Kansas Pilot Car Requirements
When does an oversize or overweight load need a pilot car or escort in Kansas? Here are the width, height, length and weight thresholds that trigger an escort, a height pole, or a police escort.
Escort & pilot car requirements
- Height-pole escortover 16'0" height
Height-pole vehicle required when load exceeds 16' in height.
- Lead (front) pilot carover 14'0" width
Front pilot car required for widths over 14' on all highways (K.A.R. 36-1-14).
- Chase (rear) pilot carover 14'0" width
Rear pilot car required for widths over 14' on all highways (K.A.R. 36-1-14).
Travel restrictions
- Daylight-only travelover 14'0" width
Sunrise-to-sunset travel only, 7 days per week, when width exceeds 14'.
Driver & inspection requirements
- Certified escort driver requiredover 14'0" width
Escort vehicles must be annually registered with KDOT; operators must complete approved KS escort training.
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Informational only. These thresholds are compiled from published Kansas DOT references and are not legal or operational advice. Permit conditions can differ from the general tables, and rules change — always verify with the Kansas permit office before you move a load.
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