not a Caltrans requirement. If requested by a permittee, a pilot car will be permitted and identified as a permittee request.
Overhang (front or rear) 25’ or more-1 pilot or more
http://www.dot.ca.gov./hq/traffops/permits/pdf_documents/policy/tpm/19900223%20Appendix16.pdf
http://www.dot.ca.gov./hq/traffops/permits/pdf_documents/policy/tpm/19900223%20Appendix19.pdf
http://www.dot.ca.gov./hq/traffops/permits/pdf_documents/policy/tpm/19900223%20Appendix18.pdf
Must check permit for escort requirements, depending on location; may need escort for under 12' wide.  Pilot car maps may be downloaded from the Caltrans website (www.dot.ca.gov/hq/traffops/permits/pcmaps.htm)

Times Of Movement
24 hrs a day 7 days a week unless: an escort is required or load exceeds a 2 vehicle configuration or exceeds green loading weight or a detour is needed-- then travel is restricted to 1/2 hour before sunrise to 1/2 hour after sunset
Travel prohibited (unless exempted by permit) on the following holidays: New Year’s Day, Lincoln’s Birthday, Washington’s Birthday, Martin Luther King Day, Memorial Day, July 4th, Labor Day, Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day. If a holiday falls on a Friday or Monday, travel is
prohibited during the weekend.
Curfews: Loads 10’ or move in width are restricted from traveling M-F at the following times:
Los Angeles & surrounding areas  6:00-9:00am  3:00-6:00pm
Sacramento & surrounding areas  7:00-9:00am  4:00-6:00pm
San Diego & surrounding areas  7:00-9:00am  4:00-6:00pm
San Francisco/Oakland Bay Bridge*  6:30-9:00am  3:30-6:30pm
San Francisco & surrounding areas  7:00-9:00am  4:00-6:00pm
*CHP needed when load is over 15’ wide on 2-lane; 16’ on yellow routes

Requirements for Pilot/Escort Vehicle
A vehicle at least 60” wide
Signs: “OVERSIZE LOAD” sign shall be 48” (min.) from ground; shall be legible  at 45 degrees from either side/front & back, Yellow background w/ letters 6” high (min.); brush stroke 1 5/8” (min.)
Lights: Flashing amber warning lights visible 360 degrees
Flags: At least 1 red warning flag on each side of vehicle; must be at least 16” square; must be visible from the front & rear
Additional equipment: 1 “STOP/SLOW” paddle; 1 orange vest/shirt/jacket; 1 red emergency flag (24” square); a 2-way radio/communication device