Ohio pilot car regulations
Certification: not required. Ohio has no escort driver certification. A private escort driver must hold a driver's license and be able to work as a flag person (flag, bright lime green or orange vest, flagging per the Ohio MUTCD).
From Ohio's own rules and pages, checked 2026-10-24. Rules change: the state's page is the last word.
- Escort vehicle
- The escort must be a single-unit vehicle with a clear view to the front and rear. It may not tow a trailer or another vehicle, or haul equipment sticking out past the escort vehicle.Source
- Sign
- Yellow sign with black letters reading "OVERSIZE LOAD", 5 feet long by 12 inches high with 8 inch high letters, in good repair.
- Lights
- Roof-mounted amber flashing or rotating light(s).
- Height pole
- A lead escort with a height sensing device is required for loads over 14 feet 6 inches high.
- Other equipment
- Radio contact with the driver of the permitted vehicle. The escort driver acts as a flagger when needed and may not drive other vehicles or equipment while escorting.
- Insurance
- No escort-specific amount found. Escorts must meet the Ohio Revised Code financial responsibility provisions; the permit applicant must carry at least $500,000 liability insurance or a surety bond (OAC 5501:2-1-05(F)).Source