734-078-0035 Pilot Vehicles (1) Pilot vehicles may be needed to ensure the safety of the traveling public when vehicle and load movements involve excessive width, height, length or projections to the front or rear of vehicles or combinations of vehicles. The configuration of such pilot vehicle(s) shall be a passenger car, pick-up, truck or truck-tractor of legal size and weight. Combinations of vehicles are not allowed as pilot vehicles. The number of pilot vehicles required for certain movements is shown on Attachment 82A, revised January 2023, which is issued with permits requiring pilot vehicles. Attachment 82A is by reference made part of Division 78 rules, and is available from the Commerce and Compliance Division, Over-Dimension Permit Unit. (2) A pilot vehicle shall precede the loaded combination of vehicles when operating on the following highway sections: (a) Alsea Highway, Ore 34, between M.P. 6.93 (Canal Creek Rd) and the Jct of US 20 near Philomath provided the overall length is in excess of 90 feet; (b) Corvallis-Newport Highway, US 20, between Blodgett and Philomath provided the overall length is in excess of 80 feet; (c) Coos Bay-Roseburg Highway, Ore 42, between Coos/Douglas County line and Camas Valley provided the overall length is in excess of 80 feet; (d) Mist-Clatskanie Highway, Ore 47, entire highway, provided the overall length is in excess of 80 feet; (e) Silver Creek Falls Highway, Ore 214, between M.P. 31.09 (Drakes Crossing) and Silverton provided the overall length is in excess of 80 feet; (f) Siletz Highway, Ore 229, between M.P. 9.66 and M.P. 15.23 provided the overall length is in excess of 50 feet; (g) Coos River Highway No. 241, between Jct. US 101 and M.P. 15.04 (near Allegany) provided the overall length is in excess of 70 feet. (3) As highway conditions may change due to construction, relocation, or other factors and as additional highway sections may be added to the approved routes shown on permit Attachment 17, revised January 2023, the Chief Engineer at their discretion may deem appropriate to add to, delete, or revise the list of pilot vehicle requirements in section (1) of this rule. Attachment 17 is by reference made part of Division 78 rules, and is available from the Commerce and Compliance Division, Over-Dimension Permit Unit. (4) Pilot vehicles are required to have the following equipment: (a) Warning signs mounted above the roofline of the vehicle. This sign shall bear the legend “OVERSIZE LOAD.” The sign shall be at least five feet wide by ten inches high, have black letters eight inches high with one-inch brush stroke in accordance with Federal Highway Administration series B, on highway yellow background. Signs made of mesh fabric, or other materials that do not provide a continuous yellow background, are not allowed. The sign shall be displayed only during the course of the oversize movement and shall be removed or retracted at all other times. The sign must be kept clean, legible, and mounted adequately to afford full view at all times, when in use, to the front or rear depending upon location of pilot vehicle or relative to the oversize unit; (b) Warning lights are required in addition to those lights that may otherwise be required by law. Strobe lights are allowed. These lights shall be clearly visible from 500 feet and be either: (A) Two flashing amber lights clearly visible from the front and rear. These lights shall have a minimum lens diameter of four inches, be rated at a minimum of 35 candlepower, and emit a minimum of 30 flashes per minute; or (B) At least one revolving type amber light that has at least 125 square inches of dome surface, and emits at least 30 flashes per minute. (c) Two way radio communications between the oversize vehicle and the pilot vehicle(s) must be maintained at all times; (d) Two 18-inch square red flags mounted on three-foot length staffs shall be carried by each pilot vehicle for use in directing traffic. The pilot vehicle operator shall use the flags to warn oncoming or overtaking traffic when the oversize unit is stopped and obstructing traffic; and (e) Eight safety flares or reflectors. Safety flares may not be used when the movement involves hazardous materials. Statutory/Other Authority: ORS 184.619 Statutes/Other Implemented: ORS 818.220 History: DOD 1-2025, amend filed 03/13/2025, effective 03/13/2025 HWY 8-1997, f. & cert. ef. 8-26-97 2HD 4-1983, f. & ef. 1-20-83