Maine pilot car regulations
Certification: not required. Maine does not certify pilot car drivers. The driver must be at least 18, have held a driver's license for the last 2 years in a row, and know Maine's pilot vehicle rules (BMV rule Chapter 157).
From Maine's own rules and pages, checked 2026-10-24. Rules change: the state's page is the last word.
- Minimum age
- 18
- Escort vehicle
- A car or light truck under 8,500 lb GVWR, with an inside rear-view mirror and mirrors on both sides. Headlights on low beam for the whole move.Source
- Sign
- "OVERSIZE LOAD", at least 5 ft wide by 12 in high, letters at least 8 in high with 1.4 in brush stroke and 1 in border, black on yellow. On the roof (readable both sides), or on the front bumper when leading, rear bumper when following. Remove or cover when not escorting.
- Lights
- Two flashing amber lights at least 6 in diameter, or two rotary amber lights at least 4 in diameter, on the roof at the extreme left and right; or a roof light bar with at least four amber flashing/strobe lights. Lights off when not escorting.
- Height pole
- Rule Chapter 157 Table 1 requires 1 pole car for loads over 15 ft high (Maine-only permits); no pole specifications given.
- Other equipment
- Two-way mobile communication with at least a one-half mile range; contact with the load must be kept at all times.