Oregon pilot car regulations
Certification: not required. Oregon's pilot vehicle rule does not require a pilot car certification. You do need extra certification for special jobs: a certified flagger card where the permit calls for certified flagging, ODOT traffic control training (refresher every 3 years) to stop traffic yourself, and rolling stop certification to do a rolling stop.
From Oregon's own rules and pages, checked 2026-10-24. Rules change: the state's page is the last word.
- Certification program
- ODOT Pilot Vehicle Operator Traffic Control certification (OAR 734-070-0060); flagger cards via Chemeketa Community CollegeSource
- Other states' cards
- For flagging, Oregon accepts Certified Flagger cards from Montana, Washington and Idaho, valid 3 years from issue.
- Escort vehicle
- A passenger car, pickup, truck or truck-tractor of legal size and weight. A pilot vehicle may not tow another vehicle.Source
- Sign
- Sign above the roofline reading "OVERSIZE LOAD", at least 5 feet wide by 10 inches high, black letters 8 inches high with 1 inch brush stroke (FHWA series B) on highway yellow. "REDUCE SPEED" and "MOVE RIGHT" signs may be required when three front pilots are used and the load crosses the centerline. Shown only during the move.
- Lights
- Warning lights above the cab roof, visible from 500 feet, at least 30 flashes per minute: two flashing amber lights spaced wide, revolving amber light(s), or amber strobe(s) with 360 degree visibility. Shown only during the move.
- Flags
- Two 18-inch-square red flags on 3-foot staffs, used to warn traffic when the load is stopped or blocking traffic.
- Height pole
- For loads over 14 feet 6 inches high, an over-height pole is required unless the permittee has filed a signed ODOT form accepting all liability for over-height damage.
- Other equipment
- Two-way radio contact with the oversize vehicle at all times; eight safety flares or reflectors (no flares on hazardous materials moves). Pilots run 300 to 500 feet from the load unless told otherwise.