A Pilot Car or Official Car is used with flaggers for lengthy work zones. The traffic control zone is short enough to allow good visibility from one end to the other end. Traffic is normally light to avoid the possibility of opposing traffic arriving at the traffic control zone at the same time. Radios may be desirable even when visual contactis possible. Signals between the flaggers should not give the wrong message to motorists.
All traffic waits for the pilot car.
Provides guidance and speed control. In long lane closures, two pilot cars may be used. Pilot cars require special signs and radios. It is also helpful if hauling trucks need to be taken out of the closure along with traffic. When a flagger is used only to slow traffic, use the SLOW side of the paddle, and the word STOP should be covered.