Do pilot car drivers need certification in New Mexico?

New Mexico pilot car regulations

Certification: required. The escort VEHICLE must be certified by NMDOT or DPS (state police) after an inspection of the vehicle and its equipment. It is good for one year or until the insurance runs out, whichever comes first. An uncertified escort must stop outside New Mexico, take its lights and signs down and drive to the nearest port of entry to be inspected. There is no New Mexico driver course; the driver must be 18 and licensed under the escort-driver rules of their home state.

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

Certification program: Escort vehicle certification (inspection by NMDOT or DPS), 18.19.8.86 NMAC Source
Other states' cards: Drivers must be licensed under the escort-driver rules of the state where they live; the vehicle itself still needs a New Mexico certification before entering the state.
Minimum age: 18
Escort vehicle: Wheelbase at least 100 inches and no more than a 1.5-ton manufacturer rating unless NMDOT approves in writing. It may not tow anything. Escort companies must show their name, city and state on both sides (magnetic signs are fine).Source
Sign: Bright yellow sign at least five feet wide by 12 inches high with black letters reading "OVERSIZE LOAD"; letters at least one inch thick by 10 inches high. Mounted on the front bumper of a front escort, the rear bumper of a rear escort, or the roof, whichever is most visible.
Lights: Two rotating, flashing, strobe or LED amber lights on top of the vehicle at the vehicle width (or no wider than eight feet), visible at least 500 feet in normal sunlight.
Flags: Two red or fluorescent orange flags, square or rectangular, at least 12 inches on any side, mounted with the sign.
Other equipment: Two-way radio to the escorted vehicle; fire extinguisher (at least 2.5 lb carbon dioxide or dry chemical, or equivalent); flares and warning devices per Section 66-3-849 NMSA 1978; flagman equipment (orange or red safety jacket, orange or red hard hat or bump cap, STOP/CAUTION octagon paddle sign); two outside mirrors; the NMDOT escort vehicle map.
Insurance: Registered and insured under New Mexico financial responsibility law, at least $50,000 bodily injury per person, $100,000 per accident, and $25,000 property damage per accident.Source