Pilot Car and Route Surveying Services in South Carolina

A pilot car (escort vehicle) is required in the state when:

• Length: Length is tricky in South Carolina. Call the DOT for the correct information. 
• Width: From 12′ to 14′ in width, two front pilot cars (escort vehicles) will be required on 2-lane roads. From 14′ to 16′ in width, one front and one rear pilot car (escort vehicle) will be required on all roads in the state. If your shipment is over 16′ in width, you must have three pilot cars (escort vehicles): one front, one rear, and one police escort in the rear.
• Height: It all depends on your routing. You could be required to have a pilot car (escort vehicle) with a height pole for the entire trip if you are 13′ 7″.
• Weight: If you are approved for weight and maintain the minimum speed requirements, the South Carolina DOT permit office will probably not require you to have a pilot car (escort vehicle).
• Overhang: If you’re pulling a 48′ or a 53′ extended trailer and have less than 15′ of overhang, you can probably get away with flagging or amber lighting your shipment instead of a rear pilot car (escort vehicle). Anything over the 15′ mark will require a pilot car (escort vehicle).