Pilot Car Criteria

Pilot car(s) shall be required for the following conditions

1. If the front overhang of a load exceeds 25 feet, 0 inches when measured from the front bumper or, if there is no front bumper, from the front tires. (CVC 35406A)
2. If the boom or mast of a crane, drill rig or well servicing equipment extends more than 25 feet, 0 inches beyond the front of the front tires. (CVC 35407)
3. If the rear load projection exceeds 25 feet, 0 inches when measured from the rear extremity of the hauling equipment.
4. Pilot cars will not be required for the maximum permittable rear boom overhang of 30 feet, 0 inches when measured from the center of the last axle of the boom support vehicle. The "exemption" letter from the insurance company is no longer valid.
5. If the unsupported rear boom overhang of a truck crane exceeds 30 feet, 0 inches when measured from the last point of support. The last point of support (for enforcement purposes) .is defined as the rearmost point on the vehicle bed or body supporting the load.
6. Generally, if load width exceeds lane width and, if 'because of length and/or width, the load and/or vehicle will encroach into the adjacent lanes. This assessment will be based on an analysis of the lane width and/or alignment of the roadway. The assignment will be based upon the classifications and dimensions of the following chart. Pilot cars will normally not be required when 11 feet to 12 feet permit vehicles/loads are traversing an urban freeway facility where the right lane has been reduced to less than 12 feet. In some circumstances, they will be required.
7. Pilot cars for 10-foot wide mobile homes shall be in accordance with the "Prohibited State Routes and Pilot Car Requirements" attachment, date 1982, or revised as necessary.
8. Pilot car for movements into, or through, "Route Classification 'E'" (red routes) will be determined by the District Permit Engineer.