Connecticut Administrative Code › Title 14 - Motor Vehicles. Use of the Highway by Vehicles. Gasoline › 270 - Oversize/Overweight Vehicle Permit Regulations › Section 14-270-21 - Escort (pilot car) vehicles and flagmen

Current through July 10, 2024
(a) When specified in the permit, it is the
			 responsibility of the permittee to provide escort vehicles. Failure of pilot
			 car operators and flagmen to comply with these regulations in properly warning
			 and directing traffic is considered a violation of the terms of the
			 permit.
(b) Flagmen, in order to
			 warn and direct approaching traffic, must wear a red jacket or vest and use a
			 red flag to direct traffic.
(c)
			 When a single escort/pilot car is required, it shall precede on two or three
			 lane conventional roads or follow on four or more lane divided roads. When two
			 pilot cars are required, one shall precede and one shall follow the piloted
			 load or vehicle. Exceptions to these provisions are to be specifically stated
			 on the face of the permit. The permit may require additional pilot
			 cars.
(d) Pilot cars and the OOV
			 shall remain right of the centerline of the roadway at all times except when
			 prevented by the physical limitations of the highway. The use of a pilot car
			 does not grant to the Permittee the right to pre-empt the opposing traffic
			 lane. When it becomes necessary because of physical limitations of the highway
			 to use a portion of the opposing traffic lane, the OOV shall not occupy that
			 lane until it has been advised by the pilot car that the lane is clear of all
			 oncoming traffic. Opposing traffic is not to be stopped except in extreme
			 emergencies. It shall be the responsibility of the OOV to stop safely and wait
			 until the opposing lane is free of traffic before proceeding. Pilot cars shall
			 not be used to tow another vehicle while being utilized as a pilot car.
			 Convoying, or using one pilot car for more than one OOV, will not be permitted
			 unless specifically authorized on the face of the permit. All vehicles or loads
			 exceeding 12 feet in width, or the lane width, will require a pilot car. In
			 some areas a pilot car will be required for loads of lesser width or additional
			 pilot cars will be called for depending on the character of the road and the
			 traffic volume.
(e) All OOV's
			 exceeding 25 feet front/rear overhang measured from the last visible means of
			 support will require a pilot car. Pilot cars will also be required for loads
			 where any part of the vehicle or load will be expected to encroach on opposing
			 traffic lanes due to alignment, lane width, traffic density, etc., or if
			 assistance is needed at on or off ramps in interchange areas. The interval
			 between pilot car(s) and the OOV shall provide the maximum warning to other
			 traffic and shall be adequate to allow traffic to pass each vehicle separately.
			 Pilot cars shall be in accordance with the following requirements:
(1) VEHICLE SIZE. Minimum width-60 inches;
			 maximum-11/2 ton capacity.
(2)
			 LIGHTS. Display top mounted flashing or rotating amber light(s), which must be
			 operated at all times while escorting an OOV unless otherwise specified on the
			 face of the permit. Lights shall be visible to the front when leading, and to
			 the rear when following from a distance of not less than one thousand
			 feet.
(3) SIGNS. Display a
			 top-mounted sign with minimum height of the bottom of the sign 48 inches above
			 the roadway. The sign shall contain the message "OVERSIZE LOAD
			 AHEAD/FOLLOWING," "WIDE LOAD AHEAD/FOLLOWING," or "LONG LOAD AHEAD/FOLLOWING"
			 may be substituted for the "OVERSIZE LOAD AHEAD/FOLLOWING" sign. The sign shall
			 be painted with 8-inch minimum height black letters on a yellow background,
			 using a minimum 1-inch brush stroke. Signs shall not be displayed when not
			 escorting an OOV.
(4) RADIO.
			 Two-way radio communications between pilot cars and the OOV is
			 required.
(5) RED FLAGS. Each pilot
			 vehicle shall be equipped with red hand flag, and a red vest or jacket. These
			 items are to be utilized by the pilot car operator in the event it becomes
			 necessary to park the pilot car and stop or control highway traffic. Flags (18"
			 square) must be displayed on all corners of the OOV and on the front or rear
			 corners of the escort vehicle whichever is appropriate.