Georgia pilot car regulations

Certification: required. Anyone driving an escort for an oversize load in Georgia must hold Georgia escort certification (or a recognized out-of-state one) and keep the card in the vehicle. Georgia residents take the Pilot Car Certification course from the Department of Public Safety and must pass the final quiz with 80% or better. When the program began (2011) the card lasted 4 years.

From Georgia's own rules and pages, checked 2026-10-24. Rules change: the state's page is the last word.

Certification program

Pilot Car Certification (Georgia Department of Public Safety, Commercial Vehicle Enforcement)Source

Other states' cards

The rule allows reciprocity with states that have a similar escort certification program. DPS says the course is not required for drivers from states with reciprocity agreements with Georgia; GDOT's 2010 announcement said it recognizes other states' certifications for drivers with a valid out-of-state license and certification. No current list of states was found.

Minimum age

21, or 18 with a Class A CDL (the application form also allows 18-20 with employer sponsorship)

Escort vehicle

An automobile or pickup truck. Escort and truck must have two-way communication with each other, GDOT TMC operators and police if required. Pull over to let traffic pass when four or more vehicles are stuck behind the load.Source

Sign

"OVERSIZED LOAD" on the front of a front escort and the rear of a rear escort; black letters on an orange or yellow board, letters at least 8 inches high and 4 inches wide, board at least 1 foot high and 6 feet wide.

Lights

A revolving or flashing amber warning light on top of the vehicle; the operator must have a permit for the light from the appropriate state agency (O.C.G.A. 40-8-92, 40-8-93, 40-8-95).

Height pole

Loads 15'6" or higher need a front escort with a height sensor, unless the hauler has a valid NJUNS trip approval ticket.

Other equipment

Two-way communication in good working order.