New Hampshire Pilot Car Requirements

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

Unverified — confirm with the stateNew Hampshire permit source →

Escort & pilot car requirements

  • Police / law-enforcement escortover 100'0" length

    Length 100' or greater: 1 state police escort required.

  • Police / law-enforcement escortover 14'0" width

    Width over 14': 2 state police escort vehicles required (per permit table).

  • Lead (front) pilot carover 15'0" rear overhang rear overhang

    Rear overhang 15' or greater with width 12' or greater: 2 civilian escorts required (front + rear).

  • Chase (rear) pilot carover 15'0" rear overhang rear overhang

    Rear overhang 15' or greater with width 12' or greater: 2 civilian escorts required (front + rear).

  • Lead (front) pilot carover 15'0" front overhang front overhang

    Front overhang 15' or greater: 1 civilian escort required.

  • Lead (front) pilot carover 90'0" length

    Length 90' or greater: 1 civilian front escort required.

  • Lead (front) pilot carover 14'0" height

    Height over 14': 1 civilian front escort required.

  • Lead (front) pilot carover 12'0" width

    Width 12'–14': 1 civilian front escort required.

Travel restrictions

  • Daylight-only travelover 12'0" width

    Travel permitted 1/2 hr before sunrise to 1/2 hr after sunset only.

  • Weekend / holiday restrictionover 12'0" width

    No travel on Saturdays, Sundays, legal holidays, or the day following a legal holiday.

Need a pilot car in New Hampshire? See what a New Hampshire pilot car costs →

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

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