Do you need a pilot car in Hawaii?

In Hawaii, a chase (rear) pilot car is required over 18'0" width; a lead (front) pilot car is required over 16'0" width; a height-pole escort is required over 15'0" height; a lead (front) pilot car is required over 100'0" length. Always confirm with the Hawaii permit office, as thresholds change and permits can impose case-by-case conditions.

Hawaii Pilot Car Requirements

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

Unverified — confirm with the stateHawaii permit source →

Escort & pilot car requirements

Chase (rear) pilot carover 18'0" width
Second (rear) pilot car required when width exceeds 18' on state highways. Lead+chase both required (HAR §19-120.1).
Lead (front) pilot carover 16'0" width
Front pilot car required for widths over 16' on state highways (HAR §19-120.1). County roads may have lower thresholds — verify with county DPW.
Height-pole escortover 15'0" height
Lead pilot must carry height-clearance pole for loads over 15' tall on state highways (HAR §19-120.5).
Lead (front) pilot carover 100'0" length
Escort required for combinations over 100' overall length on state highways (HRS §291C-133).

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

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