Do you need a pilot car in Alaska?

In Alaska, a chase (rear) pilot car is required over 18'0" width; a height-pole escort is required over 14'6" height; a lead (front) pilot car is required over 14'0" width. Always confirm with the Alaska permit office, as thresholds change and permits can impose case-by-case conditions.

Alaska Pilot Car Requirements

When does an oversize or overweight load need a pilot car or escort in Alaska? Here are the width, height, length and weight thresholds that trigger an escort, a height pole, or a police escort.

Unverified — confirm with the stateAlaska permit source →

Escort & pilot car requirements

Chase (rear) pilot carover 18'0" width
Second (rear) pilot car required when width exceeds 18'. Lead+chase both required; lower thresholds may apply on rural 2-lane (17 AAC 25.015).
Height-pole escortover 14'6" height
Height-clearance pole required on front pilot car for loads taller than 14'6" (17 AAC 25.020).
Lead (front) pilot carover 14'0" width
Front pilot car required for loads over 14' wide on state highways. Specific route thresholds vary — confirm in permit conditions (17 AAC 25.015).

Travel restrictions

Daylight-only travelover 14'0" width
Overwide loads restricted to daylight movement on most state highways. Night endorsement rare; confirm with DOT district office (17 AAC 25.015).

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Informational only. These thresholds are compiled from published Alaska DOT references and are not legal or operational advice. Permit conditions can differ from the general tables, and rules change — always verify with the Alaska permit office before you move a load.

Need a pilot car in Alaska?

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