Montana pilot car regulations

Certification: not required. Montana's pilot vehicle rule (ARM 18.8.510A, as printed by MDT) sets vehicle and equipment rules only. It names no escort driver certification.

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

Escort vehicle

Any passenger car or two-axle truck at least 60 inches wide, rated no more than 14,000 lb GVWR (service or mechanic trucks of the permittee up to 26,001 lb). It must be within legal size and weight, and a truck must be clearly marked as the escort vehicle.Source

Sign

A sign with the words "oversize load" or similar wording, visible from the front and rear at all times when piloting. Letters at least 8 inches high, black on a yellow background (digital signs excepted). Remove signs when not piloting.

Lights

Flashing amber lights at least 5 inches across, 50 candlepower, 60 to 90 flashes per minute, at each end of the oversize load sign and visible 360 degrees; a revolving or strobe light may be used instead. Lights flash at all times when moving an oversize load. (MDT prints this for the power unit within the pilot vehicle rule.)

Height pole

Loads over 17 ft up to 24 ft high need one front pilot vehicle with a height pole or equivalent device for overhead clearance; over 24 ft also need a rear pilot vehicle.

Other equipment

Two-way communication in every pilot vehicle. Pilot vehicles must stay within 1,000 feet of the permitted load.

Insurance

The pilot vehicle must have current registration and valid insurance. No amount is set.Source